Council has robust cannabis discussion
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — The City Council is considering changes to its municipal code and zoning ordinances that would impact cannabis- and hemp-related businesses.
On Tuesday, Nov. 26, the council is scheduled to hold two second readings of ordinances related to cannabis and hemprelated businesses — one for an ordinance to amend the zoning code, and the other to amend the municipal code regarding business regulations.
Community Development Director Jason Lindahl explained that the ordinance amendments were initiated by staff in response to the state legalizing cannabis and hemp-related activities and authorizing local governments to register these businesses. Since July 2023, the city has had a moratorium in place for cannabis businesses. That moratorium is set to expire Jan. 1. City staff, in collaboration with City Attorney Dave Anderson, created a proposed ordinance based on the model ordinance created by OCM. The proposed ordinance establishes definitions, creates prelicensing requirements, limits the number of cannabis retailers (dispensaries), details application requirements, establishes criteria for denial
SEE CANNABIS, PAGE 10
Background
• 2022 – The Legislature legalized the sale and use of edible cannabinoid products.
2023 – The Legislature established Chapter 342 of Minnesota state law, known as the Adult-Use Cannabis Law. Included in the new law is the creation of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) that will be responsible for licensing all cannabis-related businesses.
• 2024 – The regulations were revised during the legislative session. OCM, in collaboration with the League of Minnesota Cities and other groups, establishes model regulations for cities.
• Jan. 1, 2025 – The city’s cannabis business moratorium expires.
Mahtomedi high schoolers lead districtwide service project
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
From now until the end of November, students in Mahtomedi Schools are working hard to collect toys, puzzles, books, gift cards and financial donations for families who may need assistance this holiday season.
It is all a part of a districtwide service project.
“Traditionally, around this time of year each school kind of
does their own thing,” explained Alice Seuffert, director of communications for Mahtomedi Public Schools. “Putting it all together was a way for us that all the schools are working together toward something … Each school plays a different role.”
To make a difference, each school has focused their efforts on collecting different items. Early Childhood, preschoolers and Wildwood Elementary students are collecting books; students at O.H. Anderson Elementary
are collecting toys and puzzles; middle schoolers are collecting financial donations and high schoolers are collecting gift cards for young adults. Districtwide, staff are collecting gift wrap and gift bags.
In 2023, the service project raised over $7,000 and collected hundreds of books and toys.
“We were able to help 46 families with 102 children,” explained Mahtomedi High
SEE SERVICE PROJECT, PAGE 5
We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!
Household
We
BRIEF
Department of Public Safety launches new website
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) has launched a new version of its website. The site has been redesigned and rebuilt to better serve Minnesotans.
Improvements include:
• Easier access to the most popular DPS tasks and services.
• Clearer paths to find information.
• Improved search capabilities.
• Easter-to-understand content.
• A clean, modern design that is mobile friendly.
•
•
•
Users will be able to find information on Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Office, learn how to connect with the Community Affairs team, find information on the Office of State Safety Oversight and more. The public will still be able to renew their driver’s license and buy tabs, request information on background checks, view crime states and get a crash report.
The website can be found at dps. mn.gov.
County Attorney announces new countywide protocols
The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office (RCAO) has convened over 150 stakeholders on new countywide protocols, procedures and staff investment to maximize the use of Minnesota’s new Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Law. The ERPO law, effective this year, creates civil law tools to obtain a court-ordered surrender of firearms in certain dangerous situations where lives are at stake.
“We are encouraged by the interagency cooperation here in Ramsey County, as well as throughout the State of Minnesota, to put the ERPO law into regular practice,” said Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson. “To put this new law into practice, it is critical that law enforcement, those in the judicial system, family members and all those who play a part in filing ERPO requests have the proper
guidance and support to ensure our families and communities are truly safe during moments of need.”
Extreme risk protection orders can protect household members from self-harm or harm to others as well as intervene to prevent potential mass shootings. Those who can file an ERPO include a family or household member, a chief law enforcement officer, a city or county attorney or a guardian.
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi has assigned Senior Assistant County Attorney Dawn Bakst to coordinate and support ERPO training, policy and implementation throughout the county. For more information, go to tinyurl. com/3ba2zu68.
County
Ramsey
College visits
Any parent who has a child who is a senior in high school knows the excitement and anxiety of sending out college applications and visiting the campuses they are interested in. A few years ago, when my daughter was a senior applying to colleges, she didn’t want to visit anywhere until she knew she had been accepted. In one respect it made sense that she didn’t want to get excited about a college and then be disappointed if she didn’t get in; however, we ended up visiting a few of her top choices in the middle of winter when things looked a little dreary and students weren’t out and about as much.
We went with a different strategy for our son’s college prep and visited a few campuses he was likely to be accepted to, but hadn’t yet applied. Our travels over the past few weeks have taken us to college campuses in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado, along with an in-state visit. At two of the locations, he was able to get together with friends who currently attend the college, which made it fun for him and he got a different perspective than the tour offers.
Many of us who are parents now didn’t have the idea - or the opportunity - to attend a college or university more than a couple of hours from home. I have talked to many students who strive to attend college in different parts of the country. Our daughter wanted to get out of the Midwest. Her sales pitch at the time was that she would like to end up in Minnesota, so going away to college was a chance to have different experiences and meet new people. Our son may want to stick closer to home. Time will tell. There are a couple of random takeaways I’ve gleaned from these recent college visits. For one out-of-state visit, my son and my wife decided to drive our electric vehicle. It’s a little more exciting to drive and they thought it would be an adventure. Driving an appropriate speed to keep up with traffic and having a 10+ mph headwind, they had to stop every 90 minutes to recharge the car. It added a solid hour and a half to their six-hour drive. They both said they wouldn’t take a road trip in the EV again, though my wife confessed she didn’t mind the extra oneon-one time with him. Another takeaway is, if a kid wants to attend a college more than a half a day’s drive away, take into consideration how close the campus is to an airport that has direct and reasonably priced flights to and from home. Lastly, we found that people in the Midwest are friendly and welcoming, especially in Iowa. It’s over, thankfully
The election was emotionally draining for almost everyone. Messages were flying around, and it was clear families and friends were divided. Among staff members here at Press, one thing everyone could agree on was relief that the election is over. We thank of our readers who engaged in the election debate by submitting nearly 100 letters to the editor. I’m thankful to our news staff who worked diligently on candidate profiles for our Voters’ Guide and spent countless hours to make sure letters met our guidelines before being published. Thanks also to our production staff who spent time laying out the additional pages to accommodate all the letters to the editor over the past several weeks. The results are in; now it’s time to begin to rebuild relationships with our family, friends and neighbors with whom we may disagree. It’s time to come together and work toward the betterment of our families, schools, communities and country.
Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
OPINION
Supporting our first responders
ELegislator’s Lingo Amy Klobuchar
arlier this month, Hurricanes Milton and Helene devastated parts of the southern United States. As families evacuated and started to rebuild, firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel were a constant presence including the Minnesota National Guard who went down to help. This is what our first responders do everyday across our country and throughout our state: whether responding to wildfires, floods, tornados, shootings, or gas leaks, our first responders put their lives on the line to keep us safe. Tragically in Minnesota this year we have lost a number of officers and firefighters, including a Park Ranger in Voyageurs National Park who died saving the lives of a family of stranded boaters.
These deaths have been a somber reminder of the risks our first responders face every day. We need more men and women like them to answer the call of duty. And we need to support those who choose to go into public safety. That’s why I have fought to increase funding for grants that provide equipment and training for first responders. I’ve long led the bipartisan effort to strengthen the federal program which has helped fund the hiring of over 136,000 police officers. Minnesota
has received over $41 million in the last five years from this program, and I am advocating for major funding for it in the end of year budget.
I’m also focused on giving police the tools they need to keep fentanyl off our streets. That’s why I worked to pass legislation to declare fentanyl trafficking a national emergency and impose tough new sanctions on fentanyl traffickers. I fought to get cuttingedge technology to detect and intercept drugs at our border, and am leading legislation to crack down on online drug dealing by requiring social media companies to report drug trafficking on their platforms to law enforcement. We also need to invest in our fire departments and ensure they have the funding they need to hire and train firefighters and purchase life-saving equipment. That is why this year I worked to enact the bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act, which in 2024 alone has provided Minnesota with over $21 million to hire more firefighters and provide them with critical protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and more.
Keeping first responders safe on the job is only one piece of the puzzle though. We also need to take care of these heroes when their service is done. That means looking out for those who suffer from serious illnesses, including cancer, as a result of service.
I’m working across the aisle with Senator Cramer from North Dakota to pass bipartisan legislation to ensure that firefighters and other emergency responders who lose their lives to
cancer or become permanently and totally disabled as a result of work-related exposures get the federal benefits they deserve.
I was inspired by the late St. Paul Fire Captain Mike Paidar who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He died in 2020 and his wife Julie worked with his fellow firefighters to make the case that Mike’s cancer resulted from his job. Because of their efforts, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety awarded line-of-duty benefits to his family. It marked the first time that Minnesota extended death benefits to the family of a firefighter who died of cancer. I am also working to carry forward the memory of the late Fire Lieutenant Brett Boss from Albert Lea who lost a ten-year battle with cancer in 2022. Even through the hardest fight of his life, Brett never stopped advocating for other firefighters living with cancer. That’s why I helped lead the effort to establish the National Fire Cancer Registry, which will help us better understand the types of cancers that firefighters face, and why I have continued to fight to ensure that the registry is funded.
I know Minnesotans are forever grateful for the sacrifices of our first responders. I am committed to getting our firefighters and police officers the support they need to do their jobs and making sure we support their families when tragedy strikes. It is the least we can do for our country’s heroes.
Amy Klobuchar is a United States Senator from Minnesota.
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
• Limited to 350 words.
• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p. m. , Thursday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
SERVICE PROJECT: Mahtomedi students gather holiday donations for families in need
School junior Natalie Gruba. She serves as the community engagement coordinator for the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Club.
Families in need of assistance can apply through the district’s holiday gift assistance program, which is completely confidential. Seuffert explained that there are no requirements. Last year, one family shared they needed assistance due to ongoing cancer treatments and another family needed assistance because of a job loss.
Last week, DECA students visited students at O.H. Anderson to tell students about the project, and this week they are headed to do the same thing at the middle school.
Gruba’s job was to prepare the
students for the presentations.
“I hope this project inspires the future generation that they are also capable of doing something like this (for others),” Gruba said.
New this year, DECA wanted to to get the community beyond the walls of the schools involved in the project.
“Now that we have brought businesses into it, we are hoping the community will get involved,” said junior Jaylen Jones, president of the DECA Club.
“One of the items that families were looking for and gave feedback as far as something that they wanted was hats, mittens and socks. So, we decided to use our drop-off boxes at local businesses to collect those.”
Students in the district will collect items through Nov. 30.
Community members can drop off items at one of four businesses
Business drop box locations:
350 Degrees Bakery
• Wild Bean Coffee Shop
• Curio Dance Studio
• Ty Haschig State Farm Insurance
by Dec. 2.
Gift assistance is open to families enrolled in Mahtomedi Public Schools. To apply, visit www.mahtomedi.k12. mn.us and click on the news story “Zephyr Service Project.”
Families have until Nov. 30 to apply.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@ presspubs.com.
Finance department, public works provide
updates to City Council
Finance Director Kerri
Kindsvater and Public Works
Director/City Engineer Paul Kauppi recently provided updates on their departments to the City Council.
Finance Department
• Rental inspection income is significantly higher in 2024 now that the city has full staffing.
“The department has had some struggles over the years, but it is exciting to see the staffing level is full and everyone is doing duties of their job,” Kindsvater said.
• Park facilities continue to be in high demand. To date, the city has received just over $37,000 in revenue from park facility rentals compared to $29,400 in 2023.
• License and permit revenues are significantly higher than what the city originally budgeted. So far, there have been 365 more transactions in the license bureau than this time last year. “That’s a $183,000 difference in revenue (from 2023),” Kindsvater said.
• Franchise fees and police state aid also came in higher than expected.
Public Works/Engineering
• The department is now fully staffed.
• From April through October, the department was involved in 26 events and there were 266 park facility reservations.
• Vandalism continues to be an ongoing issue at the city’s park facilities, especially bathrooms. “Every time we go open them up we find damage … we are working closely with the police to monitor (the situation) and make some changes,” Kauppi said.
• In 2024, city staff took care of 64 hanging baskets; over 3,000 annuals were planted by horticulture staff.
• Over 650 hours were spent on pavement markings/striping and 50 hours were spent on tree trimming/removal.
• 450 million gallons of water were pumped from April through October. That number is up slightly from 443 million gallons in 2023, but it is down from 2022, when the city pumped 492 million gallons of water. The department received 1,785 requests to locate utilities.
• The city has completed year two of the five-year hydrant painting project. Kauppi said the city paints 225 hydrants a year.
Shannon Granholm
WHITE BEAR LAKE PUBLIC WORKS BY THE NUMBERS
• 89 miles of streets
• 106 cul-de-sacs
• 42 miles of sidewalk
• 122 miles of water main
• 2,132 water valves
• 1,164 fire hydrants
• 5 deep water wells
• 3 water towers/reservoirs
• 97 miles of sanitary sewer
• 2,616 sanitary sewer manholes
• 12 sanitary sewer lift stations
• 68 miles of storm sewer pipe
• 12 stormwater ponds
• 24 parks
• 446 street lights
• Over 150 vehicles/pieces of equipment
• 10 facilities
CONTRIBUTED
Mahtomedi High School students recently visited O.H. Anderson to inform the students about the district’s ongoing service project. Pictured are freshmen Ava
and
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Leadership Tomorrow announces matching grant
The Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation has announced a $25,000 matching grant for all donations made to its Leadership Tomorrow program before Dec. 15.
The program prepares and engages present and future emerging leaders to impact our community, become part of an effective team and grow in their leadership awareness and influence. Each session during the 10-month program is intentional about three outcomes: connecting with other leaders, growing in leadership skills, and engaging with our community.
Leadership Tomorrow has graduated 119 leaders in the last six years and has 23 participants registered for the 2025 cohort.
To donate, contact Kris Mason at kris@ gwblcf.org or go to www. gwblcg.org and click on donate and Leadership Tomorrow
Remember, honor loved ones at Tree of Light and remembrance
Remember those who have passed, brighten
the day of someone struggling or honor those who are an inspiration by purchasing a light for the Tree of Light and Remembrance. The tree will be lit at the annual event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Veterans Memorial Park, Mahtomedi. Lights can be purchased on the Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf website, stjudeofthelake.org/mahtomedi-area-food-shelf, by contacting 651-395-5352, or at the Food Shelf at St. Jude of the Lake Church. Proceeds benefit the Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf.
White Bear Lake ROTARY ACADEMIC ACHIEVER
Rotary Matters wblrotary1@comcast.net
Winnie Berg is a very talented fifth grader at O. H. Anderson Elementary School in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. She is the very definition of an amazing academic achiever! Winnie excels in all of her classes at school but will admit that math is her favorite subject. Currently, she is in accelerated math. Also, she is a hard worker and a very responsible student every day. In addition to achieving academic success, Winnie plays competitive soccer and competes in gymnastics too. She is an amazing young lady!
by Jim Hansen / Mahtomedi Area Educational Foundation 820354
CONTRIBUTED
Recent graduates of Leadership Tomorrow Cohort 6 are (l-r): Brenton Shavers, Lexi Munson, Diamond Hunter, Nate Reed, Anneliese Robinson, Lisa Marquis, Clarie Schleicher, Kristina Erstad-Sankey, Jess Ponthan, Dave Garrity, Scott Olson, Clint Ruppert, Angie Johnson, Donna Rapacz, Barbara White; and facilitators Jennifer Fuller, Kris Mason. Leadership Tomorrow is a program sponsored by the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation. Participants not pictured are Tammy Bednar, Caley Longendyke, Emilee Vizenor, Gina Anselmo, and Kerri Lesch.
Winnie Berg O. H. Anderson Elementary School
Sponsored
Lockbaum
Jozie Wetzel.
Curtains rise on White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
When the unified 9-12 high school opened in August, one section of the building was not yet finished: The Performing Arts Center. Come Nov. 25, however, the venue will host its inaugural event, the high-school orchestra’s fall concert.
“The students have been working very hard and are looking forward to making music together on stage. It is an absolutely beautiful space, and we are so grateful to the White Bear community for their support and their investment in the arts,” said White Bear Lake Orchestra Teacher Katie Henderson.
During a recent tour, Theatre Technical Director Jeff Willey previewed some of the highlights:
• 845 seats compared to 425 in the current theatre
• Two-level entrance with ADA lift
• Full fly loft system for special effects, screens and scene backgrounds
• Smart LED lighting system that
follows stage targets
• Below-stage pit orchestra with video access to the stage
• Scene shop with storage, tools, and ventilation
• In house sound booth and light booth
• Makeup stations with stage-light mirrors
• Individual dressing rooms and industrial laundry room for costumes
As Willey spoke about the upcoming orchestra concert, which he believes “is going to be incredible,” he opened a door to a towering chamber, housing climate controlled, 25-foot-tall orchestra shells. “These are not like what you and I had,” he stated. “We’ve got the orchestra ceiling pieces … then the orchestra shells themselves butt right up against them. So, once it’s all set up in here, it literally is its own room.”
Willey listed two reasons for the “Cadillac, state-of-the-art facility.”
The first is student readiness.
“Everything is designed around a professional space,” Willey explained.
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported on the following incidents:
• An Oakdale man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop at McKnight Road and Interstate 694 Nov. 1.
• Officers assisted the FBI in serving a warrant in the 3700 block of Van Dyke Street Nov. 1.
• An order for protection violation was reported in the 2700 block of Cedar Avenue Nov. 1.
• Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 1900 block of Florence Street Nov. 1.
• Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 2700 block of Cedar Avenue Nov. 1. The investigation is ongoing.
• A Woodbury resident was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near Joy Road and Century
“So, whether they go off to college, whether they go to work in the Actors’ Guild, they are prepared. They’ve seen us as a stepping-stone theater.”
The second is because the school district sees the PAC as a venue that will draw interest from outside the community. “One of the things that I personally am going after is … [hosting dance] competitions,” explains Willey. “They use LED video walls. We’re set up for that; we have the power to be able to do it.”
He also mentions state-level theatre competitions with “six, seven, eight schools. This is the perfect space for it.” As he said this at the PAC entrance, an acoustic technician was testing speaker levels inside, blaring everything from Vocal Pop to Death Metal. Willey, speaking at a normal volume, was easy to understand. Naturally, White Bear staff is jazzed about the new space. “The WBLAHS Music and Theatre Departments are elated with the transformation…” says Music Teacher and Fall Musical Director Wendy Suoja. “The students, instructors and community members
Avenue Nov. 2.
• A Birch Street resident reproted theft from an unlocked vehicle Nov. 2.
• Damage to a vehicle was reported in the 2100 block of Randy Avenue Nov. 2.
• Officers returned lost property to its owner in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Nov. 2.
• Mail theft was reported in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Nov. 2.
• A vehicle was stolen in the 1800 block of Birch Street Nov. 3.
• Alcohol was stolen from a business in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Nov. 3.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 2100 block of First Street Nov. 3.
• A Brooklyn Center woman was arrested for DWI in the 2200 block of County Road E Nov. 4.
are so lucky. Walking into the space makes me feel connected and valued in our schools.”
The PAC promises to be the figurative cutting edge of White Bear’s paws. “It’s a beautiful facility for our students. Our performing artists will have a first-class facility to perform in,” Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak commented, “It’s a great asset… and we’re excited to share it with our whole community.”
The White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center will host its first three events over the next few weeks:
• 9-12 Orchestra Fall Concert: 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25
• 9-12 All-Bands Winter Concert: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5
• 9-12 Choir Winter Concert: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17
Logan Gion is a contributing writer for Press Publications. He can be reached by emailing news@presspubs.com or calling 651-407-1200.
• Officers responded to a report of a disorderly man at a business in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Nov. 4.
• Theft was reported Nov. 2 and 4 in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road.
• Officers are investigating fraud and forgery that occurred in the 3500 block of Century Avenue Nov. 4.
• Officers responded to disorderly conduct in the 2100 block of Division Court Nov. 4.
• Officers resonded to a dispute in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Nov. 4.
• A White Bear Lake woman was arrested for domestic assault in the 1900 block of Florence Street Nov. 5.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 3100 block of McKnight Road Nov. 6.
• A physical fight over the presidential election results was reported at the senior living complex on East County Line Road Nov. 7. Participants agreed to a mediation meeting with staff in lieu of criminal charges.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 4700 block of Centerville Road Nov. 7.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 3900 block of Scheuneman Road Nov. 8.
• A St. Paul man was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault in the 2000 block of Ronald Avenue Nov. 8.
• Disorderly conduct was reported on Daniels Farm Road Nov. 8.
• Offciers reponded to a report of harassment in the 3100 block of Karth Road Nov. 9.
A White Bear Lake man was cited for theft in the 2700 block of County Road E East Nov. 9.
• Two parked vehicles were rummaged through overnight Nov. 9 in the 2300 block of Emerald Drive.
• Propane tanks were stolen from a business in on Highway 61 Nov. 11. Theft and fraud were reported in the 2200 block of Fourth Street Nov. 11.
• Officers mediated a dispute in the 3700 block of Highland Avenue Nov. 11.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for domestic assault and assault on a ppeace officer in the 4700 block fo Wood Avenue Nov. 11.
• A White Bear Lake woman was found sleeping behing the wheel of a vehicle on Linden Street Nov. 12. Drug paraphernalia was collected at the scene.
WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
White Bear Lake Area High School’s Performing Arts Center can seat 845 guests. It also has handicapped seating in the front, middle and back rows.
The new Performing Arts Center, set to open Monday, Nov. 25, includes a full fly-loft system for scene backgrounds, theatrical special effects and video presentations.
The view from center stage at the White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center.
WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS
‘LEGALLY BLONDE’
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 21-Nov. 23
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Where: White Bear Lake Area High School Theatre, 5045 Division Street, White Bear Lake (Door A)
Details: Based on the hit film, the upbeat musical comedy explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and staying true to oneself. Performaed by WBLAHS students. Purchase tickets online. Contact: isd624.hometownticketing. com
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
When: Nov. 22-Dec. 15
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.
Details: Classic holiday story performed by Lakeshore Players. Tickets available online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org
ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKET
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, 6201 Osgood Ave. N.
Details: Fair-trade handicrafts, foods, toys, clothing and more. Contact: alternativegiftmarket.org
CHRISTMAS AT THE COURTHOUSE HOLIDAY BAZAAR
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, Pine and Third Streets, Stillwater
Details; See the courthouse decorated for the holidays and shop 30+ vendors selling handcrafted goods. Photos with Santa from noon-2 p.m. both days. Food truck on site.
Contact: WashingtonCountyMN.gov/ Programs
FAST BEFORE THE FEAST
When: 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28
Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave.
Details: Thanksgiving Day 5K,10K and Turkey Dash with courses along White Bear Lake and through downtown. Registration information online. Contact: mmraces.com
STILLWATER NUTCRACKER
When: 2 and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 & Saturday, Nov. 30; 1 & 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Where: Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd.
Details: Dancers from St. Croix Ballet performs the classic ballet choreographed to the music of
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND GAZEBO LIGHTING
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake and Railroad Park
Details: Shop locally with specials at downtown businesses and restaurants. Firstever Gazebo lighting at Railroad Park at 6 p.m.; events from 5 to 7 p.m. include carolers performing at 5:15 and 6:15 p.m., visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves handing out candy canes, and hot cider and cookies. Contact: downtownwhitebearlake. com
Tchaikovsky. Tickets online. Contact: stcroixballet.com
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
When: 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Where: Hugo American Legion, 5383 140th St. N.
Details: Annual family-friendly event hosted by Hugo American Lehion Auxiliary Unit 620. Donations acceptedfor Hugo Food Shelf.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center, 1515 Mahtomedi Ave.
Details; Families can have their picture taken with Santa. Event hosted by Kramer-Berg Legion Post 507.
INTERNET SAFETY CLASS FOR SENIORS
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3
Where: White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch St.
Details: AARP Fraud Watch Network presents ‘The Scam Landscape: Staying Safe’ to help seniors compat fraud and identity theft. For seniors and others interested in protecting loved ones. Contact: 651-429-9026 or wblumc.org
MEMBERS EXHIBITION RECEPTION
When: 3:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts,
Details: Stop in to visit with artists, listen to live music, and view artwork. Open to the community. Contact: whitebeararts.org
PJS WITH SANTA
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6
Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E County Road F
Details: Photos with Santa, games, treats and more. Parents must accompany children. Wear pajamas, cameras encouraged. Calming room available. Pre-registration by Nov. 27 required.
Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com/266/ PJs-with-Santa
TREE OF LIGHT AND REMEMBRANCE
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6
Where: Veteran’s Memorial Park, Mahtomedi
Details: 24th annual tree lighting ceremony. Purchase a light for the tree to remember or honor a loved one. Proceeds benefit the Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf.
Contact: 651-395-5352 or stjudeofthelake.org/mahtomedi-areafood-shelf
White Bear Lake Area Church Directory
Mary Lou (Nelson) Helland
Age 71, died September 6, 2024 in Tallahassee FL. Mary was the wife of husband John Roger Helland. They shared nearly 49 years of marriage together.
Mary was born on September 22, 1952, in Marshall, MN to the late Russell Berger Nelson and Dorothy Clara (Anderson) Nelson. She was the fourth of six children. The family moved to Brainerd, MN when Mary was young, and then when Mary was age 6, they moved to White Bear Lake, MN. Mary graduated from White Bear Lake High School in 1970. After attending Bethel University in Shoreview, MN, and the U of M in Minneapolis, MN, she graduated from St Paul Vocational Technical Institute in 1972 with a degree in Chemical Technology. Mary’s first job after graduating was at Medtronic, Inc. as a chemical research technologist. While working at Medtronic, Mary met her husband, John. They married on October 25, 1975 in Shoreview, MN at Bethel College Chapel and settled down in Chisago City, MN.
After giving birth to their first child, Mary resigned from Medtronic and became a full time mother and home maker. Mary always had a heart of gold. It showed in her love for her children and grandchildren, her love for John, and her love for others. She devoted her “full day’s work” to her husband and their three children: Michelle, Timothy, and Sarah. Mary was also very much involved in her children’s church, school, and sports activities wherever they lived. Due to John’s job, they had several moves. Living initially in Chisago City, MN, they later lived in Saugus, CA, Redmond, WA, Saugus again, and eventually moved to Tallahassee, FL.
Mary asked Jesus Christ to be her Lord and Savior at an early age and always maintained a fervent, unwavering faith in and knowledge of God, His Son Jesus Christ and of God’s Word –the Holy Bible. Mary was a prayer warrior and a huge encourager for her whole family. She was very much loved, and appreciated by her entire family and others. Mary has been “the village” for countless families. She always put others first and she shined with a Christ-like character.
Mary is survived by husband, John Helland, adult children: Michelle (Shelly) (Helland) Pettersen and husband Peter Pettersen, and grandchildren: Zoey, Elsie, and Kenzie; Timothy Helland; and Sarah (Helland) Lowell and husband Paul Lowell, and grandchildren Johnathan, Kayla, and Claire. Mary’s siblings are: Russell Nelson (deceased) and wife Marlys, Michael Nelson and wife Beth, Nancy (Nelson) Kopesky and husband David, Sue (Nelson) El-Eid, and Sarah (Nelson) Brown.
Vermayne E. “Bert” Bertram
Age 90, of White Bear Lake, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024.
Survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Carole “Jean”, children Michael (Kimberly) and Heather (Todd) Olson; 5 grandchildren; 10 greatgrandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life, Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 11 AM at Community of Grace Church, 4000 Linden Street, WBL with visitation one hour before service at Church. Private family interment in Armour, SD at a future date. Memorials preferred. www.honsafamilyfuneral.com
Human blueprints and the crisis of Pentecost: A Q&A with local pastor, author
Reverend G. Thomas Dowie, if nothing else, is a man who wants to break down boundaries of religious difference and build more bridges of understanding between opposing sides.
Dowie, who is the reverend of Kingdom Restoration Ministries International Church in White Bear Lake, believes that forming these common bonds is what will strengthen the impact of churches worldwide. Those connections are just one of the many subjects of his two upcoming books, “The Cities of God: Harmonizing Human Systems with Divine Blueprints” and “The Crisis of Pentecost: Unpacking the Theology of Pentecost to Answer the Ancient Question, ‘What Does This Mean?’”
Q: As it relates to the Pentecost, what does the question “What does this mean?” mean?
Obituaries celebrate and honor unique lives.
To Submit an obit Email obits@presspubs.com Call 651-407-1250 Visit us at 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN
Additionally, Dowie plans to release a revised edition of his first book, “The Spirit of the Ministry,” originally published in 2015. All three books are set to be released on Nov. 21.
Q: Your first book, “The Spirit of Ministry,” was originally published in December 2015. Recently, you chose to revisit the material to make some changes to the material. How did these revisions come about, and what precisely are you changing?
A: The book was a way of addressing the subject of ministry during my experience growing up in Liberia and interfacing different aspects of it, both locally and internationally. I realized, unfortunately, that there was a simplistic idea of ministry in it. It defined it as being a pastor, having a group of people come in and meet on a number of days throughout the week, and then going back home. My experience of learning through Scripture and history broadened that scope, and I wanted to add it to the discussion of ministry. Ministry is not just about someone having a call; it’s a whole social context that talks about the political system within which the person was called to ministry and the nature of the call being impacted. When you look at the personality of the person involved in ministry, you also look at the social and political context within which that minister functions and the nature of the core that all of those factors affect the expression of ministry being the idea of someone having a call to preach to a group of people. My idea was to develop a leadership consciousness that helps people take responsibility for all the opportunities and privileges they enjoy from their upbringing, what society offers and the opportunity to serve others.
Q: From a theological standpoint, how do the cities in “Cities of God” represent human societies?
A: The idea about the cities talks about the framework of God with which His people can dwell safely, prosperously and harmoniously. It’s comparable to the way we organize our politics, economy, education, and how we organize every aspect of human society that can be as successful to the extent it sits with God’s framework. The more distant our culture is from the divine framework, the more trouble society will have; however, the more our structures, systems and everything that concerns our common humanity aligns with God, the more successful a society becomes.
Q: Can you elaborate on the concept of divine blueprints in “Cities of God”?
A: We have to begin first by acknowledging that diversity is divine and that we’re meant to be different. We were meant to have different backgrounds and different experiences. But all of that is wired in God’s specific design for individuals, communities, societies and nations. The first thing to accept is that we are meant to be different in different ways because that’s what life is. If we accept that, the next thing to understand is that our differences were never meant to be disincentives; they were meant to be incentives for the progress of human society. We’re meant to bring our different strengths to collaborate with other members of society to enhance common humanity and empower each other to make the most of life.
A: Over the years, Pentecost has probably been the most significant event in church history and, unfortunately, one of the most divisive theological issues. Pentecost has come to be accepted as a denomination when it is actually the nature of the New Testament Church. An important feature of Pentecost has become the divide and issue of contention in the role of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is an Old Testament feast and a celebration of wheat harvest, which talks about provision, enjoyment and fulfillment. What wheat was in the Old Testament is what the believer is in the New Testament. Because the Old Testament is the period of the barley harvest, the New Testament is the beginning of the wheat harvest. In that context, the church is harvesting spiritual wheat. When they are preaching for the salvation of souls, they are harvesting, which is what Pentecost is.
Q: How do you see your understanding of Pentecost conflate with how the current Pentecostalist movement may interpret the event?
A: The approach is to bring understanding to opposing views. A lot of times, the reason why we don’t hear from people we disagree with is that we don’t lend credence to their opinions. Our approach should not come at the expense of compromising the values we stand for; instead, what we want to do is to find out what the other’s proposition is. My approach in the book is to bring these two theological propositions out of the Scripture we stand on to make our point. If you’re really objective and have respect for Scripture, you are going to give respect to the other’s theological exposition. It’s not an approach of trying to make one position better, but bringing every position to the table and weighing it on the platform of scriptural precedent and historical facts.
Q: What do you hope readers will take away from your books?
A: I hope that people will have an opportunity to read this with an open mind and appreciate its goal, even if they eventually do not agree with me. I want them to see my approach and appreciate that I can bring this conversation to the whole sphere of Christian America. I want to provoke a conversation and bring people out of their demarcations to begin having open conversations without the feeling of threat or jeopardizing whatever one’s theological position might be. It’s time we understand that there’s more that’s bridging us together than dividing us.
Although the books are currently available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, Dowie said he intends to distribute them to more sites and areas by the Nov. 21 release date. Dowie will also hold an in-person launch for his books at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 23. The event, which is open to the public, will be held at 1965 East County Road E.
Compiled by Erik Suchy
CONTRIBUTED
G. Thomas Dowie
ERIK SUCHY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Dowie will officially release two new books, “The Cities of God” and “The Crisis of Pentecost” on Nov. 21, as well as a revised edition of his previous book, “The Spirit of the Ministry.
POLITICAL BRIEF
401(k) limit increases, IRA limit remains the same
The Internal Revenue Service (IRA) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2025 has increased The annual contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan will increase to $23,500, up from $23,000. Annual contributions to an IRA will remain $7,000. The IRA catch‑up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over was amended under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 to include an annual cost‑of‑living adjustment but will remain at $1,000 for 2025.
Participants in most 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan who are 50 and older generally can contribute up to $31,000 each year, starting in 2025. Under a change made in SECURE 2.0, a higher catch up contribution limit applies for employees aged 60, 61, 62 and 63 who participate in these plans. For 2025, this higher catch up contribution limit is $11,250 instead of $7,500. The income ranges for determining eligibility to make deductible contributions to traditional individual retirement arrangements (IRAs), to contribute to Roth IRAs and to claim the Saver’s Credit all increased for 2025. For more information, go to IRS.gov.
Legends at the Legion!
The city is considering making changes to its zoning code that would only permit cannabisand hemp-related businesses within the B-4 district. The red circles are where a retailer could potentially locate.
CANNABIS: 2nd reading scheduled
of an application and outlines enforcement and penalties for violations.
Lindahl explained that the city has three options: It can choose to set a minimum cap for the number of retailers and not allow more than that; it can have no cap; or it can set a different number (more than two). The way the draft ordinance is written, the city of White Bear Lake could have no more than two cannabis retailers (one per 12,500 people).
“All the communities around us but one (Maplewood) are going to use a minimum cap,” he said.
Mayor Dan Louismet wanted some clarity on the minimum cap and the reason for rounding up versus down. According to the 2020 Census, the city’s population was 24,883, which Louismet said he would interpret as only needing to allow one dispensary rather than two.
Anderson said that the proposed language was based on OCM guidance, as there have been no rules published or case law on the topic yet. “Taking a stricter approach may put you at more risk than another city from a business owner,” he explained.
Louismet suggested the city “simply mirror” the language of the statute in its ordinance. Anderson said he thought that was fine, but he encouraged the council to provide some guidance on how it plans to interpret that language.
Louismet said he would interpret the language to mean that the city would only be required to allow one dispensary until its population reached 25,000, and then it would be required to allow a total of two. “My policy is to limit as much as possible at least to start to see where this is going. As a community, I don’t want to be the one like Maplewood that says there is no limit,” he said.
Council Member Kevin Edberg said he thought that approach was reasonable, but the ordinance would likely need subsequent clarification once further direction is provided, either through OCM or through court cases. “I would be comfortable saying we aren’t the only community in the state that is going to deal with this,” he said.
CHURCH BRIEF
Council Member Bill Walsh said he agreed that using the statutory language would be acceptable, but the council would likely see the topic again once further guidance is provided.
The council also needs to decide if it wants to impose any buffers in terms of how close a dispensary could be located to a school or day care. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the council consider limiting dispensaries to the B-4 (General Business) district and be subject to a 1,000-foot buffer from schools and a 500-foot buffer from day care facilities, treatment facilities and parks.
Solomon Haile, owner of the strip mall located at 2008 County Road E, has previously visited the council and Planning Commission to inform them of his wishes to have a cannabis dispensary next to his existing liquor store and tobacco shop. He requested that the school buffer be reduced from 1,000 feet down to 300 feet, and that his business be rezoned from B-2 (Limited Business) to B-4.
“For over two years, I have been trying to work with the city to have a dispensary,” Haile said. “I hope the city can work with me.”
Walsh pointed out that the definition the city was using for school was “pretty narrow.” The definition reads, “A public or private facility that provides educational programs to 10 or more persons that are under the age of 21 in a classroom setting.”
Edberg said he felt that the city’s choice of buffering was “too restrictive” and suggested being in greater alignment with neighboring cities. Neighboring cities’ buffers range from 300 feet up to 750 feet. Some communities, like Vadnais Heights, have no buffer requirements.
“I want the most restrictive buffers. I don’t particularly care for this in my community,” Louismet said. He added that zoning standards should be the same for dispensaries as those for liquor stores and tobacco shops. Ultimately, city staff was directed by council to bring back a new ordinance that mirrors the state statute.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
Combined choirs to perform at special service
St. Stephen Lutheran Church invites the community to join the parishioners at a special Service of Thanksgiving at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27. The worship service will feature the combined choirs of Redeemer and St. Stephen Lutheran churches.
Donations for the White Bear Area Food Shelf are welcomed.
St. Stephen is located at 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake. For more information, contact 651-777-1107 or ststephenwbl.org.
Local artist Brianna Harrington spends a lot of time outdoors as an avid hiker, wellness coach, and master gardener, connecting to the earth and listening to the ground beneath her feet.
Brianna’s new series, “Soil Song: Exploring the Decaying Vibrancy of the World’s Soil,” now on display at White Bear Center for the Arts, uses paintings that incorporate soil and natural elements from places in Minnesota and beyond to explore the impact our environment has on our health and well-being.
The works, hung in White Bear Center for the Arts’ Community Hallway, are watercolor paintings with pigments of pink and green shining through. As a watercolor artist and teacher
When the Earth Sings
at WBCA, much of Brianna’s work focuses on the landscape and the natural world. “I’ve always been interested in
trying to take better care of people and the planet,” she says. So as she continued on her artistic journey, she found herself naturally drawn to gathering pebbles to use in her paintings, and, after testing the soil of her garden, she read studies that said soil makes sounds when it’s healthy.
So what is this connection between soil and sound?
Ecoacoustics, which studies an ecosystem’s soundscape, offers insight into soil health. Think of it as a garden party: healthy soil features rich soundscapes made by insects and microbes moving through the soil.
The soil is much quieter in degraded soils which lack life forms essential for soil productivity and ecosystem balance.
In her artist statement,
Brianna argues that this balance contributes to the human health cycle by impacting the nutrients in our food supply and influencing our immunity and gut health. Unfortunately, soil health is declining due in part to human impact.
Her goal is getting people to care. “The beautiful thing is recognizing that our environments really impact us,” she says. When people realize how their environment affects them, they’re more willing to interact with their environment with intention.
You can see “Soil Song” in WBCA’s Community Hallway on view until January 6, 2025 as part of a series highlighting the artistry of WBCA’s teaching artists.
Stretching the Imagination: A New Experience in the Ford Family Gallery
Galleries have historically been thought of as neutral spaces to observe art, designed to present works in a controlled environment that invites intellectual reflection.
Now, White Bear Center for the Arts is bringing back a different way to engage with art: through mind and body. This December, the art center invites you to elevate your midday break with Yoga in the Gallery, a five-week yoga series taught by Shaila Cunningham against the backdrop of the Members’ Exhibition in the Ford Family Gallery.
Shaila’s origins as a yoga teacher began in the 90s when she lived in Singapore. Taking classes in a traditional yoga class with a teacher who was a Zen Buddhist in Singapore was a very different experience from the yoga culture in the United States, so when she made the move back to Massachusetts, she wanted
to bridge the two. Shaila began studying under a Swami or Yoga Master at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and finished her teacher training before she moved back to teach in Minnesota in 2001.
About a decade ago, WBCA approached Shaila about teaching in their space. “What a great and unusual opportunity,” she thought of teaching in an art center. “I wanted to be around these creative people open to that mindset.”
Shaila insists that her teaching style was influenced by being surrounded by art classes at WBCA. “It’s like if you were in a still life class, the teacher would be walking around working with students individually. If you were to look over the shoulder of those students, you would see all different interpretations of the same thing – that’s how a real yoga class should run.”
Being in the gallery surrounded by art enhances the practice, making it the ideal setting to boost your energy and mood. “There’s a reason why Zen temples have rock gardens and are built around serene nature,” Shaila says. “Meditation works from the outside in.” So in a space where artwork has historically been experienced on a very cerebral level, inviting in yoga and
at this open house reception. Pop in to view the Members’ Exhibition on display in the Ford Family Gallery, visit with artists, listen to live music, and have fun—welcome remarks at 4:30 and 7:00 PM.
Writer’s Speak: An Open Mic Night for the Community
White Bear Center for the Arts
December 12, 4:30-6:30 PM
All are welcome to join your fellow writers and the White Bear Lake community for an open mic night.
meditation helps blur the lines so you can experience the creativity of fellow community members more somatically.
You can join WBCA for Yoga in the Gallery on Tuesdays from 12:00-1:15 PM starting December 3, 2024-January 14, 2025. Register at WhiteBearArts.org
Share your latest work, test new ideas, or simply soak in the words around you. Bring an original piece to read that is under 5 minutes. Please register online at WhiteBearArts.org.
A Christmas Carol
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
November 22-December 17
The holiday classic returns to Lakeshore for the first time in 60 years with our own charming adaptation. Holiday fun for the whole family!
Artist Brianna Harrington hangs a piece of artwork in her exhibition “Soil Song.”
Shaila performs a handstand in front of White Bear Center for the Arts about 10 years ago when she first taught yoga at WBCA.
Shaila Cunningham
12
VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
PUBLIC NOTICES
Notice is hereby given that on January 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM at 2629
Mickey Lane, Maplewood, MN 55119 the following property will be sold by public auction by the Sheriff of Ramsey County: A 1995 Friendship Manufactured Home, VIN number MY9513493V and any contents therein or about the premises.
This sale will be held to satisfy a claim upon the above-described property held by Cal-Am Properties, Inc. Upon information and belief, this property is owned by Jeffrey Nelson and Colleen Nelson at 2629 Mickey Lane, Maplewood, MN.
The amount of the claim against the above referenced property is $12,928.00 computed to the date of the sale at the rate of rent since abandonment of the home, exclusive of the expenses of making said sale.
The grounds for the claim held by the landlord are as stated in M.S.A. §§514.18 (1) and (4), 514.19(2), and 504B.271(1), in that the landlord is holding and storing the abandoned personal property described above to its preservation and care.
Dated: November 5, 2024
Landlord Resource Network, LLC
Patrick Flynn ( #0403107)
Landlord Resource Network, LLC 225 S 6th Street, Suite 3900 Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-314-3177; patrick@landlordresource.net
Attorney for Cal-Am Properties, Inc. Published three times in the Vadnais Heights Press on November 20, 27 and December 4, 2024.
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES NOVEMBER 5, 2024
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:02 a.m. with the following members present: Frethem, McGuire, Moran, Xiong and Chair Reinhardt. Commissioner Ortega joined the board meeting remotely pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 13D.02, Subdivision 1(b). Also present were Ling Becker, County Manager, and Jada Lewis, Civil Division Director, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.
AGENDA of November 5, 2024 was presented for approval Motion by McGuire, seconded by Frethem. Unanimously approved.
MINUTES of October 15, 2024 were presented for approval Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Read by Commissioner McGuire.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
Health and Wellness – Project Budget and Financing Plan for East Building File Project. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2024-209)
Community Corrections – Single Source Agreement with Youthprise for Youth Services. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2024-210)
Community Corrections – Appointments to the Corrections Advisory Board. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2024-211) Board of Commissioners – Appointment to the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2024-212)
Finance – Appointments to the Capital Improvement Program Advisory Committee. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2024-213)
Workforce Solutions – Appointments to the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2024-214)
Library – Appointments to the Ramsey County Library Advisory Board. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2024-215) Library – Gift From Myrna Boyken to the Ramsey County Library. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2024-216) Property Management – Agreement with Cool Air Mechanical, Inc. for Ramsey County Courthouse/City of Saint Paul City Hall Chilled Water System Improvements Project. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2024-217)
Property Management – Professional Services Agreement with Apex Facility Solutions for Guaranteed Energy Savings Project Directed Engineering Study. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2024-218)
Property Tax, Records & Election Services – Joint Powers Agreement with the State of Minnesota for Election Recount Services. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2024-219)
Public Health – Fourth Amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement with the Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Board. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Frethem. Unanimously approved. (B2024-220) Veterans Services – Operation Green Light for Veterans. Motion by Frethem, seconded by McGuire. Unanimously approved. (B2024-221)
ORDINANCE PROCEDURES
Board of Commissioners, Economic Growth and Community Investment
– Proposed Ramsey County Arts, Culture Advisory Commission Ordinance
– Waive First Reading and Set Public Hearing Date. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved. (B2024-222) COUNTY CONNECTIONS
Presented by County Manager, Ling Becker. Discussion can be found on archived video.
OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Discussion can be found on archived video. BOARD CHAIR UPDATE
Presented by Chair Reinhardt. Discussion can be found on archived video.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Reinhardt declared the meeting adjourned at 10:22 a.m.
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on November 20, 2024. RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS / RAMSEY COUNTY REGIONAL RAILROAD AUTHORITY / RAMSEY COUNTY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners / Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority / Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority will hold a public hearing at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center – 270 Kent Street, St. Paul, MN 55102. Additional details are available at ramseycounty.us/PublicHearings. This public hearing will be conducted in order to afford the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed 2025 supplemental budget and property tax levy.
Complete details about the proposed budget can be found at ramseycounty. us/Budget, or obtained by contacting the Chief Clerk – County Board. Persons who intend to testify are asked to sign up prior to Wednesday, December 11, 2024. If in-person testimony is not feasible, comments may alternatively be provided via the following methods: Email: chiefclerk@ramseycounty.us | Phone: 651-266-9200 | Written Mail: Chief Clerk, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd, Suite 250, Saint Paul, MN 55102 Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on November 20, 2024.
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 9 a.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, in the Ramsey County Courthouse – Saint Paul City Hall (Council Chambers - Room 300), 15 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102.
This public hearing will be conducted in order to afford the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed 2025 Capital Improvement Program Projects ordinance. The maximum proposed bond issuance under this ordinance is $19,500,000. The projects are summarized below:
Project financing included in the proposed 2025 Bond Ordinance:
2025 Proposed CIP New / Major Renovations Projects
2025 Proposed CIP Maintenance Projects
Total 2025 Bond Ordinance amount
$13,000,000
$6,500,000
$19,500,000
The entire proposed Ordinance can be found on Ramsey County’s web site www.ramseycounty.us (under the Public Notice section on the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners’ page) or obtained by calling the Chief Clerk – County Board at 651-266-9200.
Persons who intend to testify are requested to contact the Chief Clerk –County Board prior to December 3, 2024. If in-person testimony is not feasible, comments may alternatively be provided via the following methods:
• Zoom Webinar ID: 994 2071 4808 | Passcode: 650808 | Phone: 651372-8299
• Email: chiefclerk@ramseycounty.us
• Phone: 651-266-9200
• Written mail: Chief Clerk, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd, Suite 250, Saint Paul, MN 55102
OFFICIAL SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS IN AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $19,500,000
This ordinance authorizes the issuance of bonds, notes or other obligations, in one or more series in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $19,500,000 for capital improvement needs.
ORDINANCE NO.___________
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS IN AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $ 19,500,000
A. WHEREAS, since 1989, Ramsey County, Minnesota (the “County”), has issued bonds to finance capital improvements identified in a capital improvement plan developed with citizen participation; and B. WHEREAS, the Home Rule Charter of the County (the “Home Rule Charter”) is a desirable source of authority for the issuance of such bonds; and C. WHEREAS, the County’s adopted capital improvement budget for 2025 contemplates undertaking capital improvements financed in part by bonds, notes or other obligations, in one or more series, in an estimated aggregate amount of $ 19,500,000; NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF RAMSEY DOES ORDAIN as follows:
1. Authorization of Bonds - The bonding and borrowing of money by the issuance of general obligation bonds, notes or other obligations, in one or more series from time to time as needed, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $19,500,000 plus the amount of any premium paid with respect thereto (the “Bonds”) is hereby authorized to finance (1) the costs of improvements set forth in the 2025 capital improvement budget of the County, (2) the costs of any other improvements set forth in the County’s capital improvement budgets of any year and any other capital expenditures authorized by the County, to the extent proceeds of the Bonds are not expended on improvements set forth in the 2025 capital improvement budget due to changes occurring after the date hereof. The amount authorized under this Ordinance is in addition to amounts previously authorized under prior ordinances of the County.
2. Bonding Procedure and Terms - The Bonds shall be scheduled for sale and awarded for sale by resolutions. The specific amount, maturities, interest rates and other terms and conditions of the Bonds and covenants with respect to the Bonds shall be set or made by resolution.
3. Taxes - The Bonds shall be general obligations to which the full faith and credit and taxing powers of the County are pledged. The Bonds may also be paid from interest earnings on the debt service account, and from any other moneys appropriated by the County Board. The taxes levied for the payment of the Bonds shall not limit or reduce the ability of the County to levy taxes for the payment of the costs of other capital improvements or obligations issued to finance the payment of such costs.
4. Authorization of Refunding Bonds - The bonding or borrowing of money by the issuance of bonds or other obligations to refund the Bonds is hereby authorized on the same basis as set forth in paragraphs 4 and 5 of Ordinance No. 93-292, authorizing the refunding of bonds issued prior to November 6, 1992. Further proceedings to schedule such refunding bonds for sale, to set the terms and conditions thereof, to make covenants with respect thereto and to award the sale thereof may be, and are hereby authorized to be, done or taken by resolution.
5. Referendum Upon Petition - This ordinance is subject to the ordinance procedure of the County’s Home Rule Charter, including the holding of a referendum if a sufficient petition is filed within forty-five (45) days after its publication. Among other conditions to be met, a sufficient petition must be signed by registered voters of the County equal in number to ten percent (10%) of those who voted in the County for the office of President of the United States in the last general election.
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on November 20, 2024. RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA PUBLIC NOTICE SOLICITATION OPPORTUNITIES
Ramsey County releases solicitation opportunities on DemandStar as an alternative method of public notice pursuant to Section 331A.03 of the Minnesota Statutes. Individuals may go to the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” section of the “Doing Business with Ramsey County” webpage at ramseycounty.us/ContractWithRamsey to access registration information. If you are new to DemandStar, please follow the DemandStar registration instructions on the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” webpage. Access to all Ramsey County documents is free if the instructions that are posted are followed. You may call 651-266-8072 or email ProcurementTeam@ ramseycounty.us if you need assistance. Ramsey County is accepting only electronic Request for Bids (RFBs) responses submitted through DemandStar. Public openings are conducted digitally, as a video conference. See the link above for details. To view current solicitations, please go to: https://bit.ly/3W8XWan
SOLICITATION: RFB-PRK25802-KB
OPENING DATE: 12/05/2024
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY SEEKS CONTRACTOR TO REPLACE THE HIGHLAND ARENA EXISTING ROOF SYSTEM. HIGHLAND ARENA ROOFING SYSTEM INCLUDES NORTH RINK, NORTH RINK EXPANSION, LOBBY, SOUTH RINK AND SOUTH RINK EXPANSION. PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: 800 SNELLING AVENUE SOUTH, SAINT PAUL, MN 55116. 11/21/2024. 9:00 AM. CST.
SOLICITATION: RFB-PRMG32331-KB
OPENING DATE: DECEMBER 19, 2024
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY THROUGH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A PRIME CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, MATERIAL, LABOR AND INCIDENTALS FOR THE RAMSEY COUNTY SUBURBAN COURTS
BUILDING ENVELOPE AND STOREFRONT RESTORATION PROJECT. PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: 2050 WHITE BEAR AVENUE MAPLEWOOD, MN 55109. DECEMBER 6, 2024. 9:30 AM CST.
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on November 20, 2024.
RAMSEY COUNTY ASSESSOR HOMESTEAD UNIT
*IMPORTANT PROPERTY TAX HOMESTEAD NOTICE*
THIS WILL AFFECT YOUR 2025 PROPERTY TAXES AND ELIGIBILITY FOR PROPERTY TAX REFUND
Have you purchased or moved into a property in the past year?
Contact your county assessor to file a homestead application if you or a qualifying relative occupy the property as a homestead on or before December 31, 2024.
What is a qualifying relative?
For agricultural property, a qualifying relative includes the child, grandchild, sibling, or parent of the owner or owner’s spouse. For residential property, a qualifying relative also includes the owner’s uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece. When do I apply?
You must apply on or before December 31, 2024. Once homestead is granted, annual applications are not necessary unless they are requested by the county assessor. Contact the assessor by December 31, 2024 if the use of the property you own or occupy as a qualifying relative has changed during the past year. If you sell, move, or for any reason no longer qualify for the homestead classification, you are required to notify the county assessor within 30 days of the change in homestead status. Ramsey County Assessor – Homestead Unit, (651) 266-2040 www.ramseycounty.us
Email: AskHomesteads@ramseycounty.us
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on November 20, 2024.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: PERSONAL INJURY SUMMONS
SHAYLA FARRAR, Plaintiff, vs. LEELOR PEKYING, Defendent. THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO: THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT.
1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons.
2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 21 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 21 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: FLORIN ROEBIG, PA 777 Alderman Road Palm Harbor, FL 34683 Phone: 952-314-4771 Service Emails/Fax: Fax: 952-807-0065 (Brent) Fax: 651-251-0818 (Angela) CKFlorin@florinroebig.com Ncostantino@florinroebig.com KStevens@florinroebig.com
BImholte@florinroebig.com
ABucko@florinroebig.com
3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.
4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 21** days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint.
5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.
6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.
FLORIN ROEBIG, P.A.
Dated: September 3, 2024 /s/ Chad Florin
Chad K. Florin, Esq. #0398191
Nicholas S. Costantino, Esq. #0398231
Kevin L. M. Stevens, Esq. #0400253
Physical Address: 7760 France Avenue South, Suite 130 Minneapolis, MN 55435
Mailing Address: 777 Alderman Road Palm Harbor, FL 34683
Telephone: (800) 226-6581
Service Emails:
CKFlorin@florinroebig.com
Ncostantino@florinroebig.com
KStevens@florinroebig.com
BIMHOLTE@florinroebig.com
ABucko@florinroebig.com
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The undersigned attorney acknowledges, pursuant to Minn. Stat. §549.211 (2), that the attorney and the attorney’s client are aware that upon motion of a party, or upon the court’s own motion, the court in its discretion may award to that party costs, disbursements, reasonable attorney’s fees and witness fees if the party or attorney against whom costs, disbursements, reasonable attorney and witness fees are charged acted in bad faith, asserted a claim or defense that is frivolous and that is costly to the other party, asserted on unfounded position solely to delay the ordinary course of the proceedings or to harass, or committed a fraud upon the court.
Dated: September 3, 2024 /s/ Chad Florin
Nicholas S. Costantino, Esq.
Kevin L.M. Stevens, Esq. Chad K. Florin, Esq.
Published three times in the Vadnais Heights Press on November 13, 20 and 27, 2024.
Above: The production features several choreographed musical numbers that
At left: Elle’s pet dog Bruiser is played by a real dog named Dottie.
Wright leads Zephyr swimmers in strong showing
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Led by Abigail Wright who earned four medals, the Mahtomedi swimmers scored points in seven events, including all three relays, and placed eighth as a team at the state Class A meet.
“Best placing at state in program history,” coach Mike Goldman said. With 105 points, they topped last year’s 12th place finish with 66 points. “We had a great state meet. All of our swimmers qualified for finals.”
Orono was champion with 259 points.
Wright, a sophomore, placed third in the 200 freestyle in 1:55.14 and fourth in the 100 freestyle in 52.95. Her preliminary times were 1:54.74 and 52.89. Wright now has six individual state medals (third twice, fourth four times).
“Abby is a wonderful individual to coach,” Goldman
GIRLS HOCKEY
said. “We are blessed to have her. She is willing to do whatever we ask of her, and very supportive of her teammates.”
The Zephyr 400 freestyle relay team placed fifth in 3:40.15 with senior Sidney Leciejewski, eighth-grader Adalyn Miller, seventh-grader Aria Armstrong, and Wright. The 200 freestyle team placed sixth in 1:39.59 (school record) with sophomore Delaney Dumermuth, junior Maddie Ruppel, Miller and Wright. The medley team placed 10th in 1:52.69 with Leciejewski, senior Audrey Carlson, Ruppel and Dumermuth.
Carlson finished 12th in breaststroke in 1:09.38, moving up three spots from prelims where her time was 1:08.99.
Dumermuth placed 16th in the 50 freestyle in 25.55. Her prelim time was 24.92.
Goldman was elated by the relay teams’ performances. All three groups improved on their
Roseville/Mahtomedi (2-1) defeated Mounds View/Irondale 4-1 with goalie
2023 placements.
The coach noted that the Zephyrs had the only junior high swimmers of any relay teams in the finals in Armstrong, who had a 55-second split in both prelims and finals, and Miller, who turned in personal best splits in the 200 (24.75) and 400 (56.28). Carlson dropped a half-second from her breaststroke 2023 split in the medley. Leciejewski supplied strong legs in the medley (backstroke) and 400. Ruppel had season best splits in the medley (27.40 butterfly) and 200 (25.36). Wright moved the 400 team up two places with her anchor leg.
The Zephyrs will graduate two strong contributors, Carlson and Leciejewski. “Both have been a pleasure to work with,” Goldman said. However, nine of 12 state participants will return. “We have a talented group of motivated, up and coming swimmers and divers.”
goals and an assist,
and
We had hoped to be celebrating the hatch of the fourth chick on May 24. After a day of horrific weather, Eloise emerged sole survivor, but buoyed everyone’s spirits for the rest of the summer. WBL will miss you Eloise. Safe travels!
Loon Chronicles IX: Unforgettable Hatches!
What a summer! Preceded by a winter that never happened and the earliest recorded ice-out on White Bear Lake, on March 8, 2024; it was anyone’s guess when the Loons would return. In the end, that did not matter. We heard Loons flying overhead in late March, and one pair was spotted in Ordway Bay during the last week of March. A second pair arrived a few days later. The first pair started scouting the Cove, and by the last week of April, had claimed Len’s nest and laid two eggs. After circling Shannon’s nest, for several days, the second pair got down to business and soon were spotted taking turns tending two eggs on the nest. We estimated that up to four chicks could hatch during the third week of May. On May 22, we checked the Cove and found the first chick swimming, next to its parents. We returned to the Cove, the next day, and spotted two chicks on the nest, fighting with each other until they gave up and fell asleep together. We spent the morning watching the
new family, a morning we will never forget. So many tender and comical moments. We then made our way to the Peninsula nest and spotted a spunky new chick, Shannon named Eloise, with both parents. Everyone was so looking forward to the arrival of the fourth chick, during the next 24 hours. The next day, however, the wind and waves proved to be too much for the Cove chicks, and both perished. The parents searched aimlessly for hours, but to no avail. Eloise and her parents made it to safety in the bulrushes, abandoning the remaining egg on the nest. The Cove parents were not able to successfully renest, but remained together, as a pair, and spent their summer socializing with all the other Loons on the lake. We have no doubt that the Cove pair will return next spring and try again. Eloise put on quite a show this summer. She grew like a weed and was evicted from her parents’ backs less than twelve days post-hatch. Unlike last summer, Eloise’s parents
April -
were on top of their game and watched over her carefully, while she mastered all her Loon skills. Eloise obediently followed her parents’ safety for most of the summer. After Eloise’s parents moved on, the grandparents intervened and continued to deliver fish and watch over her, until she was able to fly. During the last two weeks, Shannon reported spotting Eloise, with two other chicks, by the Peninsula. It is hard to believe that Eloise is now six months old and will be heading south any day now. For her sake, we hope that winter arrives soon, so she can be on her way, with all feathers intact. A special thank you to the Loon Whisperer crew: Len, Shannon, Brad, Jody, Erik, Carolyn, Dave,
and Brian. Your enthusiasm,
and keen
BRUCE STRAND | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Delaney Dumermuth scored points in two relays and the 50 freestyle.
Abigail Wright placed third in the 200 freestyle and fourth in the 400, and nabbed two more medals anchoring relays.
Betsy, Lori,
support, quick thinking,
observation skills make Loon Chronicles possible. We all look forward to following another bountiful hatch in 2025. Stay tuned! Ellen Maas
Lily Peterfeso stopping 32 of 33 shots, then lost to Forest Lake 3-. Against MVI, Addison Andre notched two
Sophie Martin a goal
assist, and Evelyn McMahon an unassisted goal. The Marauders
outshot Forest Lake 29-14 but Ranger goalie Taylor Thompson made 28 saves. Olivia Hartman scored for R/M.
State champ Zephyrs have 3 all-staters
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mahtomedi’s state champion girls soccer team had three all-state picks and five named all-conference.
Faith Peper, senior defender, was one of 25 players named to the Minnesota Star Tribune all-state team for all classes. On the coaches Class 2A allstate team, Peper was a first-team pick while defender Emily Muetzel and senior midfielder Aynslea Ulschmid were on the second team.
Those three were all-Metro East picks along with senior midfielder
Ceci Emery and junior forward Allie Rippentrop. Getting honorable mentions were senior defenders Alli McCleery and Presley Albers and senior midfielder Sophia Peer.
Sharing the team’s best defender award were Muetzel, McCleery, Albers, and Peper for allowing just seven goals all season. Named most improved was sophomore Elise Aflapki.
The Zephyrs were 7-0 in conference and 19-2-1 overall. Rippentrop led with 14 goals. Aflapki had 10, Ulschmid 10, Olivia Thiele nine and Peer eight.
Zephyrs volleyball honors listed after banner season
Mahtomedi has four all-conference picks and two who got state recognition after placing fifth in the state Class 3A tournament and winning conference and section titles.
Silvie Graetzer, senior middle blocker, was named to the coaches all-state team. Kaili Malvey, senior outside hitter, made the all-state tournament team. Those two were all-Metro East along with junior libero Claire Crothers and senior defensive specialist Sierra Poul. Getting honorable mention was junior hitter Louisa Tarnowski. Team awards went to Graetzer
BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS
SWIMMING
White Bear Lake had two allconference swimmers, senior Lily Jenkins and sophomore Audrey Borofka, for the 2024 season. Honorable mentions went to sophomore Madison Hanscom, freshmen Charlotte McIntyre and Anna Zarambo, and eighth-grader Anna Miller. At Section 4AA on Nov. 8-9, McIntyre placed fourth in the butterfly and 10th in individual medley. Jenkins was eighth in 50 free and 12th in the 100 freestyle, Borofka was 10th in the 100 freestyle and 12th in the 200 free. Zarambo was 13th in diving. The Bears were 2-7 in dual meets. They won one small invitational and placed second in two others.
VOLLEYBALL
White Bear Lake had one allconference pick and three honorable mentions after posting a 2-7 record in the Suburban East and 17-13 overall. Ella Stadtherr, senior middle blocker, was all-SEC after leading the Bears in kills for the second time. Honorable mentions were Kailey Gieske, senior libero; Maddy Peterson, junior
(best offense), Crothers (best defense), senior Clara Loss (most improved) and senior Olivia Ross (Zephyr Award).
The Zephyrs were 7-0 in conference and 27-5 overall. Graetzer logged 380 kills, Malvey 315 and Tarnowski 243. Graetzer had 95 blocks (27 solo), Malvey 40 and Tarnowski 35, Tarnowski served 51 aces, Crothers 47 and Malvey 36. Katie Hergenrader made 391 aces in 58 games and Ashley Moeller 372 in 68 games. Crothers notched 346 digs, Tarnowski 200 and Poul 169.
Bruce Strand
defensive specialist; and Reagan Farmer, junior outside hitter. Gieske was team MVP for the second time.
BOYS SOCCER
Ben Watson of the Bears was named to the coaches association Class 3A all-state team first team. Watson tallied 10 of the team’s 24 goals. The Bears had three all-conference picks after posting a 4-3-2 record in the Suburban East and 7-6-4 overall. Watson was joined by senior Nate Asiedu and sophomore Noah Watson, both defenders. Honorable mentions went to Thomas Orsello, senior goalie; Colby Peterson, senior defender; and Gio Pescosolido, junior midfielder. The Bears allowed only 24 goals in 17 games.
GIRLS HOCKEY
White Bear Lake lost to Park of Cottage Grove 5-2 and to Woodbury 9-1. Scoring for the Bears (1-2) against Park were Lily Howard (Paige Downey assisting) and Talia Domschot. Kendall Roeser had the goal against Woodbury.
Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Emily Muetzel Mahtomedi Soccer
Emily Muetzel, senior inside defender, was a key component for Mahtomedi’s state champion soccer team, in her fourth season on varsity. Coach Dave Wald cited Muetzel as the “quarterback” of the defensive corps that yielded just seven goals and had 17 shutouts in 22 games. Muetzel also scored four goals. She played in three state championship games, two of them victories. She’s been part of seven conference champion teams in soccer and basketball.
Student athletes commit
MAHTOMEDI SCHOOLS CONTRIBUTED
Congratulations to Mahtomedi’s 16 Class of 2025 student-athletes who have committed to NCAA Division I and II schools. At school, they held a National Signing Day recognition ceremony with families and friends. (Pictured from left to right top row) Sam Churchill, lacrosse, Bellarmine University; Addie Demars, lacrosse, Missouri Western State University; Ethan Felling, baseball, University of Minnesota; Silvie Graetzer, volleyball, Colorado State; Anna Greene, basketball, University of Northern Iowa; Landon Kruse, lacrosse, University of Detroit Mercy; Frank Lombardi, lacrosse, University of Montevallo; Oskar Magnusson, lacrosse, Bellarmine University; Alli McCleery, soccer, University of Northern Iowa; Evan McGuire, wrestling, University of Minnesota; Thomas Meader, golf, University of North Dakota; Faith Peper, soccer, Morehead State (Kentucky); Henry Roelofs, lacrosse, Maryville University; Annie Tanner, lacrosse, Niagara University; Aynslea Ulschmid, soccer, University of Northern Iowa; Jacob Wilson, golf, South Dakota State University.
Eight White Bear Lake Area High School student-athletes, representing four different sports, have committed to playing college athletics. Congratulations to the following Bears who signed their national letters of intent: Blake Eckerle - Baseball, University of Utah; Madisyn Hood - Cheerleading, University of Minnesota; Kendall Kotzmacher - Softball, Western Michigan University; Jenna Maloy - Soccer, South Dakota State University; Evan Newlander - Baseball, Concordia University of St. Paul; Abby O’BrienSoccer, University of Northern Iowa; Becca Smith - Soccer, Kansas University; and Kevin Zollinger - Baseball, Winona State University.
Emily Muetzel
WBLAHS | CONTRIBUTED
MAHTOMEDI SCHOOL BOARD NOTES
• The board recognized Nick Merges, who has taught fourth grade at O.H. Anderson Elementary School for four years. “Some of the things Nick does that align with our strategic plan are that he helps students pursue their passions,” said Principal Susie Prather. “He finds relevance in learning, values and respects each person and really brings those innovative instructional practices.”
Prather noted that Merges uses several unique teaching methods to engage students in classes. These include making virtual field trips with students to study geography and having students use special balls with microphones built into them to learn about sharing. Merges has also created a virtual learning showcase that he shows to parents to help bring about a stronger connection between students and their parents. This slideshow series shows the different kinds of activities he uses in his classroom and what kind of culture he seeks to represent among himself and his students. Following a presentation of these accomplishments, the board presented Merges with a certification of recognition for his hard work and dedication to his students.
CLASSIFIEDS
the department. “We were very lucky to have her.” Anderson also welcomed several new hires to the department. These included Angie Lundbald to the role of early childhood supervisor, Adam McFarlane as the new communications and engagement coordinator, Kylie Nyman as the new administrative assistant to the community education director and Sammy Wallace as the new secondary & adults coordinator.
“We talked about the possibility of doing a ‘Fifth Quarter’ after the football games, which would be a dance they can all attend at the middle school”
Kate Anderson Community Education Director
• During the meeting, Domin asked Anderson if the district had any plans to bring back middle school dances. “We talked about the possibility of doing a ‘Fifth Quarter’ after the football games, which would be a dance they can all attend at the middle school,” explained Anderson. “We’re getting some hesitation from staff because their requirements for evening events get to be a lot. Now that we have some new staff who want to try new things, that might be something to consider.”
com.
• Community Education Director Kate Anderson led a presentation on the 2023 - 2024 school year for the Community Education Department, specifically highlighting the funding that the department receives. Anderson noted that only 14% of the $2.8 million budget for community education comes from levies and state aid; the rest comes from fees for child care/preschool, classes and events. Anderson said the district’s communication general levy will see a planned increase from $5.32 for every resident within the school district to $6.35 during the 2025 fiscal year. During the same presentation, Anderson highlighted an assessment survey that the Community Education Advisory Council conducted in March. Anderson said this survey was done to assess community needs and interests, gather feedback on existing programs and services, and identify barriers to participation such as cost, location and transportation. Of the survey results, 92% said they would rate the programs and services provided in Mahtomedi Community Education as excellent or good; 93% said they would recommend the programs to other community members. She said that there would be new program offerings, such as in-house softball, fencing, mountain biking and floor hockey, among others. Anderson also said there would be a greater focus on better communication for time commitments before participants sign up for these programs and where they can register for them. In addition, there would also be new/ additional competition opportunities for older grades, with one area being tennis matches. “I love how you were proactively seeking feedback from the community,” said Board Director Ryan Domin. “I love the aspirations to continue to get better.”
• Anderson highlighted high school alumni Olivia Decker, who completed a communications internship this summer with Community Education. Decker managed the community education social media accounts for her internship and developed a communication plan to support
• The board approved a donation in October 2024 for $18,197.85. “All donations and grants are greatly appreciated,” said Board Chair Stacy Stout. “The use of these funds will be to further the mission of the school district and are used towards the wishes of the donor.”
• The board approved the following policies for review due to legislative updates from the Minnesota School Board Association. The policies are as follows:
• Policy 208 - Development, Adoption And Implementation of Policies
• Policy 506 - Student Discipline (Annual Review)
• Policy 507 - Corporal Punishment
• Policy 524 - Technology and Cell Phone Acceptable Use and Safety Policy
• Policy 721 - Uniform Grant Guidance Policy Regarding Federal Revenue Sources.
• The board approved a resolution canvassing the voting from the General Election for school board. The resolution highlighted the reelection of both Stout and Vice Chair Kelly Reagan; resident Drew Whitson will also serve on the board beginning in January of next year. In addition to canvassing the vote, the resolution also authorizes the issuance of certificates of the election and directs the school district clerk to perform other election duties.
• The board approved a resolution authorizing the state’s Safe Routes to School application. Superintendent Barb Duffin said the board brought the resolution forward last year to receive an infrastructure grant to build a sidewalk from Stillwater Road to the entrance to Mahtomedi Middle School. Although the grant was not given to the district last year, Duffin said that the board will resubmit the resolution to try again. “We will be responsible for the soft cost,” said Duffin,” which is the engineering and planning.”
The resolution would authorize the district to pay the total amount of the sidewalk’s engineering and planning, which is currently estimated to cost between $35,000 and $40,000.
The next school board meeting will be held in Room 107 at the Mahtomedi District Center at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16.
Erik Suchy
Early
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Frank Watson
Tallak Born (8) caught a 41” Muskie on Bald Eagle Lake on Oct. 26. He and his dad, Sam Born, were trolling on the lake in late afternoon, about ready to pack it in, when he caught it.
BUSINESS BRIEF
Just Between Friends donates winter items Just Between Friends Twin Cities NE donated numerous winter coats, hats, mittens, leggings and sweatpants along with a cash donation to the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF). Just Between Friends is a biannual community pop-up event where local families buy and sell new and gently used items. Unsold donations, including coats and mittens along with items
from its annual coat drive and funds from its charity end-of-event bag sale are donated to WBLAEF. The donated items will benefit families in need at The Closet. The Closet, managed by the WBLAEF, is a dedicated space in the district where families in need can come in and discreetly browse through
and receive clothing, coats, boots and other wearables for their students and families who attend schools in the district. For more information about WBLAEF, visit www.wblaef.org.
Mary Dahle, White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation vice president of programs, receives a donation to The Closet from Denise Klipsic, Just Between Friends Twin Cities NE cofounder.