Shopping extravaganza promotes
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Businesses in downtown
Mahtomedi and Willernie are joining forces to hopefully bring in more foot traffic while hosting communityfriendly events.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, several businesses will participate in “OH, DEER! Christmas is near! Shopping Extravaganza.”
“We want to promote our downtown and make sure the community knows who
is down there,” said Elishia Robson, owner of Lakeside Floral. “Our downtown has suffered a lot … There has been a lack of business due to the road construction. I want us all to succeed, and I know it has been hard for everyone.”
As a business owner, Robson said she is always searching for new things to do to “try to create a buzz.”
She was planning to host an event in November right before Thanksgiving and found out some other
neighboring businesses were also planning to do an event around the same time.
“I thought, why don’t we try to piggyback off of each other and that might create a little more excitement,” she explained. She started asking around, and businesses jumped in.
“It kind of all snowballed,” Robson recalled.
Despite not-so-great weather, the November Ladies Night event was a hit.
SEE SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA, PAGE 8
Hometown holiday experience
Vadnais Heights tax rate jumps
BY ERIK SUCHY, STAFF WRITER
The city of Vadnais Heights will move forward with its newly approved 2025 tax levy; the levy, which is $8,775,229, is $1,286,716 higher than for 2024.
Of the proposed levy’s total amount, $220,995 will go toward the fire department, which Finance Director Bob Sundberg said was due to increasing personnel costs, difficulty recruiting members to ensure full staffing and higher maintenance costs to maintain the department’s building and fleet. $140,850 will be put toward street maintenance to repair what Sundberg has cited as poor road conditions throughout the city.
“Street and garage budgets are under pressure from inflation and the continuing struggle to maintain aging streets,” said Sundberg.
$140,486 will go to Community Development. A new code enforcement position is proposed for 2025, which Sundberg said will enhance the city’s appearance and provide backup relief to building officials.
“This function has been transferred from the fire department to community development,” Sundberg noted. $118,445 is earmarked for police services in Ramsey County, which have increased in cost due to inflationary pressure and Falcon Heights’ withdrawal from the group of cities that contract for those services.
$104,411 will be used by Parks and Recreation to remove ash trees affected by the emerald ash borer. All other departments will receive $237,295. Personnel costs will also, increase as a result of a proposed 3% cost-of-living adjustment to partially
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Elishia Robson, owner of Lakeside Floral, plans to host plant your own Christmas Garden. 350 Degrees Bakery & The Wild Bean will host a Christmas party with a flight of seasonal drinks and cookies during the Dec. 12
Shopping Extravaganza.
CITY COUNCIL: Decides on 2025 tax levy and budget
FROM PAGE 1
offset inflation costs.
The city’s proposed tax rate will be 19.59% higher than the 2024 rate. Taxpayers with no increase in property value will pay this amount higher than in 2024. Additionally, as property value determines the share of the levy allocated to each property, the increase in property tax will vary depending on valuation changes.
The city property tax on a median-valued single-family home will increase monthly by $16.42 in 2025, assuming a valuation increase of 1.9%. For commercial office properties, the monthly increase will be $13, assuming a 9.7% valuation decrease, which is the median decrease as determined by the county.
“The levy is fixed,” said Sundberg, regarding the property tax increases. “The county spreads it based on valuation. If your value went up higher vis-a-vis other properties, your share of the property taxes will increase. If your value stayed the same or was lower than the median, you’ll pay a lower percent of taxes.”
“If your house is next to a park, new development, or improvement that you had
• City staff signed a one-year agreement with the Animal Humane Society for animal impound services that will take effect on the date of signing through Dec. 3, 2025. The city has contracted with the society for animal impound housing services since April 2022. This is because the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department discontinued animal control services to its contract services in early 2022.
• Mayor Mike Krachmer and City Administrator Kevin Watson signed a grant agreement contract with the Minnesota Department of Commerce for a Solar on Public Buildings grant to install a solar system on the roof of City Hall. A recent assessment from PVWatts determined that a solar system installed on the building’s roof could yield 44,638 kWh per year or approximately 80 percent of its annual energy use. The grant will reimburse the city $45,912 of the cost of installation and materials. After the project’s completion, the city will apply for a Federal Investment Tax Credit for Clean Energy Generation (FITC) to offset $22,956 of the total project costs. Through this, the overall cost to the city could be as low as $7,652. Grant funds will then be disbursed quarterly as invoices are submitted. All activities must be completed and funds disbursed by May 2026, while the city must apply for FITC before December 2025, which will be reimbursed shortly after May the following year.
• City staff applied for the 2025 SCORE grant with Ramsey County, totaling $38,106. This amount will fund the city’s recycling program, which includes waste reduction and related recycling activities and services. In coordination with Ramsey County Environmental Health, staff will work to ensure the recycling performance work plan is met. Some of the items on the plan include completing all 2025 SCORE requirements, including reporting on time and submitting a midyear status report, providing outreach to all residents about the municipality’s recycling program and submitting copies of materials to Ramsey County. City staff must also regularly update recycling content on the municipality’s website and ensure all multiunit properties meet state law requirements to recycle and receive free Ramsey County resources. The council will confirm the uses on the work plan as part of the 2025 solid waste special revenue budget, which will be considered for approval before the start of the new year.
• The council approved a contract with Erickson, Bell, Beckman, and Quinn PA for services through 2025. According to Watson, changes have been made from last year’s contract, in addition to a new update to prosecutions
nothing to do with, that could affect your value,” said Council Member Steve Rogers. “That is going to drive higher property taxes.”
“We have nothing to do with that,” Sundberg responded. “That’s all done by the Ramsey County assessor; that’s why I tell people that if
“Despite the fact that this increase seems very large compared to other cities, we’re still getting a very good deal in Vadnais Heights.”
Erik Goebel City Council Member
they think their house is valued at more than what they think it should be, by all means, challenge it.”
Sundberg added that property owners can dispute the amounts in March. “There’s a two-month window where they can appeal the evaluation. They’ll (the assessor) tour your house, look at all comparable sales and come up with a
handled by the firm. Due to an increase in prosecution caseload, there will be a 3% increase in the firm’s monthly retainer, bringing the monthly total to about $7,473. A slight increase in criminal appeal matters and vehicle forfeiture matters will be billed at an hourly rate of $200, while the civil retainer will see a 2.5% increase, to a monthly total of about $5,723. Matters not covered by the retainer, such as forfeitures, employment issues and real estate transactions, as well as litigation, including administrative hearings and disputes, will be billed at $200 an hour for attorneys and $100 for paralegals. Billable work for complex real estate matters and assessment work will be $220 an hour for attorneys and $110 for paralegals. Third-party messenger services, copying fees, filing and service fees will continue to be billed at cost.
• Krachmer and Watson signed an agreement for $32,027 with Northeast Youth & Family Services (NYFS) for services throughout 2025. The company works with local school districts that serve city residents by promoting healthy lives for youth and their families.
• The council certified a list of delinquent refuse accounts to Ramsey County for collection with 2025 property taxes. In accordance with City Code Section 28-86, past due amounts for unpaid refuse accounts are certified to the county for collection with property taxes. The amounts certified are payable to private haulers in the VHG consortium, other than an administrative charge of $50 or 10% of the delinquent account, which the city retains for providing collection services. The private haulers are reimbursed after the city receives payment of the accounts from the county through the tax settlement process.
• The city certified a list of unpaid public safety service fees and the related collection and certification costs to the properties of the delinquent account holders. According to Finance Director Bob Sundberg, it is the council’s intent to impose and collect costs associated with the city’s inspections and reinspections to maintain the health and safety of the city’s built environment users. If the charges for these services are not paid by the property owner in a timely fashion, the city will collect those costs by assessment against the property receiving the inspections under Minnesota statutes and Section 8 of the city code.
The next Vadnais Heights City Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at City Hall, located at 800 County Road E East.
Erik Suchy
decision. I would say look at what they say the value is, and if you don’t think you can sell it for that, call the assessor and have them take a look at it.”
Council Member Erik Goebel said he was proud of how the council has handled the overall budgeting process. “We’re still keeping our taxes in the lower quartile,” he said. “We’ve got many projects and fleet replacements that have been deferred in the past. These are past things that past councils were not saving money for despite knowing that they were going to be replaced. We’re budgeting for it now to keep the levy smooth in the future, rather than having huge increases when we have to fix stuff.
“Despite the fact that this increase seems very large compared to other cities, we’re still getting a very good deal in Vadnais Heights.”
Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. He can be reached at 651-407-1229 or vadnaisheightsnews@presspubs.com.
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VADNAIS HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL NOTES
Shoveling injury?
Injury?
Same
Locals keep close eye on sky for bird count
JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Now in its 125th year, the Christmas Bird Count is a tradition that began as a conservation measure, but has evolved into one of the longestrunning citizen science projects in history. For many in Minnesota, it has become a yearly tradition and a way to get outdoors and enjoy the winter landscape— and wildlife.
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When the Christmas Bird Count started in 1900, it was a time when Christmas “side hunts” were a popular part of holiday celebrations. People gathered for the holidays would challenge each other to take their firearms outdoors and bring home as much furred-and-feathered game as possible. Conservationists proposed a less lethal alternative: a bird census to count as many birds and bird species as possible rather than kill them. This has led to more than 100 years of consistent data collection that can provide insight into changing bird populations.
The National Audubon Society is the organizer for this yearly event, which began in the U.S. but now ranges from the Arctic Circle to the tip of South America. The count window takes place between Dec. 14, 2024, and Jan. 5, 2025. It’s up to the local organizations to choose which day they will perform the count. This year, the St. Paul North circle will count on Dec. 14, and the Northeast Suburban will count on Dec. 28.
Each count area is a designated circle 15 miles in diameter. These circles are designed to capture a snapshot of the bird populations within the area. Every bird that is heard and seen within this area will be recorded and submitted to the National Audubon Society’s database. The long history of these count circles allows researchers and curious bird enthusiasts to observe patterns of population change over time.
Jim Howitz is the count coordinator for the St. Paul Suburban Northeast count circle, which centers on Withrow and includes
parts of Washington and Ramsey County.
“It’s a really good way of tracking the birds that we have that don’t migrate to South America,” Howitz said. “It doesn’t really tell us anything about orioles or grosbeaks, but the south has been reporting a lot of hummingbirds. That wasn’t true 30 years ago. Some are ruby-throats that don’t bother to cross the Gulf of Mexico. Others are birds from the West that their navigational apparatus is screwed up, and they end up in Texas or Florida. Those are places they could spend the fall and maybe the winter. It’s really interesting from an evolutionary standpoint, because these are birds that should be dead. But they’re coming back year after year and presumably reproducing. You can pick up trends like that that are of scientific interest.”
Although many birds have migrated away from Minnesota for winter, the volunteer counters never quite know what they will find when they set out on count day.
“So much depends on the weather,” Howitz said. “We’ve had a very wet summer and a dry
fall, and I expect the usual trends that have been going on for the last 10 or 20 years to continue. Some of the less hardy birds like robins, bluebirds and titmice, especially, should show up in pretty decent numbers.”
Last year’s mild winter allowed a lot of waterfowl to stay deep into the winter season; Howitz expects the freeze this year to concentrate waterfowl in small areas of open water.
The number of woodpeckers observed on the count has grown over the years, likely due to maturing trees planting in suburban neighborhoods, Howitz said. However, open country birds such as horned larks, common redpolls, and snow buntings have become less common.
With warming winter conditions, Howitz expects to see more southern species making their way northward in the coming years. Tufted titmice, for example, have been showing up more and more often.
“The St. Croix Valley is a good place to look for them and other things like Carolina wrens. Eventually, mockingbirds should begin showing up more
and more on Christmas counts. They’re all birds that do well with people. There’s no reason they shouldn’t be showing up more often.”
Now that we have freezing conditions, most of the regular migratory birds should have disappeared by this year’s count, Howitz said. Red-winged blackbirds, for example, may have stayed late to take advantage of the warm autumn but should be gone by the time of the count. If you are interested in participating, you can visit the National Audubon Society website and type in “Christmas Bird Count” to view count circles, contact your local count coordinator and view past year’s data. Anyone interested in participating in the Northeast Suburban count circle can contact Jim Howitz directly at 763-783-3521 or jlhror@ aol.com. Bird feeder data is also welcome. Those who live within a count circle and would like to stay home and watch feeders on count day can contact their count coordinator to learn the protocol for collecting feeder data.
Howitz.
Public invited to open house on Century Avenue North
The public is invited to the third open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, regarding a roadway improvement project on Highway 120 (Century Avenue N./ East County Line Road) from Interstate 694 to County Highway 12/ County Road E/ Wildwood Road. The open house will be held at Century College West Campus, Room W1006, 3000 Century Ave. N., White Bear Lake.
The improvement project is being led by Washington County and is in partnership with Ramsey County, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake. The project seeks to improve the safety and operations of Highway 120, improve stormwater drainage and poor pavement conditions and address missing nonmotorized connections along and across the roadway.
The project team has performed a technical analysis and facilitated stakeholder consensus on the project
improvement options presented at the previous open house. At the Dec. 16 open house, the public can view the recommended alternative, provide feedback and learn about the schedule and next steps for the project.
For those who are unable to attend the in-person open house, there will be an opportunity to review the material shared at the in-person open house on the project website from Dec. 16-Jan. 6.
Construction updates will be posted on the project website at WashingtonCountyMN. gov/CenturyNorth. For more information, contact Project Manager Erin Clarkowski at 651430-4384 or erin.clarkowski@ co.washington.mn.us.
Washington County
WINTERFEST
SATURDAYS, DECEMBER 7 & 14, 2024 Downtown White Bear Lake presents
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
11 AM - 3 PM
• Board carriage at 4th & Cook
• FREE with food/cash donation to Food Shelf, collected by the WBL Lions Club
11 AM - 3 PM At Kellerman’s Gardens
• Warm up at the WBLAHS Festival of Trees in the Armory
• Eat! @ Banning and Fifth Soup Kitchen Saturday Benefit Dec 7th 11 AM - 4 PM Elf Hunt
by Rust
& Construction
• Find an Elf in each of your favorite businesses Dec 7 - 14 and be entered into a drawing to win a (Pool Party for up to ten guests) and a FREE one night stay at the White Bear Country Inn.
Ifound the glow
Isaw a horror movie that, I’ll admit, snatched my curiosity in a way most movies usually don’t.
That movie was “I Saw the TV Glow.”
Suchy’s Scoop
The film follows teenagers Owen and Maddy, who bond over watching a Buffy The Vampire Slayer-type monster-hunting show. That bond, however, soon develops into an unhealthy obsession, leading them to question their realities and identities. For context, the story is more of a psychological drama than an outright horror movie. If anything, its real “horror” comes from Owen and Maddy, who believe their lives have no purpose and choose to waste the greater part of their younger years being obsessed with the false reality the show has to offer them.
Erik Suchy
What I found so relatable about this movie is what I interpreted its main theme to be. Life is short enough as is, and you only have so much time breathing to make an impact before the sand in the hourglass runs out. What will your impact be when you leave this earth? A legacy of success and personal achievements, or a broken road of lost opportunities?
It’s because of this theme that I am writing this column. I have been right where Owen was for most of his 20s: lost and scared to make anything out of myself. As much as I’ve aspired to be an excellent creative writer, hoping to be a bestselling author someday, I have hardly written anything this year outside of my job, even in the way of doing journal entries.
My aspirations, however, have not been limited to writing. I also told myself I would return to photography to take more portraits and see if they would lead me to create any fun projects I could display in a museum someday. Again, little, if any action has been taken here as well. So what exactly went wrong? Simple: fear. I was so terrified of not succeeding in doing any of these things on the first try that I had already thrown in the towel. I wanted a quick and nonexistent way to succeed without feeling what it was like to put in the blood, sweat and tears into doing so, all because I was so nervous about encountering failure. That is, until recently.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve felt a change come over me. I can’t explain it, but it feels like I’m taking back control of myself. I’m finding myself less on social media and more making pre-emptive plans to set up a daily writing routine and a new reading one. Additionally, I’ve re-discovered my love of portrait photography, and am reaching out to aspiring models around Minneapolis to do some fun, shoots downtown. Slowly but surely, I am letting go of my past fears of letting myself down. Day by day, I no longer identify as an “Owen,” too scared to face reality, shackled by a lack of perseverance. I no longer care if the first several short stories I write are garbled, plotless dreck or if it will take me longer than average to develop the writing/ photography skills I would like to have.
I know who I am now.
Erik Suchy.
Aspiring novelist. Photographer extraordinaire. And a reporter at the best local newspaper. Going into 2025 don’t be afraid to try something new.
Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. He can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
5 Signs it’s not just indigestion, but something more
Tis the season of holiday gettogethers, dish-to-share requests, cookie exchange events and don’t forget all those office potlucks!
Sure, there are instances where overindulgence causes a little tummy chaos during the holiday season, but sometimes that indigestion is something more.
Indigestion is pain or discomfort in the stomach associated with difficulty digesting food and feeling too full. Indigestion can also cause acid reflux, which can cause pain in the esophagus just behind the breastbone.
Here are the top five signs it’s not just indigestion and you might need to see the doctor for that bad belly pain.
1. Pressure, tightness or squeezing instead of pain or burning
Most of us know what
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heartburn feels like, a burning sensation that can travel to the throat. Beware if you are feeling pressure or tightness in your chest, throat, arms and neck, as these are heart attack symptoms.
2. Frequent vomiting
Stomach pain and vomiting are symptoms of several conditions, including food allergies, food poisoning, and gastroenteritis. While these symptoms can be treated at home, be sure to see your doctor if you cannot keep liquids down, as dehydration can become serious.
3. Extreme abdominal tenderness
Severe abdominal pain accompanied by tenderness to the touch can signify several serious conditions, including appendicitis, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) and a perforated ulcer. Make sure to consult a doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain and tenderness, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, or changes in bowel habits.
4. Indigestion that won’t go away
We’ve all dealt with temporary indigestion, but if it lingers and lingers, it’s time to see a doctor,
as you may have a treatable condition, like acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, or peptic ulcer disease.
5. Enlarged stomach
Visible outward swelling of the abdomen accompanied by pain, constipation, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen and vomiting can be a sign of a bowel obstruction and signs you should see your doctor.
Dr. Kristi Trussell, assistant director of The Urgency Room.
BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• 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.
Movers & Shakers
Kristi Trussell
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Don't take away dog
beach
I'm writing about the potential closing of the dog beach in downtown White Bear Lake. How sad would this be to close this beach. It's a safe place to let our dogs run and play in the water. I've never seen a dog causing issues or being a nuisance, All I've ever seen is happy dogs playing in the water. We often love to take a walk along the path, and take a quick water break with our dog. He enjoys it so much, I can't even imagine not having that option towards the end of our walk in the future. Please, don't take this perk away. So many dogs and dog owners love this beach!
Angie Gustafson Hugo
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Santas,
Mrs.
Claus needed at senior event
Volunteers who can dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus are needed to help serve 160 seniors at the 22nd Annual Santa Dinner held at the White Bear Country Inn on Monday, Dec. 16. Volunteers should arrive at 4:30 p.m. dressed in costume. Changing rooms are available. For more details or to sign up, contact Jacqlyn at 651-272-3783.
Santa coming to Birchwood party
The Birchwood Community Club will host their annual holiday party from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 at Birchwood Village Hall. Kids and kids at heart can make crafts, enjoy treats, meet Santa and visit with neighbors. To help as a volunteer at the event, e-mail communityclubbirchwood@ gmail.com.
BUSINESS BRIEF
Men's holiday event at Women Collective
Men are invited to stop by for a beer and shop for the women in their lives at a special “Brew & Shop” event from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the Women Collective. Spend $50 or more and receive a gift card to White Bear Wine and Spirits. The Women Collective is located at 4716 Highway 61 N., White Bear Lake. For more information, go to the womencollective.com.
COPS&COURTS
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Birchwood, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie: Grant
• Residents in the 6000 block of Inwood Court N. reported a debit card stolen from their joint account on Nov. 19.
Mahtomedi
• Numerous debit cards were reported found Nov. 17 at an address on Salem Place. Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies contacted the
WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported on the following incidents:
• An iphone was reported stolen in the 2600 block of County Road E Nov. 27.
• Officers assisted with a domestic incident in the 2300 block of Hoxie Avenue Nov. 27.
• A woman was arrested for DWI after being pulled over for driving the wrong way near Highway 61 and County Road E Nov. 27.
• A Lino Lakes man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 2000 block of County Road E Nov. 27.
• An Oakdale woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop on Highway 61 near Whitaker Street Nov. 29.
• Theft was reported at a business in the 3800 block of Highway 61 Nov. 29.
• Credit cards were stolen from a vehicle in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Nov. 29.
• A package was reported stolen in the 2100 block of Division Court Nov. 29.
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
card owners, who revealed that the cards had been stolen from their mailboxes and asked that the cards be sent back to them.
A resident in the 1000 block of Berwick Lane on Nov. 18 reported someone using his old license plates in Hennepin County, after he threw them out last year to buy new ones.
• Hit-and-run road rage was reported Nov. 21 on Hilton Trail N. and 70th Street N., after the complainant was tailgated to the point that his rear bumper was struck by a SUV. Unfortunately, the complainant did not retrieve the suspect license plate number, and there were no traffic
• A California man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near Interstate 694 and labore Road Nov. 30.
• Fraud was reported in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue S. Nov. 30.
• Fake money was given to a delivery driver in White Bear Township Nov. 30.
• Offciers responded to a violation of a harassment restraining order in the 1300 block of Hedman Way Nov. 30.
• Officers responded to a dispute between housemates in the 2500 block of Crown Hill Court Nov. 30.
• Theft was reported in the 1800 block of Ninth Street Nov. 30.
• Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Dec. 1.
• Officers responded to a fight at a business in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Dec. 1.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for domestic assault in the 1800 block of Birch Street Dec. 1.
• Items were stolen from a
Fire crews respond to garage fire
Just after 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, fire crews were dispatched to the intersection of 4th Street and Wood Avenue in White Bear Lake for a possible garage fire. The first arriving engine on scene encountered heavy smoke showing from a detached garage.
White Bear Lake ROTARY ACADEMIC ACHIEVER
Tyler Josephs is an exceptionally motivated and inquisitive student known for his commitment to academic excellence and his respect for educators. He has consistently distinguished himself by embracing diverse perspectives and pushing his intellectual boundaries. With a remarkable academic acumen that is rare among his peers, Tyler has successfully completed 17 college-level courses, demonstrating his dedication to deepening his understanding of complex subjects. His kindness and strong work ethic make him a pleasure to teach, as he strives not just for high grades, but for a comprehensive grasp of the material. Tyler is truly an academic achiever.
vehicle in the 4000 block of Highland Avenue Dec. 2.
• Identity theft was reported in the 3700 block of Van Dyke Street Dec. 2.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for domestic assault following a report of a burglary on Hillary Farm Road, Gem Lake Dec. 2.
• Officers investigated a domestic assault report in the 2600 block of Roth Place Dec. 3.
• Officers executed a search warrant in the 2500 block of Crown Hill Court Dec. 3.
• Trespassing was reported in the 2100 block of County Road F Dec. 3.
• A Maplewood woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near White Bear Avenue and Beam Avenue Dec. 4. Her passenger was also arrested for an active warrant.
cameras in the area.
• A homeowner on 71st Street N. was warned about blowing his leaves into the street Nov. 21, following a complaint to the city’s public works department. Deputies advised the yard cleaner that he could receive a citation if he continued to blow leaves into the street. The homeowner complied and picked the leaves off the street.
• Warner Avenue residents on Nov. 23 reported being defrauded, after they purchased gift cards and gave them to their scammer.
WHITE BEAR LAKE CONSERVATION DISTRICT NOTES
• Heard lake quality report from committee chair Mike Parenteau.
Lake level is 922.57 feet, or virtually the same as last month. Water temperature is 44 degrees. Last month it was 55 degrees.
“A year ago, the temperature was 42 degrees and the lake didn’t freeze until January,” Parenteau noted. “The year before in 2022, it was 33 degrees on this date. In the previous five years, the lake froze early December. I’m thinking it won’t freeze early this year. It may be a short winter.”
• Approved first reading of amended ordinance prohibiting the taking of water from White Bear Lake. The current ordinance, No. 6, allows people to remove water from the lake when it’s above 923.5 feet. The change, if approved after the second reading, will prohibit any person from pumping or appropriating water at any time. The criminal penalty is currently a petty misdemeanor for the first violation and a misdemeanor for the second. The amendment will make all violations a misdemeanor.
Asked why the ordinance was being amended, district Chair Bryan DeSmet said a landscaper asked if an irrigation system could be connected to the lake. “That initiated conversation at the executive committee level,” he said. “We don’t have a good way to enforce this provision when the lake is below 923.5 feet, so we’re eliminating it. Everyone on the lake has access to potable water to irrigate. It’s not necessary to take water out of the lake.”
In addition to White Bear Lake Fire, the Lake Johanna and Vadnais Heights fire departments also responded to the scene along with the White Bear Lake Police Department and Allina Health Emergency Medical Services.
October 2024 Carrier of the Month James Hauglid
Congratulations to James! Carrier for Press Publications for 10 months. Thank you for all your hard work.
Board member Susie Mahoney asked if her grandchildren would be charged with a misdemeanor for taking buckets of water out of the lake when playing on the beach.
District counsel Alan Kantrud then suggested adding verbiage such as “mechanical extraction” to the ordinance language. “It’s not intended to go after bucketfuls,” he said.
A public hearing will precede a vote on the second reading at the district’s Jan. 21 meeting.
• Discussed the VFW’s plans to expand its dock. The Post had applied for a revised DNR permit. The DNR, in turn, is requesting public comment on the revisions. DeSmet said the executive committee would like to offer comments regarding a formal diagram, which was approved.
• The lake use study is “on time,” according to board member Meredith Walburg. Data is currently being compiled with results to be reported at the January or February meeting.
• Approved Tally’s Dockside permit for 64 total slips, with five transient slips as part of the total. One slip can be rented for a week; the rest are for public parking but not overnight. Walburg thanked Tally’s for offering transient slips.
• Approved Docks of White Bear’s permit for 250 slips. Again, Walburg thanked the marina for offering two transient slips. “People are requesting those,” she noted.
The board tabled the city of White Bear’s 160slip permit until there is clarification on usage.
• Heard a report from the Ramsey County water patrol unit, which logged an 202 additional hours on White Bear Lake, thanks to extra dollars provided by the district. Of $14,000 granted, $9,750 was spent. Deputies performed 89 boat safety checks and assisted 16 boaters that needed help. Seven watercraft were towed. Three citations were written for illegal conduct, and there were 23 written warnings and three verbal.
• The administrator’s salary was bumped up from $26 to $28 an hour.
Debra Neutkens
Tyler Josephs White Bear Lake Area High School
WHAT’S HAPPENING
WINTERFEST
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake
Details: Community festival has included horse-drawn carriage rides, visit with Santa, strolling carolers, specials at local shops and restaurants. Contact: downtownwhitebearlake.com
CANDLELIGHT TOUR AT THE FILLEBROWN HOUSE
When: 6 & 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 & 19
Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Guided tour of the local landmark as it’s decorated for the holidays. Cocoa and cookies served. See website for ticket information. Contact: 651-407-5327 or whitebearhistory.org
FESTIVAL OF TREES OPEN HOUSE
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St. Details: View trees decoratied by community businesses and organizations and warm up with
cocoa, treats and activities. Sanya sighting possible. Display open to the public select hours WednesdaySunday through Dec. 21.
Contact: whitebearhistory.org
WHITE BEAR LAKE WINTER FARMERS MARKET
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Normandy Park Education Center, 2482 County Road F E., White Bear Lake Details: Over 20 farmers and vendors sharing locally-grown food and crafted items and gifts. Most booths inside; firepit and hot cider outdoors. Contact: forksinthedirt.com/winter-farmers-market
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD SATURDAY SEW-IN
When: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N.
Details: Members will work on their quilting projects, all are welcome to stop by and see what they are working on.
SANTA'S TRAIN SHOP
When: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Minnesota Transportation Museum, 193 Pennsylvania Ave. E., St. Paul
Details: Ride on a caboose, take a photo with Santa, and explore the Christmas Lego Land. Guided tours, museum exhibit, food and beverages, entertainment, kids play area and gift shop. Tickets online.
Contact: trainride.org/santa.
SHOREVIEW NORTHERN LIGHTS VARIETY BAND: WINTER WINDS
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Benson Great Hall, Bethel University
Details: Annual holiday concert by SNLVB celebrates the band's 30-year anniversary. Special guest Calvary Church choir. Carriage rides available from the parking lot at 6:15 p.m. Tickets available online, at Shoreview City Hall, Benson Great Hall ticket office, and at the door. Contact: snlvb.com or tickets.bethel.edu
ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB
When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: 381 Colleen Dr., Vadnais Heights
Details: Hike Hike through neighbohood and trails, approximately 5 miles.
Contact: stpaulhike.com
THE OK FACTOR: HAVE YOURSELF AN OK CHRISTMAS
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.
Details: Celebrate with the classical crossover duo as they celebrate the holidays with traditional carols, seasonal songs and original versions of holiday favorites. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org
White Bear Lake Area Church Directory
PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS
SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA: Monthly events create ‘fun buzz’ downtown
“It was the first crappy snowfall night, and we all were thrilled with what came about on Wednesday night in downtown Willernie,” Robson said. “There was a really fun buzz about town.”
Kayla Winter, the manager at Wildwood Tavern, added, “We would have been way slower if we didn’t have that going on … It ended up being a great night.”
Angela Shield, events coordinator at St. Croix Saddlery, said the event brought in a lot of first-time customers.
“We got a lot of people that didn’t realize we were more than just a horse supply store. They didn’t realize
that we had so many other things, from heated vests to dog supplies and crafts, mugs, jewelry … Shield explained. “People were surprised that we cover more than just stuff for the horse community.”
Katie Pogalz, a co-owner of the Dugout Bar, said the November event was “really fun” and she is hoping to “continue to partner with all the businesses each month moving forward.”
Next up is the OH DEER event later this week, and plans are already in the works for a family-friendly event in January.
“It’s such an important event for us to have, because it brings people into the store and we get to meet people, so it is a win-win,” Shield said.
The December event will focus on shopping. As customers visit the different participating businesses, they can collect stamps on their passports. If they get enough stamps,
they will be entered into a drawing to win a gift basket.
“We are trying to cross ourselves together,” Robson said. “We want to let the community know that we are here, and we are not going anywhere. Come support us.”
The January event, Winterfest, is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25. The family fun day will include special events, pop-up vendors, crafts and activities for the whole family around town. Find the event on Facebook for more details.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or whitebearnews@presspubs. com.
OH, DEER! CHRISTMAS IS NEAR! SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA
When: Various times Thursday, Dec. 12
Where: Downtown Mahtomedi, Willernie
Details: Come out to downtown Mahtomedi for all your Christmas shopping. Enjoy a fun-filled evening with your friends. There will be special events, pop-up vendors and specials all around town. Businesses participating
LAKESIDE FLORAL INC.
Lakeside Floral Inc., located at 109 Wildwood Road, will host a “plant your own Christmas Garden” from 5 to 8 p.m. In addition to planting, there will be local pop-up vendors.
DUGOUT BAR
The Dugout Bar, located at 96 Mahtomedi Ave., will host a Christmas wine tasting from 6:30
to 8 p.m. RSVP is required for the wine tasting. RSVP by noon the day of the event. Visit https://tinyurl. com/5bemzd4n.
From 5 to 9 p.m. attendees can shop new Dugout/Mahtomedi swag and shop at pop-up vendors including: Chopper Mill, Baked Bliss, Permalinx Jewelry, Tailgate Spices, LilyBelle HatCo, Hearth Home Co and The Wild Thimble.
WILDWOOD TAVERN
Happy hour will run from 3 to 6 p.m., and there will be a meat raffle from 5 to 7 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a bite to eat while visiting a couple of pop-up vendors.
350 DEGREES BAKERY & THE WILD
BEAN
From 4 to 7 p.m. the two businesses, located at 88 Mahtomedi Ave., will
team up for a Christmas Party. Attendees can decorate cookies, watch Christmas movies, enjoy cocoa bombs and more. There will also be a seasonal flight of drinks and cookie pairings and a raffle.
ST. CROIX SADDLERY
St. Croix Saddlery, located at 310 Stillwater Road, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for shopping. From 4 to 7 p.m., customers can shop from a few pop-up vendors and enjoy a cup of cocoa or cider.
YES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
From 3 to 5 p.m. children can take a coloring break at YES Wealth Management, located at 6 Mahtomedi Ave.
JESSIE TOMME SALON
From 4 to 8 p.m. customers can stop
into Jesse Tomme Salon, located at 92 Mahtomedi Ave., for a goodie bag and to be entered into a raffle for an Aveda gift basket. Warm cookies and cocoa will also be available.
GORDY’S STEAKHOUSE
Stop into Gordy’ s Steakhouse, located at 301 Stillwater Road, for a seasonal shot and treat yourself to an evening night cap.
FRIGAARDS BAR
From 3 to 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight, enjoy happy hour. Trivia will start at 7 p.m. and Frigaards swag will also be available for purchase. Frigaards is located at 307 Stillwater Road.
LANNY & KAREN DAHLMAN
MICHELE FISCHER
DAVID SCHOLZ
LUTHER DALE
ERNEST & LISA OLSON
Beautox Bar opens
Works, as well as interim executive director for Minnesota
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and as interim managing director for the American Composers Forum. Additionally, he was the operations director for The Center for Global Education and Experience. According to a statement from CPA, “David’s interim leadership will ensure that our mission remains front and center: providing quality educational and theatrical experiences that enhance children’s self-confidence, personal growth, collaboration and leadership skills, while building community partnerships.”
Over the next several months, the board of directors will continue working to determine its future direction and leadership.
Tree
Light and Remembrance Ceremony
ERIK SUCHY PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Mahtomedi School Board member Stacey Stout reads from the list of individuals who are remembered at this year’s Tree of Light and Remembrance Ceremony.
into your estate plan.
• A Trust Avoids Probate
• A Trust Allows you to Maintain Control Over Your Assets While Living, as well as the Distribution of Your Assets in the Future
• A Trust Protects Your Privacy
• A Living Trust is Revocable
• Assists in the Event of Incapacitation
• In conjunction with a living trust, you can have a Pour Over Will to catch any assets that have not been transferred into your trust.
One of the primary benefits of implementing a revocable trust into your estate plan is that it allows assets to bypass the probate process upon the grantor’s death. Probate can be time-consuming, expensive, and public, but a revocable trust allows for a smoother and more private transfer of assets to beneficiaries.
Winter Farmers Market synergy
Above: Ellie Vlieger helped out welcoming visitors to a recent Winter Farmers Market while also answering questions at the student Environmental Club display with fellow students Chloe and Allie Utzka.
At right: Hunter Cardinal works the All Good Organics table, featuring a variety of fresh and preserved food items.
To all our program sponsors, community boosters and parent volunteers who contributed to the success of the Mahtomedi High School Football Program’s 2024 season—we appreciate your continued support!
Program Sponsors $1500
• Athena Resource - Heather LaValle-Tumbleson
• Commercial Plumbing and Heating - The Bengtson Family
• Crush Real Estate TeamLaura Whitney
• First Resource Bank
• Fury Motors Tom & Phoebe Leonard
• TRIA Orthopedics
• Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO)
• Woodchuck Tree Care
Program Sponsors $1000
• Clifton Larson Allen, LLP (CLA) - Ben Theunick
• Dalum's Electric Service
• The Harris Family - Mark, Andrea, Will, Sam and Cam
• Joy Erickson Real Estate Team - Maht Alum. Joy Erickson
• Mahtomedi Family DentalDr. Welle & Dr. Copeland
Program Sponsors $250
• Backstory Insurance GroupKyle Veenis
• Bloom Physical Therapy & Wellness - Jessica Blaisdell
• Comstock & Sons
• D.A. Davidson - Paul Donna
• Edina Realty - Don Joyce
• Escape Fire Protection
• Fitness Focus
• Fra-Dor Landscape Supplies
• Goldwood Kennels
• Hauer Construction - Joel & Mikalynn Hauer
• Herschbach construction
• Jessie Tomme Salon
• Lakeside HR Group - Erin Hargrove
• Oak Springs Chiropractic - Dr. Ben Smetana
• Precision Electric - Joe Hemenway
• Revive Salon & Medispa - The Mcclanahan family
Community Boosters $250
• Anne Anderson Real Estate Group
• The Gonzalez Family
• The Hallin Family
• The Haase Family
• Josh & Kelly Lehmicke
• The Pipes Family
• The Seevers Family
• Bob Skeie
• Amy Theuninck & Nate Sand
• Ben & Ana Theuninck
• Don Theuninck
• The Wisniewski Family
Local Businesses we would like to recognize for supporting M1DF this season in other "big ways":
Community Boosters $100
• The Albert Family
• Jim & Jeanne Affolter
• The Boeke Family
• The Brandt/Shortridge family
• Mike & Ronnie Cromett
• Eric & Meghan Gadbois
• Bobby & Lori Finn
• The Hamen Family
• Carole Hargrove
• ZacKary Halverson
• Matt & KC Hemenway
• Jesse & Kelly Hentsch
• The Hohenstein Family
• Leigh & Angie Griffith Family
• Bethany Lampland Meyer
• Jillian Lampland Russell
• Lee & Geri Lampland
• Robert Muske Sr.
2024 THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
• State Farm - Agent, Ty Haschig
Program Sponsors $600
• JL Schwieters Construction, Inc.
• MN Mobile Veterinary Surgery
• Minnesota Women’s Care - Dr. Amy Kelly
• O’Leary’s Auto Body
• PowerQuip - Jesse Hentsch
• Roelofs Insurance AgencyAgent, Brian Roelofs
• Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC - Alex Rogosheske
• The Dugout Bar
• TR Computer Sales
• Wildwood Kitchens and Baths, Inc.
• Revolution Sporting Goods
• Seahorse Ventures - Lee & Geri Lampland
• State Farm - Agent, Kevin Kaufer
• T.E.S. Construction
• Wildwood Tavern
• Red Luna Seasons - The Rodriguez Family - 2nd year donating an all team lunch for every Maht FB player & coach during 2/days!
• Commanding Edge - Jeff Muetzel - Player apparel
• Heritage Embroidery - Fan apparel, booster gifts
• White Bear Butchery/Flicker Meats - Special sandwich pricing for players/coaches (discount)
• Trade Press, Inc. - Game day & senior program printing
• Jeff & Colleen Lowenberg
• Jeff & Kari Reubish
• In Memory of Bill Sellwood (Love is Action)
• Ryan & Megan Torgrude
• The Carter Family
• Wes & Beth Johnson
• Susan Lombardi
Community Boosters $50
Community Boosters $1000+
• Larry & Barb White ($1200)
The Mahtomedi 1st Down! Foundation shall broaden the involvement and enjoyment of student athletes, families and the community members through the enthusiastic support of the Mahtomedi High School Football Program.
• Mahtomedi completed its end-orthe-year business by unanimously approving an Ordinance Adopting an Annual Fee Schedule Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.353,4A. Council also unanimously approved the summary publication resolution of the ordinance, where a four-fifth's vote was required. Proposed changes for the 2025 Fee Schedule include ambulance transport rate increases; city facility and equipment rental rate increases; utility rate increases; water meter and accessory price updates and the addition of cannibis retail business fees.
• The 2025 rates for the city's engineering firm, WSB, have been adjusted upward by 5.75% on average, after council approved the 2025 rate schedule. WSB will also provide city forester services, after council approved the 2025 professional
services agreement with the firm for $72,835. WSB will conduct the shade tree program, code enforcement and miscellaneous tree inspections, education and outreach efforts.
• The city is looking for a full-time maintenance operator to replace Sandy Mahoney, who is expected to retire in January after 24 years with the city.
• Council passed a resolution committing the General Fund balance for funding incomplete construction projects. These projects consist of interim construction fund projects that remain open. Council then passed a resolution committing the General Fund balance for funds above the level approved in the fund balance policy for street improvements. The General Fund balance policy established a minimum and maximum of unassigned fund balance of 45% to 65 % to be transferred
to other funds. As funds to be commited will be amounts that exceed the 65% maximum, council transferred $762,828 in excess funds from the General Fund to the Street Improvement Fund. Now the Street Improvement Fund has a fund balance of approximately $2,335,113, after the transfers for current construction projects.
• Council approved the 2024-25 Cooperative Services Agreement with the Mahtomedi Youth Hockey Association, Yardworks Lawncare and Maintenance and the Mahtomedi School District to maintain the city's outdoor ice rinks near at the District Education Center,. Expenses are shared among the city, district and hockey association. The city will pay $12,000 to the school district for residents to use the rinks using money from the 2025 Parks Department budget.
• Prelude Village has
a six-month extention to submit its Planned Unit Development (PUD) Final Development Plan for its proposed development at 650 Wildwood Road and 199 Wedgewood Drive. The applicant, Prelude Holdings LLC, submitted a formal request to extend the deadline to submit its final development plan. After council approved the PUD Preliminary Development Plan for Prelude Village on Aug. 20, 204, the developer had until Feb. 20 to submit its final plan, but now has until Aug. 20, 2025.
• During their regular visit to council, Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies urged the public to lock their vehicles, remember how to drive cautiously in winter weather, and to let the Washington County Sheriff’s Office know when delivered packages go missing.
• Girl Scout Troop #58350 requested
council waive the usage fee for their use of the Katherine Abbott shelter. The troop estimated they would use the facility approximately 15 times during the year.
Council acknowleged the role of the girl scouts in the history of what was formerly known as Katherine Abbott Girl Scout Camp by letting the troop use the shelter, also known as the troop house, for four days each year. The troop must submit a $200 damage deposit; clean up after each use; perform one service project for each day they use the shelter and meet during the work week,
based on availability.
• City offices will be closed from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18 for the employee holiday lunch.
• Council adjourned to closed executive session, pursuant to Minn. Stat. Sec. 13D.05, subd. 3(c) (3) to consider offers or counteroffers for real property located on Glenmar Ave. to be sold by the city.
The council next meets at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17 at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road.
Loretta Harding
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ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS
BOYS BASKETBALL
Wanted to Bu y WANTED: ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES
Running or not Titled or not Will pick up. Cash in exchange. Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612.72 0.2142
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92
Led by Mark Graff with a stellar all-around game, Mahtomedi won its season opener against St. Anthony Village 65-46, then lost to River Falls 62-56. Against SAV, Graff, junior guard, sank 30 points, including six 3-pointers, grabbed seven rebounds and made four assists. Willie Roelofs logged 15 points and six rebounds. Noah Carlson notched nine points, six rebounds and four assists. Hank Roelofs had 11 rebounds and blocked two shots. Against River Falls, Graff notched 21 points (four treys), Kellen Johnson 11 points and 11 rebounds, Willie Roelofs nine points and nine rebounds, and Carlson nine points. River Falls was 20-for-34 on free shots and got Johnson and Hank Roelofs to foul out. The Zephyrs rebounded well (44-36) but had turnover problems.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Mahtomedi, ranked No. 4 in Class 3A, is 3-0 after two wins last week. The Zephyrs beat St. Anthony Village 78-49, led by Grace Prose and Sarah Poepard with 21 points each and Anna Greene with 16. Mahtomedi shot 12-for-23 on three-pointers (43 percent), led by Greene with five. The Zephyrs beat Chisago Lakes 62-31. Poepard tallied 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Prose hit 15 points. Berkley Blaisdell notched nine points, four assists and four steals.
BOYS HOCKEY
Mahtomedi tied Prior Lake 2-2 and lost to perennial power Hermantown 5-2. The Zephyrs are 1-4-1. Against Prior Lake, goalie Jackson Chesak stopped 36 of 38 shots and goals were scored by Laken Decker and Will Seevers. Wes Strub made 32 saves against Hermantown. Five players scored for Hermantown.
GYMNASTICS
Mahtomedi won its season opener against Two Rivers
131.425 to 111.925. Margo Bruner won all-around (33.00) and balance beam (9.25). Four different Zephyrs won events. Addison Briske won vault (8.50), Cassie Hartman won bars (8.525) and Addison Eitel won floor exercise (8.40). Lily Bush was third all-around (30.50) and second on bars (7.95). Grace Tronrud was second on beam (9.05) and fourth on bars. Adele Schroeder was third on floor (8.20, tie) and fourth on vault. “It was a good first meet,” coach Debbie Driscoll said. “The girls were focused. They performed well, and showed a lot of potential.”
BOYS WRESTLING
Mahtomedi placed ninth of 13 teams, with one individual championship in the Coon Rapids tournament. Evan McGuire, No. 1 ranked in Class 2A, was 215-pound champion with a pin and three technical falls. Aiden Carlson placed second at 127, reaching finals with two technical falls. Samuel White was 3-2 and took sixth at 160. Aiden Boex was 1-2 and took fourth 172. Harry Johnson was 2-2 at 152. The Zephyrs won dual meets Thursday, 62-10 over Robbinsdale Cooper and 52-24 over St. Croix Lutheran. McGuire is 6-0, Carlson 4-1 and White 5-2.
GIRLS WRESTLING
In the Coon Rapids tournament, Mahtomedi’s Evie Karle won her weight class with three pins in :40, 2:29 and :22. Shelby McFetridge placed second with pins in :34 and :29 while losing by pin to Centennial. Olivia Tofte was second, going 2-1 with one pin. Elizabeth Carlson was second with a 1-1 record and one pin. The divisions had four entrants each.
Bruce Strand
BETH DONAHUE | CONTRIBUTED Mark Graff tallied 30 points against St. Anthony and 21 in a loss to River Falls.
OBITUARIES
Lee Vernon Parr
November 8, 1947December 2, 2024
Lee Parr, 77, of Vadnais Heights, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Sanford on Broadway in Fargo.
Lee was born in Minneapolis and shortly thereafter his parents moved to California to help him with his asthma but eventually they relocated to back to Minnesota.
After high school he entered the Air Force where he served in military intelligence during the Vietnam war. After his military service he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and also achieved a master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas.
Lee started his career in social services and eventually transitioned to working with Northwest Airlines where he was responsible for buying aircraft parts worldwide. He went on to working for the TSA and eventually became a supervisor at the TSA. Lee retired in 2010 from the TSA and went on to become a teaching artist. His specialties were stained glass and fused glass and he was known by his students as the kiln master. Lee taught art classes throughout the upper Midwest.
On April 19, 2004, Lee married Kimberlee Bakken at the wedding chapel at Walt Disney World in Florida. The greatest joy of his life was spending time with his granddaughter Alex where they would dance, sing, paint, draw and play with dolls. Kim and Lee made their home in Vadnais Heights and spent their summers at their cabin on Otter Tail Lake.
Lee was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth, and father, Vernon. He is survived by his wife, Kimberlee Bakken-Parr, his son James Parr, daughter-in-law Ryan Parr, and his granddaughter Alex.
A special thank you to the Sanford ICU doctors and nurses, nursing assistants, respiratory and physical therapists. His care while on the ventilator in the ICU for five months was extraordinary.
According to Lee’s wishes there will be no service. Memorials can be sent to Alex’s college fund. Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com
June Elizabeth Schifsky (Carlson)
Age 73. Passed away peacefully on December 2nd, surrounded by her husband Marvin and family. Visitation 5-7pm Thursday, December 12th at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater. Mass of Christian Burial 11am Friday, December 13th at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church, 700 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi, with visitation beginning at 10am. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School or the Mahtomedi Food Shelf.
Ann Lee Halverson
Age 86 formerly of White Bear Lake. Passed away peacefully with her husband by her side on December 6, 2024. Preceded in death by daughter, Tamara (Clifford) Sass; siblings, Arlene Fraiser, William (Susan) McDonald. Survived by husband of 67 years, George; daughters, Jodie (Robert) Hughes, Michele (Joel) Richardson, Karen (Jeff) Miller, Shannon (David) Wohlberg; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Jack (Susan) McDonald, Susan McDonald, Jaime (Patti), McDonald, Alex Fraiser; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial 12 Noon Friday December 13th with visitation beginning at 11 AM at the Church of Saint Peter, North St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Roberts Family Funeral Home 651-464-4422, RobertsFamilyFH.com
Weekly Outlook
Weather Tidbits
Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com
What are the chances that a prolonged cold spell comes to an end over a weekend? Seems unlikely but is what we just experienced. Saturday’s high of 50º set a station record high, shattering my previous record by 6º. Neighbors were out finishing last minute yard work and outdoor Christmas lighting. If you’re looking for snow, northern Minnesota has been receiving light totals. Places like Ely have over 6” of snow cover and Grand Marais 9.5”. Our warm spell was short-lived as our first below zero temperatures are expected midweek. Don’t fret as a thaw will come this weekend. Note: My 2025 weather calendar is available now. Check WeathermanWatson.com or call 651-206-5364 for more info.
Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.
Watson
2
1. Cub Scout Pack 212 presents the city with a wreath at the Vadnais Heights City Council meeting, and wishes council members a happy holiday! – Erik Suchy, Press Publications
2. Children from Kids Under Construction preschool drop off Santa letters to the big red mailbox outside of the Press Publications office. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications
3. Greg, Carey, Sophie and Owen Eigen bell ring in Mahtomedi. — Contributed
4. Andy Kruse, of Mahtomedi, took this shot of a dock on the lake. Andy Kruse, contributed
5. The Sassy Spikers, a White Bear Lake volleyball team for grades 3-4, won the championship in the Northeast Youth Metro Volleyball League Saturday, Nov. 2. This end of season tournament included 18 teams from White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, Oakdale and Stillwater. — Sarah Treanor, contributed
6. Robert Hurtgen is often spotted biking around the lake. — Barb Olund, contributed
7. This sunset was recently spotted over Birch Lake. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications
Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to whitebearnews@presspubs.com. Please include
Notable win, cancer event for Bear gymnasts
BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
White Bear Lake gymnasts had an eventful first week as they edged Stillwater 130.825 to 129.850 and placed fifth in their annual home invitational where they had a special event — “Stick it to Cancer”.
The win over Stillwater was their first in many years. “Stillwater has been a very dominating force for a long time but their numbers are lower this year,” Bear coach Kelly Rivers said. “So this was an exciting win for the girls.” Stillwater’s Liberty Quast won all-around with
BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS
GIRLS HOCKEY
White Bear Lake snapped a sevengame losing streak in dramatic fashion with a 3-2 overtime win over Wayzata. Carlie Griffin delivered the gamewinner - the junior’s first career goal - just eight seconds into OT off a pass from Amanda Smythe with Lyla Beck also assisting. Tally Domschot scored on
35.775. White Bear Lake’s Amelia Ahrens was second with 34.400, Addy Mueller third with 33.750, and Josie Mlejnek fifth with 30.550. Ahrens won balance beam (9.325) and floor exercise (8.85) while Quast won vault and bars. Mueller was third on vault (8.575) and bear (8.535). Also contributing to the team score were Josie Mlejnek, Naadiya Carpenter, Maddie Erickson, Brielle Runningen, Cleo Jurkovich and Grace Mueller.
At the invitational, the Bears honored Mlejnek and her mother, Cristina, who recently completed 16 rounds of chemo for breast cancer. It was a surprise for Cristina.
a power play, assisted by Maddy Belisle, and even strength, assisted by Grace Bailey. Bear goalie Marcie Marston stopped 22 shots. The Bears (2-7) lost at South St. Paul 6-3. South St. Paul’s Alida Ahern dominated the Bears, drilling all six goals. Bear goals came from Ashley Peltier (power play), Smythe (shorthanded) and Domschot.
BOYS WRESTLING
The Bears won their conference opener 51-8 over Roseville Area. Highlights were pins by eighthgrader Indiana Kane (varsity debut), Adrian Sanchez Lopez (first varsity win) and Porter Cleary against a wrestler who beat him in the section last year. The Bears placed eighth of 13 teams in a strong field at the Board Hyland Invitational at Coon Rapids. Placing second were Kane at 114 and Christian Carlson at 133. Kane reached finals with pins and tech falls while Carlson was also dominant before each lost to Hastings in the finals. Noah Ludwig was third at 139, beating one ranked wrestler and losing to another. Tristan Moen placed fourth at 127, Samuel Mortenson
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Amelia Ahrens
White Bear Lake Gymnastics December 11, 2024
Amelia Ahrens, senior co-captain of the White Bear Lake gymnasts, led an opening win over longtime nemesis Stillwater, scoring 34.40 all-around while winning beam (9.325) and floor exercise (8.85). She then had a fourth place and two sixth-places in their nine-team invitational meet. “She is always welcoming to new gymnasts and helps everyone push themselves to be their best and also have fun,” coach Kelly Rivers said. Ahrens took a few years off from gymnastics due to injury before rejoining last year. “In the off season, she has gotten several new skills on every event,” Rivers said.
“We honored her and others who have been affected by breast cancer throughout the meet,” Rivers said. “It was amazing to see all nine teams come together and wear pink in support.” The Bears scored 135.95, six points above their Stillwater score. Mueller was fourth allaround(35.25), fourth on floor (9.10), and sixth on bars (8.70). Ahrens was fourth on bars (8.85) and sixth on floor (9.0) and beam (8.8). Grace Mueller was ninth on floor (8.80) and Mlejnek 10th (8.75).
fifth at 160, Charlie Woodcock fifth at 189 and Mason Magnuson seventh at 215.
GIRLS WRESTLING
In the Coon Rapids tournament, White Bear Lake’s Jinet Demanou placed first, and Calli Lacktorin third, among four entrants in their respective divisions.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
White Bear Lake is 3-1 after beating Irondale 55-41 and losing at Roseville Area 57-49. Against Irondale, Addison Post sank 19 points, Elise Dieterle and Abby O’Brien 11 each and Sophia Menier six. The Bears were just 11-for-25 on free shots but made eight 3-pointers. At Roseville, the Bears didn’t shoot well and struggled against the Raiders defensive pressure. Dieterle had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Post 14 points, five rebounds and four assists.
BOYS BASKETBALL
White Bear Lake lost its opener to Rochester Mayo 68-64. The Bears trailed 37-24 at the half and outscored the Spartans 40-31 in the second half. Gavin Krenz netted 19 points, Korey Raheem 13, Colin Piper 11 and Donovan Ingram eight for the Bears.
BOYS HOCKEY
White Bear Lake blanked Forest Lake 5-0 and tied No. 10 ranked Wayzata 1-1, both at home. The Bears are 2-1-1. Nash Roed, freshman forward, and Jack Stanius, senior forward, scored twice each against Forest Lake. Evan Newlander had the other goal on a power play. Blake Eckerle made three assists. Leo Gabriel was in goal for the shutout.
Bruce Strand
The Bears, in pink, surround Cristina, Josie Mlejnek’s mom, for their “Stick it to Cancer” day.
PAUL DOWNEY | CONTRIBUTED
Carlie Griffin launched the shot right after the face-off in overtime that beat Wayzata 3-2.
