White Bear Press by Press Publications

ARTS & CULTURE:

‘She Kills Monsters’ poised to slay competition

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“I’ve had people say, ‘You should choose a different show, or we’re not going to support you…’” stated White Bear Lake Area High School competitive winter One-Act Director Braylon Lane.

This year’s show, “She Kills Monsters,” is about Agnes, who, in an attempt to be closer to her recently deceased sister, Tilly, plays a fantasy roleplaying campaign that Tilly designed before her passing. While playing the campaign, Agnes discovers that Tilly identified as a lesbian,

but was scared to come out to her family. Only in fantasy did she feel she could be herself.

While past White Bear Lake shows have featured LGBTQ+ characters, “She Kills Monsters” will be the first show that is explicitly about a character’s experience navigating sexual orientation.

“I think when you set out to do the One Act, you’re committing to some harder work…” said Ben McMillen, whose character Chuck runs the campaign and narrates some of the fantasy action. “I think not straying away from that sensitive material is really

important because it helps us bring these more authentic stories to the world.”

Lydia Jersak, a junior who plays this production’s Tilly, has appreciated that authenticity. Remarked Jersak, “I relate a lot with Tilly—not even the fact that she’s a lesbian and I am too… There’s just this feeling of isolation. And so, I think that I can really embody Tilly with that, understand it and can get into the character while still being happy and upbeat like Tilly is.”

One area with which the cast

‘Iconic event’ returns to the ice

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

The ice is back.

The 18th annual BEAR’ly Open will return to White Bear

Lake this weekend after the golf-on-ice event was canceled last year due to lack of ice.

“We are looking forward to getting back out on the ice and golfing again. Last year was

such a bummer,” said event Chair Lisa Beecroft. “None of us would have ever expected that in the middle of January

Mobile, wood-fired sauna creates ‘oasis’ in suburbs

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

The temperature is below zero in the dead of winter. You step inside a 14-by-7-foot mobile trailer and are greeted with a temperature of 160 degrees and the smell of fresh cedar. All you can hear is the occasional clinking of a stove. Looking out the window, you are greeted with the serene view of a nature center.

This winter, Amy Ogren launched Driftwood Sauna, a mobile, wood-fired sauna that can seat up to eight people.

“It’s a really restful experience. It is quiet, and the cedar smells so good,” Ogren explained. “It is a little oasis in the ‘burbs.”

Ogren, who grew up in Shoreview, taught middle school and high school English for around 25 years but she was ready for a break. “I was just ready for a different pace,” Ogren shared.

While listening to the radio one day, Ogren heard a story about “saunapreneurs,” a new trend happening on the North Shore and nationwide. Ogren and her husband own a small cabin on the south shore of Lake Superior.

“I was driving to work, and I thought we need one of these in Cornucopia, Wisconsin,” she recalled.

From May through October, Driftwood Sauna will be parked by the lake in Cornucopia. From November through March, the trailer will primarily be located at Tamarack Nature Center, but you may also find it at other pop-up events, including Franconia Sculpture Park.

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS CONTRIBUTED

The cast of “She Kills Monsters,” White Bear Lake Area High School’s 2025 entry for the competitive one-act play. From left to right, Sora Graham, Conner MacDonald, Kaya Burback, Ben McMillen, Lydia Jersak, Calleigh Berman and Audrey Gallagher.

DNR seeks comments for new Keystone Woods Wildlife Management Area

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites people interested in the new Keystone Woods Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to share their thoughts on what amenities and opportunities they’d like to see at the WMA in the future.

Located in Washington County, Keystone Woods WMA was established in October 2024 and offers 1,820 acres of public land, including woods, wetlands,

prairie grasslands and small lakes.

“Because it’s so close to the Twin Cities metro, Keystone Woods has the potential to offer expanded amenities and opportunities that aren’t typically available at our other WMAs,” said Gretchen Miller, Minnesota DNR Central Region wildlife manager. “We’re excited to hear the public’s thoughts and explore what recreation and outreach ideas would work well within our WMA system.”

The Minnesota DNR will host two public events where staff will give an overview of the Keystone Woods property and its history, discuss potential opportunities on the WMA and answer questions.

An online meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, via WebEx. A link to join the webinar is available online at mndnr.gov/wmas/keystonewoods-wma.html.

An in-person public meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N. Comments can also be submitted by completing an online survey at engage.dnr.state.mn.us/embeds/ projects/7944/survey-tools/24496; emailing northmetro.wildlife@state. mn.us; calling Keystone Woods staff at 651-539-3324; or mailing Keystone Woods WMA public input, 5463-C West

February Calendar 2025

Broadway Ave., Forest Lake, MN 55025. The DNR will accept feedback through Sunday, March 2. For more information, visit mndnr. gov/wmas/keystone-woods-wma.html.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

BEAR’LY OPEN

When: 7-11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31

Where: Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn, 4940 Highway 61 N.

Details: Dance to the sounds of Ranger Things while supporting the Bear’ly Open fundraiser for the food shelf. Free hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and contests. Buy tickets online. Contact: bearlyopen.org

2023 NORTH AMERICAN ICE DIVING FESTIVAL

When: Jan. 29-Feb. 3

Where: White Bear Lake, 250 yards out from boat launch at Ramsey County Beach

Details: Spectators welcome to watch scuba divers and visit with scuba manufacturers and vendors showcasing products and services. Register for ice diving certification.

Contact: mwschoolofdiving.com/2023-ice-divingfestival/events/2023-icefestival

CARD CRAFTING CLASS

When: 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30

Where: White Bear Lake Community Health Club,

1430 Highway 96E

Details: Space limited, register online in advance. Contact: https://form.jotform.com/243376395140155

BEAR’LY OPEN

When: 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday. Feb. 1

Where: White Bear Lake County Park at Ramsey Beach

Details: Golf-on-ice fundraiser for the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Players use golf clubs, hockey sticks, tennis rackets, or anything else that can propel a tennis ball through an 18-hole course. Games, food, beverages and activities along the way. Registration required. Contact: bearlyopen.org

THE OLDER THE BETTER VINTAGE SLED SHOW

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where: Blacksmith Lounge and Broaster, 17205 Forest Boulevard N., Hugo

Details: See old sleds and support the Stillwater Snowmobile Club. Free admission for spectators. Food, drinks, and raffle tickets available for purchase. Contact: Facebook: Stillwater Snowmobile Club

MIDWINTER FAMILY FUN

When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1

Where: Belwin Education Site, 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton

Details: Free outdoor activities including naturalist-led hikes, stargazing with Minnesota Astronomical Society, storytime and campfires. Contact: Belwin.org

WASHINGTON COUNTY PARKS FREE TUESDAY

When: Tuesday, Feb. 4

Where: All Washington County Parks

Details: Free entry and no vehicle permit required at all Washington County Parks on the first Tuesday of the month.

Contact: washingtoncountymn.gov/492/Parks

WHITE BEAR LAKE WINTER FARMERS MARKET

When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8

Where: Normandy Park Education Center, 2482 County Road F E., White Bear Lake

Details: 20+ farmers and vendors sharing locallygrown food and crafted items and gifts. Most booths inside; firepit and hot cider outdoors. Contact: forksinthedirt.com/winter-farmersmarket

AUTHOR VISIT

When: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8

Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake

Details: Book signing with Minnesota’s first female lieutenant governor, Marlene Johnson, author of ‘Rise to the Challenge’. Contact: 651-426-0918

ON THE ROAD TO SAFER SENIORS DRIVING

When: 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 10

Where: White Bear Lake Police Dept., 4701 Hwy 61 (3rd Street entrance)

Details: Class led by Joanie Somes of the MN Emergency Nurses Association addresses awareness, information and resources to increase safety for older drivers. No registration required. Contact: 651-426-6759

ONGOING EVENTS

‘MISERY’

When: Through Feb. 9

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, White Bear Lake

Details: Live performance based on the thriller by Stephen King. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

Liberty Classical cagers 13-2

The Liberty Classical Academy boys basketball team has a 13-2 record, led by two juniors and two sophomores. The White Bear Lake private school competes in the Eastern Minnesota Athletic Conference, which has 10 teams. The top four teams in the

conference standings are Liberty at 5-0, Avail Academy 7-1, Hmong Academy 4-1 and Twin Cities Academy 4-2. The top two scorers for the Liberty Lions are juniors Sam Rupnow with 27.8 points per game and Ethan Richter with 20.8 ppg. The next two scorers are

sophomores Cruz Tiana with 9.9 ppg and Caleb Schmidt with 8.3 ppg. The Lions, coached by John Towle, had an 11-game win streak in between losses to Como Park and Spring Valley.

Bruce Strand

OPINION

30 the new 50?

My biggest fear has always been having to go through what my dad went through. My dad was healthy as can be until he was in his 30s. He was a marathoner and bungee jumper and then everything changed.

Shannon’s

Shenanigans

Shannon Granholm

He was diagnosed with type I diabetes and got all the complications that come with that. You know the health history form you have to fill out every time you go to the doctor? I have to check pretty much all of those boxes, because you name it, he had it. Everything from heart disease, kidney disease, gastroparesis, hydrocephalus, neuropathy. He had a colostomy bag and eventually became a double amputee.

I can’t tell you how many times I watched my dad get taken away in an ambulance, or how many times he spent weeks, or even months, in the hospital. I’ve seen him in a coma more than once, and he had so many surgeries you can’t even count them all.

At the age of 55, my dad went into the hospital and never came back out. I spent hours by his bedside just praying he would pull through, open his eyes and talk to me again. That never happened. He died right before Christmas. One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write was his obituary.

This year marks nine years since we said goodbye.

I’ve been healthy up until this point. Earlier this year I went in for a routine physical. I was expecting to be grilled about putting on weight since having my son Royce, but I was shocked, and devastated, when pretty much all my labs came back in the “prediabetic” range.

I couldn’t help but feel like I’m following right in my father’s footsteps. I understand that there are lifestyle changes you can make to try to make a difference, but I wonder how much of it comes down to my genes and everything I’ve been predisposed to. Most people have these types of conversations with their doctors in their 50s not their 30s.

Since having my son Royce I was so focused on getting my mental health back on track. I was finally in a place where I felt like I was doing great mentally and then I received that news. Who has time to think about their health, when they are so focused on everyone else’s health?

Now I’m trying to wrap my head around what all of this means and make smart decisions about what I eat, drink and do with my body. These days my breakfast consists of yogurt; my lunch is carrots (and maybe an apple) and I never know what to do about dinner. Exciting right?

Since that doctor appointment I have lost nearly 30 pounds. I know I should be proud of myself for accomplishing that, but I can’t help but feel like I have such a long way to go. With my competitive skating season on the Leather & Laces adult synchronized skating team coming to an end, I will have to find new ways to stay active. This was incredibly hard to write and share with the public. If you made it this far, thanks for reading.

It is all so overwhelming. But if I learned anything from my dad it is to persevere and not give up. I’m praying that by doing what I can now, I will be around to watch my son grow up.

Shannon Granholm is the managing editor of Press Publications.

Have

we survived the worst of it?

What we know about the quad-demic

It’s going around. But this year, it would be more accurate to say, they’re going around. Many of you have heard the term quad-demic on local and national news.

Movers & Shakers

Dr. Craig Matticks

At The Urgency Room, we’ve seen a combined positivity rate for influenza, COVID and RSV at 70%, which is high. The other element I’ve noticed is the spike in cases of walking pneumonia or a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics. I’ve been practicing medicine for 30 years and this fall and winter I have seen more cases of walking pneumonia than in any other year of practicing medicine.

Influenza A has been the worst of the quad-demic culprits, with very high numbers. If you’ve ever had the flu, you know it is severe and includes body aches, fever, headaches, a cough and just a miserable feeling that can last seven days or more. We’re also

• 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.

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seeing COVID and RSV cases, but the flu is the most predominant. Norovirus hit many Minnesotans hard before and during the holidays. We have seen high numbers here in this community and the state as a whole, with more than 40 outbreaks around the Christmas holiday. Norovirus is highly contagious before you show symptoms and even up to two weeks after. Those of you who’ve had it know it can make you feel miserable with vomiting, diarrhea and a general inability to get out of bed. So, what can you do if you come down with a respiratory virus like the flu or the gastrointestinal symptoms of norovirus? First, stop working or trying to -do life- normally. You need to prioritize sleep and hydration. We also want to keep these viruses from spreading. For respiratory illnesses, take over-the-counter medications to relieve the symptoms, which make it harder to sleep, drink or eat when you’re feeling ill. If you’re dealing with the norovirus, concentrate on small, frequent sips to hydrate, which is key to getting through the worst of the vomiting and diarrhea.

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.

Sometimes even the best at-home care doesn’t cut it. We generally recommend coming in to see us if you have a persistent fever, feel short of breath and have a worsening cough even though you’ve given it three to four days. For norovirus, if you can’t keep anything down or are showing symptoms of dehydration like amber or orange-colored urine. It’s time to come in.

In terms of prevention, the tried-and-true advice doesn’t change. Wash your hands and do it intentionally. That means singing the happy birthday song to yourself while you lather up with warm water. If norovirus hits your home, cleaning touch surfaces is a good idea too.

Our data here at The Urgency Room in Vadnais Heights shows a decline in telehealth visits within the last couple of weeks, a trend that follows infection rates. Still, with all that’s going around, it’s important to stay vigilant and take great care of yourself, and if several days pass, and things are getting worse come visit us.

Dr. Craig Matticks is the medical director at the Urgency Room in Vadnais Heights.

• 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.

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

Responsibility

President Kennedy, who at one point worked as a senator in this building and would often walk through this very rotunda, once said:

“In a democracy, every citizen, regardless of interest in politics, holds office. Every one of us is in a position of responsibility.”

Dave Brockel White Bear Township

Disapprove of pardons

Biden reneged on a promise when he pardoned his son. An overwhelming majority of Democrats, including me, strongly disapproved. He also pardoned thousands of nonviolent offenders, which we also objected to.

On Day One Trump pardoned most of the 1,500 people charged in the Jan. 6 attack. Many were guilty of violent assault, including against police officers. These attacks are on film and most attackers pleaded guilty.

Credible Trump insiders state that Trump’s decision to pardon these violent felons was spontaneous, after he grew impatient with his team’s debate over which of the 1,500 to pardon. Impatient Trump suddenly blurted, “F_ _k it. Release ‘em all.”

The U.S. president has sole authority to authorize the use of nuclear weapons. Pray that Trump doesn’t grow impatient when advisors are discussing options for dealing with China, Russia or Iran.

Trump pardoned Tyler

Dykes. Dykes stole a police riot shield and twice used it against officers. Dykes gave a “Sieg Heil!” salute during the attack, and quoted Hitler prior to the attack.

Trump pardoned Andrew Takke. Takke assaulted officers with bear spray and a metal whip.

Trump pardoned Christopher Quaglin. Quaglin screamed at, punched, swatted and slapped officers; he pushed bike racks into officers, and choked one officer to the ground.

Trump pardoned Taylor Johnatakis. Johnatakis used a metal barricade to attack officers and held an officer to allow another attacker to physically assault that officer.

Trump pardoned Daniel Rodriguez. Rodriguez plunged a stun gun into the neck of a police officer multiple times. He belongs to the Patriots 45 MAGA gang, and sent a “There will be blood” message to the gang the night before the Jan. 6 attack.

Trump pardoned Ryan Nichols. Nichols assaulted three officers with pepper spray. In a video just prior to the attack, he said the mob would lynch elected officials who voted to certify Biden’s presidential victory.

The list goes on. I’ve reached the word limit for letters.

In my lifetime I’ve respected and supported every Republican president. Not this one. Keep the immigrants. Deport Trump. Our country will be safer and much nicer.

George Kimball White Bear Lake

New school board members sworn in

ISD 624 school board members are sworn in for their term through 2028. Pictured (from left) are Dr. Scott Arcand, Daniel Skaar and Angela Thompson.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL NOTES

• The council approved a Minnesota lawful gambling permit application by St. Odilia to hold a raffle. The raffle will be held at the Vadnais Heights Commons on April 5.

The city hired Ryan Anttila for the position of full-time fire captain at the Vadnais Heights Fire Department. As part of the hiring process, Anttila will undergo a criminal background review, a preplacement health and physical exam and serve a six-month introductory period. Anttila’s compensation will commence at Grade 8, Step B. Anttila’s employment date is pending upon successful completion of the requirements.

“Ryan has previous experience with this type of position from his professional career with a similarly staffed fire department and over 22 years of experience in the fire service,” said Fire Chief Chris Hearden.

• The council approved the purchase of a multiuse Ford F-550 cab chassis with hook lift attachment, as listed in the city’s 2025 capital improvement plan. This purchase will replace Unit 315, a hook lift truck that the city bought in 2012 which, according to Public Service Superintendent Ken LaCasse, is anticipated to be sold at auction. The chassis cost (provided by Saxon Fleet Services)

CITY BRIEF

Township reschedules sign requests, street improvement public hearings

White Bear Township has rescheduled a discussion about a stop-sign request at Peterson Road and Mehegan Lane and a speed-limit sign request on Peterson Road to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3. The Portland Woods and Anderson Lane street improvement public hearings have also been moved to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 4200 Otter Lake Road.

is $61,390.43, while the hoist attachment and accessories (from Crysteel Truck Equipment) will cost $35,241 for a total of $96,631.43.

• The city’s Parks and Recreation program received and accepted a donation from the American Red Cross for $500. The donation, placed on a pre-paid debit card, will be used to purchase supplies for recreation programs.

The next Vadnais Heights City Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at City Hall, located at 800 County Road E East. Erik Suchy

White Bear Lake Area Church Directory

WHITE BEAR AREA SCHOOLS | CONTRIBUTED

COPS&COURTS

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS

The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Fraud was reported Jan. 15 in the 2700 block of Riviera Drive.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1700 block of Fourth Street Jan. 15.

• Fraud was reported in the 1200 block of Gun Club Road Jan. 15.

• Disorderly conduct was reported Jan. 15 in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road.

• Officers assisted the St. Paul Police Department homicide unit as SWAT executed a high-risk search warrant on a shooting suspect in Little Canada Jan. 16.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested on outstanding warrants on Long Avenue Jan. 16.

• Officers responded to a dispute Jan. 16 at Highway 61 and Highway 96.

• A White Bear Township woman was arrested following a traffic stop near Second Street and Clark Avenue Jan. 16 because the vehicle she was driving was wanted by Ramsey County deputies as part of a fraud investigation.

• Officers responded to a domestic assault incident in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Jan. 17.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 2100 block of Division Court Jan. 17.

• Theft of sporting goods was reported in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue Jan. 17.

• Disorderly conduct was reported Jan. 18 in the 2100 block of Fourth Street.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 4300 block of Lake Avenue Jan. 18.

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPORTS

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue Jan. 18.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 4800 block of White Bear Parkway Jan. 18.

• Theft was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Jan. 18.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2000 block of County Road E Jan. 18.

• A Mahtomedi woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 3300 block of Century Avenue Jan. 19.

• A car was vandalized in the 1700 block of Cedar Avenue Jan. 19.

• Officers responded to a report of a person doing narcotics at a business in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Jan. 19.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault in the 2100 block of Southwood Drive Jan. 19.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault in the 4700 block of Centerville Road Jan. 19. A vehicle was stolen from a driveway in the 4900 block of Campanaro Lake Jan. 20 and was recovered unoccupied shortly afterward in Blaine.

• Officers responded to a civil dispute in the 1600 block of Ninth Street Jan. 20.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 4700 block of Centerville Road Jan 20.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 1900 block of Third Street Jan. 20.

• Counterfeit bills were used at a business in the 2600 block of County Road E Jan. 21.

• Parts were stolen from a vehicle in the 3400 block of Century Avenue Jan. 21.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPORTS

The Washington County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie: Dellwood

• Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies cited a motorist Dec. 29 on Dellwood Road N. and Apple Orchard Road for driving after suspension, after they came upon a vehicle off the road that had run into a retaining wall. An Eldorado Drive resident reported her home tee-peed and egged overnight Jan 1-2. The complainant noted no visible damage, but wanted the incident reported.

Grant

• A vehicle in the 8000 block of 114th Street N. was reported egged on New Year's Eve

• Deputies cited a motorist Jan. 2 on Manning Avenue N. and 97th Street N. for failure to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for passing on the right shoulder. They cited a second motorist that same day on Manning Avenue N. and 80th Street N. for speeding 70 mph in a 55 mph zone.

• The driver of a white SUV was cited for hands-free violation Jan. 2 on 75th Street N. and Keats Avenue N., after deputies on patrol observed her holding what appeared to be a cell phone up towards her chin and seemingly talking on a speaker phone while driving. The driver admitted she was fielding a phone call via speaker phone, but said she was not looking at her phone.

• A motorist of undisclosed identity was arrested for DWI on Highway 36 and Lake Elmo at 2:30 a.m. Jan. 3, after

The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township: Vadnais Heights

• Ramsey County Sheriff's Office deputies on Dec. 21 took custody of a firearm that had been left behind in one of the rooms at the Vadnais Heights Holiday Inn in the 1100 block of County Road E and returned it to its rightful owner.

• A Vadnais Heights man, 36, was arrested for DWI at 11:02 p.m. Dec. 21 on Labore Road and Kristen Court.

A St. Paul man reported his cell phone stolen Dec. 21 while he was shopping inside the Walmart store in the 800 block of County Road E. Investigation of the theft was turned into an outside agency.

• Two St. Paul men, 54 and 28, were cited for third degree burglary, after they were caught shoplifting from the Walmart on Dec. 22. On Dec. 23, a St. Paul woman, 25, was cited and banned from the store for shoplifting. Deputies were dispatched out to the store late Dec. 23 to investigate a different shoplifting incident involving a juvenile. A St. Paul woman, 28, was cited Dec. 26 for shoplifting from the Walmart. The holiday grace period for shoplifting from the Walmart ended abruptly,

deputies pulled the vehicle over for speeding and lane violations. During the traffic stop, the driver showed signs of impairment and performed poorly on the field sobriety tests. The portable breath test registered a blood alcohol content of .15 and the DataMaster system at jail registered a .12 blood alcohol content.

Mahtomedi

• A motorist was cited for driving after revocation at 2:29 a.m. Dec. 29 on Century Avenue.

• A Minnesota motorist was arrested on warrant at 2:34 a.m. Dec. 30 on Century Avenue and Long Lake Road, after deputies on rolling patrol conducted a random computer check on the vehicle. They discovered that the driver had not only a revoked driver's license, but also an active gross misdemeanor sign-andrelease Hennepin County warrant out on him. The suspect was to receive a new court date and time once he was released.

• Deputies cited a motorist at 3:13 a.m. Jan. 1 on Quail Road and Tamarack Street for driving without a valid driver's license, following a traffic stop for speeding and failure to maintain a lane. Deputies cited a second motorist at 3:32 p.m. that day on Century Avenue N. and Long Lake Road for expired registration.

• A motorist was arrested at 4:16 a.m. Jan. 2 on Hilton Trail N. and Stillwater Road for gross misdemeanor driving after cancellation and for two out-of-county misdemeanor warrants, after deputies conducted a random computer check on the registered owner of the vehicle.

• A motorist was arrested for DWI at 11:34 p.m. Jan. 2 on Wildwood Road and Ridge

as deputies arrested a Vadnais Heights man, 30, for shoplifting. His case has been sent to the city attorney's office.

• Drama at the Walmart continued over the festive holiday shopping season as deputies were dispatched out to the scene of an all-out brawl in Walmart's grocery aisles on Dec. 23. Perhaps it was a limited supply of brussel sprouts on sale that triggered a fight between two women, before a Vadnais Heights woman, 70, and a St. Paul woman, 30, were cited for disorderly conduct.

Other shoppers reported the women fighting and witnessed hair being ripped from scalps.

• A Rosemount man on Dec. 25 reported that someone had broken into his locked parking lot in the 3200 block of Fanum Road and had damaged two trucks. A Hugo man reported the driver-side window of his work vehicle broken Dec. 26 while it was parked in the 3200 block of Fanum Road.

• A resident in the 3500 block of Rice Street on Dec. 26 reported an attempt to break into her apartment.

Way, following a traffic stop for a missing headlight.

Pine Springs

• A motorist on Hilton Trail N. and 66th Street N. was cited Jan. 3 for driving after revocation and failure to provide proof of insurance, after deputies conducted a random license plate check.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 6:30 a.m. Jan. 4 on westbound Highway 36 for speeding 76 mph in a 60 mph zone by deputies on stationary patrol who clocked the vehicle on radar. An eastbound motorist was cited at 7:01 a.m. the same day and same location for speeding 81 mph in a 60 mph zone by the stationary deputies who clocked him on radar at 347 feet. He was also cited for driving after revocation and displaying registration that expired in September. The driver admitted to speeding and said he was late for work. A third motorist was cited at 11:05 p.m. on Highway 36 and Hilton Trail N. for improper license plates, and a fourth motorist was cited at 11:36 p.m. on Highway 36 and Demontreville Trail for speeding.

Willernie

• A trespasser reported Dec. 31 on a Stillwater Road property turned out never to have been officially trespassed from the premises, so, the person was not trespassing. However, a trespass notices was immediately issued, so that when the party does show up again at the property, it will be a trespassing violation for real.

Loretta Harding

• As a finale to “Walmart Week”, a shopper reported her vehicle struck by a hit-and-run driver in the store's parking lot Dec. 30 while she was inside shopping.

White Bear Township

• Residents in the 5100 block of Beaver Street on Dec. 21 reported being swindled out of thousands of dollars by an online huckster.

• Deputies were called out to the Cub Foods store in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive on Dec. 24, after a woman was reported using counterfeit currency to make a purchase at the store.

• A Maplewood man, 30, was arrested for narcotics possession Dec. 27, after a white crystal substance was found on his person as he was being detained for shoplifting from the Walmart store. He was also cited for gross misdemeanor theft and banned from the store.

• A White Bear Township woman, 49, was arrested Dec. 27 for shoplifting from the Cub Foods. A resident in the 5900 block of Bayberry Drive on Dec. 30 reported fraudulent activity on her bank account.

• A Brooklyn Center man, 35, was cited Dec. 30 at the Target store in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive, after he was seen on camera walking out of the store without paying for a case of beer in his arms and a bottle of brandy in his trousers. The suspect had previously been trespassed from the store.

Loretta Harding

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Highway 61 accident results in lifethreatening injuries

At approximately 10:51 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 the Minnesota State Patrol was dispatched to northbound Highway 61 at 10th Street. A 2015 GMC Acadia was traveling northbound on Highway 61 and a 2003 Acura 3 was turning from the McDonald's parking lot off 10th Street to go southbound Highway 61. The vehicles collided in the northbound lanes of Highway 61. The driver of the Acura, Robert Joseph Nikovics, 62, of White Bear Lake, was transported to Regions Hospital with life-threating injuries, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. It is unknown if Nikovics was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

The White Bear Lake police, fire and EMS departments assisted on the scene.

Pre-Party

Friday, January 31, 2025

White Bear Country Inn 4940 Hwy 61, White Bear Lake

EVENT DETAILS

Golf On Ice

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Tee Times: 11:30 am and 1:00 pm

White Bear Lake County Park –Ramsey Beach

Online Auction

Wed, January 29: Auction Opens

Sat, February 1: Auction Closes Sun, February 2: Item Pick Up

White Bear Area Food Shelf sends a special THANK YOU to all our supporters. WE APPRECIATE YOU!

American Legion

Ancona Title & Escrow

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Carlson Clinic

Carol Nelson

Christian Boland

Downtown White Bear Lake

Element Indoor Golf

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Acqua

Advanced Dermatology Care

Anchor Coffee

Beecroft Marketing & Events

Bella Ciao

Ben the Baker

Best Western Plus White Bear

Country Inn

BetterWorld Consignment Items

Chicos

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Companion Breads

Costco

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Thank You Sponsors!

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Thank You Auction Donors!

Donatelli’s

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Made in Minnesota

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Curt Akenson

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Saint Paul Winter Carnival

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Thank You Planning Committee & Volunteers!

James Hansen

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Michael Lovett

Greg Luckew

Mark Sather

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Mary Stoetzel

Darrell Stone

Rick Storey

Ken Galloway

Deanna Getchell

Patty Hall

Deb Hall-Kuglin

Pat McFarlane

Amy McMillen

Perry Petersen

Holly Reinertson

John Tomlinson

Pam Tschida

Bill & Jane Weigel

White Bear Area Food Shelf

Have confidence in your financial strategy

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BEAR’LY OPEN: Winter Carnival event returns

we wouldn’t have enough ice on a lake … Before we made the decision to cancel, we went to three separate locations and tried to evaluate whether we could throw the (event) somewhere else, but it would have been golfing in mud. No matter where we went, it was muddy and gross, and we didn’t want to leave people with a bad memory of the event.”

Community volunteer Ken Galloway came up with the idea for BEAR’ly Open after being involved in a golf-on-ice event with the Wayzata Rotary Club on Lake Minnetonka.

“Our Rotary club was looking for a community event that also served a charitable cause,” Galloway explained. That cause is the White Bear Area Food Shelf.

It took a few years, but eventually, the event took off. “That first year I think we netted $6,900 and now we typically net about $35,000 for the food shelf,” Galloway explained. “Because of the purchasing power of the food shelf, we’ve raised enough cash for them to buy close to $3 million worth of food at this point.”

Perry Petersen, executive director of the White Bear Area Food Shelf, said the event is the food shelf’s largest fundraising event of the year.

“The BEAR’ly Open is an iconic White Bear event. I love seeing people out in the middle of winter in Minnesota having a great time while supporting a critical cause—ensuring everyone in our community has food in their homes,” Petersen said. “The need in our community is at an all-time high. Over the past two years, visits to the food shelf have doubled. In 2024 alone, we had over 66,700 visits, and the demand continues to grow.”

The Winter Carnival event will kick off with a preparty at White Bear Country Inn Friday, Jan. 31. The following day, golfers are encouraged to wear costumes and bring golf clubs or something more unique, like a tennis racket, broom, hockey or lacrosse stick to play golf with tennis balls.

New this year, golfers can purchase a VIP ticket, which includes a boozy hot chocolate bar, a cozy fire pit complete with chairs and blankets, a s’more-making kit, a photo booth, BEAR’ly Open swag and a heated port-a-potty.

Also new this year is Pizza Barn, a food truck that will sell pizza by the slice and other assorted treats.

People can also support the cause by bidding on items in an online auction from Jan. 29 through Feb. 1. As of last week, Beecroft said over 50 items had been donated to the auction with a steady stream continuing to come in. Prizes include yoga and kayaking experiences as well as merchandise and hockey game tickets.

For the first time, this year’s event will have an afterparty. Manitou Bar & Kitchen and the VFW will both provide specials to golfers.

Galloway and Beecroft’s favorite memory of the event is a mascot dance-off. “One year (2020) someone showed up in a T-Rex costume, and we had this impromptu

IF YOU GO

Pre-party

When: Friday, Jan. 31, 7 to 11 p.m.

Where: White Bear Country Inn, 4940 Hwy 61

Details: If cold weather is not your thing, you can still help support the food shelf and enjoy a warm and relaxing evening dancing to live music, featuring Ranger Things, the Northland’s iconic band performing classics from the 70’s-90’s. Event will feature hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, contests and activities.

Golf on ice

When: Saturday, Feb. 1: Shotgun start, 11:15 a.m.; tee times, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Where: Ramsey County Beach, 5050 Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake

Details: Embrace winter with a unique round of golf, all in support of the White Bear Area Food Shelf.

After-party

When: Saturday, Feb. 1, after 1:30 p.m.

Where: VFW Post 1782, 4496 Lake Ave. S, White Bear Lake and Manitou Bar & Kitchen, 2171 Fourth St, White Bear Lake

Details: Both businesses will offer various specials for participants. Golfers should bring their scorecards with them to the bar.

Online auction

Bidding opens: 1 p.m. Jan. 29

Bidding ends: 8 p.m. Feb. 1

Where: Website (https://whitebearareafoodshelf. betterworld.org/auctions/online-auction-2025) or Facebook

dance party,” Galloway recalled. Beecroft added, “The weather was beautiful, and we had all these crazy mascots dancing with one another. It was a lot of fun.”

According to the forecast as of press time, the weather temperatures should be in the upper 30s for the event. That hasn’t always been the case. Galloway’s least favorite memory was when the weather wasn’t so nice.

“We’ve had a lot of cold years out there,” he recalled. “My most vivid bad memory was the year that it was windy and raining. It was like our second or third year, and tents were blown over and everybody was soaking wet and freezing.”

Whatever happens, Beecroft encourages Minnesotans to embrace it.

“We are Minnesota, you can’t hide away for the winter. You have to lean into it and enjoy it,” she said. For more information about the event, visit https:// bearlyopen.org.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

ONE ACT: Goes to state

FROM PAGE 1

had to reconcile was the time in which “She Kills Monsters” takes place: 1995. Though many of the cast members identify as LGBTQ+, they agreed that Agnes and Tilly’s reality is different than theirs. “I think as it’s become more accepted to be gay or lesbian, there has developed a pressure on how to be gay,” McMillen said. “I have more preference towards women,” senior Calleigh Berman, this production’s Agnes, added, “but that doesn’t mean that I don’t like men… I’m feeling like, in a community where you feel like you’re supposed to belong, you somehow end up alienating yourself the more you try and figure out who you are.” In this regard, the cast have been able to tap into their characters’ feelings of confusion and isolation.

The importance of LGBTQ+ actors

exploring material that resonates with their own lives is one reason Lane pursued the material despite incidents of opposition. “It was important for me to choose a script for my students. I represent my students because they’re my rock,” Lane stated. This includes Assistant Director Jasper Grawe as well as the production staff. “Luka Ackerman, our fantastic sound designer; Dylan Peterson, our stage manager; and Jacob Pasiuk, our lighting designer,” Lane mentioned. “They are all students. They have stepped in to do what makes us so, so great. It looks professional.”

White Bear Lake’s production of “She Kills Monsters” placed second in their first round of competition, qualifying for section finals on Friday, Jan. 31. State finals are on Friday, Feb. 6, at the O’Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine University.

NOW ACCEPTING ORANGE,

Press Publications newspaper bags

Here at Press Publications we’re experimenting with recycling orange newspaper bags. Please recycle only non-torn or non-damaged bags by neatly placing them inside of a bag, tying it and dropping it off at:

4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake

MOBILE SAUNA: Escape ‘hustle and bustle’ and rejuvenate in White Bear Lake

Driftwood Sauna was custom built by Forge Saunas in the St. Croix River Valley and features a Kuuma wood stove, which was manufactured in Tower, Minnesota. Sauna users can have the sauna to themselves (one to eight people) by booking a private session; community sessions are also available for up to six people.

Julie and Kevin Grove, of White Bear Township, recently tried out Driftwood for the first time and are hooked. “We are booking again,” Julie said.

The two were looking for saunas close to home and stumbled across the new business in a Google search.

“The location is great, and we love Tamarack Nature Center,” Kevin said. Julie explained that it is nice for

the two to sneak away for a bit while their 1-1/2-year-old daughter is still at day care during the week.

“You feel so good after,” Julie explained. “It is so cold, but you get nice and warmed up.”

Kevin added, “You feel rejuvenated, and it has health benefits.”

Sauna bathing, an activity that has been a tradition in Finland for thousands of years and is mainly used for relaxation, is becoming increasingly popular in many other populations. According to the Mayo Clinic, emerging evidence suggests that beyond its use for pleasure, sauna bathing may be linked to several

health benefits, which include reducing the risk of vascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive diseases. It also tackles nonvascular conditions such as pulmonary diseases as well as conditions such as arthritis, headache and flu.

The Groves expect they will use the sauna once to twice a week.

Ogren encourages others to give it a try.

“It is a way to take some time for yourself. You have quiet; a little break from the routine and the hustle and bustle.”

For more information about Driftwood Sauna, visit driftwoodsauna.com.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:

SafeWay

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 5858 CENTERVILLE RD SAINT PAUL MN 55127

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

The Specialty Mfg. Co.

5858 CENTERVILLE RD SAINT PAUL MN 55127

I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: January 16, 2025

Signed: Constance Beck

Published two times in the White Bear Press on January 22 and 29, 2025.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: SafeWay Custom Fluid Transfer

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:

5858 CENTERVILLE RD SAINT PAUL MN 55127

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

The Specialty Mfg. Co.

5858 CENTERVILLE RD SAINT PAUL MN 55127

Dated: January 16, 2025

Signed: Constance Beck

Published two times in the White Bear Press on January 22 and 29, 2025.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed bids will be received by ISD #624, White Bear Lake Area Schools for the Central Phase 2 Security Upgrades until 2:00 pm local time, on Tuesday February 25th, 2025 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bidders are invited to attend. The bid opening will be at the District Center located at Sunrise, 2399 Cedar Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Bids received after this time will be returned unopened.

Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. All bids shall be on a lump sum basis without alterations, additions, or erasures on the forms provided in the project manual. This project will consist of additional security systems for the phase 2 remodel at Central Middle School. The systems included are an expansion of the existing Avigilon access control system, Avigilon video surveillance system, an integrated Bosch intrusion detection system, and supporting pathway and cabling infrastructure systems. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked “Central Phase 2 Security Upgrades” with the name and address of the bidder, the name of the Project, and the date and hour of the opening. Bids shall be delivered to: Kevin Fernandez – Director of Operations

White Bear Lake Area Schools District Office at Sunrise 2399 Cedar Ave White Bear Lake, MN 55110

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any irregularities in the bids. Bids that are faxed or emailed will not be accepted. The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: True North Consulting Group, 140 3rd St. S., Stillwater, MN 55082, contact: Brandon Frazier, brandon.frazier@tncg.com, Electronic copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from Quest CDN eBidDoc #9495651 for $22.00. True North Consulting Group will not send documents directly.

Each bidder shall include bid security with the Bid Form as described in the Instructions for Procurement. Verification of Compliance with Minnesota Statue Chapter 16C.285 – Responsible Contractor Requirements Defined must also be submitted with the Bid Form.

A mandatory virtual pre-bid conference will be held (see Preliminary Schedules in RFB documents for time/date).

Published two times in the White Bear Press on January 22 and 29, 2025.

NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE SALE

Please take notice US Storage Centers – White Bear located at 1828 Buerkle Road White Bear, MN 55110 intends to hold an auction of storage units in default of payment. The sale will occur as an online auction via www. storagetreasures.com on 2/19/2025 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Christian Willner; Deborah Busse; Mindy Simonette; Donald Ingram; Jonathan Luna; Keven James Davis; Mustafa Shabazzi. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. Published two times in the White Bear Press on January 29 and February 5, 2025.

RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT GRANT REQUESTS FROM CITIES OF CENTERVILLE, MOUNDS VIEW, NEW BRIGHTON, AND WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Rice Creek Watershed District (District) Board of Managers will hold a public hearing under Minnesota Statutes 103B.251 on the ordering of one or more of the following projects: City of Centerville – Centerville City Hall Stormwater Reuse ($25,000), City of Mounds View – Silver View Pond Improvement Project ($100,000), City of New Brighton – CP25-1 2025 Street Rehabilitation ($28,611), White Bear Township – Bellaire Beach Underground Stormwater Storage ($237,000), and White Bear Township – Silver Fox Area SAFL Baffles ($73,250). The District may select all, some, or none of the applications for full or partial funding. The District’s total share of cost for selected projects will not exceed $300,000 and would be funded by the general tax levy on real property within the watershed. The public hearing will be held during the District’s regular board meeting on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025, at 9:00a.m. in the Mounds View City Council Chambers, 2401 County Hwy 10, Mounds View, Minnesota and via Zoom. Contact tstasica@ricecreek.org for Zoom meeting instructions. If you have any questions, please contact Will Roach at wroach@ricecreek.org or 763-398-3085. The grant requests can be viewed on the District website, https://www.ricecreek.org/grants/stormwater-management-grants/ , or at the District office: 4325 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Suite 611, Blaine, MN 55449. Published one time in the White Bear Press on January 29, 2025.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED

SILVER FOX AREA STREET IMPROVEMENT 2024-4

IN THE TOWN OF WHITE BEAR, RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Town Board of the Town of White Bear, Ramsey County, Minnesota, will meet at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road, in said Town on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., to consider the improvement. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing.

The general nature of the improvement is set forth as follows: construction of bituminous paving, concrete curb and gutter, storm drainage and other appurtenances thereto.

The area proposed to be assessed for such improvement is every lot, piece or parcel of land benefitted by said improvement in the area of the Town of White Bear lying and being within the following area of the Township including: Silver Fox Road, Jenni Lane, Richard Drive, Cristine Court, Katie Lane, Paul Place, Suzanne Circle, Westergren Court, Ridge Court, Franklin Avenue, Buffalo Street, Taylor Avenue, Grand Avenue, Cantwell Avenue, 8th Street, and Jefferson Court, in Ramsey County, Minnesota.

The estimated cost of the improvement is $3,675,600.

The Board proposes to proceed under authority granted under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429.

All persons desiring to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

Dated: January 6, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Signed: PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer

Published one time in the White Bear Press on January 29, 2025.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED PORTLAND WOODS STREET IMPROVEMENT 2024-2

IN THE TOWN OF WHITE BEAR, RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Town Board of the Town of White Bear, Ramsey County, Minnesota, will meet at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road, in said Town on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., to consider the improvement. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing.

The general nature of the improvement is set forth as follows: construction of bituminous paving, concrete curb and gutter, storm drainage and other appurtenances thereto.

The estimated cost of the improvement is $462,600.00.

The Board proposes to proceed under authority granted under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429.

All persons desiring to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

Dated: January 22, 2025.

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Signed: PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer

Published two times in the White Bear Press on January 29 and February 12, 2025.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ANDERSON LANE STREET IMPROVEMENT 2024-3

IN THE TOWN OF WHITE BEAR, RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

The general nature of the improvement is set forth as follows: construction of bituminous paving, concrete curb and gutter, storm drainage and other appurtenances thereto.

The estimated cost of the improvement is $961,100.00.

The Board proposes to proceed under authority granted under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429. All persons desiring to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

Dated: January 22, 2025.

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Signed: PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer

Published two times in the White Bear Press on January 29 and February 12, 2025.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP AD FOR BIDS

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received, publicly opened, and read aloud by representatives of the Town of White Bear, Mim1esota, in the Administration Conference Room of the Town Administrative Offices, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, Minnesota 55110, in said Township at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, February 13, 2025, for furnishing all work and materials for the construction of 2025 Sealcoating, Town Project PW-SM-25-01: 2025 Bituminous Sealcoat on Vai·ious Streets and Parking Lots

Unless otherwise specifically indicated under the item description of the legal advertisement, all bids shall be subject to the following: No bids shall be withdrawn for a period of thirty-five (35) days after opening of bids. The Town reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive technicalities, and award bid in the best interest of the Town.

Bidding documents, including proposal forms, specifications, plans, etc., may be obtained from:

Mailed Administrative Offices

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

1281 Hammond Road White Bear Township, MN 5518 Pick-up Administrative Offices

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP 1281 Hammond Road White Bear Township, MN 5518

Proposals must be placed in a sealed envelope marked “BID WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP 2025 BITUMINOUS SEALCOAT ON VARIOUS STREETS AND PARKING LOTS” and addressed to the Town Clerk/Treasurer, White Bear Township, 1281 Hanm1ond Road, White Bear Township, Mi1mesota 55110.

Bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Security in the form of a cash deposit, a Bid Bond or certified check payable to the White Bear Township in the amount of at least 5% of the Base Bid amount.

Signed: Patrick Christopherson, Town Clerk/Treasurer

Published two times in the White Bear Press on January 29 and February 5, 2025.

STATE OF MINNESOTA CLEMENCY REVIEW COMMITTEE LEGAL NOTICE

The following individuals who were convicted of crimes in Ramsey County have applied for relief from the Clemency Review Commission. The applications will be considered at the meeting scheduled for March 7, 2025, commencing at 9:00 a.m.

Amy Ogren

PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRANHOLM PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Kevin and Julie Grove, of White Bear Township, try out Driftwood sauna for the first time.

andArts Culture2025

EMERGING ARTIST: LUCAS MAAHS

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Achallenge many young actors face when improving their craft is how to create a character to portray onstage rather than soaking up the attention of the spotlight and the audience. White Bear Lake junior Lucas Maahs remembers the exact moment he learned that lesson. Backstage, preparing to go on as Willy Wonka during Children’s Performing Arts’ 2021 production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” Maahs remembered thinking, “I’m about to go out and the second I step out, I have to be Willy Wonka… So I just started with my toes all the way up to my head and found the posture. The final thing was that I stepped out and the lights formed this lens in front of my face. And I was like, ‘This is who I am now.’” Maahs further described this “lens” effect as a kaleidoscopic version of rose-colored glasses. “With Willy Wonka, it’s rainbows and bubbles and ‘What’s this?’”

For White Bear’s production of “Legally Blonde” last fall, Maahs had to mentally put on half a dozen

different pairs of these glasses. “For Dewey [The ex of hairstylist Paulette], everything was at the bottom—like Pigpen from Charlie Brown… Kiki [Paulette’s assistant], was very boba. I just pictured myself being made out of bubbles.” Maahs highlight during that show, however, came as Nikos, the possibly gay, possibly European prosecution witness. “Every limb in my body is gonna be straight in every way,” Maahs elaborated, adding that Nikos also tended to be “flouncy.”

Maahs choices combine two advanced schools of acting: Michael Chekhov’s “On the Technique of Acting,” a method used by Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood, and Anthony Hopkins; and Laban Movement Analysis, a modern-dance choreography theory. Knowing and displaying such skill as a high-school junior is likely the reason Maahs received a Hennepin Spotlight Award for Legally Blonde despite technically being a chorus member.

CPA’S ‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’ ENTERS RABBIT HOLE OF SELF-DISCOVERY

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Alice in Wonderland" is a show with a stacked deck of scene-stealing characters. Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter: All of these characters, and the actors playing them, have moments where they get to make the audience believe Wonderland is all about them. Children’s Performing Arts’ upcoming production of the show, however, makes sure Alice stays front and center.

“Alice’s journey is about growing up,” explained lead director Jen Duden. “It’s about that difference between childhood, then going through this phase of adolescence that 12 and 13 gets into. The world changes around you and things

Dstart to look different to you. You, yourself, might start to look different, and then you come out the other side with a little bit more understanding.”

Though many are familiar with either the 1951 animated Disney film or the 2010 Tim Burton movie, the Alice from the original Lewis Carroll novel is younger than either film version. CPA’s production, meanwhile, has 12-yearold Lena Weber in the part. Weber’s performance draws upon her experience navigating her new middle school. “I feel like sometimes that I'm in my own world…” said Weber, “but I'm not crazy. [Alice] knows, like, ‘I don't wanna wanna be like this person. I don't wanna be like this person. I need to be myself.’”

Mariner Middle School sixth grader Cyrus Degneau, CPA’s Mad Hatter, feels

that his character helps Alice through her journey of identity. Stated Degneau, “He’s a party animal. Just livin’ it up. He’s saying, ‘Do whatever you want. It doesn’t matter. You won’t get in trouble. I don’t care; play by your own rules. Your opinion is the only one that matters.”

One opinion upon which Duden, Degneau and Weber agree is that CPA’s Alice in Wonderland is a can’t-miss show. “There's so many different characters, and all of them come on the stage and they just represent Wonderland…” Weber commented. “It's so crazy, but, like, it's so fun.”

Alice in Wonderland runs Feb. 14 through Feb. 23 at Forest Lake High School Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org/ programs/upcoming-show-dates.

‘MISERY’ LOVES LAKESHORE PLAYERS’ COMPANY

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

uring auditions for Lakeshore Players’ upcoming production of “Misery,” based on the novel by Stephen King and famously adapted into the 1990 horror movie, director Megan Pence was given a rare gift: Megan Blakeley, this production’s Annie Wilkes, had both never seen the movie and is originally from Texas. This meant that Pence could both reference Kathy Bates’ southern-drawl-inflected, Academy Award winning performance and let her lead craft something new.

“I think our Annie is a little more quirky and a little less creepy,” Pence described. “It leads to more opportunities for humor… This is actually funny—but then, where does the funny become, ‘Okay, what’s wrong with you?’” Pence’s desire to lean into the dark comedy with this production stems from her main desire to explore protagonist Paul Sheldon’s trauma. While Pence clarifies “Misery” is not a mosaic or “memory” play, she is approaching the material as if Paul’s traumatic

experience is flashing before him unbidden. “Oh, this is sweet. She brought him eggs. That's lovely,” Pence gave as an example. "And then the next scene, she's trying to make him burn his novel.”

Pence is also acutely aware that darkly comedic, horrifying studies of trauma are not everyone’s cup of tea. “I think the goal of a theater company is to find balance in a season,” she commented. “We have four shows this season, and I feel that two of those four have incredibly broad appeal, between ‘Anything Goes’ and ‘Christmas Carol.’” That being said, “Misery” is well known even outside the horror genre. Pence also believes that, for those who aren’t bothered by the play’s violence or adult language, a play about feeling isolated in a cabin in the middle of winter is relatable. “That feels very right for a Minnesota audience,” Pence noted.

“Misery” runs now through Feb. 9 at Hanifl Performing Arts Center. This production is recommended for ages 16+ for adult themes, mature language and horror violence. For more details as well as tickets, visit www.lakeshoreplayers.org.

To be clear, Maahs did not know the specific names of the techniques he has been employing. Rather, he credits Children’s Performing Arts, especially Education and Programs Manager Maddie Ripperger, for giving him opportunities to absorb.

Something else Maahs feels that he’s been absorbing recently is what success could look like for his future. “Last year, I was like, ‘No, I'm gonna go and be an actor on Broadway. That's my dream. That's my destiny. I'm gonna do it.’ And everyone was like, ‘Okay. Yeah. Like, have a backup plan though.’ I'm like, ‘I don't need a backup plan. I'm a star.’” Maahs recalled. “Now, I'm at a point where I feel like if I don't get there, life is gonna lead me on another path that I'm going to belong on.”

One of those possible paths in which Maahs is finding interest is casting, under the mentorship of White Bear’s Middle School Musical director Odelis Garcia Anderson. “It really made me see the the importance of the energy you bring…” Maahs stated. “Just be kind and be mindful of everyone around you. And be confident, not cocky."

FEBRUARY EVENTS

Explore upcoming Avenue of the Arts events with CPA, LPT and WBCA

MINNESOTA MOSAIC WOOD PANEL

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts Date: 6-9 p.m. Monday Feb 3 and Feb 10

Details: Craft a Minnesota masterpiece: Learn the art of glass cutting to create a stunning mosaic design on a wood panel shaped like our beautiful state.

INTERMEDIATE PASTEL

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts

Date: 1-3:30 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 5, Feb. 12 and Feb. 19

Details: Explore how to add color, depth and vibrancy to your pastel painting by experimenting with techniques using a variety of surfaces and textures.

STUDIO SOCIAL

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts

Date: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 19

Details: Drop in for a casual evening of crafting: paint pottery, enjoy refreshments and meet new people.

KNOW

OF AN EMERGING ARTIST?

Submit your suggestions to news@presspubs.com

Lucas Maahs as Chad the frat boy and Nikos the prosecution witness, respectively, in White Bear’s production of Legally Blonde last fall. Maahs versatility earned him a Hennepin Spotlight Award for Supporting Cast, an honor rarely bestowed upon a chorus member.

White Bear Lake Dental

Dental care for the entire family!

DR. JOY JOHNSON 651-653-3802

4100 BELLAIRE AVENUE

DR. JOY JOHNSON 651-653-3802

4100 BELLAIRE AVENUE

DR. JOY JOHNSON 651-653-3802

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

4100 BELLAIRE AVENUE WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

4100 BELLAIRE AVENUE

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

Above: Hipp Chix and Friends team members maintain their composure as they come up from being completely submerged in the icy water of White Bear Lake during the recent Polar Plunge benefit for Special Olympics Minnesota.

City of Centerville Now Hiring

Rink Attendant – Centerville

The city of Centerville is hiring rink attendants to start immediately. Job duties include opening and closing the warming house, light shoveling, light custodial work and communicating with city staff. Hours are evenings, weekends and holidays, through the outdoor ice season. Applicants must be 16+. For a complete application, visit City Hall or online at www.centervillemn.com

Public Services Technician

The city of Centerville is hiring a Public Services Technician. The position is a general labor position within the City’s Public Works Department. Duties include maintenance of sewer, water and stormwater infrastructure, plowing snow on city streets, maintaining public buildings and parks, and other related tasks. Sewer and Water system operator licensure, as well as a commercial driver’s license is required or may be obtained within one year of employment. For a complete application and more details on the job requirements, visit City Hall or online at www.centervillemn.com

We are looking for a new team member to join our sales team!

Press Publications is looking for a positive energy sales representative that can be creative and help our community business grow through our print and digital products. If you are looking to be a part of something big in the community call or email: marketing@presspubs.com

651-407-1213

White Bear Sailing School Hiring a Director

The White Bear Sailing School is in a moment of big growth and is looking for someone to step in and keep the momentum going.

The Director is responsible for managing all aspects of the school’s marketing, summer programs, high school programs, and waterfront. The director works with the instructor staff and the board of directors to develop curriculum, manage resources, and grow the program. The program includes high school sailing, youth and adult learn to sail summer classes, and opti/laser/420 summer race teams.

This is a full time position over the fall, spring, and summer. It could be part time or full time over the winter. They report directly to the board of directors. We are looking for someone with a background or interest in education and nonprofit management.

Sailing experience not required. The White Bear Sailing School is a non profit organization in White Bear Lake MN that offers sailing classes to youth and adults. We also run competitive race teams for local high schools.

Email Toby Sullivan at sailwbss@gmail.com

Local singers prepare for national spotlight at choral conference

Christopher Bennett and Charlotte Husten of White Bear Lake are preparing for a prestigious choral performance opportunity their choir won after being judged one of the best in the country.

The Mahtomedi High School students sing in Angelica Cantanti’s Cantanti Singers, which won a spot to perform in front of 8,000 choir directors and music educators at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conference March 18-22 in Dallas, Texas.

Angelica Cantanti was established as the Bloomington Children’s Choir in 1980 to provide

an advanced choral experience for talented youth and to supplement musical training offered in school music programs. The choir began with 25 singers aged 7 - 14. At the end of the first year the choir had grown to over 50 young singers. By the mid-1990s, Angelica Cantanti consisted of five choirs with over 200 singers ages 7 – 18. Today, 350 K-12 singers from 54 cities across the state participate. Press Publications recently sat down with both students to learn more about them and what they are looking forward to this choir season.

Christopher Bennett

Q. Tell me about yourself. (Year in school, activities participated in, job, etc.)

A. I’m a ninth grader at Mahtomedi High School. I have two brothers and one sister. We are all very involved in music. Along with Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs (ACYC), I’ve been playing trombone for almost seven years. I perform with Minnesota Youth Symphonies and Walker West Jazz Ensembles. I’m in school theater as part of the electrics and production crew, and I work at Culvers in my spare time.

Q. How long have you been involved in choir? Why did you want to do choir versus band or another option?

A. I’ve been singing as long as I can remember, but joined ACYC when I was in second grade. Since I get to be in ACYC and all the events they have and I love to play trombone, I chose band in school.

Q. How did you hear about Angelica Cantanti? And why did you want to join? How long have you sung with the group?

A. My older sister sang with ACYC and I really enjoyed her concerts. She got to perform at the Ordway and Orchestra Hall, and I wanted to do that too. I’ve been in four of the choirs over my eight years and I’m now with the Cantanti Singers, which has all the voice parts (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).

Q. What do you enjoy about being a part of Angelica Cantanti?

A. I really love the songs we sing; some are very difficult and in many languages. I also really like working with Mr. Brown. He makes rehearsals a lot of fun. Being with people who also love to sing and perform makes the whole thing great.

Q. Tell us about the group and your practice/ performance schedule.

A. I’m with the top choir, Cantanti Singers. We rehearse on Sunday nights for two hours. We have about four or five performances each year and also get to sing the National Anthem at the Twins Game. I think this choir performed at the Super Bowl when it was in Minneapolis, but I wasn’t in the choir then, sadly.

Q. What are you most looking forward to this season?

A. I’m really excited about the Dallas trip to ACDA Nationals in March. We were also invited to perform in Omaha last year for ACDA regionals, and this is a much bigger event!

Q. Tell us about some of your accomplishments in choir.

A. I was able to join as a baritone/bass when I was in eighth grade. I’ve also sung in state honor choir in sixth and seventh grade.

Q. Is there anything else you want readers to know about you or the choir?

A. This choir is really perfect for people who love to sing and perform very challenging music. You are surrounded by people who want to do the same. We work very hard and are very proud of how we sound when the work is put in. Our concerts are free, and anyone can attend!

Charlotte Husten

Q. Tell me about yourself. (Year in school, activities participated in, job, etc.)

A. My name is Charlotte Husten, and I am a senior at Mahtomedi High School. In addition to Cantanti Choir (Angelica Cantanti), I participate in school choir, theater, All-State Choir, Cantanti Chamber (Angelica Cantanti) and National Honor Society. My sport is equestrian horse jumping, where I have earned multiple Minnesota State Grand Championships. Outside of these activities, I work as a lifeguard at White Bear Yacht Club and at Square Lake Barn.

Q. How long have you been involved in choir? Why did you want to do choir versus band or another option?

A. I have been in choir since singing in church when I was 6 years old and have continued since. I took a break from choir and tried out band in middle school (trumpet). Although I had fun in band, I learned my true passion was singing in choir and theater (musicals). In high school, I stopped band and started choir again and performed in more musicals. I am so glad I made that choice.

Q. How did you hear about Angelica Cantanti? And why did you want to join? How long have you sung with the group?

A. I heard about Angelica Cantanti from some friends at Mahtomedi High School who showed me a performance video. The performance was amazing, and knew that I had to audition for the choir. This is my second year singing with the Cantanti Choir.

Q. What do you enjoy about being a part of Angelica Cantanti?

A. I enjoy being part of a group of dedicated singers who want to work on challenging music and interesting repertoire. We all are part of Cantanti because of how music and the choir fills our bucket. Our conductor Philip Brown, accompanist Jamie Schmidt and the other leaders at Angelica help us grow and challenge us to become the best we can be. I know personally that Angelica Cantanti has helped improve my music theory and voice quality as well as made me a more confident singer.

Q. Tell us about the group and your practice/ performance schedule.

A. We practice once a week on Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m., and have about five performances throughout the year with the final occurring at the Minnesota Orchestra Hall.

Q. What are you most looking forward to about this season?

A. Two things:

• Having more students from Mahtomedi High School selected to be part of the choir, as well as meeting new friends from the 30-plus high schools that participate.

• Representing Angelica Cantanti and the state of Minnesota at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Conference in Dallas in March. We are the only choir from Minnesota that was selected from the highly competitive audition process, and participating is such an honor. We will get to perform in front of the best directors in the nation and composers for some of the music we are singing.

Q. Tell us about some of your accomplishments in choir.

A. In addition to Cantanti and Cantanti Chamber (Angelica Cantanti), I am a member of Minnesota All-State Choir, was in Minnesota 9-10 Honor Choir, All-Conference Choir and awarded Best in Site in Solo/Ensemble for a duet with another Mahtomedi High School Cantanti singer (Ada Thompson).

Q. Is there anything else you want readers to know about you or the choir?

A. Please consider coming to one of the Angelica Cantanti performances to enjoy the outstanding music. If you are not able to attend a performance, consider supporting in other ways — we are fundraising to make the trip to Dallas for the ACDA National Conference possible for all choir members.

For more information about Angelica Cantanti, visit https://www.angelicacantanti.org.

Compiled by Shannon Granholm

Christopher Bennett

Charlotte Husten

Pet store opens in Maplewood Mall

Critter Country Pet & Feed, located in the Maplewood Mall, will host a grand opening from noon to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. The store is located on the second floor of the mall across from Barnes & Noble.

According to the business’ website, the company’s mission is “to create a vibrant community where pet lovers can connect, learn and have fun.” Critter Country will feature an “animal lounge,” a unique space where pets and their owners can relax and socialize.

Doug Firkus

Joann McLean (Elias)

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Doug Firkus, age 68. He left this world peacefully on January 17, 2025 at Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis, MN. Doug was born on March 16, 1956 in Virginia, MN to George and Ethel. He was a proud resident of Turtle Lake in Shoreview, MN and a member of the 1974 class at White Bear Lake High School. Doug is survived by loving wife of 46 years Denise; children Bill (Cyndy) and Jamie (Nick) Kreeger; grandchildren Nora, Rosie, Frank and Lucy; siblings Steve (Julie), Randy (Connie) and Ken (Alicia); brother-inlaw David Garceau (Joelle), and many more family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Salvation Army in memory of George and Ethel Firkus and/or Bear Boating (bearboating.org). Arrangements with Honsafamilyfuneral.com, 651-429-6172.

WBLAS COMMUNITY SERVICES & RECREATION

ADULT & SENIOR CLASSES AT THE WB SENIOR CENTER REGISTRATION REQUIRED - 651-653-3121

55+ Driver Safety: Feb 11, 9am-1pm , Online | Feb 25, 5-9pm, Sr Center, Mar 11, 9am-1pm, Sr Center, $35

Soma Yoga: Tue, Feb 4-Mar 25, 9-10am, Online, $64

Prepare Your Home for Sale: Feb 4, 10-11:30am, Sr Center, $5 Winter Tree Watercolor Class: Feb 7, 10am-12pm, Sr Center, $30

Premier World Travel Show: Feb 13, 10-11:30am, Sr Center, Free

Exploring Your Own Mortality: Feb 20, 10-

Senior Housing-Should I Stay or Go?: Feb 20, 10-

TGI Foods! Lunch @ the Sr Center: Jersey Mike’s

30-minute appointment (NEW 2025 Price $55). Call 651-653-3121. Hot or Frozen meals delivered Monday-Friday. If you are interested, know of someone who may need meals, or have questions,

Age 83 of Mahtomedi. Passed away in the presence of her family on January 8, 2025. Preceded in death by her parents, George and Doris Elias, sister Mary Kay (Dickhaus) and brother Jim Elias. She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Patrick; children Colleen (Mike) Berglund, Christine (Mark) Swanovich and Timothy (Angela) McLean; grandchildren Ryan, Regan, Zachary, Samantha, Sadie, Jonah and Olive.

A special thank you to the staff at Good Life Senior Living and Memory Care in Hugo for their wonderful care and compassion. A Celebration of Life service will be held later this spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home.

Cecil Math Suchy

Age 94. Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Passed away unexpectedly from Covid on Jan. 9, 2025. Preceded in death by wife Joan (nee Stolarski), son Kevin, parents Katherine (nee Reger) and Mathias, and brothers Florian, Walter and Philbert. Survived by son David (Paula); daughter Kimberly (Charles Carpenter); and 7 grandchildren: Tommy (Bencomo, Asia Gearhart), Peter, Alayna, Cole, Erik, Faye, Zee (Grissom).

Cecil traversed every decade of his too-short long life with a sparkle in his eye, a joke at the ready, and a generous and optimistic soul. From his time as a Sergeant and Tank Commander in the Korean war to his many years working for “Ma Bell” as an engineer to his long and selfless retirement, he brought kindness, laughter, hope, and help to all. He will always be remembered for: family fishing at Leech Lake, road trips across the country, homemade cards, his Bing Crosby-like crooner voice, his selflessness, his love of family, doting on his grandkids, and his warmth.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Mon, Jan. 20, 2025 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Interment took place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with Military Honors on Tues., Jan. 21, 2025.

LYNGBLOMSTEN COMMUNITY SERVICES JANUARY 2025

In-Person Memory Loss Caregiver Support Group: Family and friends caring for someone experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia are welcome. The group meets at 10:30 AM the third Wednesday of each month at Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes and is facilitated by Lisa Brown, MSW, LISW. Registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To register, contact Lisa at (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org.

A Matter of Balance is designed for older adults to manage falls and increase activity levels. Two trained coaches guide participants through learning and activities that emphasize strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants show improved balance, flexibility, and strength while viewing falls as controllable. Mondays and Wednesdays, April 7–April 30, 1–3 PM at Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes. Online registration via Juniper https:// yourjuniper.org/Classes/Register/4712 or contact us at (651) 632-5330 or communityservices@ lyngblomsten.org. Registration deadline is April 1. The Gathering enrichment program provides brain-stimulating activities for adults living with memory loss and four hours of respite for their caregivers. Starting in February, participants

will be able to attend the program up to 3 days a week at the Lyngblomsten campus in Lino Lakes (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and/or Thursdays). To learn more, contact Lisa Brown at (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org.

MAHTOMEDI COMMUNITY EDUCATION ADULT ACTIVITIES AT THE MAHTOMEDI DISTRICT EDUCATION CENTER (DEC) 1520 MAHTOMEDI AVE. ALL ACTIVITIES ARE HELD AT THE DEC UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

MONDAYS: Stitchers - FREE 1:00-3:00 PM, 2nd/4th Monday of Month Bingo - FREE. Monday Feb. 24 and Mar. 31, 1:303:00 PM

TUESDAYS: Cribbage - FREE 1:00-3:00 PM

WEDNESDAYS: Bridge - FREE 1:00-3:00 PM

THURSDAYS: 500 Cards - FREE 12:30-3:00 PM FRIDAYS: Games - FREE 12:30-3:00 PM; Bridge - FREE 1:00-3:00 PM; Book Club - FREE 2nd Friday, 10:00-11:30 AM

The following require registration at mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com : Women Who Walk - FREE. All Thursdays, 9 AM Zumba Gold - $85. Fridays, until Mar. 7, 9-9:45 AM

We help you get back to living. Every step of the way.

Mat Pilates - $110. Mondays, until Apr. 7, 4:30-5:30 PM Should I Stay or Should I Go? Steps to Review Your Housing Needs - FREE. Thursday, Feb. 13, 10-11:30 AM Finger-Licking Louisiana-Style Shrimp & Grits with Cornbread - $40. Thursday, Feb. 13, 6:30-8:30 PM (Mariner Middle School)

Social Security: Timing is Everything - FREE. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6-7 PM

Virtual Spanish: Adult Conversational Spanish (Beginner or Intermediate) - $125. See online for dates and times.

Foundation for Retirement - $49. Thursdays, Feb. 20th and 27th, 6:00-8:30 PM Becoming EcoWell: Crafting Your Blueprint for Healthy and Harmonious Living - $5. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6-7:30 PM

Barbie Line Dance - $35. Thursday, Feb 27, 6-7 PM (Matoska International School)

Therapy services at Cerenity White Bear Lake help you return to what you do best. Our combination of highly trained compassionate staff and the most innovative care in the area make our community your best choice for professional therapy services.

Salsa Dancing - $35 per couple. Thursday, Feb. 27, 7-9 PM (Matoska International School)

Everything You Want to Know About Medicare$5. Wednesday, Mar. 5, 10-11:30AM

• Aquatic Therapy

Community Lunch - $12. Wednesday, Mar. 5, 12-1 PM

• Occupational Therapy

• Physical Therapy

• Speech Pathology

Call today to

Kim Geiser, Morgan Geiser and Sue Mitchell were among the Winterfest visitors who created fairy gardens at Lakeside Floral during the recent festival in downtown Mahtomedi featuring special activities at participating businesses. At right, Bella Godfrey helps Leah Rocke create a beaded necklace as a gift for her mother at a craft station set up inside the St. Croix Saddlery store.

Your Future. Create Your Success.

WHY BE A BEAR?

• Student-centered instruction. We believe all students grow and learn in different ways and at different rates, all can achieve.

• More academic opportunities to explore interests, excel and design your future.

• Students are agents and owners of their own learning in an environment that is safe, supportive and challenging — with high expectations for student success.

• Our educators inspire, facilitate, and challenge students, nurturing curiosity and confidence. We provide a window to their future.

• We are transforming learning. Our flexible learning spaces and learning studios ignite opportunities for communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.

Stay Connected

• E-Newsletter - The Community e-Newsletter is sent out each week, with alternating text and video editions. Text editions cover student and staff successes, school and Community Education offerings, and School Board proceedings. Request to be added to the list by sending an email to us at communications@isd624.org.

• Stay Social - Join the district’s social media circlesFacebook, Instagram and YouTube for daily 624 Fact posts and weekly video share-outs. Find links on the District’s website.

Zephyrs lose key game to Hill Murray, defeat Jordan

Hill-Murray won a duel for the Metro East lead over Mahtomedi 61-57 as Mya Wilson, a former Zephyr, powered the Pioneers with 31 points. The Zephyrs (144) then won a shootout at Jordan 96-84.

Hill-Murray is 7-0, Hastings 6-1 and Mahtomedi 6-2 in conference.

For Mahtomedi, Anna Greene notched 18 points and nine rebounds, Grace Prose 15 points, and Ella Frazier nine points and three assists. Elise Groppoli added 14 for H-M.

“Both teams played well. It was a big

win for us; they have beaten us many times in a row,” said Erin Herman, Hill-Murray coach who recently notched her 600th win. “It has been a strong rivalry.”

At Jordan, Mahtomedi had six girls in double digits. Greene had 23 points, Sarah Poepard 22, Berkley Blaisdell 13, Emily Muetzel 13, Prose 11 and Presley Albers 10. Muetzel snagged eight rebounds. Albers made four assists.

Jordan (10-6) had Savi Borowicz with 30 points and Morgan Stalloch with 25.

Bruce Strand

BOYS BASKETBALL

Mahtomedi rolled up two wins last week. The Zephyrs beat Hill-Murray 65-42 as Noah Carlson sank 18 points, Mark Graff 16 and Willie Roelofs 14. Graff, junior guard, pumped in 29 points in a 78-61 win over Simley. Willie Roelofs added 13 points, Jacob Wilson 11, Hank Roelofs 11 and Carlson nine. Mahtomedi is 10-6 overall and 6-1 in the Metro East.

GIRLS HOCKEY

Roseville/Mahtomedi blanked Stillwater 5-0, ending a seven-game winless streak (0-6-1), then beat White Bear Lake 4-1, squaring their record at 10-10-2. Scoring against Stillwater were Sophie Martin (two), Lauren Eggleston, Olivia Martin and Addison Andre. Lily Peterfeso made 27 saves. Against the Bears, R/M trailed 1-0 after two periods but got power play goals by Addison Andre, Taylor Elin, and Sophie Martin in the third period and another goal by Eggleston. Peterfeso made 31 saves.

BOYS HOCKEY

Mahtomedi won at Chaska 7-3 with two goals each from Devin O’Donnell, Laken Decker and Winston Wright and one by Zach Zins. Jackson Chesak made 20 saves. The Zephyrs (6-11-2) lost to Class 1A’s topranked Hermantown 4-0.

GYMNASTICS

Mahtomedi (5-0) scored a season high in defeating South St. Paul 135.325 to 117.675, then tied for second in the Eagan Invitational. Against SSP, Lucy Otto won vault (8.775) with Lily Bush (8.55) third and Keely Bohm (8.55) fourth. Cassia Hartman (8.55) won bars with Bush (8.325) third and Otto (8.0) fourth. Margo Bruner (9.0) placed second on beam, Grace Tronrud (8.850) third and Addi Eitel (8.65 fourth. On floor exercise, Otto won (9.2) with Bruner (8.95) second and Adele Schroeder (8.3) fourth. SSP’s Scarlette Voss (35.00) won all-around. The Zephyrs scored 133.15 at Eagan. Bruner was third all-around (33.15) and Bush (32.75) fourth. Hartmann (8.60) won bars with Grace Tronrud (8.25) second and Bush (8.00) fourth. Bruner (8.90) took second on beam and Tronrud (8.70) third. Bush (8.60) placed fourth on vault.

WRESTLING

In the Orono tournament, Evan McGuire (36-0) was champion at 215 and named outstanding wrestler. He had two pins, then two tech falls, including one against Blake Krause (who was 31-0) of Lakeville North, in the finals. Aidan Carlson (28-6) placed second at 121, with three wins, losing to a state champion in the finals. Samuel White placed fourth at 160 going 2-2. Mahtomedi lost to St. Thomas Academy 52-17 and beat Tartan 52-21. Against STA, Carlson and McGuire had pins and Aidan Boex a tech fall. Against Tartan, McGuire had a 27-second pin for his 175th victory. Also getting pins were Carlson, Raymond Acesor (first varsity win), Henry Johnson, White and Boex. Mac Schultz and Owen Eigen had tech falls.

Rithy Sain’s dunk late in the game helped the Bears hold off

White Bear hoopers enjoy 3-0 week

BY BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTING WRITER

White Bear Lake boys basketball reeled off three wins last week, at Roseville 78-68, at Irondale 70-69, and St. Thomas Academy 61-57 at home. The Bears are now 7-7.

“It was a great week for the Bears, absolutely,” acknowledged coach Aaron Turner. “We’ll see if we can keep it going Tuesday (against East Ridge).”

GYMNASTICS

Led by Amelia Ahrens, White Bear Lake (4-3) defeated Mounds View/Irondale 137.15 to 125.575. Ahrens won all-around (35.875), vault (9.175) and beam (9.25), and took second in bars (8.75) and floor (8.70). Addy Mueller was second all-around (35.125), won bars (8.90) and took second on vault (9.10). Taylynne McMahon was second on beam (8.775). Grace Mueller was third on vault (8.85).

BOYS HOCKEY

Liam Maloy, a sophomore with one previous goal, pumped in three goals in a 4-2 win over East Ridge and scored the first goal in a 5-0 win over Mounds View. The Bears are 13-3-2 overall after the two home wins, and 10-1-1 in conference. Maloy broke a 1-1 tie with two goals eight seconds apart in the second period against the

John Johnson scored 20 points to lead the win against Roseville (4-11).

Against Irondale, a soaring dunk by 6-0 guard Rithy Sain “sealed it for us,” said Turner. The dunk made it 70-66 and offset a three-pointer before the buzzer by Irondale (5-12). Colin Piper had 19 points, Korey Raheem 14, Sain nine, Preston Crider nine, Gavin Krenz seven, and Tyler Allshouse seven.

Against St. Thomas (8-7), Korey Raheem logged 17 points, Piper 13 points and 10 rebounds, Sain 12 points and Johnson nine.

Raptors (7-11).Gavin Veneruzzo tallied the final goal and made two assists. Jack Stanius assisted on three goals. Leo Gabriel stopped 26 of 28 shots. Scoring against Mounds View (3-15) were Maloy, Tyler Lalonde (short-handed) and Stanius in the second period, and Stanius and Hunter Doroff in the third.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

White Bear Lake nipped Roseville Area 43-39 and defeated Irondale 63-31, improving to 12-7.

Elise Dieterle’s 19 points and stout team defense were the keys against Roseville, Addison Post had nine points and Sophie Meiner six, with Meiner delivering two clutch 3-pointers late in the game. Mira Jackson had 14 and Maddie Sundberg 12 for the Raiders (7-9). Each team made four 3-pointers. Twelve players scored against Irondale (3-14), led by Chloe

Thiessen with 14 and Dieterle and Post with 12 each.

GIRLS HOCKEY

Roseville/Mahtomedi scored four goals in the third period to beat White Bear Lake 4-1. The Bears (6-14-2) led 1-0 after two, with Carlie Griffin scoring in the first period. R/M (10-10-2) took charge with three straight power play goals in the first nine minutes of third period and another goal later.

SWIMMING

White Bear Lake lost to Park 107-74. The Bears won the 200 free relay with Finnian McVeigh, Mason Noren, Ridley Dittler and Gabriel Gerlach. McVeigh won breaststroke (1:09.25) and Anthony Parada Romero won diving (212.50).

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Anna Greene

Mahtomedi Basketball January 29, 2025

Anna Greene leads the 14-4 Mahtomedi basketball team in scoring with 18.1 points per game. Last week, she tallied 23 points in a 96-84 win over Jordan, and 18 in a 61-57 loss to Hill-Murray. The 6-foot-2 power forward has committed to University of Northern Iowa. Greene averaged 17.2 points last year and was named to the coaches association all-state team. She currently has over 1,400 in her career.

Bruce Strand

JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED

Irondale 70-69.

CONTRIBUTED

Amelia Ahrens led a Bears gymnastics win.