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BEAR’LY OPEN: Fundraiser a victim of barely enough ice PAGE 14

State grant could help improve blighted intersection

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Outdoor ice time

After more than 14 years standing empty, the shuttered gas station at the corner of County Road E and Bellaire Avenue may soon see some big changes.

The city of White Bear Lake, in partnership with builder Element Design-Build, has agreed to apply for a redevelopment grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to transform the site into nine new townhome units.

DEED offers competitive grant funding to projects that will support the redevelopment of brownfield and contaminated sites.

“Brownfield” describes commercial and industrial properties that have been abandoned, idle or underused—in this case, the vacant building that sits at 2502 County Road E. Private businesses cannot apply for DEED grants, but public entities are able to apply on behalf of private projects, explained Tracy Shimek, the city’s housing and economic development coordinator. In this case, the city would apply on behalf of Element DesignBuild. The grant program requires a 50 percent local match, but these funds can come from a

A.J. and Brody Becker recently got some outdoor ice time on a rink at Podvin Park. A timely cold snap helped park maintenance crews flood area rinks last week, but a string of predicted above freezing days and nights this week might undo their work.

SEE CITY COUNCIL, PAGE 10

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Braver Angels offers up skills for disagreeing better

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

The year 2024 is bound to have some heated discussions, especially when it comes to politics.

That’s where Braver Angels comes in. The organization will offer a workshop titled, “Skills for Disagreeing Better about Politics” Monday, Feb. 5, at Centennial Elementary in Circle Pines.

Braver Angels is a grassroots organization that seeks to strengthen relationships and communities harmed by partisan polarization.

It offers communication skills as a means to bridge political divides that drive animosity and prevent people from working together on shared problems.

“What I like about Braver Angels is it is really to get people to change the way we do politics. We’re not trying to change people’s minds about issues, but rather just help them change the way they think about each other,” said Morgan Holle, a state coordinator for Braver Angels.

“Polarization has reached such a height that we are seeing each other as enemies. If you think that person is a monster, there’s no way you are going to relate to them, or work on some sort of community issue.”

Holle has been involved with the organization since 2021. He turned to the organization after the heated 2020 election. “I was doing all the things that Braver Angels SEE BRAVER ANGELS, PAGE 13

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After participating in programming offered by Braver Angels, participants say they were able to have a positive view of the other side and find common ground.

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WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOL BOARD NOTES before handing proceedings off to auditor Jim Eichten. In his manager summary, Eichten was able to issue a “plain, unmodified opinion” with the following highlights: • He recommended the district raise its accounting standards in regards to IT and data management recording.

• The audit found that the district had insufficient collateral. This issue occurred because the district changed to a more reliable investment broker during the financial new year. Eichten stated, “In most cases, I ask, ‘How do we correct this?’ Here, you’ve already corrected it. You were already in the process of moving to a new broker, and you started to do so as soon as you became aware of the issue.”

• Student revenue versus student expenditures for 2023 showed an average deficit of $650 per stu-

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Funding offered to help beautify Mahtomedi

IKEA pop-up store set to open at Rosedale

The Mahtomedi Garden Club is once again offering grants for garden-related projects in public areas of Mahtomedi, Willernie and adjacent communities.

Proposals for the 2024 Community Beautification Grants are due April 1.

This funding is available due to support from the community through the club’s annual plant sale, garden tour and other outreach events. Grant applications can be found at mahtomedigardenclub.org.

Tax help for seniors is back

AARP TaxAide Services for seniors and others with

low to moderate income will be available at South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church beginning Monday, Feb. 5.

Services will be available most Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays until April 15. Appointments are required.

The White Bear Lake Senior Program is accepting calls for appointments between 10 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday. Call 651-653-3122 to make an appointment. Voicemails will be returned, but registrants are asked not to leave multiple voicemails or call the church.

South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 2480 S. Shore Blvd., White Bear Lake.

An IKEA pop-up store is coming to Rosedale Center. According to Rosedale Center, the “IKEA: Showroom” is set to open in Rosedale Center sometime in February on the lower level near Von Maur.

The other IKEA in Minnesota is in Bloomington near the Mall of America.

Rosedale Center is located at 1593 Hwy 36, Roseville.

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The first license for the sale of edible cannabis products (gummies) in Gem Lake was approved by the Gem Lake City Council. The licensee, C & C Enterprises (which will operate as Smoke Den), is located at 1599 County Road E East, Gem Lake. The business met all of the requirements set by the state of Minnesota.

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dent. This was likely due to “one-time expenses” for enhanced special education materials.

• The district’s revenue budget, a $130 million operation, was only off by $1.3 million. “This result is actually really exceptional,” praised Eichten. He did note, however, that the district’s unassigned fund balance was below expectations and steps should be taken.

• Wald shared an overview of 2024’s revised fiscalyear budget. He, along with Andi Johnson, director of finance, estimate White Bear Lake Area High School’s fall enrollment to be near 2,700 students. The districtwide expected enrollment stands at 8,304.

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• White Bear Lake Area High School principal Russ Reetz, with the help of a 40-member committee of student voices, conducted sessions aimed to poll student culture and buildingwide beliefs and rethink instruction norms. “How do we make a big school feel small?” Reetz asked students last October. Subsequently, Reetz met one-on-one with more than 90 certified teaching staff, 30 support staff and 14 clerical staff. “The questions that every student should answer ‘yes’ to,” Reetz concluded, “are, ‘Do I belong here?’ ‘Is this meaningful?’ and ‘Can I do this?’” The group will meet again in February.

• Tim Wald, assistant superintendent for finance and operations, reported on the annual audit.

“Every year, MMKR (Malloy, Montague, Karnowski, Radosevich and Co. P.A.) does an audit of the prior year’s financials,” he explained

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3

Pianist/composer returns for hometown encore

AMANDA SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY | CONTRIBUTED

Pianists Claire Huangci, Francesco Lecce-Chong and Mike Djupstrom entertain an audience in Eugene, Oregon, last fall with an encore Rachmaninoff piano piece for six hands.

In his fifth repeat performance, White Bear Lake native Michael Djupstrom, composer and pianist, is returning to the Hanifl Performing Arts Center to present a chamber music concert.

The Feb. 18 program features Gabriel Campos Zamora, principal clarinet with the Minnesota Orchestra, and Julia Harguindey, principal bassoon with the Nashville Symphony and Santa Fe Opera, in addition to Djupstrom on the center’s Steinway.

Among the trio’s pieces is the fourth installment of “Lakeshore Chamber Music,” a concert series established in 2021 to present Romanian chamber music alongside traditional and contemporary classical works.

“The program includes rarely heard Romanian showpieces for clarinet and bassoon, a 21st century solo work by

Doina Rotaru, tango-inspired music by the great Astor Piazzolla, and a classical masterpiece by German Romantic composer Max Bruch,” Djupstrom said.

A 1998 White Bear grad, Djupstrom left his hometown to pursue a major in music performance at the University of Michigan and a master’s in composition from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He still resides in the City of Brotherly Love, teaching chamber music at the University of Pennsylvania.

Djupstrom is also a composer-inresidence for the Eugene Symphony in Oregon and Santa Rosa Symphony in California. He is part of an ambitious four-year project to celebrate orchestral work by modern American composers, the culmination of which is the unveiling of his first-ever

symphony, “Dreams of Flight,” in a world premiere Feb. 1 by the Eugene Symphony.

Djupstrom’s work has been honored with first prizes in international composition competitions of the UK’s Delius Society, the American Viola Society and Chinese Fine Arts Society, and through awards and grants from institutions such as the American Academy of Arts and Letters, Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, S&R Foundation, New Music USA and more.

The Press first featured Djupstrom in 2014 when he received the $60,000 Pew Fellowship.

As a pianist, he has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra and toured nationally and internationally.

The first time the hometown musician performed at Hanifl was 2019 at the invitation of Jim Berry, then director of concert programming.

“It was such a hit with the audience that I dreamed up the idea of founding a regular chamber music series at the venue, and Jim was super supportive of the idea,” Djupstrom recalled.

He obtained grant money from S&R Evermay in Washington, D.C., to fund the first season, which consisted of three concerts in 2021 and 2022, and is happy to bring the series back this season.

Bassoonist Harguindey is an old friend, and Zamora is someone Djupstrom met through her, he said.

“He was actually in the audience for the 2019 concert with his mother was visiting from Costa Rica. I reached out to him at the suggestion of (Lakeshore Players Executive Director) Darby Lunceford, who thought we should use a local musician, and Zamora agreed.”

Djupstrom’s parents, Bob and Ann, still live in White Bear Lake, as does his sister and her family. Bob has been

featured in the Press for his affinity for monarch butterflies. The retired ecologist happens to be an expert on the state butterfly.

Debra Neutkens

CONTRIBUTED

Composer/pianist Michael Djupstrom poses with tubist Carol Jantsch after a December concert at Yale University. Jantsch is principal tuba with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

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OPINION

4 WHITE BEAR PRESS

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JANUARY 31, 2024

Weird winter

can appreciate some of the benefits of a mild winter, but find the extreme weather fluctuations we've been experiencing this year unsettling.

It makes you wonder if we're witnessing a glimpse of what winters in Minnesota might look and feel like in the not-too-distant future. If current meteorological models are correct, this year Minnesotans of all ages could experience the warmest winter in their lifetimes. Personally I've already seen some things that I've never seen before in all the years of covering the area, like the latest White Bear Lake ice-in on record and the complete lack of ice anglers on the lake until midJanuary.

“We come from the land of ice and snow!” is the opening lyric from the “Immigrant song” by the British rock band Led Zeppelin. The song, a proto-metal ode to the Viking Angle of invasion of England, features a driving drum beat, percussive guitar View and vocal chants that vividly evoke tough, battle–hardened invaders Paul Dols from the north. Led Zeppelin rarely allows its music to be used commercially. However, if the band was more willing to share, this song could be a perfect anthem for the state's NFL franchise Minnesota Vikings. I grew up during the Bud Grant, Fran Tarkenton and Purple People Eaters era of the Vikings and remember that exhibiting resilience and toughness in the extreme weather was an important aspect of the team's identity. The image of stoic descendants of Scandinavian immigrants surviving and thriving in the frozen north was, and still is to a certain extent, an important part of our state's identity. Will this and other unique aspects of the landscape and life in Minnesota be lost to future generations?

A pragmatic assessment of a mild winter with less snowfall reveals some pros and cons. The positive aspects include lower costs to heat our homes, and driving is also easier and less stressful. The negative aspects include threats to our boreal forests, because there are certain invasive pests that are only killed when temperatures dip well below zero. Resort owners, ice fishing enthusiasts, snowmobilers and anyone who enjoys winter sports will find a milder– than–average winter less than ideal, and the lack of snow will contribute to already existing drought conditions.

Local event organizers are also having to reconsider where they conduct long–standing events.

The recent World Championship Snow Sculpture event in Stillwater benefited from a timely string of cold days and nights that thankfully facilitated snowmaking prior to the event. The annual BEAR'ly Open golf-on-ice benefit for the White Bear Area Food shelf has been canceled (Friday night's community dance and online auction will go on as planned).

In response to climate change, there are efforts in motion to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels.

A recent road trip I took up to Duluth in an EV might help illustrate some of the infrastructure challenges (and progress) we're experiencing during what could be a difficult transition to alternative, more sustainable, energy sources. Before the trip, I discovered that the two rapid charging stations I've relied on during previous trips were both broken. I decided to make the trip anyway and ended up using a recently installed Electrify America facility in Pine City, a level two charger at Canal Park in Duluth and a level one charger at my dad's house. Thankfully, by using all of the resources available, I was able to safely make this winter roundtrip without experiencing any range anxiety. It's a personal anecdote, but it might be a modest example of how there's not always just one solution and that we're probably going to need to approach this transitional time from a variety of angles. Perhaps some of the stoic, survival characteristics of our ancestors will help us adapt to the challenges we are now facing.

Paul Dols is photojournalist/website editor for Press Publications. He can be reached at 651-407-1238 Distributed weekly in:

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White Bear Lake • White Bear Township • Mahtomedi Birchwood • Dellwood • Willernie • Gem Lake Pine Springs • Portions of Grant

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Rice Creek Trail Association in good shape at 40

F

orty years ago, the Rice Creek Trail Association was founded in Circle Pines.

The club maintains (clears brush, trims trees, signs, and grooms) about 70 miles of snowmobile trails in Anoka and Washington Counties, connecting local riders to the towns of Circle Pines, Centerville, Hugo, Forest Lake, Lino Lakes, Ham Lake, Scandia and others.

Last year was amazing!

Preparing the begins Movers & trails in late summer runs up to Shakers and the beginning Michelle Koch of December. It is a lot of work.

Some years there isn’t enough snow to ride locally, and all of the work feels less rewarding. The winter of 2022 brought plenty of snow and it made for one of the best local riding years most can remember.

Many members were able to ride the trails they work on which was well-deserved perk for their hard work. Group rides took place several times a week and provided an opportunity for members to get to know each other better and have some fun.

This year, the groomers and riders have been sitting idle.

But the club is busy getting

ready to host its first vintage snowmobile show on March 2.

The opportunity came along to take over the Big Marine Lake Vintage Snowmobile Show and the club voted to seize the chance.

As the club president, I attend many vintage shows with my husband and have been wanting the club to host an event. I wanted something that our members could rally around and be proud of, this seems the perfect opportunity. I was pleased with the members’ enthusiastic support of the idea.

The show will take place at the Vets Camp on Big Marine Lake and as it has in years past, will feature an ice carousel if weather permits. It takes a crew of eight to nine to create the carousel. “We’re lucky to have one of our members who is also one of our landowners step up to lead this. I’m excited because I love the novelty this brings to the event.”

The Vets Camp is happy to host and the past organizers have been more than helpful, making this new adventure less daunting.

Over the last couple of years, the club has gotten a refreshed logo and website, added some more modern communication and payment options, and grown in membership. The club is in pretty good shape at 40. As always, fundraising remains an important part of the club. The club is currently selling raffle calendars.

There are a lot of things

outside the club’s control.

Snowfall for one and poormannered riders for another.

Like all snowmobile clubs they do their best to educate riders on the importance of staying on the marked trail. Many of Minnesota’s snowmobile trails cross private land, where owners grant permission to the club. That is always in jeopardy when a small percentage of riders abuse the privilege.

It can be easy to think no harm can come from riding across an open field. If you ride, you know the attraction. In some cases, there are already crops planted and riding over it pushes the frost further down and harms the crop. Riding across sod kills it and sod farmers only get one crop per season. Most people wouldn’t knowingly take money from someone’s livelihood, the club hopes if people know better, they’ll do better.

The minutes from club meetings decades earlier, show many of today’s issues aren’t new. Founding members dealt with many of the same challenges.

Like any club, it is the relationships built that keep people engaged and involved. The Rice Creek Trail Association prides itself on being a family-friendly club that welcomes riders of all abilities.

Michelle Koch is the president of the Rice Creek Trail Association.

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WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I agree with Shawn Smith’s Letter to the Editor in the White Bear Press on Jan. 24, “Go Back To The Drawing Board on Study.”

The study just looked at the “cosmetic appearance” their recommendations would bring at a price, rather than how the downtown businesses would be affected and sacrificed. That is the “big picture!” How does reducing the current parking spots, which are already at a premium in the downtown area, be a “plus?” Big Wood Brewery recently relocated its operation to Vadnais Heights.

Why not utilize the area behind the building into a tiered parking ramp that would benefit our downtown, as well as increase available parking places rather than take away? The house that was behind the armory was torn down, so there is space for additional parking. Has that been recommended in the study?

Also, the current brick sidewalks have become in very bad disrepair throughout the downtown area and are dangerous to pedestrians with the raised and broken bricks. The temporary fix of patching with unmatching concrete does not give it “aesthetic” appeal. There are so many enhancements in masonry and concrete these days that would give the sidewalks safety and appeal, plus be more cost-effective as opposed to bricks.

The wheel does not need to be reinvented.

Our downtown area already has a lot of charm and many visitors year-round with our shops, restaurants and proximity to the lake. Also, we do not need to disrupt the quaintness of our neighbors on Clark Avenue by changing the traffic direction on their street during special events. We do not want our downtown area to become another “Grand Avenue” with many businesses closing and visitors no longer visiting. Please go back to the drawing board and take a long, hard look at not taking away from our town and get input from our downtown businesses. They know what is needed and what will work.

Barbara Bicha White Bear Lake

TCE pollution a train wreck

us. Let’s hope the Federal Bankruptcy court rules to value people more than trees, holding Water Gremlin and Okabe Co. Ltd. accountable for the harm they have done to our community. .

Stephen LaLiberte White Bear Township Stephen LaLiberte is chair of the Birch Lake Improvement District. He has lived within a mile of Water Gremlin (inside the TCE Red Zone) for 23 years and is one of 95 plaintiffs suing Water Gremlin and Okabe Co. Ltd.

Response to editorial on flag

I am writing in response to Gene Johnson’s editorial in the White Bear Press dated Jan. 10 regarding the new state flag.

First, in regard to your comment about the new flag looking like another country’s flag, I presume you are familiar with the flag of Texas? Texans are very proud of their flag and you see it everywhere (including bumper stickers, shirts, hats, etc.) Are you familiar with the flag from Chile?

These are much more similar than the new flag and the flag of Somalia. And if similarity to other flags is your main concern, you should be concerned about the current flag. Seals on a blue background are very popular among the states. In fact, our current flag looks very similar to that of 10 other states.

Second, if you were interested in discussing this issue with your legislator, you have had plenty of opportunity. It has been a proposed bill every year since 2018. In fact, your very newspaper has printed a few articles on it. And as it turns out, it was a local representative who proposed the bill in 2018 because two high school students (one of whom was a Press newspaper carrier for five years) brought it to his attention. I believe that in the past, you have lamented people not getting involved in their local government. Well, here you have a situation where two high school students saw a situation that they wanted to see changed, contacted their representative, made their case, testified multiple times in front of congressional committees and made the change happen.

Here is a story that TPT’s Almanac did on the flag back in 2018 that makes the case for a change.

I think it deserves your time to watch it: www. obs.org/video/redesigning-minnesotas-stateflag-30897/ As for me, we have our new flag ordered and look forward to flying it with pride as soon as it arrives.

As soon as apparel is available, we will have that, too. I believe that this flag (whether you like it or not) will become a symbol that people associate with Minnesota when they see it. And that is more than our current flag has ever done.

Water Gremlin is in the news again, this time because they filed for bankruptcy. Water Gremlin is owned by Okabe Co. Ltd., a Japanese multinational corporation.

When the Water Gremlin settlement was announced in 2019, I was four years into my cancer journey. I spent six months in chemo and then had a bone marrow transplant at the end of 2015. I’m a survivor of multiple myeloma (bone/blood cancer), a TCE-induced cancer.

For the most part, it worked. Myeloma is like yeast. You can’t kill it all. It comes back. Every couple of years I go back on chemo until the Barbie Atkins cancer is knocked down and the cycle repeats. The White Bear Lake challenge is that the chemo costs $16,000 a month.

When I was employed, my insurance covered Response to slavery, abortion comparison nearly all the cost. Now that I am on Medicare and the best supplemental insurance on the market, the As a father and stepfather of three beautiful coverage is only 75%. women, and the grandfather of three beautiful Did you know that for 20 years, Water Gremlin illegally dumped tons of TCE into the air each year?

Last summer there was a train wreck in East Business owners: Palestine, Ohio. There was a great deal of press Don’t leave money on the table. around the event. Was the railroad negligent?

Should the federal regulators have prevented the disaster? Who pays for the cleanup? Will anyone Be sure you choose an expert to measure the health impact? I wonder how East help with your ERTC claim.

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grandchildren, I could not have a greater appreciation of, and concern for, ‘life’. The point of view of Ms. Johnson, and perhaps by extension all those professing a concern for a ‘Right to Life’, is that they seem to feel they have cornered the market on that concern. By implication, they have painted the ‘Pro Choice’ adherents as not concerned for life and only concerned with personal freedom.

To address Ms. Johnson’s use of slavery as a comparison to abortion access, there may be a similarity in that slavery took individuals against their will, denied them a choice, and held them in captivity to do the bidding of the slave-owning culture. In much the same way, denying women access to choice is motivated by the presumed moral high ground of a culture that wishes to hold women in a form of captivity, the bounds of which are the righteous views of that righteous culture formulated into law. There seems to exist a great deal of hubris and self-righteous pride at the heart of an individual’s or a religious/political organization’s defining of an opposing point of view as evil. In conclusion, a motivation of a concern for a ‘Right to Life’ can rightfully be applied to many issues such as getting vaccinated, stopping the flood of guns into our society, eliminating the death penalty, and addressing the existential threat that climate change presents to the lives of our children.

Will Perry Hugo

Don’t eliminate downtown parking

After reading the article on improving downtown White Bear Lake, which took 10 months to do, I am dumbfounded at the crazy results. Where is the common sense? I do not own a business there, but I have frequented the shops, services, and restaurants for many years. How could they consider eliminating precious parking places for more green space? We have the beautiful hanging baskets and flower gardens all over town, the gazebo greenery, and the lovely arc lights, plus pretty Christmas lighting on all the buildings.

Who is going to come to our lovely small town if there is no place to park?

What we need to spend money on is to put a second floor, open tier on the parking lot on Banning Avenue and Third Street. It is in the center of town and would double the parking spaces. Maybe this is just too simple a remedy to assist the business owners with more customers.

An older and wiser customer...

Gloria Carpenter White Bear Lake

Letters to the Editor E-mail letters to WhiteBearNews.com

White Bear Lake ROTARY ACADEMIC ACHIEVER Doireann McVeigh

Rotary Matters

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Doireann McVeigh is a 5th grader at Lincoln Elementary school. She is an exceptional student who continuously strives to challenge herself in all areas of academia. Doireann consistently demonstrates problem-solving skills and her curiosity pushes her to be an outside-the-box thinker. Outside of school Doireann participates in theater, lacrosse and swimming. She loves to sing and write. When it comes to Doireann, she finds humor in life’s twists and turns, she inspires others, and has an unwavering dedication to putting her best foot forward.

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6 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

COPS&COURTS www.presspubs.com

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS The White Bear Police Department reports the following selected incidents: • Theft was reported Jan. 17 by an employee at Speedway on White Bear Avenue.

• Officers responding to the 4600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue for a welfare check Jan. 17 arrested a St. Paul man who had several gross misdemeanor warrants.

• A tenant on Kathy Lane who has fallen behind in rent suggested his landlord call the police about taking back the tenant’s guns that the WBPD has in evidence so he can make his rent payment. The landlord called Jan. 18 and was told it wasn’t an option.

• Officers responded to a disorderly conduct incident on Division Court and issued a trespass citation Jan. 18.

• Officers assisted Maplewood police with an assault Jan. 18 in the 2800 block of White Bear Avenue.

• Officers responding to a report of theft in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Jan. 18 cited a St. Paul man and arrested him for an outstanding warrant.

• A resident in the 4400 block of Bay Lane reported losing $4,400 in a scam Jan. 19.

• Officers advised an Oak Terrace resident of the barking dog

JANUARY 31, 2024

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

ordinance Jan. 19, which has been an ongoing problem.

• Officers took report of a stolen vehicle in the 4000 block of Highway 61 Jan. 19. The vehicle was later found to have been repossessed by the financing company.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue S. Jan. 19.

• Officers responed to a noise complaint in the 1800 block of Birch Street Jan. 19.

• Harassing text messages by an unknown person were reported Jan. 20 by an Ebba Street resident.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Jan. 20.

• Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 4700 block of Centerville Road Jan. 21.

• Officers assisted with a civil standby in the 2000 block of Dotte Drive Jan. 21.

• A dog found in the 4800 block of Johnson Avenue Jan. 21 was brought to the police department and later returned to it’s owner.

• Officers mediated a verbal argument between and man and a woman in the 2500 block of County Road F Jan. 21.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint Jan. 21 in the 3500 block of Century Avenue.

• Officers assisted Ramsey County

Sheriff’s Office with a call of a fight Jan. 22 in the 1000 block of Highway 96, Vadnais Heights.

• Officers responded to a request from the Bloomfield Township (Michigan) police Jan. 22 to investigate an identity theft incident that occurred at the Huntington Bank inside of the Cub Foods in White Bear Township.

• Officers responded to a report of theft by swindle Jan 22 in the 5000 block of Lake Avenue, where a victim paid $1,000 for a trailer that turned out to be stolen.

• Officers responded to a civil problem in the 2200 block of Thomas Lane Jan. 22.

• Theft was reported in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Jan. 22.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 4700 block of Sharon Lane Jan. 22.

• An White Bear lake man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near Bellaire Avenue and Oak Drive Jan. 23.

• A vehicle was reported stolen on Bald Eagle Avenue Jan. 23.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue Jan. 23.

• A civil problem was reported in the 1900 block of Eugene Street Jan. 24.

Local legislator pleads guilty to DWI charge

Rep. Brion Curran pled guilty to a charge of fourth-degree DWI in a plea agreement stemming from an Oct. 9 incident when they were pulled over on Interstate 35 in Chisago County near Harris and found to be operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. According to court documents, Rep. Curran had a blood alcohol level of 0.16 percent, which is twice the legal limit in Minnesota.

According to the plea agreement, Rep. Curran is sentenced to 90 days in jail, of which 88 days would be stayed for up to two years of supervised probation on the following conditions: they must pay $485 in fines; they will pay for and complete a comprehensive assessment and attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel; and they will be law-abiding and have no same or similar offenses.

Rep. Curran has a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and worked as a deputy with the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office until 2018, when they ended their career in public safety due to posttraumatic stress disorder.

A Vadnais Heights resident, Rep. Curran (DFL) was elected in 2022 and represents District 36B in the Minnesota House of Representatives, which includes Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, Gem Lake, Birchwood Village and parts of White Bear Township.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS Mahtomedi snowball hit the windshield, causing it to crack, and knocked off one of the • A Wildwood Road resident reported rear view mirrors. The complainant losing his keys Jan. 6. The wanted to report the incident in case complainant had a theory that the someone had thrown the object at keys may have been left in the back their moving vehicle. of deputies’ squad after an unwanted Birchwood person was hauled off. However, Grant deputies did not find any keys in • A burglary in progress was reported either of their squad cars. at 5:51 a.m. Jan. 9 on Birchwood • A suspicious vehicle reported parked • An Amazon package was reported Court. However, all was well, after awkwardly in the 10000 block of stolen Jan. 9 from a front step on Washington County Sheriff’s Office 103rd Street N. on Jan. 8 turned out Stillwater Road.

(WCSO) deputies arrived on scene to belong to the registered owner’s and found no signs of burglary. daughter who had driven the vehicle • A student was reported assaulted by two classmates Jan. 9 during to her boyfriend’s house on that Dellwood recess at a school on Warner Avenue street.

S. Although staff intervened and • Deputies initiated a traffic stop Jan. • Deputies conducted a traffic stop made administration aware of 10 on Lake Elmo Avenue N. at 75th for speeding Jan. 7 on Peninsula the situation, the complainant Street N. and cited the driver for Road and Dellwood Avenue and cited determined that the bumps and speeding 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. the driver. For the rest of the day, bruises were significant enough to deputies remained on directed patrol • A DWI was reported Jan. 10 on warrant a report to the WCSO. Dellwood Road N. and Joliet Avenue for speeding in the area.

N. Deputies located the vehicle, but • Deputies conducted extra patrol in Pine Springs no further information is available. the vicinity of Dellwood Road N. and Apple Orchard Road, after a motorist • Road rage involving a possible • An eastbound motorist was cited gunshot was reported at 5:47 p.m. at 10:06 p.m. Jan. 12 reported at 12:50 a.m. Jan. 5 on Highway 36 Jan. 11 on Jamaca Avenue N. and property damage to their vehicle and the Hilton Trail overpass for Dellwood Road N. while driving on the public roadway. speeding 70 mph in a 55 mph zone by Something resembling ice or a deputies on stationary patrol who

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reports the following selected incidents in Birchwood, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtoamedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:

clocked the vehicle on radar. After deputies looked at the motorist’s driver’s license and identified her, the motorist said she recognized them because they had pulled her over for speeding before. Deputies confirmed that this driver had been pulled over on Dec. 23 and given a verbal warning for speeding 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. No verbal warning this time, however, as deputies cited the driver to see if her speed can dip under 70 mph from now on.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 1:59 a.m. Jan. 6 on a motor vehicle on westbound Highway 36 at the Hilton Trail ramp for poor driving conduct.

Willernie

• A Kindross Road resident reported a house egging-in-progress at 11:32 p.m. Jan. 5. The complainant followed the suspects into Oakdale, where he flagged down the Oakdale Police Department. After the juvenile suspects were identified, their case was sent to the county attorney for consideration of charges.

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township:

Vadnais Heights

• A Vadnais Heights man reported being intentionally hit by a moving vehicle during an argument at 6 a.m. Jan. 7 in the 800 block of County Road D. • A Minneapolis woman reported from the 3700 block of Parkwood Lane Jan. 7 that several fraudulent charges had occurred on several of her accounts over the internet.

• An Oak Crest Drive resident on Jan. 8 reported that he’d been defrauded while trying to buy a harp online. The case is under investigation.

• A resident in the 1100 block of County Road D on Jan. 9 reported being harassed on social media.

• A Vadnais Heights man, 23, was arrested for assaulting a woman, 26, during an argument in the 1000 block of County Road D. • An employee at a grocery store in the 900 block of County Road E on Jan. 9 reported that someone had used at counterfeit $100 bill to purchase groceries. Because the suspect left the area, there is limited suspect information available.

• Employees at a hotel in the 1100 block of County Road E on Jan. 10 reported that someone had broken into the hotel and had stolen power tools from a maintenance room.

• A resident in the 3700 block of Arcade Street on Jan. 13 reported that someone had attempted to break into his property and had damaged a door frame in the process. No signs were noticed that the suspect had actually succeeded in the attempt.

• A resident in the 500 block of Bear Avenue on Jan. 11 reported that she had accidently paid $500 to a fake Xfinity web site.

• A North Oaks woman on Jan. 12 reported that someone had stolen a fanny pack from her vehicle while she was inside a business in the 1000 block of Highway 96.

• An Eagan woman on Jan. 12 reported that someone had damaged her vehicle by dragging a key across the trunk of the vehicle while it was parked in the 1200 block of County Road D. • A Blaine man, 43, was arrested for theft at 10:18 Jan. 12 at a business in the 800 block of County Road E, after he was found to have stolen lawn and garden supplies from the store. At first response, deputies mailed a shoplifting citation to the suspect who was not on scene. Later, deputies

encountered him in person and took him in.

• A Wyoming man reported himself Jan. 13 for striking another vehicle with his plow at the intersection of Arcade Street and County Road E. However, it became a case of running-after-beinghit, as the victim left the scene before the parties could exchange information.

• An employee of a business in the 900 block of County Road E on Jan. 13 reported that someone had entered her place of employment and had stolen multiple items.

White Bear Township

• A trailer was reported stolen Jan. 8 from the 2500 block of First Street.

• A resident in the 1400 block of Paul Kirkwood Drive on Jan. 11 reported fraudulent charges on her bank accounts.

• A Crystal woman was arrested for assault Jan. 11, after she physically assaulted a man during an argument in the 2600 block of Arbor Drive.

• A resident in the 5300 block of Otter Lake Road on Jan. 12 reported that someone had forced their way into the detached garage and had stolen a dirt bike, two chainsaws and other tools.

JANUARY 31, 2024 www.presspubs.com

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

7

OBITUARIES

Kenneth A. Richard, Jr.

Marilyn June Ash

Ken, “Rick”, aged 74, passed away in his sleep and went to be with God on January 10, 2024. Preceded in death by parents, Lucille and Kenneth, Sr., brother, Ronald; son-inlaw, Jason Campbell; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Survived by sister, Susan; daughters, Nicole of Seattle (Greg), Stephanie of Los Angeles (Nathan), and Jacqueline of NYC (Jeremy); grandchildren; Ethan Kenneth, Ryan, and Odalis.

Born in Thief River Falls, Ken grew up in Bloomington. After graduating from Lincoln High School (‘67) he attended Gustavus Adolphus College and then the University of Minnesota, where he earned his BS in Business (‘71). As a Chartered Financial Consultant, RFC, QFP, he worked for North Star Consultants before starting Kenneth Richard Jr. & Associates Financial Services (‘80).

Ken earned many professional accolades (e.g., Chamber of Commerce Business Owner of the Year, ‘88) but always took time to mentor emerging entrepreneurs. Married to Colleen (née Korbel) for 35 years, the couple raised three daughters in their home in the woods by Pine Tree Lake.

Ken made his girls’ education a top priority and was proud to see them graduate from medical school, law school, and divinity school. He revered his father’s service training pilots in the Army Airforce Corps, and his daughter Nicole’s status as a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Medical Service Corps. Ken played bass in a high school rock ‘n’ roll band, sang in the church choir, loved live music, and entertained at open-mics in his final months. Active and outdoorsy, Ken enjoyed tennis, golf, hunting (with his dogs), fishing (with his grandkids), traveling and exploring nationally and internationally (with family), biking (in FL), skiing (in CO), and boating (on rivers, lakes, and oceans). Ken believed in the Christian call to share “one’s time, talent, and treasures.” He donated the “first fruits” of his income and engaged in a range of volunteer work. He was active in CBMC, Bible studies, the Chamber of Commerce, and local Republican politics. In retirement, Ken lived in Naples, FL, and Midland, Ontario, before returning to the MSP area. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard Family Charitable Fund, which has supported Ken’s favorite charities for the last 24 years.

A memorial service will be held in White Bear Lake this August. Please check https://www. muellerbies.com/obituaries/kenneth-richard-jr for more service information as it becomes available.

MUELLER-BIES 651-487-2550 www.muellerbies.com

Marilyn Ash, 91, of White Bear Township, Minnesota, passed away on January 16, 2024 from age related causes.

Marilyn was born on August 18, 1932 to Walter and Nellie Anderson in West Seneca, New York. After graduating from Cannon Falls High School, she attended the University of Minnesota and played the saxophone in the University Marching Band. She worked for several years at KSTP Television in the Twin Cities, as well as H.B. Fuller and Bethel University.

In 1958 Marilyn married Robert Ash. The wedding was held in Germany where Robert was stationed in the US Army. Marilyn and Bob settled in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and had two daughters, Laurie and Kathryn (Kit).

Marilyn was a kind soul with a bright smile.

She valued her relationships with family, church and friends. She stayed active over the years by volunteering at church, tending to family, and painting beautiful works of art. Marilyn was a watercolor artist who took classes with the same group over many decades.

Marilyn was predeceased by parents Walter and Nellie Anderson and her sister Virginia Anderson.

She is survived by husband Robert, daughters Laurie(David) Bunnel of Sammamish, Washington, Kathryn(David) Nieters of Blaine, Minnesota and grandchildren Austin Nieters, Joshua Nieters, Britta(Samuel) Black and Annika Bunnel. A Celebration of Life is planned for March 16 at First Covenant Church of St. Paul. Visitation with family at 1pm and service at 2pm. Memorials preferred to First Covenant Church, St. Paul.

RAFFLES • Friday 5pm •Wednesday 6pm

Age 93 of White Bear Lake, Minnesota passed away peacefully on January 21st, 2024 at Our Lady of Peace hospice in St. Paul, MN. Stan was born April 7th 1930 in Racine, WI to Fredrick Christian Faust and Lucille Ella Bertena (nee Mardaus) Faust. He grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota where he married his lovely wife

9AM 6PM

Thomas (Tom) Meredith September 22, 1948 – January 25th, 2024 Tom passed away with family by his side, January 25, 2024 Tom is survived by his loving wife, Sheryl, two sons, Cale (Trish), Jeff (Charlee), and three granddaughters. He also leaves behind his siblings Cecil (Becky) Meredith, Sue Meredith, Laura (Mike) Kalisch, and Shelly (Brian) Winkler, as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved and cared for deeply. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Dolores Meredith, brother Jeffrey S. Meredith.

A visitation will be held at South Shore Trinity Church on February 9th, 2024, 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements Honsa Family Funeral,651-429-6172, Honsafamilyfuneral.com.

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Stanley Kiven Faust

Mary Evangeline (nee Zoller). Together they raised their six children in White Bear Lake, MN. Stan served his country during the Korean War on a Navy supply ship. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Cloud State University and became a teacher in White Bear Lake for over 30 years, teaching shop classes and coaching 8th grade hockey. Stan’s favorite hobbies and interests included golf, fishing, volleyball, cross country skiing, playing cards and going on walks. In later years he loved sports on TV and sudoku puzzles. His Christian faith and his church were a very important part of his life as he often shared that part of himself with his children and grandchildren.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Lucille, wife Mary, son Daniel, great grandson Landyn Patrick Shaffer. He is survived by sister Barb Groth, brother Daniel Faust (Patricia), children Mark, Jeff (Mary), Brad, Stephanie (Rob), Dana (Jason), 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will be holding a Memorial Service at a later date. Memorials preferred to “Our Lady of Peace” Hospice Care ourladyofpeacemn.org.

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8 WHITE BEAR PRESS

JANUARY 31, 2024

www.presspubs.com

Artist tells history through newspaper clippings Gwen Hauser finds herself drawn to history, particularly to the stories we never hear.

She often finds newspaper clippings that inspire her work.

Press Publications recently interviewed Hauser about her unique art technique.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: In 2007, I rented a studio in the Dow Building in St. Paul, and I found support from talented working artists. I have a degree from BFA Minneapolis College of Art and Design and Minnesota River School Atelier.

Q: What inspired you to start painting?

A: People. I like working with unstretched canvas — it’s easy to move from floor to wall to table. My approach is highly kinesthetic and intuitive. Beginning with unstretched canvas, the topography of the maps

grows with layers of paint, plaster, gold and copper leaf, along with antique photographs and newspaper fragments from 1886 to 1929. When I build up and sand away the paint and plaster, there sometimes is a revealing of the ghost of a story or photograph. Below the surface of historical narratives and interlocking stories, a creative dialogue might arise. Cupules, crosshatch patterns, spirals and knots are some of the ancient pictographs that efface, yet integrate with prior layers, images and texts, combining to form a guide for me to follow. In the finished work, patterns emerge from the chaos and rhythm shapes the surface.

I created the maps series to chart and explore my grief and find my way through loss. Painting them helped me be present to the idea of how things disappear.

Gwen Hauser lives in White Bear Lake.

the painting process is similar to driving a pole into the ground, an axis mundi, where I can find my centering point: a place where opposites — darkness and illumination — belong together and contradictions — movement and stability — form a complementarity.

Q: What is your favorite quote about your work?

A: “Gwen Hauser’s Maps

are rich yet restrained, with little surprises of vibrancy,” said Jon Spayde, art journalist. ”There are hints of Pompeii, cave paintings, gems being formed, images from a microscope or telescope.

Gwen has a profound sensitivity in collaboration with her materials.”

Q: Tell us about your paintings?

A: The maps series are

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Above: In Hauser’s Map 332, the woman is in pieces, like the painting of her face (at right). She is enclosed in a Seth Thomas clock case that belonged to Hauser’s husband’s great grandmother. The information explains the painting. Women were placed in asylums by their father, husband or male member of their family. The list is from records at the Mendota Asylum in Wisconsin.

Right: Between 1885 and 1900, Charles Van Schaick, a professional Photographer in Black River Falls Wisconsin, captured the image of a wild-eyed woman with messy hair, wearing a ragged dress. She is from a time when the teller of tales rarely came from a woman’s viewpoint. Her expression reveals a woman who is not in charge of her life. Hauser painted her image from a photo found in the book, Wisconsin Death Trip by Michael Lesy, 1973.

simultaneously time capsules and topographies.

The topography of the maps is built up from layers of paint, plaster, antique photographs and newspaper fragments dating from 1886 to 1929.

I build up and sand away the paint and plaster, sometimes revealing the ghost of a story or photograph. Other fragments are buried without a trace, like their subjects.

I created the Maps Series to chart and explore my grief and find a way through loss. For me,

Q: Do you have any plans for future works?

A: I’m still working on that.

Hauser has no shows right now, but people can text her about her work at (no phone calls, please) at 651-303-2377.

Noelle Olson

Mahtomedi looks into enrollment future

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

There has long been a desire for smaller class sizes. Could a downward enrollment trend help bring it about?

Only time will tell.

In the meantime, public school districts have the larger picture to consider as they plan and budget for the future. At the top of the list of things to think about is the number of buildings and classrooms to keep open, learning materials to be provided and teachers to hire, just to name a few considerations. All on these decisions are based on how many children will be attending school. As a special challenge, schools districts need to know these important projections years in advance.

Dr. Hazel Reinhardt, nationallyrenowned demographer and president of Hazel Reinhardt Consulting Services, brought her crystal ball of numbers to the January school board meeting to give the district an idea about what enrollment might look like in the next ten years.

The factors driving future enrollment are many and complex, and may be driving enrollment downward, Reinhardt said.

Some of those factors include the ongoing affects of the COVID-19 pandemic; decreasing fertility rates; an aging population, types of available housing and reduced mobility.

more apartments, condominiums Reinhardt presented figures and townhouses, there will be that showed that the effects of the fewer school-aged children per unit, COVID-19 pandemic will still affect Reinhardt said. Where we see a enrollment moving forward. During community filled with single-family the pandemic, Kindergarten classes housing, we will see more schoolwere smaller as students attended aged children, she said. At present, no school at all, were homeschooled Mahtomedi is rapidly developing or attended non-public schools. By apartment units and senior the 2023-24 school year, public school complexes. attendance had not yet recovered.

Mobility creates a demand for Kindergarten enrollment remains housing, and there is now less below its pre-pandemic size, she said. mobility than ever, When fertility dips Reinhardt said. below replacement Last year in the U. levels, the number S., only 8.4% of the of children enrolled population moved. in Kindergarten also This compares drops. The fertiliwith a 20% mobility ty replacement rate rate that had held is 2.11 children per steady since the woman at the end of Dr. Hazel Reinhardt end of World War II. childbearing age. In President of Hazel Reinhardt Consulting Services Immigration from Minnesota, that reabroad has slowed placement rate in in Minnesota, she said. In the past 25 2020 was 1.73 and falling, Reinhardt years, Minnesota has been dependent said. The number of births is decreasing throughout the country. In on immigration for population growth. But more people are leaving 2020, births in the United States were the state now. From 1987 to 2015, the lowest they've been since 1979.

Minnesota had net in-migration, but Births increased 1% in 2021, but were the state has returned to the pattern flat in 2022. of net out-migration, Reinhardt Not only is the population growing said. Losing young adults will affect slowly, it is aging, Reinhardt said. the number of births and lead to an An aging population also has increasing competition for students. a significant impact on school That competition for students is, enrollment, not only because that however, where the Mahtomedi aging population isn't giving birth School District excels. Healthy openbut also because it's demanding enrollment is one factor that can a different type of housing that is temper the downward enrollment not kid-friendly. In a district with

“Mahtomedi is a big winner in open enrollment.”

trend in Mahtomedi. Non-residents made up 30.1% of enrollment in the 2023-24 school year, and Mahtomedi schools had a net gain of 831 students from other public options.

"Mahtomedi is a big winner in open enrollment," Reinhardt said. It's typical for smaller districts to have larger (non-resident) open enrollment than larger districts, she said.

In summary, declining fertility is a big factor in declining enrollment.

However, the percentage of nonresidents attending schools in the district can easily go up. Mahtomedi is popular with non-residents, and this helps to stablize enrollment in a declining enrollment environment, Reinhardt said.

Recapturing students who have left is not easy, because people leave for a variety of reasons. The pandemic caused people to consider other options. And they didn't leave that option when the pandemic was over, so it indicates they liked their choice, Reinhardt said.

The board will hold a retreat and/ or study session within the upcoming weeks to discuss and understand the data further. The board will also process Reinhardt's enrollment findings in relation to the looming facilities questions it hopes to put on the ballot this year.

JANUARY 31, 2024 www.presspubs.com

WHITE BEAR PRESS

9

CITY COUNCIL: State funds to offset builder’s cost, public to benefit FROM PAGE 1

variety of sources, including the private builder.

Element Design-Build has offered to cover this cost completely. The builder’s estimated total cost for the project is $230,000; $115,000 of which the city hopes will be covered by state funds. The project will require minimal administrative duties from the city, but no additional cost.

The grant would help builders offset extra costs unique to brownfield redevelopment, such as the demolition of existing structures and hardscape,

upgrades to city water and sewer connections, stormwater piping, biofiltration, street curb, apron and sidewalk replacements, and a sidewalk addition.

“There’s a public benefit derived from these upgrades,” said Council Member Kevin Edburg. “I don’t personally put these in the bucket of the subsidy of business, I think there’s a public purpose that’s being served as well.”

“It seems like a no-brainer to me,” said Mayor Dan Louismet.

Other council notes: • License bureau activity is up, and so

are recycling fees, according to the 2023 fourth-quarter finance report.

After Maplewood closed its DMV office, White Bear Lake became the alternative, which has driven up licensing activity — and revenue — at the local office. But the recycling market remains in a downswing, so residents will continue to see a $1.50 recycling fee on their quarterly bills.

• City votes on zoning code revisions and planned unit development applications will now pass by a simple majority (3/5) vote rather than a supermajority (4/5) vote. This policy was changed to fall in line

with the city charter and state law.

• The city has chosen a list of five legislative priorities to focus on in 2024. The priorities are: to support legislation funding for urban forest management and emerald ash borer response, and to give chief law enforcement officers the ability to access the National Criminal History Database; to continue funding for lead water service remediation; to oppose legislation that would limit or preempt local government zoning authority; and to clarify laws pertaining to the authority school resource officers have in schools.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE TITLE AND SUMMARY APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 24-01-2072 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE REGARDING NOTICE AND VOTING REQUIREMENTS WHEREAS, the City of White Bear Lake City Council may, pursuant to Ordinance No. 83-6-666, adopt a title and summary of a proposed ordinance to be published in lieu of lengthy entire ordinances, and WHEREAS, in addition to adopting a title and ordinance summary, the Council shall direct the City Clerk to: 1. Publish the approved summary language once in the City’s official newspaper; 2. Have available for inspection during regular office hours a copy of the entire Ordinance; 3. Place a copy of the entire Ordinance at the White Bear Lake Branch of the Ramsey County Public Library; 4. Obtain an affidavit of publication of the title and summary from the official newspaper and place it in the City’s ordinance book together with the Ordinance and a copy of this Resolution; 5. Post the Ordinance on the City’s website.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of White Bear Lake City Council hereby adopts the aforementioned title and summary for approved Ordinance No. 24-01-2072 as listed below: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE REGARDING NOTICE AND VOTING REQUIREMENTS In summary, the ordinance amends section 1301 regarding City Council vote requirements for text amendments, rezonings and planned unit developments to require a simple majority vote of City Council and modifies language regarding notice requirements FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of White Bear Lake City Council hereby directs the City Clerk to provide the inspection and publication requirements as listed above.

The foregoing resolution, offered by Councilmember Walsh and supported

by Councilmember Engstran, was carried unanimously on January 23, 2024.

Dan Louismet, Mayor ATTEST: Caley Longendyke, City Clerk Published one time in the White Bear Press on January 31, 2024.

CITY OF WILLERNIE

NOTICE OF VARIANCE HEARING There will be a public hearing to review the request of Oevering Homes, owner of 111 Clyde Place concerning the construction of a deck not adhering to city guidelines.

The variance hearing will take place on February 21, 2024 at the Willernie City Hall, 111 Wildwood Road, Willernie, MN at 7:20 p.m. You may attend in person or via Zoom. Zoom information is on the Willernie website – Willernie.org.

Property description is Lot 9 Block 13, Wildwood Manor.

Victoria R. Keating, Clerk-Treasurer Published one time in the White Bear Press on January 31, 2024.

CITY OF WILLERNIE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the City of Willernie will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 7:10 p.m. at the regular City meeting place in the Willernie City Hall, 111Wildwood Road, Willernie, MN. to consider adoption of proposed revisions in Ordinance 1500, Section 1500.01 through 1500.11 titled Regulations of Utility .

Copies of the proposed ordinance are on file with the City Clerk for those interested in reviewing the proposed ordinance prior to the hearing.

All interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at the hearing.

Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the hearing.

Dated: January 25, 2024, BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL Victoria R. Keating, City Clerk Published one time in the White Bear Press on January 31, 2024.

CITY OF WILLERNIE

2024 MINNESOTA CITY SUMMARY BUDGET DATA A REPORT ON MINNESOTA CITY BUDGETS FOR ALL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS FOR WHICH ANNUAL BUDGETS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED 2023 ORIGINAL BUDGET

2023 AMENDED 2024 BUDGET BUDGET

REVENUES Property Taxes $ 362,864 All Other Taxes 2,300 Licenses and Permits 19,060 State General Purpose Aid 73,795 State Categorical Aid Charges for Services 10,600 Fines and Fees 7,300 Interest on Investments 1,400 Miscellaneous Revenues 2,000 TOTAL REVENUES 479,319 Transfers from Other Funds TOTAL REVENUES AND OTHER FINANCING SOURCES 479, 319 EXPENDITURES (EXCLUDE CAPITAL OUTLAY) General Government 178,265 Public Safety 76,252 Streets and Highways 287,754 Sanitation Culture and Recreation 7,500 Miscellaneous Current Expenditures 1,900 TOTAL CURRENT EXPENDITURES 551,671 Capital Outlay TOTAL EXPENDITURES AND OTHER FINANCING USES 551,671 INCREASE (DECREASE) IN FUNDS 22,482

$ 381,007 2,300 19,060 77,795 10,600 7,300 1,400 2,000 501,462 501,462 196,921 89,553 215,169 10,000 1,900 513,543 513,543 (38,128)

Victoria R. Keating, Clerk-Treasurer Published one time in the White Bear Press on January 31, 2024.

CITY OF WILLERNIE

NOTICE OF VARIANCE HEARING There will be a public hearing to review the request of Santino Tenerelli, owner of 301 Webster concerning construction of the retaining wall on the property.

The hearing will be held on February 21, 2024, at the Willernie City Hall, 111 Wildwood Road, Willernie, MN at 7:45 p.m. You may attend in person or via Zoom. Zoom information is on the Willernie website – Willernie.org.

Property description is Block 26 Lot 2 Subdivision Wildwood Manor.

Victoria R. Keating, Clerk-Treasurer Published one time in the White Bear Press on January 31, 2024.

RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT GRANT REQUESTS FROM CITIES OF ARDEN HILLS, NEW BRIGHTON, FRIDLEY, WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP, AND WILLERNIE 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 Arden Hills – 2024 PMP Street & Utility Improvements ($94,650), City of Fridley – City of Fridley 2024 Street Rehab Project ($30,000), City of New Brighton – 4th St BW Storm Sewer Improvements ($100,000), White Bear Township – Bellaire Ave Stormwater Pond ($118,000), and City of Willernie – Craig Place Storm Sewer Improvements ($33,150). 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 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 14,2024, at 9:00 a.m. in the Shoreview City Council Chambers, 4600 North Victoria Street, Shoreview, Minnesota and also via Zoom. Contact tstasica@

ricecreek.org or the office to obtain Zoom meeting instructions. If you have any questions, please contact Will Roach wroach@ricecreek.org; 763-3983085. 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 31, 2024.

US STORAGE CENTERS - WHITE BEAR

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 2/21/2024 at 12:00PM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings.

Deborah Busse; Patricia Barrios; Jeffery Handeland; Shanetta Schaer; Tyrese Matthews; Joshua Kropp; Kaylene McGary. 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 31 and February 7, 2024.

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT #624

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Independent School District #624, White Bear Lake Area Schools, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, will receive sealed bids for: PARTIAL ROOF REPLACEMENT VADNAIS HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Until 2:00 P.M. February 27, 2024, at the White Bear Lake Public Schools, District Center, Building and Grounds office, 4855 Bloom Avenue, room 309, White Bear Lake, Minnesota at which time and place all bids will be opened and read aloud in room 206. Bidders are invited to attend. Bids received after 2:00 P.M. will be returned unopened.

A Pre-bid meeting will be held at Vadnais Height Elementary School, 3645 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 at 3:00 PM on February 20, 2024. Contractors are to meet at main entrance.

Bids shall be upon bid forms provided within specifications. No oral, telegraphic, or telephonic proposals or modifications will be considered. Separate envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked (PARTIAL ROOF REPLACEMENT VADNAIS HEIGHT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL) with the name and address of the bidder and the date and hour of the opening, addressed to Kevin Fernandez, Director of Building Operations.

The complete form shall be without alterations, additions, or erasures, all bids must be on a lump sum basis. White Bear Lake Area Schools reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or parts of such bids and to waive any informalities or irregularities in bidding.

Bidding documents, including the Bid Form, Drawings and Specifications, will be available upon by emailing request to Andrea Noonan, Roof Spec, Inc. andien@roofspec.com. The copies will be available January 31, 2024. The following information must accompany the request: Contact name, email, Company name, mailing address, street address, and phone numbers. Hard copy sets will also be available for pick up upon request.

Each Bidder must accompany his bid with a Cashier’s Check, Bid Bond, or Certified Check equal to 5% of the total amount of the Bid payable to Independent School District #624 as a guarantee of prompt execution of the contract in accordance with the Proposal and Contract Documents.

The successful bidder will be required to furnish satisfactory Labor and Material Payment Bond, and Performance Bond.

Bids may not be withdrawn within sixty (60) days after the scheduled time of opening bids, without the consent of the School Board of Independent School District #624 of Minnesota.

Published two times in the White Bear Press on January 31 and February 7, 2024.

PET SERVICE DIRE

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10 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

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SPORTS: Local wrestler qualifies for Olympic trials, again PAGE 19

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

White Bear kicks off Polar Plunge season Above: Frozen Dunkers team members hit the water during the annual White Bear Lake Polar Plunge benefit for Special Olympics Minnesota presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Above: A plunger helps brighten a cloudy day with a vintage flower power dress.

At left: HIPP CHIX team members raised $11,420 of their $12.550 2024 goal. At press time more than 1,000 plungers had exceeded the original goal of $215,00 by raising $221,119. According to the plunge.org website, the White Bear Lake Plunge has raised over $3,781,325 in its 22-year history.

At right: Crazy Crayons team members add a splash of color during their plunge into White Bear Lake. Despite a string of above freezing days, organizers made good on the “Ice or no ice, the plunge will go on” message posted at plunge.org.

MIKE YUNGERS | CONTRIBUTED

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Have something you are curious about in the community? Submit your questions to the news team.

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From,

Send your questions to news@presspubs.com

Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town!

Please email your best shot to whitebearnews@presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo.

1 3

2

12 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

WHAT’S HAPPENING www.presspubs.com

JANUARY 31, 2024

‘LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE: THE Vadnais Heights MUSICAL’ Details: Bring a bag lunch and play When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; table games with friends. Coffee

2:30 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 11; matinee showtimes also available Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Lakeshore Players actors perform the iconic story of life on the Amerricna frontier. Ticket information online.

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

MODEL TRAIN SHOW When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 Where: Century College West Campus

Gymnasium, 3401 Century Ave. N. Details: Vendors from 5 states sell new and used model trains of all scales, railroad memorabilia, buildings, books and more. Large running display.

Children 12 and under free.

Contact: greateruppermidwesttrainshowandsales.com

GUSTAVUS G CHOIR CONCERT When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 Where: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church,

900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi Details: Choir tours the U.S. and performs both scared music rooted in the Lutheran choral heritage as well as contemporary music. Free and open to the public.

Contact: gustavus.edu/academics/ departments/music/vocal/ gustavuschoir/touringschedule

WINTER COMMUNITY HYMN SING When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 Where: First Evangelical Free Church,

2696 Hazlewood St., Maplewood Details: All are welcome to attend.

LUNCH AND TABLE GAMES When: noon Wednesday, Feb. 7 Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran

Church, 3676 Centerville Road,

provided.

Contact: 651-429-6595 or cslcvh.org

THE OLDER THE BETTER VINTAGE SLED SHOW When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

WBCA INSTRUCTOR SHOWCASE COMMUNITY RECEPTION When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 Where: White Bear Center for the Arts,

Saturday, Feb. 3

4971 Long Ave. Details: Reception honors WBCA teaching artists and their work, and includes live music and artist demos.

Registration required. Exhibition runs through March 29.

Contact: whitebeararts.org

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: stillwatersnowmobileclub.org

SWEETHEART DANCE When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 Where: Mahtomedi District Education

Center

Details: Spend an evening with a sweetheart dancing to music by a DJ, taking selfies, and enjoyimng facepain ting, crafts and refreshement. Pizza for sale. Registration required.

Contact: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com WINTER FARMER’S MARKET When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 Where: Normandy Park Education

Center, 2484 E. County Road F Details: More than 20 vendors will sell locally-grown and handcrafted items and gifts; classes also offered. Food trucks also on site. Indoors.

Contact: forksinthedirt.com

METROPOLITAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church,

900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi Details: Civic orchestra ensemble includes 90 accomplished volunteer musicians. Free annual concert.

Contact: msomn.org

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13

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

BRAVER ANGELS: Preserving relationships amid divisive conversations then they would have cake and ice cream … They would be able to listen to each other and talk to each other and explain their points of view. We seem to have lost that.”

Voss said people often have more common ground than they think. “There really are more points of agreement than we have been led to believe, and I think it is also important to be able to disagree with the other side and be okay that we don’t agree. It doesn’t mean we need to vilify the other side or hold them as being so different CONTRIUTED from us that we have nothing in Braver Angels is a grassroots organization that seeks to strengthen relationships and communities harmed common.” by partisan polarization. In 2022, over 24,000 people participated in Braver Angels, including workshops, In addition to schools or comdebates, one-on-one conversations, town halls and online discussions. As of 2023, the organization had hosted munity education, the organiover 3,200 events. zation also hosts workshops those conversations,” he said. also offers other things like a at churches. This past fall, FROM PAGE 1 Melinda Voss is a state podcast, e-learning courses and Our Saviors Lutheran Church coordinator for Braver Angels more. in Circle Pines created a new tells you not to do, and trying and the co-chair of the Twin A goal of Braver Angels is to ministry called “The Eleanor to convince people to vote for Cities East Metro Alliance. She Squad.” Each month, the minpreserve relationships. my party. I knew that I needed “There are people who’ve lost got involved in the organization istry hosts one event between to change course, and Braver Angels was my concrete way of family members and friends or back in 2020 after hearing about services that deals with current it on Minnesota Public Radio. come out of contact with them doing that,” he explained. issues, including gun violence “I was immediately interested prevention, climate concerns, because of political differences, In 2022, over 24,000 people and went and check out the and we’re trying to address participated in Braver Angels, immigration, Christian nationwebsite,” she said. that,” Holle said. “We want including workshops, debates, alism and more.

The East Metro alliance, one-on-one conversations, town to allow people to preserve Member Renee Dietz said she relationships, but also be active which is the local alliance of halls and online discussions. reached out to Braver Angels to Braver Angels, serves Ramsey and be able to boldly speak As of 2023, the organization see if they would be interested in and Washington counties and their minds.” had hosted over 3,200 events. offering a workshop in the spring. typically meets once a month.

The interactive workshop Braver Angels has alliances “We wanted to host this sesShe recalled that when she was sion since we know that there is designed to offer basic formed all throughout the growing up in the ’50s and ’60s, communication and listening U.S. Currently, there are 104 are members of our congregaregistered alliances throughout skills that people tend to forget her parents would meet with tion who are conservative and a group of conservatives and when they are talking about the U.S. There are currently those who are progressive and liberals to discuss their points three alliances operating in the politics or other important we want to be able to provide of view. issues. It’s also about allowing Twin Cities, as well as one in opportunities for them to “They would get together in northern Minnesota and one in participants to hear from “the understand and communicate someone’s living room and they respectfully with each other,” other side” and what their southern Minnesota. would discuss a public issue,” concerns are.

Holle said the organization’s Dietz said. “We are not trying she said. “They would say their to change anyone’s mind about “This workshop really gives workshops, like the one that is points of view and they all liked their political views, but want people skills for disagreeing coming up, are the “bread and each other and got along, and and also a motivation to have butter,” but the organization to offer educational events for

3,200+

White Bear Lake Area

12,200+

Christ the King Lutheran Church

Church Directory

Feb 4: LOVE 752983

office@ctkwbl.org | 651-429-4828

Sunday school @ 10am Testimony meetings every Wednesday at 7:30pm in person 4705 Clark Ave White Bear Lake 651-429-0512

Masses: Saturday - 5:00 PM Livestream Sunday - 9:00 & 11:00 AM 790352

Church: 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake Parish Life Center/School: 4690 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake

CHURCH OF ST. PIUS X

St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church

Sunday Worship Join us on Sunday:

10:15 am in-person Worship Livestreaming on and Live-streaming on YouTube: YouTube:FPCWBL FPCWBL

St.Jude

794438

stjohnwilderness.org

9am Traditions Worship 10:45am New Crossing Worship 10am Online ALL ARE WELCOME! Check our website for holiday hours wblumc.org 1851 Birch Street WBL 55110 White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church

OF THE LAKE

Sundays

8:00am In-person Holy Eucharist 10am In-person & Livestream Holy Eucharist

A Welcoming & Inclusive Faith Community

794295

9 & 11am Sunday Services | In-Person & Online | 10am: https://wbuuc.org/sunday-worship 791454 763580

Daily Mass Tuesday, 6:00 pm, Wednesday & Friday, 9:00 am Thursday, 9:00 am (Jun - Aug), 9:15 am (Sep - May) Weekend Masses Saturday, 4:30 pm.

Sunday, 9:00 am.

CATHOLIC CHURCH & SCHOOL Sunday, 11:00 am.

Sacrament of Reconciliation: www.stjudeofthelake.org Friday 7:45 - 8:45 am Saturdays 3:30 - 4:30 pm 651-426-3245 | 700 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi By appointment

787260

Children 5 years to 5th grade may participate in Children’s Church during worship.

Reconciliation: Wednesday 5:00-5:45 PM, Thursday 8:45-9:15 AM, Saturday 3:15-3:35 PM, Sunday 6:00-6:20 PM

2175 1st Street, WBL 55110 | 651.429.5351

788496

763244

3878 Highland Avenue White Bear Lake • 651-429-5337 www.churchofstpiusx.org Masses: Sunday 9:30 AM & 6:30 PM, Monday, Thursday, & Friday, 8:00 AM, Wednesday 6:00 PM, Saturday 4:00 PM

787261

All Are Welcome!

794351

Feb 25: MIND

651-429-7771 Opt 1 www.stmarys-wbl.org

3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 www.cslcvh.org / 651-429-6595

5th and Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake • 651-429-3381 • www.fpcwbl.org 5th and Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake • 651-429-3381• www.fpcwbl.org

Feb 11: SPIRIT Feb 18: SOUL

Christ the Servant Lutheran Church Sunday 9:30 AM worship in person/on-line Adult Bible Study 8:30 AM

February Sermons

(Just off Hwy 96 & Otter Lake Road)

Find the church that fits your needs.

What: Skills For Disagreeing Better about Politics When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5 Where: Centennial Elementary Little Theater, 4657 North Road, Circle Pines Details: In our current polarized political environment, many people avoid or dread political conversations with friends or family members whose politics differ from their own. They worry that any attempts at political discussions will devolve into arguments and acrimony, and result in hurt feelings or anger. This Braver Angels workshop teaches skills for having respectful conversations that clarify differences, search for common ground, and affirm the importance of relationship. It also gives participants a safe environment to practice these skills.

Contact: To register, or for more information, visit isd12.ce.eleyo.com/ course/4757/winter-2024/ new-skills-for-disagreeingbetter-about-politicshosted-by-braver-angels

First Church of Christ, Scientist

1660 Birch Lake Ave., White Bear Lake

9 am worship in person & online at www.ctkwbl.org.

IF YOU GO

787263

24,000+

members to learn more about what issues are relevant to them as Christians and members of society.”

Those who are interested in attending the Feb. 5 workshop through Centennial Community Education are asked to preregister. For more information about Braver Angels, visit braverangels.org.

794437 757558

Service times are subject to change. Contact your local church or check church web sites for service time and online service information.

796078

rlcstpaul

785863 764532

2425 White Bear Avenue • Maplewood • 651-777-5200

790969

Worship: Sunday, 9am & 10:30am Wednesday, 6:30pm Daily prayer meetings and Spiritual Growth classes throughout the week. Call the church office for more information.

751042

redeeminglovechurch.com

14 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

JANUARY 31, 2024

www.presspubs.com

Despite ‘Bear’ly’ any ice, food shelf celebrates another opening There are three ways to support the White Bear Area Food Shelf through the Bear’ly Open XVII fundraiser:

COMMUNITY DANCE When: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 Where: Best Western Plus White

Bear Country Inn, 4940 Highway 61 N. Details: Dance to the live music by Ranger Things while supporting the White Bear Area Food Shelf.

Free hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and contests. Tickets at the door or online at bearlyopen.org.

ONLINE AUCTION

Bidding for the online auction begins at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31 and ends at 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3. Go to bearlyopen.org/auction.

CHALLENGE MATCH

All new or increased cash donations to the food shelf will be matched by a corporate donor. Use this QR code to make a donation, donate online at whitebearfoodshelf.org, or mail a check.

The Bear’ly Open, an annual golf-on-ice fundraiser that provides financial support to the White Bear Area Food Shelf, has been canceled this weekend due to unfavorable ice conditions on White Bear Lake, the event’s venue. The community dance on Friday night and online auction will proceed as planned.

Additionally, a corporate donor has come forward with a challenge match to help drive additional monetary donations to the food shelf due to the cancellation of the Bear’ly Open golf event. All new and increased donations will be matched, up to $30,000. Donations can be made online through the WBAFS website or by mailing or dropping off a check.

Participants who planned to golf and sponsors of the event are being asked to consider donating their registration fees to the food shelf, though refunds will be issued if requested.

Community Market opens

News that their biggest fundraising event of the year would not go forward as planned came amid a busy week for the food shelf. To meet increased demand for its services, the food shelf recently opened a second location in White Bear Lake at 2446 County Road F, near the Normandy Park Education Center.

The new Community Market stocks free fresh produce, bakery items, deli items and items collected — or “rescued” — from the nine local grocery stores who partner with the food shelf. “Shoppers can grab a cart and shop for the items they want like in a small, neighborhood market,” explained Perry Petersen, executive director of the WBAFS. Petersen said the food shelf has

CONTRIBUTED

Ranger Things will perform music from the 70s, 80s and 90s at the Community Dance.

recently seen a record response at its primary Whitaker Street location, where neighbors can pick up prepacked bags of food curbside. They report a 21% increase in the demand for food in the past couple of months.

“We recently had record response to the curbside program, with 163 people picking up food within 3 hours,” he said. “And there are only 13 parking spaces at that location.” The Community Market is an opportunity for the food shelf to increase both its capacity for food distribution and the number of people it serves.

The location also increases the food shelf’s parking capability to 46 spots.

All food shelf programs and locations, including curbside pickup,

the Community Market and the seasonal mobile markets, are open to all members of the community. No appointments are needed.

The Community Market is open for in-person shopping from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The White Bear Area Food Shelf, located at 1884 Whitaker St., is open from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

For more information about the WBAFS programs, including how to make a donation or to volunteer, call 651-407-5310 or go to whitebearfoodshelf.org.

Amy Johnson

CELEBRATING YOUR TRUST! FINALIST IN BEST DENTIST IN THE WHITE BEAR LAKE COMMUNITY.

2023

of the Press White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights

We take immense pride in offering outstanding dental services and being an active part of our community’s well-being. From all of us at Lakeview Family Dentistry, we extend our sincere appreciation for your loyalty to our small business.

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PHONE: 651-407-1250 | EMAIL: classified@presspubs.com

CLASSIFIEDS www.presspubs.com

JANUARY 31, 2024

WHITE BEAR/VADNIAS HEIGHTS PRESS

15

Press Publications suggests that you be aware of advertisers requesting payment for shipping merchandise. Confirm and verify all contact resources prior to sending any money. Take caution when responding to text messages that are not local numbers.

• CLASSIFIED LINE ADS

MONDAY THURSDAY9:00AM 4 PM • DISPLAY ADS

THURSDAYNOON 4 PM FRIDAY 651-407-1250 classified@presspubs.com (Earlier deadlines for Holidays)

58

Trucks/Vans/ SUVs 2018 Dodge Quad, Fully Loaded – Like New! $16,500 651430-1421 after 5p

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Services Small Engine Repair Free pick-up/delivery Hugo-WBL-VHCenterville; 40 yrs exp Call 651 260-8508

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Full Time Looking for a CONTROLLER – BOOKKEEPER Checkout our employment ad – Douglas-Kerr

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Part Time CIRCULATION – PT – 16 Hrs a week. Duties include: Circulation calls; Help maintain customer information and routes; Work with youth and adult carriers. Please send your resume to AR@presspubs.com PT DRIVER Needed See our Employment ad – WashburnMcReavy PT Funeral Svcs Assistant Needed See our Employment ad – WashburnMcReavy

160

362

Miscellaneous DONATE YOUR CAR, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 844/220-9501

FREE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs include Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service.

Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with onetime $20 copay. Free shipping & handling.

Call Maxsip Telecom today! 866/433-5324

Miscellaneous IS 2024 YOUR YEAR? We're here for it and here for you.

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SAFE STEP North America's #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call today!

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Hire Me Ann's AwesomeHousecleaning - 20 Yrs experience. Dependable, Trustworthy References Avail. Call or text 651-776-7834 John Deere 445 Garden Tractor, Electr.

Fuel inject. All wheel steer AWS. Low hrs.

Power flow leaf attach avail. $3,900 – Call 612-599-172nine

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Firewood 100% 3YrDryRed Oak Fireplace Cord $150 RedOakFullCord $425 Call 651-214-0718

DryOak 8'x4'x16”$150 delivr'd 651-982-1672

TIMESHARE CANCELLATION EXPERTS Wesley Financial Group, LLC. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855/534-9138

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Want to Buy Older C7 HolidayTime Multi Color LED set, purchased at Walmart.

Must be in Good Cond or New. 651-407-1200

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Want to Buy We Buy Vinyl Records Lps, 45s, Stereo Equip We make house calls by appointment.

White Bear Lake Records 4775 Banning Ave,WBL wblrecords.com 651-224-4947

451

Rentals/ Commercial EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law.

Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777.

The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

• Employment • CIRCULATION Part time 20 Hrs a week Duties include:

Circulation calls; Help maintain customer information and routes; Work with youth and adult carriers.

Please send your resume to AR@presspubs.com

• Employment • Employment • Employment • Employment • Are you looking for something to keep your child(ren) busy? How about something that gives them cash? Talk to them about delivering newspapers!

MAHTOMEDI VOLUNTEER FOR CITY

COMMISSIONS The City of Mahtomedi is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on advisory commissions.

Openings for three-year appointments exist on the Planning Commission, Parks Commission, Environmental and Finance Commission. The Commissions serve as advisory bodies making recommendations within their areas of responsibility to the City Council.

If you are interested in serving the community in any of these capacities, please contact City Hall at 651426-3344 for an application form.

Applications are also available on the City’s website at www.ci.mahtomedi. mn.us. Applications will be taken through March 1, 2024.

ROUTES AVAILABLE FOR WHITE BEAR PRESS:

Forest Lake, MN

MANAGER Starting at

$21/hour PTO – All Employees Health, Dental, Vision Life & Disability Insurance Meal Discount Program

Seeking Part-Time • Funeral Services Assistants •Drivers

Rte 114 – S of Cnty Rd F – E of Bellaire Rte 122 – S of Cnty Rd F – E of McKnight Rte 123 – S of Cnty Rd F to W of McKnight Rte 124 – N of Birch to E of Hazel Rte 125 – N of Cedar to W of McKnight Rte 232 – N of 96 to W of 2nd Ave Rte 235 – S of 4th St – E of Otter Lake Rd Rte 262 – Lake Ave – E of Hwy 61 Rte 284 – S of Otter Lake – W of Otter Lake Rd Rte 294 – N of 96 – E of Portland Main Street Business District – downtown White Bear Lake Other Routes available, call our Circulation Dept. at 651-407-1246.

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REMEMBER YOUR BELOVED PET Place your ad in the memorial section of Press Publications

2023

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Equal Opportunity Employer

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White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights

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Call 651-407-1221

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of the Press

• Bookkeeping & Payroll • Tax Planning & Projections • Estate, Trust & Gift Tax • Financial Planning • IRS & State Audit Help

RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE

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Preferred skills and Qualifications: - 5 years experience as an accounting or finance manager.

- Proven payroll experience, with focus on streamlining accounting processes.

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-Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, and specialized accounting software.

-Experience in construction industry is a plus.

-Willing to grow and work with the right candidate.

Pay and Benefits: -Pay will be based on experience -Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance -Paid time off -Paid training Contact Info: Qualified candidates, please contact Ryan Kerr at 320-679-8937 ext. 14 or email at ryan@douglas-kerr.com.

This Week In SPORTS NOW HIRING Morning Day Shift Leadership positions available for flexible candidates.

651-653-9845 4687 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL 55110

WHITE BEAR LAKE Thursday, Feb. 1

• 9 a.m. — Nordic ski boys conference finals at Battle Creek Regional Park • 9:40 a.m. — Nordic ski girls conference finals at Battle Creek Regional Park • 6 p.m. — Swimming and diving vs.

Roseville Area at White Bear Lake YMCA • 7 p.m. Boys basketball at Woodbury High School • 7 p.m. Girls basketball vs. Woodbury at WBLAHS-South Campus • 7 p.m. — Girls Hockey vs. Park at White Bear Lake Sports Center • 7 p.m. — Boys Hockey vs. Roseville Area at TCO Sports Garden

Friday, Feb. 2

Tuesday, Feb. 6

• 7 p.m. — Boys Basketball vs. North St. Paul at WBLAHS-South Campus

• 6 p.m. — Swimming and diving vs. East Ridge at Oltman Middle School • 7 p.m. — Boys hockey at Rogers Ice Arena

Saturday, Feb. 3 • 2 p.m. - Boys Hockey vs. Centennial at TCO Sports Garden • 3 p.m. — Girls Hockey vs. Osseo at White Bear Lake Sports Center

Monday, Feb. 5 • 4:30 p.m. Adapted hockey at Centennial High School

Wednesday, Feb. 7 • 4:30 p.m. - Adapted hockey vs. Maple Grove at WBLAHS-North Campus • 6 p.m. - Gymnastics at Stillwater High School

795698

DEADLINE FOR

16 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

JANUARY 31, 2024

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WHITE BEAR PRESS | VADNAIS PRESS | QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | SHOREVIEW PRESS | NORTH OAKS NEWS | THE CITIZEN | THE LOWDOWN

PHONE:

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callaspecialist@presspubs.com

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of the Press

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JANUARY 31, 2024 www.presspubs.com

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

Zephyrs finish 3rd in SEC

SPECIAL OFFER 2 Months FREE RENT

Roseville/Mahtomedi handed Stillwater its lone conference loss last week, then beat White Bear Lake to finish third in the Suburban East. Stillwater finished 14-1-1, Woodbury 12-3-1 and Roseville/Mahtomedi 12-4-0 for the top three slots among nine teams. The Marauders (16-8 overall) defeated Stillwater 3-1 with goals by Rylee Bogren, Olivia Martin and Julia Fussy, then stymied the Bears 4-1 at home with Addison Andre, Kylie Jones, Sophie Martin and Victoria Nelson scoring. Marauders goalie Lily Peterfeso stopped 51 of 53 shots in the two games.

R/M will close the regular season Saturday hosting Rogers.

Briarcliff Apartments 55+ Apartment Community

Come and tour our affordable 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments Call: 651-426-7960 www.briarcliffseniorliving.com OPEN HOUSE: Wednesdays & Fridays: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Always available by appointment!

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2021 BEST OF THE PRESS

BEST

796050

PAUL DOWNEY| CONTRIBUTED

Lily Peterfeso, Roseville/Mahtomedi goalie, knocked away a shot by White Bear Lake.

17

Faith and Learning Thrive where Each Child is Known JOIN US FOR OUR K-8 OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, February 13 9:00-11:00am and 4:00- 6:30pm

MagnusonSchool.org

4000 Linden Street White Bear Lake (651) 478-7317

795063

Learn more and register

18 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

JANUARY 31, 2024

www.presspubs.com

MAHTOMEDI SCHOOL BOARD MEETING NOTES 41.15% of the $48.2 million in revenues the district projected when finalizing the budget in June 2023. The district has spent $20.1%, or 41.97% of its projected $48 million in projected expenditures.

Erickson explained why the district had received slightly less than half of its expected revenues at the halfway point. For example, the district has received only $211,000 of the $1.3 million federal dollars expected because the state was converting to a new system for federal revenues. In a few months, the district will claim those revenues, Erickson said.

• An annual financial audit is required of school districts, according to Minnesota Statute 123B.77, and Erickson presented the audit report for the Fiscal Year ended on June 30, 2023. The audit results showed a clean opinion on basic financial statements and that the district’s finances were in compliance with the Government Auditing Standards Board (GASB). The audit, performed

by MMR, showed one significant deficiency in

The board next meets at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 22 in the District Center Community Room, 1520 Mahtomedi Avenue.

Loretta Harding

795877

@manitouwbl

the area of segregation of duties, including the processing of general disbursements and payroll transactions, which MMR attributed primarily to the imited size of the district’s business office staff. All three audit documents can be viewed on the district website.

• During the month of December, the community donated $35,910.17 in money and material, which the board formally accepted with appreciation.

796258

• Superintendent Barb Duffrin thanked paraprofessionals working in the district as part of Jan. 22-26 Paraprofessionals Appreciation Week. Fourth and fifth graders at O. H. Anderson and Mahtomedi Middle School recently participated in school spelling bees. On Jan. 25, the district hosted Kindergarten Information Night for the Class of 2037 families. Both resident and interested open enrollment families were invited. The 2022-23 Annual Report was recently mailed to stakeholders and is also available on the Communications Department web page.

The 2024-25 pdf calendar for Mahtomedi Public Schools is now available on the district web site at www.mahtomei.k12.mn.us. In student news, high school student Jaylen Jones (Class of 2026) won the $1,000 Youth Spark Innovative Idea Competition prize from Social Venture Partners Minnesota for his business idea to create a home cleaning service for senior citizens staffed by young, caring adults. Upcoming events include parent/teacher conferences during February, the preschool open house on Feb. 6 and Coffee & Conversation at 6:15 p.m. Feb. 22 at the District Education Center.

• Wildwood Elementary presented the Missoula Children’s Theatre musical, “Cinderella” on Jan. 6, Student Representative Fatimah Bah said in her report. Meanwhile, students have started many new clubs at O. H. Anderson Elementary, including Fierce Girls, basketball, the clay club and more. Students have taken learner agency to heart and have spoken up about hallway traffic, she said. The highlight of Bah’s report, however, was the update on the cupcake wars at the high school. Business and culinary classes collaborated to see who would sell the most cupcakes and make the most profit. Bah said she liked how the students applied skills learned during the semester in a practical and fun way, with the students who ate the cupcakes benefitting the most. The business club, DECA, is going to state and students are finding success by the introduction of more business-related courses and extra curricular activities in high school, she said.

• In his mid-year financial report, Director of Finance and Operations Tim Erickson summed up Second Quarter figures for the board. As of Dec. 1, the district had received $19.8 million, or

WINTER

Staycation Beat the winter blues and leave the maintenance to us!

• Join us for two to six months…your choice.

• Let us take care of snow removal while you socialize.

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SPORTS AND OUTDOORS

JANUARY 31, 2024

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Bear girls leading SEC by 3 games

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

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ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS GIRLS BASKETBALL

Mahtomedi extended its conference win streak to 36 games, beating Simley 68-23 at home. Anna Greene sank 17 points, Ella Prose 12, Grace Prose 12, and Ella Kletti 11. Gwynn Porter led Simley (8-8) with nine points. The Zephyrs lost a non-conference game to Eastview 71-60 with Greene scoring 19 points and Grace Prose 17. Clara Goodman scored 19 points Eastview (13-5), ranked No. 9 in Class 4A. Mahtomedi is 9-7 overall and 6-0 in the Metro East.

tied for first on vault with Addison Briske and Alix Fox (all 8.350) and took second on bars (8.05) and beam (8.625). Fox won bars (8.30) and beam (8.825). The Zephyrs tallied a season-best 135.90 at Eagan. Rogers won with 138.90. Fox took fourth allaround (34.70) and second on floor (9.20). Margo Bruner won balance beam (9.30). Eisenhuth was fourth on floor (9.00). The Zephyrs host Tartan on Thursday in the conference finale.

WRESTLING

Mahtomedi junior Evan McGuire was 189-pound champion at the Rochester Century Invitational.

Mahtomedi has won four straight McGuire (34-4) beat Simley’s Danny games, and six of its last seven. Last Martin 11-3 in the finals after week the Zephyrs beat Simley 72-35 advancing with three pins. Aidan and South St Paul 73-60, both on Carlson (26-9) was runner-up at 114 the road. The Zephyrs are 5-2 in the Metro East and 7-9 overall. Simley is pounds. Alex Boex (15-17) placed sixth at 138. In dual meets, the 3-13 and SSP 6-10.

Zephyrs (6-17) lost to host St. Thomas Academy 53-21 and Tartan 42-36; GYMNASTICS then they lost to host White Bear Lake 51-12 and Roseville 42-24 while Mahtomedi is 5-0 in dual meets defeating Minneapolis Southwest with one remaining after defeating 45-21. In the win, they had pins by South St. Paul 131.625 to 103.500.

Owen Eigen, Boex, Alex Lavalle, The Zephyrs placed second at the and McGuire, a decision by Samuel Eagan Invitational. Against SSP, White and three forfeits.

Natalie Eisenhuth won all-around (34.05) and floor exercise (9.025),

BOYS BASKETBALL

Cami Bachmeier launched a jump shot against East Ridge.

White Bear Lake now has a three-game lead in the Suburban East after defeating Irondale and East Ridge. The Bears are 11-1 in the SEC with six games left. East Ridge and Stillwater are each 8-4, tied for second. The Bears won 58-23 at Irondale, then Bears turned back East Ridge 64-51 at home, led by Heidi Barber with 20 points, including four 3-pointers and 4-for-4 at the line. Jordyn Schmittdiel sank 16 points, and Cami Bachmeier and Addi Post eight each.

Sidney Klauer netted 17 points and Isabella Sanneh 14 for East Ridge (11-7). The Bears were 13-for-16 on free shots, with Bachmeier and Post combining for 7-for-7 late in the game.

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS GYMNASTICS LISA SIDDONS | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Heidi Barber got inside for two of her 20 points against East Ridge.

Longendyke set for Olympic wrestling team trials

Forest Lake, one of the top teams in the metro area, defeated host White Bear Lake 143.45 to 134.90. The Bears have a 4-3 record. Samantha Ernst won all four events for the Rangers, totaling 37.55 points. For the Bears, Addy Mueller was third (35.525), Josie Mlejnek fourth (33.70), and Taylynne McMahon fifth (33.475).

Mueller was third on bars (8.86) and beam (9.00) and fourth on floor (8.975). Mjejnek was fourth on bars (8.30).

White Bear Lake defeated Mounds View 4-1 at home in their lone action last week. The Bears are 10-1 in the SEC and 13-3-1 overall. Scoring were Nolan Roed twice (one short-handed) in the first period, Will Distad in the second and Dylan Beutow in the third. Distad made two assists.

Leo Gabriel stopped 19 of 20 shots with Johnny Conlin scoring for the Mustangs (4-11-2).

Augsburg College.

LISA SIDDONS | CONTRIBUTED

Taylynne McMahon executed a split leap on the balance beam.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Alix Fox

Mahtomedi Gymnastic Alix Fox, Mahtomedi senior gymnast, is the top performer for the Zephyrs (5-0) this year, placing first all-around in three meets while leading the team in five meets (she was ill during two others). Fox has won vault, beam and bars twice each in duals, and at the Eagan Invitational last week, she was fourth all-around with a season high 34.70 and second on floor. Fox also showed her excellent body control in the fall as an all-conference and state-qualifying diver, helping the Zephyr swimmers win the Metro East and advance to state.

Alix Fox

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White Bear Lake defeated North St. Paul/Tartan 7-0 at home, then lost to Roseville/Mahtomedi 4-1 in Roseville. The Bears are 13-9-1 with two regular-season games left.

Against North/Tartan, Amanda Smythe pumped in three goals, and Madelyn Lee, Ava Johnson, Ashley Peltier and Maddy Belisle one each.

Sterling Anderson was in goal for the shutout. Ava Johnson had the goal against Roseville/Mahtomedi.

BOYS HOCKEY

trials in 2016 and 2020, reaching the semifinals Wrestling at 130 kg in 2020. He has wrestled in Greco-Roman, he for Team USA in the placed fifth at Senior Donny Longendyke, Nationals held in Dec. in Pan Am Games in 2021, White Bear Lake placing second (silver wrestling luminary, has Fort Worth, Texas with qualified for the Olympic the top five advancing to medal), and 2023, placing trials for the third time. the Olympic trials. They fourth. Also last year, he placed third in the Longendyke, currently a will be held at Penn Bears assistant coach, was State on April 19-20 with Team USA trials for eight contestants in each the world tournament, a two-time state heavywhich earned him a trip weight class. weight champion, in 2010 Longendyke previously to Serbia with the team and 2011, and an NCAA qualified for the Olympic as a training partner.

Division III champion for

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

GIRLS HOCKEY

SWIMMING

Last week, White Bear Lake nabbed its second win of the season, outstroking Cretin-Derham Hall 92-83 at the YMCA pool, then lost to Woodbury. Leading the Bears (2-5) against CDH was Benedict Hoefer, winning the 200 and 500 freestyles in 1:53.77 and 5:15.06. Also winning were Anthony Parada Romero, diving, 223.0; Braden Kolb, backstroke, 58.62; and Finnian McVeigh, breaststroke, 1:09.90.

Placing second were Calvin Weier in the IM and backstroke, Dylan Grudem in 50 free, McVeigh in butterfly and Kolb in 100 free. The Raiders won seven events, including all three relays. Woodbury won 11 of 12 events against the Bears, with Romero prevailing in diving (220.0).

Kolb and McVeigh each had secondand third-place finishes. Mason Noren was second in the 200 free.

ALPINE SKI

White Bear Lake boys and girls teams are both holding fifth place among nine teams in the Suburban East Conference with four of five meets done. Leading the Bear boys in points are sophomore Cooper Feirn and juniors Harry McNerlin and Robbie Fresen. Leading the girls are junior Eva Haskins and seniors Addison Medin and Stella Christianson. Regarding the lack of snow, coach Frederic Feirn commented, “The conditions have been challenging for all. Wild Mountain has been working hard to get us on snow and training. The mid-holiday rain shut down most of the ski resorts during a time when we focus the most on race training.” The team has remained “resilient and disciplined,” he said, and is gearing to turn in a solid performance in Section 7 on Feb. 5 at Giants Ridge.

20 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

JANUARY 31, 2024

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SP TTED

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AROUND TOWN

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1. Approximately 70 community volunteers helped WBLAHS 10th graders with mock interviews as part of a class that focuses on “language arts in the real world.” — Carter Johnson, Contributed 2. Phillip Johnstone, Sawyer Collins, Coach Ben Ratte, Carter Wippler and Avian Atkins pose with their Pink Out shirts prior to a junior varsity basketball game. The shirts were designed by WBLAHS student Elias Ramirez for the recent Coaches vs Cancer Pink Out games. Coaches vs

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Cancer is a national basketball program partnership with the American Cancer Society. — Paul Dols, contributed 3. Bobby Fullerton of White Bear Lake caught this 15.5-inch crappie in front of the VFW shortly after sunset Jan. 24.

He was fishing in 13 feet of water and caught the fish on a Wonderbread jig and waxies. The ice was a foot thick at the time. — Contributed 4. Stillwater music teacher and White Bear Lake resident Anthony Healy was seen playing the piano at the Apostle

Supper Club in downtown St. Paul. — Contributed 5. Washington County recently conducted a “Name a Snowplow” contest. Of more than 1,000 ideas submitted, the 8 finalists included SKOL Plow, Beast of the East, Plow Bunyan, Stillwinter, Plowabunga, Taylor Drift, Can’t Work From Home, and Blizzard Wizzard. The final top-two winners are Plowabunga and Taylor Drift. Taylor Drift will be located in the northern part of Washington County, while Plowabunga will service the southern part. — Contributed

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