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TOWNSHIP: Preliminary levy keeps taxes low PAGE 8A
Augmentation bill gets stamp of approval BY DEBRA NEUTKENS REGIONAL EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — After a few tweaks, the City Council threw its weight behind a bill to augment the lake. An early version of a resolution was discussed last month by council, which decided it was necessary to show “qualified” support to the pending bonding bill. Again, there are conditions. Wording that emphasized the lake’s regional appeal was added to the resolution, as was the council’s concern that any ongoing operational and maintenance costs be funded by all benefiting jurisdictions and parties in a fair and equitable manner through a mechanism approved by the city. Lake water quality must also be preserved. The council agreed that language addressing the lake level lawsuit be included to require plaintiffs request the deadlines outlined in the settlement agreement be extended one year and that the lawsuit be dismissed if the augmentation project moves forward. Deleted from the early draft was wording in a “whereas” that singled out “those residing on its shoreline.” Instead, the whereas read: “White Bear Lake is a local and regional asset enjoyed and used by residents of the entire Twin Cities metropolitan region.” Councilman Kevin Edberg felt the language encouraged the city to assess costs equally to properties. “What are we saying about operating expense to
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Shamrock Shakers
Above: Mahtomedi High School student Bridget Barnett offers water and encouragement to participants, including Andrew Levi, in the annual Shake Your Shamrock 5K and 8K race Saturday, March 12 in Centerville. At right: Runner Patrick “Paddy” Rinella gets into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with a green velvet leprechaun suit. Find more photos online at presspubs.com.
SEE AUGMENTATION, PAGE 9A
Volunteers keep Bear Boating afloat BY DEBRA NEUTKENS REGIONAL EDITOR
Volunteers are the backbone of Bear Boating and with an expanding schedule, more are needed to keep the program afloat. “We need able-bodied folks 18 years and older to help people in wheelchairs get on and off the pontoon,” said Peg Black, one of Bear Boating’s board members. There’s also the hooks that need baiting or the lines that need untangling for those who come to fish. In its second year under the new moniker, Bear Boating is a nonprofit dedicated to taking military members, both active and veterans, seniors and disabled on a two-hour pontoon ride around White Bear Lake.
Judging by its many return customers, the cruise is a hit. “People come from all over the metro,” Black noted. Some, like Rakhma Homes, bring disabled youth three times a month and the Hastings veterans home regularly buses residents to the lake. Run strictly by volunteers, the group wants to offer more evening trips, hence the need for able-bodied souls who may only be available at night. “We run two to three trips per day, so we need people who can relieve the boat captains and crew for evening excursions,” said board member Tracey Montgomery. There is currently one trip a week on Monday nights to watch the A scow races. “Everyone works for the fun
and love of it. No one gets paid,” Black said. What makes their efforts worthwhile is the joy it brings to the passengers. Montgomery tells the story of woman in her 90s who loved to fish but hadn’t gone in years. “When she caught a fish, she was ecstatic, calling it ‘a million-dollar day,’” Montgomery said. “Then she caught a second fish. ‘It’s a $2-million day!’ the woman shouted.” The boat captains and crew take eager fishermen to spots known for prolific panfish. “They have a ball catching (and releasing) sunnies,” Montgomery added. “It doesn’t matter how small the fish. There’s good eagle watching too. The eagles wait in the trees for us to SEE BEAR BOATING, PAGE 8A
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A senior on a Bear Boating cruise last summer holds up her sizable catch. The bluegills were biting that day.
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