White Bear Press

Summer academy gets 2nd life

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

North Suburban Summer Academy (NSSA) met an unfortunate end last summer. Due to attendance and financial issues, the academy closed its doors after the 2023 session ended. However, that has not stopped teachers from giving it a second chance for the coming summer.

Student’s faith journey finds inspiration in Rome

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Arts, culture, food and fun.

To the average young adult, visiting Rome is a memorable vacation in its own right.

However, to one St. Thomas University student, a journey abroad means something more special.

“It’s a city of endless possibilities and things to do,” the Hill Murray 2022 grad said. “I’m here for four months, and I love it here! I almost don’t want to leave.”

Bonin, a sophomore at St. Thomas University, plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Catholic studies. He had expressed a desire to study in Rome for a long time, as he was fascinated by its history. Last year, Bonin discovered that traveling to Rome was possible through a special on-campus program. This program would help him earn credits toward his Catholic studies minor.

Bonin’s stay, which began in February, will conclude at the end of May.

One high point of Bonin’s visit, he says, was attending one of Pope Francis’ speeches at the Vatican. “It was a cool experience,” said Bonin. “Even for people who aren’t religious, it’s still a great experience seeing those from different backgrounds come together

“We got together and decided we could pull this off,” said Executive Director Bill Nara. “Our current teachers still loved it enough to keep it.”

The academy had previously operated at

Columbia Heights High School. It was structured as a summer program for public school students. Students ranged from first grade through ninth grade, and they came from different Minnesota school districts, including Centennial, Mahtomedi, Anoka-Hennepin and White Bear Lake. The only requirement for students to join was a motivation to learn outside a standard public school program.

The academy offered different classes for students to participate in, including astronomy, chess and magic. “It was almost like a carnival

SEE SUMMER ACADEMY, PAGE 11

Seed library set to open at Wildwood Library

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Wildwood Library in Mahtomedi and Hardwood Creek Library in Forest Lake have something special planned for gardeners and plant lovers. Both locations will unveil two newly developed seed libraries in April.

“So far, it’s been a lot of excitement,” said Wildwood Library Branch Manager Lara Frese of the public response. “There’s already so much support for Wildwood Library, and now there’s more from this, too.”

A patron suggested the seed libraries last May. In an email, the patron said that they were interested in seeing seed libraries developed at both libraries. Librarians Kara Sundin and Cristina de Sobrino, from Wildwood and Hardwood Creek, respectively, responded enthusiastically to the proposal.

Sobrino noted that her love for gardening and Sundin’s knowledge of seed library development helped the project progress. “I’m excited we were able to move this forward in just under a year,” Sobrino said.

Brendan Bonin (center) poses with members of his school group during their Rome trip. Some destinations on Bonin’s trip took him to both Assisi and St. Paul outside The Walls Cathedral. Bonin will read from the old testament to a crowd of thousands on Easter Sunday.

COMMUNITY BRIEF

Learn how to join Daughters of the American Revolution

Women who can show ancestral lineage to a patriot in the Revolutionary War can learn more about membership in the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) at an upcoming workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at the Shoreview Library.

DAR is a service organization that honors and preserves the legacy of patriot ancestors. Members work to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and secure better education for children. Membership eligibility in DAR is for any woman 18 years or older who can prove to be a descendant of someone who served in the American Revolution. The ancestor must have served between April 19, 1775 (Battle of Lexington) and Nov. 26, 1783 (withdrawl of British troops from New York).

DAR members can provide assistance with documenting lineage. Participants are asked to bring genealogy information, or information about any relative who is or was a member of DAR.

To register, call Marilyn at 518-928-7819.

I opened my dog grooming business in March of 2022 and revenue was steady for the first three months.

We spent most of our advertising dollars in the local White Bear Press from the day we opened.

Once we achieved a little repetition and recognition in the Press our revenue began to spike in the fourth month (doubling from month three!).

We achieved and exceeded our customer base and revenue targets in the first six months and exceeded them going forward.

While there are many factors that contribute to revenue growth it is vitally important for a new business to connect with the local community.

The White Bear Press was the perfect platform to accomplish awareness and educate the local community about our services.

The staff at the White Bear Press took care of designing our ads and recommending how we focus our advertising.

Their guidance was very effective and instrumental in our success!

Thank you from all of us at Haute Dog Spa!.

– Dennis Countryman, Haute Dog Spa 651-492-1888

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andArts Culture

EMERGING ARTIST: ROWAN HILDEN

“Your birthright lies in being born starving; it is nothing short of a prerequisite for a young animal aware enough to name planets. You are the heir apparent to consciousness, and it is written all over your forehead.”

— Rowan Hilden, “Starsong”

“I lost my dad when I was seven,” 17-yearold Perpich Arts senior Rowan Hilden remembers, “It gives you a unique take on grief… Your view doesn’t match with other kids, and you’re too young to know how to describe it.” Instead of letting the loss of a parent be her story, however, Hilden has used it as the beginning of hers. Hilden explains that, since her father was “the reader of the family,” he instilled a love of reading in his daughter. Hilden recounts, “After I lost my dad, I needed a way of processing grief. Writing became a full-circle moment. Through it, I was able to make sense of my surroundings.”

CONTRIBUTED

Hilden’s effortless profundity feels jawdropping in a time when teachers report that their high-school students can’t tell time on an analog clock or read at a thirdgrade level. When asked about the discrepancy, Hilden puts the blame squarely on social media. “It’s less about kids,” Hilden qualifies, “and more about environment. Humans aren’t meant to know everything, yet now we do. Kids are helpless and scared because they can see EVERYTHING happening. You’re not meant to know! …It’s a hard place to motivate to become excellent when you’re surrounded by doom.”

APRIL EVENTS

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

NATIVE NATIONS 101 PRESENTATION WITH THE NATIVE GOVERNANCE CENTER

Location: Online: https:// whitebearhistory.Org/ events/native-nations101-presentation-with-thenative-governance-center/

Date: March 28th, 6-7:30pm

NATIVE SKYWATCHERS: INDIGENOUS ASTRONOMY KNOWLEDGE WITH ANNETTE LEE

Location: White bear lake armory

Date: April 4th, sunset

Start time subject to change. Visit whitebearhistory.Org/ events for more information

PINOCCHIO

Location: The Hanifl

Performing Arts Center

true story of transgender woman Charlotte von Mahlsdorf through a one-person, tour-de-force portrayal of Charlotte and over 40 other people in Berlin from the 1930s-1950s.

“SOPHIE WIRTH, THE CAMP THAT’S NEAR THE LAKE” WITH LAURA WEBER

Location: White bear lake armory

Date: April 11th, 7-8pm

LIBRARY PROGRAM: SAVING YOUR STUFF: HOW TO CARE FOR ART, HEIRLOOMS, AND PERSONAL COLLECTIONS WITH MEGAN NARVEY

Location: White bear lake library

Date: April 22nd, 6-7pm

Ten years later, Hilden has evolved into a prolific writer with enormous promise. At Perpich Arts High School, Hilden is enrolled in the Literary Arts track where she writes a range of genres, receives peer feedback, then reads her works aloud in public settings. Hilden notes, “Speaking into a crowd—watching their faces watch you— gives you so much confidence…Writing is even more powerful when spoken aloud. It becomes something that’s alive.”

This sharp articulation is what has earned Hilden such praise. She’s already received three silver keys from the Minnesota Writing Region Scholastic Arts Competition as well as three honorable mentions. As for the future, Hilden plans on going to Hamline to study anthropology and linguistics. She hopes to also fuel her creativity by contributing to the school’s literary magazine.

As for writing advice, Hilden has a straightforward message: “Everybody’s got a voice or story in them…You’ve already got it. You don’t have to do anything to become a writer. The minute you have an idea and pick up a pen, you are one.”

To read Rowan Hilden’s work, visit her website at www.rowanhilden.com.

Date: April 4-7 - Daytime

Performances

This new, fast-paced, storywithin-a-story version of the classic tale is perfect for the whole family. It’s pure enjoyment--no strings attached!

I AM MY OWN WIFE

Location: Black Box

Theatre - The Hanifl

Performing Arts Center

Date: April 5-14

I Am My Own Wife is a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prizewinning play telling the

URINETOWN

Location: The Hanifl

Performing Arts Center

Date: April 26-May 19

In this triumphant and uproarious musical, a terrible water shortage has led to a governmentenforced ban on private toilets. Amid the people, a hero decides that he’s had enough. A hilariously funny and touchingly honest satire, Urinetown provides a fresh and timely addition to one of America’s greatest art forms.

TRIPLE PLAY: HANIFL PERFORMING ARTS HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

April isn’t just a busy month for baseball players—but Lakeshore Players as well! With three plays being staged, each aimed at different audiences, Hanifl Performing Arts Center has its bases covered.

I Am My Own Wife

“This play is mind-boggling!”

Executive Director Megan Pence says, “It’s one person, but the actor plays 40 distinct characters in two hours. It’s a tour de force.” I Am My Own Wife chronicles playwright Doug Wright’s relationship with Charlotte van Malsdorf, a transgender woman in 1930s-1960s Berlin. Describes Pence, “[van Malsdorf] is a unique woman who happens to be transgender who owns a museum collection of fascinating items… so it’s

From Guam, a United States territory and Micronesian island, hails Vicente Diaz, a University of Minnesota department chair and professor of American Indian studies. On April 18th, Diaz will be bringing a 25-foot Micronesian outrigger to The Armory on Fourth Street to talk about, surprisingly, Native American canoes.

about the oppression of that time in Berlin.”

Per actor Lewis Youngren: “I Am My Own Wife delves into the complexities of history and memory, prompting audiences to reflect on how narratives are constructed and whose voices are amplified or silenced…One of the greatest joys of this process was discovering the depth and complexity of each character and unraveling their stories.”

I Am My Own Wife runs from April 5th-14th in the Black Box theatre at Hanifl Performing Arts Center.

Pinocchio

“This adaptation is an unexpected, innovative staging,” Pence claims, “It’s not a retelling of the Disney movie.”

Pence explains that this play is adults

performing for families and children. “All the performances are in the daytime, and, at $15, it’s a more economical show for families to attend than our regular shows,” Pence says.

It is also a great opportunity to learn about teamwork. “This production is a perfect example of a show that is SO much more than simply the sum of its parts,” beams the show’s director, Tami Provencher, “And we laugh A LOT.”

Maddie Ripperger, the actor playing Pinocchio, hopes that “that watching this timeless tale will help children (and their grown ups!) remember to slow down and enjoy the journey as they continue to grow.”

Pinocchio runs from April 4th-7th on the Main Stage at Hanifl Performing Arts Center. All shows are during the day.

Urinetown

“Don’t be intimidated by the title,” Pence states, smirking, “You’re gonna have a good time at the theater with this one.” Urinetown is an infamous satire of musical theater, sending up dark and gritty Broadway landmarks like Chicago and Les Miserables. “Greta Grosch, who did the Church Basement Ladies series, is our director,” Pence reports.

This production is also taking pains to avoid traps common with darkly comedic shows. “A lot of times people want to lean into the message of a show,” Pence agrees, “our version leans into the satire so that people learn through humor.”

Urinetown runs from April 26th to May 19th on the Main Stage at Hanifl Performing Arts Center.

PACIFIC ISLANDS MEET MANITOU ISLAND

“The Dakota and Ojibwe communities lived in White Bear long before any of us did,” says White Bear Lake Historical Society’s Native American Initiative (NAI) coordinator Elsa Ballata, “These tribes were wellversed in boat making.”

Unfortunately, many of the aquatic skills these tribes practiced and the environment they

practiced in have been swept aside. Vicente Diaz, then, aims to educate and serve the Twin Cities by bringing over 30 years of experience working with canoe carvers and open ocean voyagers from Micronesia.

“You won’t be carving a canoe here,” Ballata states, throwing her hands up for good measure, “but Vince will talk about the

program where people do.” Ballata refers to the Native Canoe Program at the U of M where Diaz has collaborated with Computer Science and Engineering Distinguished University Teaching Professor (and avid White Bear Lake yacht racer)

Dan Keefe. While Diaz builds canoes, Keefe builds mixed-reality programs to immerse students in

Indigenous maritime technology and water systems.

“We’re really excited that this speaker’s coming,” Ballata emphasizes. When asked what she hopes attendees receive from this event, Ballata imparts, “I hope people see the many groups that make up our community. People need to know where White Bear

came from—and that these people are still here.”

Micronesian Outrigger Sailing in Mni Sota

Makoce: The University of Minnesota’s Native Canoe Program with Vince Diaz and Dan Keefe is free and open to all ages and will present at The White Bear Lake Armory on April 18th from 6-7:30pm.

He is risen

Can you imagine the confusion the Sunday after crucifixion when Mary Magdalene and two others discovered the tomb that Jesus’ body had been placed in was empty? In amazement, they went and told Peter and John who then ran to the tomb. Later the resurrected Christ appeared to Mary and later to his disciples.

To the Christian community, based on recorded biblical accounts, the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of eternal life it brings was completed as prophesized hundreds of years before.

About the Town

Gene Johnson

Somehow baby chicks and bunnies became Easter symbols. Families celebrate with dinners, chocolate bunnies, beautifully decorated eggs, and some will attend church as a tradition of Easter.

The Bible points us to the new life Jesus gives us. Easter life starts the moment you are forgiven. I John 1:9 says if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. He never says that if we confess our sins, he will remember them and make us feel guilty.

“He is risen” is a wonderful statement that Jesus has defeated death. Belief in Him gives us the opportunity to share in eternal life with him.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ that we celebrate at Easter means that God the Father will give the Holy Spirit to believers. He sent the promise of the Holy Spirit to continue his work on earth. All this means that Christ’s earthly ministry continues today through his people in whom the Holy Spirit dwells.

Happy Easter to all.

Newspapers are threatened

Newspapers all over the country are being threatened by many different forms of communication, and social media is one of them. Social media has had a lot of negative effects on our society, especially the minds and culture of young people.

Some of the news media today has lost respect when it comes to truth and accuracy. In the minds of most people, what can you trust when it comes to information coming from government? How do you sort out fact versus opinion? How do you define the difference between opinions in editorial writing or what commentators report? It’s difficult. Professional journalists use multiple sources to bear out the information they are reporting on. That’s not the case with much of the internet news sources, social media, and political commentary and letters

TikTok is currently under scrutiny and threatens being banned from this country because of its Chinese connections. It’s a very popular information source for young people.

I am confident that community newspapers will play a key role in this ever-changing society as people will continue to look for truth and information that they can receive in print and online. As your hometown newspaper, we try very hard to be a trusted member of your family that you can read with confidence. The information is locally generated by journalists who have been educated to discern factual information by sitting in on government meetings, interviewing elected officials, and building relationships with people in the community.

This local newspaper wants your support and trust.

This newspaper has a responsibility and a strong desire to keep the community informed of what’s happening at schools, city and township councils, and the business community, as well as issues of crime and public safety. The White Bear Press is family-owned and is the oldest business of continuing operation in White Bear Lake. Over the years it has added subsidiary newspapers in the surrounding communities.

Thank you for supporting your local newspaper, whether you are a new or a long-time subscriber. You are very important in the process to continue in print and online. We have one of the strongest and most consistent audiences in print and online of any other medium in our communities.

We value your suggestions and we appreciate when you agree or disagree and tell us. We’re not perfect, but we want to do everything we possibly can to keep you informed.

We like when the community feels they own the newspaper. Then they are an integral part of its success, truth reporting, a way to alert people of concerns and celebrate success in the life of the community.

Again, thank you.

Gene Johnson is the interim publisher of Press Publications.

Housing development decisions are best...

As the mayor of White Bear Lake, I want to call the community’s attention to legislation being advanced in the Minnesota Legislature that would have a profound impact on White Bear Lake and surrounding communities.

Movers & Shakers

Dan Louismet

The legislation, as of the writing of this piece, is HF 4009 in the House, and SF 3964 in the Senate. This legislation imposes housing density requirements throughout the community without regard for compatibility of where it is developed. The legislation does this by taking away the city’s ability to plan for which areas are appropriate for higher density development and, instead, imposes a one-sizefits-all-approach across much of the state.

The legislation is bad in a number of other ways.

It removes important opportunities for community feedback regarding development. It eliminates our ability to ensure housing

development meets design and height standards compatible and complimentary with what makes White Bear Lake unique and distinctive. It introduces unrealistic timelines for the building permit review process. This, in turn, will ultimately lead to increased costs to the city because we will likely need to hire more plan review staff. These bills were introduced with the purported intent of increasing access to affordable housing. However, increased density does not, in itself, translate to broader housing affordability. What is for sure is that with increased density comes a need to increase essential services like public safety, roads, sewer, and water infrastructure, all of which is born by the city with no guarantee of a direct correlation in increased tax revenue.

Zoning is hyper local and critical to each community’s unique identity. Your local leaders recognize the need for housing options in our community to ensure people at all stages of life have options that meet their circumstances. Since 2021, the city has been working on identifying policies and programs that best suit our community, including the recent Housing Task Force Report and updating the city’s Zoning Code. In both cases,

these efforts were guided by a committee of White Bear Lake stakeholders to ensure any recommended changes reflect our community’s needs and desires. It defies all logic to think that the state legislature can better understand how to guide White Bear Lake’s future than our community members and local elected officials.

When addressing Minnesota’s housing issues, it is crucial to focus on solutions that strike a balance between encouraging development and safeguarding the distinctness of each community. This necessitates thoughtful strategies that enable local officials to make wellinformed choices based on their individual situations, rather than enforcing uniform directives from the state. I am hopeful legislators will collaborate with communities to advance policies that make a positive impact on the social and economic vibrancy of Minnesota. Please join me in contacting our local legislators to urge them to vote against this legislation.

Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL), District 36, 651-2961253

• Rep. Brion Curran (DFL), District 36B, 651-296-4342

Dan Louismet is the Mayor of White Bear Lake

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Oppose End-of-life Option Act

As a registered nurse with over three decades of experience and family members who have witnessed the challenges of terminal illness firsthand, I feel compelled to voice my opposition to H.F. 1930/S.F. 1813. These bills, which permit individuals with terminal illnesses to end their own lives, undermine the core principles of compassionate care and support that Minnesota’s health care system is renowned for.

Throughout my career, I have witnessed Minnesota’s health care industry excel, offering some of the world’s best medical facilities and cutting-edge technologies. However, the essence of our state’s health care lies in its commitment to providing holistic care that prioritizes the dignity and comfort of patients.

My own family’s experiences with terminal illness underscore the importance of this approach. When my father was diagnosed with lymphoma in 1994, his prognosis was grim. Yet, with access to treatments and the support of hospice care, he defied expectations and lived out his final days peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.

Similarly, when my sister faced her own battle with lymphoma in 2015, we clung to hope and relied on the expertise of medical professionals. Despite her courageous fight, she ultimately succumbed to the disease, but not without the solace of compassionate care and the presence of her family.

It is true that facing a terminal illness brings immense challenges, but it does not diminish the value of life or the need for compassionate support. Minnesota boasts exemplary palliative care programs and caregivers who are dedicated to alleviating suffering and ensuring that individuals can approach the end of life with dignity.

Moreover, the notion that individuals facing terminal illness can make rational decisions about ending their lives is deeply flawed. In moments of profound

vulnerability, what they truly need is love, support and a glimmer of hope.

In light of these considerations, I urge my representative, Brion Curran, and senator, Heather Gustafson, to reject H.F. 1930/S.F. 1813 and instead focus on bolstering palliative care services and support systems that uphold the dignity and well-being of all Minnesotans, especially those navigating the complexities of terminal illness.

Patty Bradway Vadnais Heights

No ‘Sunshine’ in Grant

Reading the informative editorials regarding Sunshine Week by Publisher Carter Johnson and journalist Gene Policinski prompted me to write this letter about the lack of sunshine in the city of Grant.

The city of Grant (population 3,966) council meetings have at most one resident attending and no media coverage, and it is unknown how many residents view the available meeting videos. The city’s website, which is very basic and difficult to navigate, offers little to no information regarding council actions. The same is true for the city’s quarterly newsletter.

The current Grant leadership culture, a culture of control, at times discourages discussion among council members through various unsavory methods, preventing council members from performing their duly-elected duties.

Grant residents need to know the real reason the Planning Commission was disbanded, why a contractor received a 60-plus percent increase in pay (discussed in a closed session), why a city engineer contract was approved without complete information to the council, plus many other questions.

Local government is where residents can make a difference. Attending the council meetings, viewing the meeting videos and contacting council members are all ways

White Bear Lake Area

to make a difference.

The next Grant City Council meeting is April 2 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall on Kimbro Avenue.

Jeff Shafer Grant

Response to letter

This letter is in response to Dale Firebaugh’s letter in the March 20 Press. There is a lot to unpack there, but let’s start with the claim that the results of Biden’s policies are that the U.S. is losing energy independence and is now begging for oil. This could not be further from the truth. The U.S. produced more oil and gas in 2023 than any country has ever produced in one year and is now the world’s largest oil exporter (U.S. Energy Information Administration). Begging for oil? No. And the Keystone XL pipeline was designed to transport Canadian tar sands oil across the U.S. to be processed in Houston, then exported. Cancelling this project had little, if any, impact on the U.S. oil supply.

Mr. Firebaugh also claims Biden’s policies were the cause of U.S. inflation. If this were the case, other developed countries would not have seen the spike in inflation we saw here. Inflation in the Eurozone was higher, with a peak of 10.6% compared to the U.S. peak of 9.0%. The U.S. current inflation rate has dropped down to 3.1% without the recession that many economists predicted. Economists agree that the inflation seen in all developed countries was a result of COVID-related supply chain disruptions (Federal Reserve Bank). So, did Biden’s policies cause U.S. inflation? No.  I will leave it there and remind readers to find reliable sources of information when drawing conclusions.

Steven Jorissen Vadnais Heights

POLITICAL BRIEF

Senator introduces bill to protect workers from lead exposure

The Minnesota Senate Labor Committee recently heard Senate File 4600, a bill authored by Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFLVadnais Heights). The bill seeks to address concerns about lead exposure in the workplace. The bill would direct the Department of Labor and Industry, with consultation from the Department of Health, to undergo rulemaking to lower the acceptable blood lead levels which require mandatory removal of workers from lead exposure and lower the blood lead levels required before a worker is allowed to return to work.

The bill was referred to the State and Local Government and Veterans Committee.

COPS&COURTS

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

Fire reported at Clover Avenue property

Vadnais Heights—A fire broke out at a house located on Clover Avenue on March 11. The Vadnais Heights Fire Department responded to a call from homeowners just before 10 a.m. as the fire was beginning to break out. No serious injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, although Fire Chief Chris Hearden has stated he does not believe it was started intentionally.

Fire reported at local motorcycle store

The White Bear Lake Fire Department was dispatched to The Trike Shop of Minnesota located at 3744 Scheuneman Road around 10:50 p.m. on Friday, March 23, after reports of a rubbish fire on the property. As more phone calls came in, the department upgraded the incident to a commercial fire with auto aid. Units arrived at the shop shortly after to observe smoke from the roof, which was successfully put out. No one was inside the shop when the fire broke out. An investigation is currently underway, and the root cause is unknown at this time.

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

• Lost prevention employees at the Walmart store in the 800 block of County Road E reported that a purse snatching incident may have occurred at the store Feb. 25, after reviewing a surveillance video. Evidence was gathered, a report was written, and the case is under investigation.

A restaurant in the 1100 block of County Road E reported two people for attempting to purchase pull tabs by using fake dollar bills on Feb. 26.

• A Vadnais Heights man reported that someone had rifled through his pickup truck Feb. 26 while it was parked outside the Vadnais Heights Walmart during his shopping expedition inside the store.

• A St. Paul man reported that his cell phone appeared to be making its way through Stillwater without him, after he lost track of it Feb. 27 while shopping at the Vadnais Heights Walmart, where it was either dropped or stolen.

• In either case, the persons who found it did steal it, because they didn’t turn it in or report it found.

• A Circle Pines man, 22, was arrested at 1:22 a.m. Feb. 28 at the intersection of Rice Street and County Road F, after he tried to flee from a traffic stop for speeding. Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies caught up with him after he ducked into a parking lot and tried to hide his vehicle from sight.

• A North St. Paul man, 35, was cited March 2 at the intersection of Rice Street and Rustic Place for driving without license plates, after deputies on routine patrol observed him cruising around town without them. The vehicle displayed current registration in some fashion, but not on a license plate, because deputies

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Birchwood

• In this week’s episode of “The Abandoned House on Cedar Street”, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the report of persons entering the building at 1:52 p.m. Feb. 27. After receiving a tip that the suspicious people could have been past residents, deputies located a male and female putting locks on the doors. The woman provided a bank work order allowing her to do so and assured deputies that the house was checked prior to being secured with photos taken inside and out. After learning that no one was to be stranded inside for weeks, deputies were advised that nobody else should be coming to the house. Stay tuned for next week’s episode, however.

• But wait – there’s more! At 7:15 a.m. March 1 a suspicious vehicle was reported at the abandoned house in the 200 block of Cedar Street. After deputies pulled over the vehicle as it left the residence, the driver gave them false information. When deputies discovered his real name, they also discovered he had a gross

checked the tabs and discovered in the database that the vehicle was expired.

A Vadnais Heights woman, 27, reported that someone had stolen her government-issued Women Infant Card (WIC) while she was inside a liquor store in the 1200 block of County Road D Circle E making purchases on March 4. The thief then used the card to buy more than $500 worth of merchandise.broke off from the pump, and gas leaked all over the place.

White Bear Township

A KOPS alert was issued on a vehicle Feb. 22, after deputies responded to the report of a group of people stealing alcohol from a liquor store in the 5900 block of Highway 61 before leaving in the suspect vehicle.

• Deputies were summoned out to the scene of possible illegal dumping Feb. 23 on Overlake Avenue and Hugo Road. On arrival, deputies photographed the items and identified some names and phone numbers among the trash in an attempt to find the culprits. Deputies made contact with the owners of some of the property and are still investigating to find the parties responsible for the illegal dump.

• Employees of Eagle Brook Church in the 2400 block of Buffalo Street on Feb. 24 reported that someone had illegally dumped miscellaneous items all over the one of their parking lots. Deputies took custody of any valuable items to be placed into property.

• A Vadnais Heights man, 32, was arrested Feb. 27 in the 4200 block of Oakmede Lane for violating an Order For Protection (OFP). A report of the OFP violation was sent to the city attorney for consideration of charges.

• A landscaping company in the 2300 block of Leibel Street on Feb. 29 reported a former employee for stealing and scrubbing several checks, which he transformed into versions of his personal checks. The checks were then cashed for thousands of dollars.

misdemeanor Chisago County warrant out on him.

Grant

• An unidentified individual was arrested at 11:57 p.m. Feb. 29 on Dellwood Road N. and Dellwood Road Court N., after deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle known to be in the area with a Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert on it. After being taken into custody, the driver was transferred to the White Bear Lake Police Department.

Mahtomedi

• In an example of reverse discovery, a Wildwood Road resident reported his bag stolen during the evening of Feb. 21. When his morning dawned at 7:33 a.m., followed by realization, he remembered that the key to his vehicle was inside the bag and that he wasn’t going to be able to start his car. And, as he stepped outside his apartment building in the area of Wildwood Road and Stillwater Road, he noticed that he didn’t have a car to start. The vehicle joined the bag and the key on the “as stolen” list.

• A motorist of undisclosed identity was cited at 10:08 p.m. Feb. 22 on Stillwater Road at Wildwood Road for violating an instructional permit by being alone in the vehicle as it rolled through the stop sign at that intersection. Deputies on patrol

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• A citizen dropped off treats for the police department on March 13.

• An officer took report of a theft from a construction site on March 13 in the 4700 block of Lake Avenue.

• An animal complaint was called in on March 13 after a cat was found on the complainant’s yard in the 4700 block of Sharon Lane. The cat was brought to the humane society.

• Officers responded to a twovehicle accident on March 14 in the 4800 block of Centerville Road. A missing person was reported in the 3600 block of Auger Ave. on March 14. The person was found safe two hours later.

• Officers responded to a narcotics complaint on March 14 in the 4500 block of Lincoln Ave.

• An officer documented a stolen vehicle on March 15 in the 1700 block of 4th street.

• An Edina woman, 37, was arrested for a trespassing violation March 15 in the 1900 block of Buerkle Ave.

• An officer took a report of a theft from a business in the 3200 block of White Bear Ave. on March 15.

• A dog was found running at large on March 15 near Sharon Lane. The dog was brought to Woodbury Humane Society.

• An officer took report of a missing person on March 15 in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road.

• Officers arrested a Minneapolis man, 35, for 3rd degree DWI and 2nd Degree Test Refusal on March 15 in the area of Hwy 61 and 2nd St. He was booked at the Ramsey County Law

had observed the vehicle “travel through a public intersection controlled by a stop sign without coming to a complete cessation of movement.”

• Deputies on Feb. 23 assisted the Inver Grove Heights Police Department in trying to track down a felon who fled a traffic stop in that city by calling on the fugitive’s father in the 1000 block of Dunbar Way. The father could not assist in tracking down the suspect, because he was not at home; in fact, he had moved away.

• Prescription medication was reported stolen Feb. 23 from a care facility on Wildwood Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported at 8:02 p.m. Feb. 23 on Mahtomedi Avenue with three juveniles inside, who stated they were waiting to meet friends. Deputies discovered the driver revoked, although he said he wasn’t driving. In any case, he was made to become a passenger while a valid driver took over behind the wheel.

• After he was identified, a male in Wedgewood Park at 11:33 p.m. Feb. 24 was ushered off the premises for being in the park after hours.

Pine Springs

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop Feb. 25 in the 6000 block of Hilton Trail N. and issued a citation for undisclosed violations.

Enforcement Center.

• Officers responded to an accident with injuries on March 16 near the intersection of County Road E and Century Ave.

• A community service officer witnessed an accident on March 18 that occurred at the intersection of Highway 61 and Willow Lake Blvd. The officer checked for injuries and blocked traffic until State patrol’s arrival.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Rd. on March 18. A truck and trailer had been parked behind a business for two days. The owners were asked to move the truck and trailer. They did.

• Officers executed a court order on March 18 in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road.

• A civil dispute over money was reported on March 18 in the 3500 block of Century Ave. N.

• Bossard park was tagged with graffiti over the playground and bathroom doors on March 18 near Bellaire Ave. Pictures were taken as evidence. Estimated damage loss of $1,000.

• Officers responded to the 4400 block of Hwy 61 on March 19 on a report of a motor vehicle theft. The vehicle was left unoccupied in Minneapolis. No suspect information available at this time.

• Officers assisted a citizen in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road on March 19 after they reported a theft.

• A missing adult male was reported in the 1600 block of Florence Street on March 19.

• On March 19, the department received questions about noise coming from a school in the 5000 block of Division Ave.

Madeline Dolby

A firefighter tackles a fire at a White Bear Lake business.

WHAT’S

LIONS WAFFLE BREAKFAST

When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, April 2

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F

Details: All-you-can-eat waffles and activities including Kidsight vision screening, fire truck tours, Can-do caninies, and other vendors. See cost online.

Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com/262/Waffle-Breakfast

MINNESOTA SOLAR: SAVING GREEN BY GOING GREEN

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27

Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd St.

Details: Kyle Poston, Residential Solar Project Developer for Cedar Creek Energy, will speak about solar energy options for homeowners.

Contact: bit.ly/NEMCA0327

NATIVE NATIONS 101

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28

Where: Zoom

Details: Learn more about how Tribal governments work and the nations represented in the White Bear Lake Area with a program from the Native Governance Center. Free; registration required.

Contact: whitebearhistory.org

NOURISH!

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, March 28

Where: willow Lane Elementary, 3375 Willow Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Make community connections and enjoy a free community feast with items from vegan to carnivore using the Marnita’s Table model of Intentional Social Interaction. Sponsored by Many Faces; childcare, interpreters, and transportation help provided. RSVP.

Contact: manyfaceswblarea.org/ nourish

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERAN’S

DAY

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, March 29

Where: White Bear Area Senior Center, 2484 E County Rd F

Details: Honor Vietnal Veterans and their families for the service and sacrifice. Event features presentation by the VFW 1782 Color Guard, the Nathan Hale Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Army Specialist 4th Class Daryl LeMire. Coffee and treats served. Registration appreciated.

Contact: 651-653-3121

INHERITED STORIES WITH DIETRICH

NISSEN

When: 2 p.m. Thursday, April 4

Where: Gable Pines, 1260 East County Rd. E, Vadnais Heights

Details: Learn how to create a legacy video documentary with the founder of Inherited Stories. RSVP by April 1.

Contact: 651-350-1703 or gablepineslife@gablepines.com

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR

When: 3-6 p.m. Thursday, April 4

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons

Details: Free screenings and information from local healthcare providers.

Contact: 651-401-3211 or vhedc.com

PINOCCHIO

When: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6; 1 & 4 p.m.

Sunday, April 7

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave. White Bear

Lake

Details: Storu within a story version of the classic tale. See ticket information online.

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

I AM MY OWN WIFE

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 5 & 12; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6; 7 p.m.

Sunday, April 7; 2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13; and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 14

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts

Center, 4941 Long Ave. White Bear Lake

Details: Lakeshore Players performs the true story od a transgender woman who survived the Nazis and East German Communist regime. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

SPIRIT OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 6

Where: Boatworks Commons

Details: 5K and 5-mile run out and

back on a paved trail along White Bear Lake. Proceeds support the Strive program at WBLAHS and Area Learning Center. Register online. Contact: midwestevents.com/mweevent/spirit-of-white-bear-lake-5k-5mile-2

WILDWOOD SEED LIBRARY GRAND

OPENING

When: noon-2 p.m. Saturday, April 6

Where: Wildwood Library, Mahtomedi

Details: Learn about the new seed library with a seed swap, workshops with Washington County Master Gardeners, and crafts. Guest speaker Diane Wilson, author of “The Seed Keeper” will discuss the traditions of seed stewartship at 2 p.m.

Contact: washcolib.org

A CAPPELLA SHOWCASE

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 6

Where: Chautauqua Fine Arts Center, Mahtomedi

Details: Concert features A Cappella groups from Mahtomedi Public Schools, the community, local colleges, and universities. Ticket information online.

Contact: wildwoodartistseries.com

OBITUARIES

Kristin “Krissy” Patricia Nelson

nee: Sauve

Age 49 of Vadnais Heights passed away peacefully with family by her side after a brief battle with cancer on March 10, 2024. Krissy was born and raised in White Bear Lake and spent most of her life in the metro area. She is survived by son Anthony Nelson (Amy, partner); father James L. Sauve (Cindy, partner); brother Brian (Kim) Sauve; sister Andrea (Andrea) Nelson; and numerous family and friends that loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by mother Patricia Sauve; step mother Pamela Sauve; grandparents; and special beloved dog Molly.

Funeral services will be held for family and friends on 4/19/24 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Lake Cemetery, White Bear Lake, followed by Celebration of Life/Luncheon at 12 p.m. at Podvin Park Pavilion in White Bear Lake.

White Bear Lake ROTARY ACADEMIC ACHIEVER

Olivia Wangsness

Rotary Matters wblrotary1@comcast.net

Oneka Elementary School

Olivia is a dedicated fifth grader who embodies the essence of excellence in both academics and athletics. With a relentless work ethic, she tackles challenges head-on, always pushing herself to new heights. As a student, Olivia consistently excels in her studies, demonstrating a thirst for knowledge and a passion for learning. Her commitment to academic success is matched only by her dedication to gymnastics, where her natural talent shines through. Beyond her achievements, Olivia's humility and kindness set her apart, earning her the admiration and respect of her peers and teachers alike. With her unwavering determination and boundless potential, Olivia is destined for greatness in whatever path she chooses to pursue.

Sponsored by Pat and Carol McFarlane

801151

John L. Beane

Age 72, of White Bear Lake passed away on March 22, 2024. Preceded in death by his parents

Lester & Mary. Survived by his wife of 50 years, Sue; children Sarah Beane (Ivy Reed) and Josh Beane (Charla); grandchildren Ingmar & Daphne; sisters Joan Liddy (Dennis) & Jean Beane; nieces and nephews. John participated in the rebuilding of the 35W Bridge. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake. Interment St. Mary’s Church Cemetery. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to donor’s choice. John’s family would like to thank MN Oncology and Beyond Hospice.

Arrangements by Mueller Memorial.

Denise L. Gust

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Denise L. Gust, longtime resident of White Bear Lake. On March 8, 2024, at the age of 71, Denise died peacefully at home in her sleep. Throughout her life she loved well!

Denise was dedicated to loving and caring for her family and friends. She also especially enjoyed taking road trips with her husband, playing games with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending time with her siblings, socializing with the Aquanuts, and cheering on the Vikings. Denise will be greatly missed by her beloved and devoted husband Michael Gust, children Jennifer Smith and Amanda (Josh) Harney, grandchildren Aja (Mitchell) Worthley, Indigo Smith, and Eliana Harney, along with several great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, one brother, and grandson TaCoy Smith. May our memory of Denise be eternal, and her loved ones comforted knowing she’s with God and her many loved ones who passed before her. Always loved, never forgotten! A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Community of Grace Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake (4000 Linden St. 55110). Denise’s family will welcome those who wish to pay their condolences from 10:30-11 a.m. with a service and luncheon to immediately follow.

Beverly J. Saniti

Age 90. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tues., March 26 at Honsa Family Funeral Home, 2460 E City. Rd E. Mass of Christian Burial Wed., March 29, 11 a.m. St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3878 Highland Ave. Visitation one our prior to mass. Internment Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Mahtomedi.

Lawrence J. Kuehn Sr.

Lillian Ruth Lewis (aka “Pie”)

Died on March 10, 2024, just a month shy of her 95th birthday.

Born to Hugh John and Alice Rebecca (Sharp)

McCartney in Cresson, PA in April of 1929, Lillian was #10 of 11 children; 9 girls and 2 boys. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband of 69 years, Cdr. Jesse W. Lewis Jr. Lillian was the last of the “Originals,” as her generation was called by family members.

She is survived by her children Jeff (Mary), Muriel Reeve, Wyeth (Mary Jo) LaVerne (Larry) McGrail, Jon (Anne), and Jim (Heiti); 12 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

As a child, Lillian was the apple of her mother’s eye. Her mom called her “Lambie Pie” and “Pie” stuck for the rest of her life. Early in the Great Depression, the family of 12 lost their home. They found a large empty, somewhat rundown home across town. Upon discovery, the bank required $15/month rent or the family would be homeless once again. Some years later, now with 11 children, they scratched together a $300 down payment and bought the home before the bank sold it out from under them. Decades later, they discovered that the “homestead” was originally built by Andrew Carnegie, the steel baron from Pittsburg, to be his retreat “cabin” in the mountains. The home remains in the family to this day.

After graduation from high school, Lillian joined several sisters living and working in Washington D.C. She got a job in J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI as an administrative clerk. Soon after, while on a date with one guy, Lillian met a dashing young sailor named Jesse - the man of her dreams - who was on a date with Lillian’s sister! They were married about a year later. And the other guy married Lillian’s sister and became her dear brother-in-law. Those were heady times in post-war Washington D.C.! When she left the FBI, Lillian received a letter of appreciation signed by Director Hoover himself.

Lillian and Jesse married in 1950 and embarked on the life of a military family in a time of war. By 1965, Lillian had survived 7 pregnancies, delivered 6 babies, and was commanding officer of a squadron of 6 hellions, while Jesse made his way through the ranks, became a Navy pilot and skippered his own squadron in San Diego, CA.

Lillian made everything happen by keeping the growing family’s domestic life on track through 14 household moves, Jess’ training, and several deployments. Lillian was a tender but firm mother, no time for nonsense. The kids all believed she could see around corners.

Family was important to Lillian. Her family and her siblings’ families, many of whom were also in the military and scattered across the globe, attended annual family reunions at the homestead in PA starting in 1961 and continuing for 60 years. Lillian had 49 nieces and nephews just on her side of the family tree. Those reunions were such fun!

She competed on a bowling team for a while and even won a trophy for converting a 7-10 split! She also loved to sing, joining Sweet Adelines for many years, a mostly a cappella barbershop style performance group of women.

was born on February 20, 1939 and passed away on March 21, 2024 at the age of 85 years. He was born, raised, lived and died in Gem Lake, MN. He is preceded in death by his special aunts Elizabeth & Lucille Braun; mother Anna Swanson; son Scott and grandson Brian. He is survived by his children Pam Frisk (Tom), Julie Wrich (Jim), Larry Jr., Cheryl Hagen (Zach Zacho) and Mary Carroll (Mark); numerous grandchildren & great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Lawrence was the owner of Kuehn Excavating and an aviation enthusiast. Visitation is Wednesday, March 27, 2024 from 3-7 p.m. with a service at 6 p.m. at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Arrangments MuellerMemorial.com ~ 651-429-4944.

Her neighbors on Hobe Lane were the dearest of friends. Over 45 years, Lillian and Jess evolved from the doers of the neighborhood to the esteemed elders. They loved the full-moon pontoon parties on Bald Eagle Lake. In their later years, they really appreciated the love and support of the Hobe neighborhood and their family of faith at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic parish in Mahtomedi.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Jude of the Lake at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 9, 2024, with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Lillian will be inurned with Jesse at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are preferred to St. Jude of the Lake School at https://tinyurl.com/569jt4r2 and selecting the “Angel Fund” for school scholarships or a fund of your choice.

Letters to the Editor

We encourage readers’ letters and comments. Letters to the editor should be no more than 350 words. All submissions must include the author’s legal name. E-mail letters to WhiteBearNews.com

FAITH JOURNEY: Hill-Murray grad finds speech to speak to his Catholic faith

and embrace a sense of hope.”

As a devout Catholic, Bonin also found the speech to speak to his own faith. “It felt pretty powerful, knowing I wasn’t alone,” Bonin said. “Part of a faith journey is wrestling with yourself to be a better person, which can be tough. But being surrounded by a community of others just like that is empowering. It shows that you aren’t isolated in your struggles.”

Another notable experience for Bonin was participating in an event known as the Seven Church Walk.

“It’s compelling being in a

where people long before me put a lot

into this.”

Brendan Bonin St. Thomas University sophomore

The walk entails a seven-hour hike through all seven Holy Year churches in Rome. These include the city’s four major basilicas: St. Peter’s, St. Paul’s, St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran. During the trek, Bonin was

fascinated by the scale of the basilicas’ interior art. “There’s not an inch on these walls that isn’t covered in magnificent paintings,” Bonin said. “It’s compelling being in a place where people long before me put a lot of time, effort and prayer into this.”

Bonin will also read from the Old Testament to a crowd of thousands on Easter Sunday. He will speak at St. Peter’s Square during the day’s celebration after the Easter Vigil mass. The opportunity came from Bonin’s philosophy professor, who put him in touch with a Jesuit priest at the Vatican. Bonin said that the priest is good friends with one of the Vatican’s event organizers. The individual was looking for students to participate in the upcoming Easter Masses. Bonin’s philosophy professor offered Bonin the opportunity, and he promptly said yes. Bonin’s family will be present during the reading as well.

Bonin also has a career as an acoustic singer/songwriter, and he plays both public and private events. He plans to release a yetunnamed album later this year. Bonin has continued to write new music during his stay, with a planned gig at Scholar’s Pub in Rome on May 6. Listeners and acoustic music lovers can find his work on Apple Music and Spotify.

EASTER WORSHIP

EASTER MASSES

Holy Thursday, April 6

The Lord’s Supper 7:00 pm (with incense)

Good Friday, April 7

Veneration of the Cross 7:00 pm

Holy Saturday, April 8

Easter Vigil Mass 8:00 pm (with incense)

Easter Sunday, April 9

Mass 9:00 am (with incense) & 11:00 am with overflow in Kohler Hall

700 Mahtomedi Ave Mahtomedi, MN 55115 651-426-3245

www.stjudeofthelake.org

St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church invites ALL to Holy Week & Easter Services.

Easter Day 3.31 Holy Eucharist, 8 am & 10 am*

Monday 3.25 Holy Monday Evensong @ 7 pm*

Good Friday 3.29

Tuesday 3.26 Stations of the Cross @ 7 pm

Wednesday 3.27

Taize Healing Service w/Eucharist @ 7 pm

Maundy Thursday 3.28

Foot Washing, Holy Eucharist, & Stripping of the Altar @ 7 pm*

Tenebrae, Entering the Darkness @ 7 pm

Holy Saturday 3.30

9 am

7 pm The Great Easter Vigil*

stjohnwilderness.org

2175 1st St, WBL, MN 55110 (corner of Clark & 1st)

799066

April 2th at 10:15 a.m.

Liar, Lunatic, or Lord?

Palm Sunday Service

March 24th at 10:15 a m

Good Friday Service

Good Friday Service

April 7th at 6:30 p.m.

March 29th at 6:30 p m

Easter Sunday Service

Good Friday Service

Easter Sunday Service

April 9th at 10:15 a.m.

March 31st at 10:15 a m

Easter Sunday Service

April 9th at 10:15 a.m.

April 2th at 10:15 a.m. 76

April 7th at 6:30 p.m.

930 Mahtomedi Avenue Mahtomedi, MN 55115 admin@majesticpines.com 651-653-4950

930 Mahtomedi Avenue Mahtomedi, MN 55115 admin@majesticpines.com 651-653-4950

930 Mahtomedi Avenue Mahtomedi, MN 55115 admin@majesticpines.com 651-653-4950

733003

767977 797179

SUMMER ACADEMY: Programming will expand grade levels, changes locations

atmosphere,” said astronomy instructor Jeff Bullard. “It was wonderful to see these kids look so happy to go and learn new things.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, things at the academy took a turn for the worse. Ceramics Instructor Ann Celiberti noted this as the start of the academy’s end.

“When COVID hit, the number of enrolled people dropped significantly,” said Celiberti. “When we had that drop in attendance, it also impacted the academy’s financial stability.” Celiberti noted that the academy’s teachers had trouble finding another school to relocate to outside Columbia Heights.

This changed when Nara and the teachers met shortly after its closure. Nara explained that he was running

a similar program to the academy. The program was called the Chess Strategic Games Association, which caters to students interested in chess and strategy-based games. Because NSSA and CSGA featured similar structures, Nara chose to transfer several of the former’s classes into the latter to get it running. “I already had the infrastructure ready to go,” explained Nara. “All we needed was enough teachers to make the classes available for students.” With staff support, CSGA officially replaced the NSSA, becoming the CSGA Summer Enrichment Academy. It will now be held at Hill Murray High School from June 10 through 21. “I think we’re ready to go forward,” said Nara. “We should be able to recreate this without any previous hiccups.”

Nara said there will be some changes to the new academy. It will accept students from grades one through 11, instead of one through nine. While grade 12 students will be accepted, they will be teaching assistants

instead of participants. The session will run for two weeks versus NSSA’s original threeweek run. Bus services to and from the academy will be temporarily discontinued. Bullard said this could change in the future.

“Our goal for now is to make sure this is up and running,” said Bullard. “We’re glad Bill (Nara) was able to bring it back for this summer.”

Parents can register their children for the academy’s summer classes online at www.

csgaenrichmentacademy.com.

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, contact him at 651-407-1229, or email at whitebearnews@ presspubs.coM

Students from the previous North Suburban Summer Academy pose during an astronomy-themed field trip.

One of the courses offered at CSGA Summer Enrichment Academy will teach participants about chess.

MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL NOTES

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies attended the meeting to provide their two-week update. There have been three arrests during that time – for DANCO violation, for domestic assault and for copper theft from a church on Wildwood Road, said Deputy Ryan Corneia. He noted that the city is seeing a steady number of fraud reports. “We were even approached during our pop break at Holiday by a woman whose account had been hacked,” he said. There was also a report of a Publisher’s Clearing House scam where someone lost $500. People are still losing money over these scams, Corneia said.

Corneia drew council’s attention to a new crime tracking map available to the public at www.crimemapping. com where you can see a map of recent crimes in our area. Corneia also noted the importance of reporting anything that doesn’t seem right. The copper thieves were caught because a citizen saw people prepping the street light at the church on Wildwood Road during the day and came back later with a pickup truck to pull the copper wire out. Because someone reported the suspicious activity, deputies were able to locate the suspect vehicle and arrest the thieves.

• Long time public works mechanic Brian Randt is retiring after more than 17 years with the city. Brainerd and Public Works Director Bob Goebel presented him with the Certificate of Appreciation.

• Federal Molding, a plastic injection company at 16 Long Lake Road

in the Northeast Metro Business Park has been getting a lot more business over the past six months and needs to hire more employees. The company also needs to build additional storage tanks to hold raw materials (plastic pellets) needed for their new customers. Representatives of the company requested and received a Planned Unit Development Amendment and associated Site Plan approval, related to the installation of the product storage tanks. At their March 13 regular meeting, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the requested PUD amendment and associated site plan at the location, subject to four conditions. “I think this is going to be an approvement for your business,” Brainerd said to the owner. “And we appreciate the business you bring to Mahtomedi and that you’ve decided to be here,” he said.

• On June 20, 2023, council discussed a possible land swap with the the residents at 357 Quail Street. Following approval, the land swap will now allow the residents to have land on which they could construct a new septic system to replace their current noncompliant system. In return, the city would receive a similar lot of the same size, which is Lot 1 Block 124. This new lot traded with the city would be severed off the larger parcel owned by the private citizens (Lot 21, Block 123). The lot the city currently owns would be deeded over to the residents, following vacation of the city’s right

of way. The residents have deposited $5,000 to cover attorney fees, closing costs and title commitments, etc.

• Look for St. Jude Cornfest to offer carnival rides and games at the annual late summer celebration, after council approved a request from St. Jude Business Administrator Cathy Hilby, on behalf of the Church, for a Zoning Text Amendment to allow a carnival as a temporary use in all districts. At their March 13 regular meeting, the Planning Commission voted 6-1 to recommend that council adopt the proposed text amendment. The dissenting commissioner stated that it would not be appropriate in all districts, such as at a single-family residence in the R1-E District. The other commissioners found that language in the permit process would prohibit public events occurring on property where they would be inappropriate. Cornfest will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and the church would like to enhance the event, stating that other parishes have had success with adding carnival rides and games to their celebrations.

• The Environmental Protection Agency, through the Minnesota Deparatment of Health, now requires all Minnesota cities to conduct a lead service inventory for all public water systems by Oct. 16. This will require the city to complete an inventory of all water service lines in town. The city’s engineering firm, WSB, will work with the public works department to identify the service lines and prepare a final report. Following council

property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you disagree with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local board of appeal and equalization. The board will review your assessments and may make corrections as needed. Generally, you must appeal to the local board

approval, the proposal from WSB will cost $7,678 and use funds available from the Water Fund.

• No more excruciatingly late nights for City Clerk Jerene Rogers and Finance Director Scott Schaefer, after council approved the Agreement for Election Services with Washington County. The county has taken over the election administration for 10 of the 31 cities and townships throughout the county.

• Each year, council appoints residents to serve as advisory commission members on the Environmental, Parks, Finance and Planning Commissions. With the exception of one of the Parks Commission seats that replaces that of Council Member Jeff Charlesworth, each of the appointments starts a three-year term on April 1 and ends on March 31, 2027. Appointed to the Environmental Commission were Mike Chevalier and Brandon Keating; to the Parks Commission were Ross Metz, Charles Lindberg and Miken Larson (assuming Charlesworth’s seat for one year); to the Finance Commission were Heather LaValle Tumbleson, Harry Melander and Glen Peterson and to the Planning Commission were Chantell Knauss and Lacey Smieja. “It’s a pleasure to see the citizens of Mahtomedi step up,” Brainerd said. “We have had good candidates and continue to have good candidates.”

The council next meets at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 2 at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Rd.

Loretta Harding

flexibility. Carried 5-0. ACTION ITEMS – A.) Approval of Donations/Grants for January 2024 Totaling $ 31,089.11 Domin motioned, Peterson seconded; Approval of donations/grants for January 2024 for $31,08.11. Carried 5-0. B.) Approval of NAPAC Presentation of the Annual Compliance Vote Ali Middlebrook, District Social Worker, and Jennifer Murray, NAPAC parent member, presented the Annual Vote of Concurrence to the School Board for the Native American Parent Advisory Committee. Middlebrook explained to the School Board that under Minnesota Statutes, Section 124D.78, subdivision 1, a school district with more than ten or more enrolled American Indian Students must establish an American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC). Mahtomedi chose to rename theirs to NAPAC. The district currently has 42 children from 23 families who identify as American Indian. Murray stated that Middlebrook had asked the NAPAC group to discuss whether they concur with the educational offerings and native experiences at Mahtomedi Public Schools to its students. The Mahtomedi NAPCA voted in concurrence. Middlebrook notes that this is the fourth year the parent group has existed and voted in concurrence. Murray briefly updated the group and how they meet three times a month, share a community dinner, native crafts projects, and how to grow the group, especially Middle school students. Middlebrook advised the board that since there are more than 20 members, the group can apply for aid to support its students in ACT prep work, cultural trunks, and sending staff to MN Indian Education Association Conference (MIEA) conferences. Middlebrook displayed a slide with Culture Trunk items, including totes, moccasins, and cradle boards made by Native craftspeople/vendors, where teachers can write lesson plans incorporating the items. Middlebrook asked the School Board for questions as she ended the presentation. Domin motioned, Reagan seconded; Approval of the NAPAC Presentation Annual Compliance. Carried 5-0. C.)

2023-2024 Budget Revisions Minutes – February 22, 2024 6 Tim Erickson, Director of Business Services, presented the General Fund Budget revisions for the 2023-2024 school year to the School Board. The preliminary budget was approved last June 2023. Erickson reviewed the reasons for revisions, including enrollment changes, staffing updates, finalized labor contracts, and legislative changes or acceptance of grants. Revision in the current year increased by 1.8% in revenue and increased by 2.6% in expenditures from the original budget. Revenue increased from a Federal Aid of $374,000 from an emergency connectivity grant the district applied for last year. Expenditures were due to salaries, Health Benefits, and purchased services such as utilities, audits, and insurance. Erickson reviewed the fund balance from 12.9% in 2022-2023 to 11.2% in 2023-2024. Erikson asked the School Board for approval on the Budget Revisions. Domin motioned, Peterson seconded; Approval of the 2023-2024 Budget Revisions. Carried 5-0. ADJOURNMENT -Reagan motioned, Domin seconded; adjournment. Carried 5-0. Meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Submitted by Kelly Reagan, Clerk.

A full version of the minutes are available at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us

Published one time in the White Bear Press on March 27, 2024.

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS, ISD #624

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE FACILITIES MAINTENANCE BONDS TO FINANCE PROJECTS INCLUDED IN THE DISTRICT’S

TEN-YEAR FACILITIES PLAN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the School Board of Independent School District No. 624 (White Bear Lake Area Schools), Ramsey, Anoka, and Washington Counties, Minnesota (the “District”), intends to issue its general obligation bonds (the “Bonds”), in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $42,835,000, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 475, as amended, and Minnesota Statutes, Section 123B.595, as amended. A portion of the proceeds of the Bonds (the “School Building Portion”), in the principal not to exceed $13,000,000 will be used to finance the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities. A portion of the proceeds of the Bonds (the “Facilities Maintenance Portion”) in the principal amount not to exceed $29,835,000 will be used to finance certain projects included in the District’s ten-year facilities plan and related financing costs. A general description of the projects to be financed is as follows:

• Facilities and site maintenance projects included in the District’s ten-year facilities plan approved by the Commissioner of Education.

The total amount of District indebtedness as of August 1, 2023, is $395,165,000. If these proposed Bonds were issued after that date, the total indebtedness of the District at that time would be $438,000,000.

BY ORDER OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624 (WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS), RAMSEY, ANOKA, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES, MINNESOTA

Dated: August 14, 2023

/s/ Angela Thompson

Clerk of the School Board Independent School District No. 624 (White Bear Lake Area Schools), Ramsey, Anoka, and Washington Counties, Minnesota

Published one time in the White Bear Press on March 27, 2024.

Garden ‘overruns’ benefit White Bear Lake neighbors

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Mid-February winter woes do not discourage Gary Staus and his love for gardening; instead, his mind remains set on prepping for the growing season. As spring nears, Staus keeps himself busy loading his planting trays with broccoli, cauliflower and pepper seeds, waiting for the eventual temperature rise to remind him of the right day to start planting outside.

Staus’ love for gardening is a passion that takes him back to his beginnings in rural North Dakota. There, his dad managed a farm in the Red River Valley, where he grew potatoes on 500 acres, along with an occasional smattering of sugar beets and wheat.

Growing up, Staus worked on the farm driving both tractors and trucks, frequently collecting the harvest as he drove throughout

the fields. After earning a degree in chemical engineering from the University of North Dakota, he moved to White Bear Lake in the early 1960s and found work as a project manager for the 3M Chemolite facility in Cottage Grove.

But to Staus, a brief career change did not spell the end of pursuing what deep down he loved to do.

As he settled into White Bear, Staus became interested in organic gardening. He was determined that all his crops would remain pesticide-free and only used natural compost. From there, he began frequent attempts to donate his vegetables to the White Bear Area Food Shelf. However, Staus found that timing issues based on the shelf’s then-narrow scope of availability for drop-offs prevented him from being able to donate regularly.

Then, Staus found he could take a different

approach to offering his vegetables to those he felt wanted them most. His new process was swift but simple: he offered whatever excess he had by placing it into baskets outside, offering his vegetables free of charge to passersby. “It’s usually gone in about an hour or two,” he said. “But it helps after you get tired of knocking on neighbors’ doors!”

Despite taking a hiatus from gardening last July to undergo triple bypass surgery, Staus does not see his work slowing down, nor his desire to

keep offering his produce to the community.

“I like getting people to stop and talk when they’re out,” he says. “It makes you feel better that you’re not just throwing food away.

“Let’s just say that the garden,” he remarked with a chuckle, “has a tendency to overrun you.”

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, contact him at 651-407-1229, or email at whitebearnews@presspubs. com

Sobrino said the goal of the seed libraries is to encourage people to reuse what they plant. “We hope people will borrow seeds from our library and grow them in the spring,” Sobrino said. “In the fall, we hope they will save seeds from some of those plants and donate them back to the library.” Sobrino hopes the seeds will spread more widely among Forest Lake and Mahtomedi residents as the libraries develop.

The seed libraries have also received support from the Washington County Master Gardener Association. The organization has donated several native perennial seeds to Wildwood and Hardwood Creek. “This is very exciting for us,” said Sundin. “These seeds will support our local pollinators. Many of our local gardeners have planted for

us ahead of time, too.” Sundin said that Wildwood has received donations from organic seed companies that carry non-GMO seeds. Sobrino said patrons will also be able to choose from a variety of vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes and peppers, and different herbs.

Wildwood will open its seed library to the public on April 6. The opening will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Author Diane Wilson will speak at the event to discuss her novel, “The Seed Keeper,” which was awarded the 2022 Minnesota Book Award for fiction. Hardwood Creek will open its seed library on April 20.

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, contact him at 651-407-1229, or email at whitebearnews@ presspubs.com

One of the many joys that Gary Staus gets out of gardening is donating part of his harvest to walking passersby off his front steps.

Gary Staus has been gardening in White Bear Lake since he moved from North Dakota in the 1960s.

Gary Staus can’t wait for spring to arrive - again.

At left:

Above: Mansi, Smita, Himanshi and Anay Patel sort out collected

Benjamin during a pre-Easter celebration at

Above: Silvja, Xochitl, and Jon Drieling display the decorative bags they used to collect treats during the family-friendly celebration at South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church that included an Easter egg hunt, treats, bingo and a variety of other activities.

A young attendee gathers eggs following an educational and activity filled tour around Community of Grace Lutheran Church.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL NOTES

• The council modified an agreement between the city and engineering company Short Elliot Hendrickson (SEH). The change was for the city’s 2024 Koehler Road Trail Improvement Project, which the consultant is working on with the city. The initial engineering proposal for the company was announced at the council’s January 17, 2023 meeting and was to be no higher than $199,700. Since then, the project’s scope has changed to include more work on different streets. These involve the intersection of Edgerton Street and Koehler Road. Additional modifications involve a trail section south along Edgerton Street to Carol Drive. This addition will connect residents west of Edgerton Street to the trail network along Koehler Road. These changes have required more work from SEH beyond its original contract. The agreement adds an additional $25,000 to the consulting contract, which will now not exceed $224,700. The city will enter an agreement with Point Seven LLC to provide consulting services for a local cannabis shop. Point Seven LLC has provided consulting work to businesses in other states where cannabis has been legalized. This work includes helping create business plans, staffing and real estate analysis. The deal comes after the State of Minnesota

PtS

legalized usage for people 21 and over and allowed cities to operate cannabis stores. The current limit on retail cannabis shops is one for every 12,500 residents. Although the current Vadnais Heights population is just over this number, a second cannabis shop would not be permitted until this number reached 25,000. The city plans to create zoning policies on where and how future businesses will operate.

• The city is accepting applications for students to serve as youth representatives on three commissions: the Park, Recreation, and Trails Commission; the Planning Commission; and the Health and Public Safety Commission. Applicants must be residents of Vadnais Heights and between 15 and 20 years old. Each commission is seeking a spot for up to one youth representative. Those interested can apply online at cityvadnaisheights.com.

• The Lions Club will host a waffle breakfast at the Vadnais Heights Commons from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 7. Cost is $5 for kids ages 6 to 14, $9 for adults ages 15 to 62, and $8 for seniors ages 63 and older. Kids 5 and under can eat for free. The event will also feature a bike raffle, fire truck tours and a free vision screening from the Lions MD5M KidSight Foundation.

Erik Suchy

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Student Tori Jespersen of Mahtomedi High School placed fourth in the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)

Entrepreneurship Series state competition. Jespersen will now advance to DECA’s International Career Development

Conference (ICDC). She will graduate from Mahtomedi Public Schools this year.

White Bear Lake business helps preserve memories of the deceased

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Twenty-seven years ago, Sue Saari watched her father die from cancer. As he took his last breaths, Saari noticed her mother holding onto his sweatshirt. Saari’s mother gripped it as though she was trying to preserve her husband’s memory in her hands.

Shortly afterwards, Saari made her first memory bear from her father’s sweatshirt. Initially, Saari made it to preserve the memory of his warmth and love. Soon, it gave her an idea, and she has since made many such bears for others.

“I love that there’s such a need for it,” Saari said. “I’ve seen what they can bring to people.”

Since then, Saari has operated her own memory bear business from her house in White Bear Lake. Originally a side hustle, Saari has made building them her primary job since she retired. In between, she has dealt with the passing of both her mother and her husband. Saari said the connections built with her customers have helped her cope.

“I’m so lucky to have met these great customers,” Saari said. “The stories they share mean a lot, because I’ve been there myself. I know exactly what it means to them.”

Saari makes each memory bear from clothing belonging to a deceased loved one. The clothes are typically provided by a surviving family member.

Although her focus is on bears, Saari often receives requests from customers to make different animals. They can also ask to have the ashes of a departed loved one stitched inside the bear.

“I’ve had so much positive feedback,” Saari said. “My customers always tell me how amazing and

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP NOTES

• Production company Midwest Filmworks will be shooting a commercial for the Minnesota Lottery on April 3 at Bellaire Beach. The company has reserved the beach and may bring large lights and a generator to achieve the look they want. There will also be a warming tent. The beach shots aim to start in the early morning and finish before lunch. Afterwards, the crew will move to South Shore Boulevard to film a running scene. A Ramsey County Sherriff’s officer will direct traffic during this period and will provide security for the entire shoot. Members of the production’s cast and crew as well as hired extras will park their vehicles in Bellaire Beach’s and South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church’s parking lots.

“We’re not inviting an audience,” said Stuart Skrien of Skrien Locations, “but people should feel free to use the beach, so long as they’re not blocking the shot.” Board member Scott McCune felt that Midwest Filmworks had done their due diligence on the matter and gave permission for the production company to move the shooting date earlier or later in the week depending on weather.

• Wilfried Shushelnychky of Cottage Avenue relayed what he felt was a double standard regarding fees on his pull-along camper. “I have a 23-foot camper— clean, decent, on the side of the driveway,” Shushelnychky explained, “but if I don’t move it, I get fined. I

Sue Saari has been running her own memory bear business out of her home for over 20 years

well-made they are.”

Although her business handles out-of-state orders, Saari said she doesn’t plan to expand it regionally or nationally. Saari has also turned down offers to hire additional workers. She said her decision to refuse outside help is for sentimental reasons.

“I’m worried they wouldn’t be made with the kind of love I try to have when making them,” Saari admitted. “I don’t want to market them to someone who just wants to resell them. That wouldn’t be right, considering how important these bears are to others.”

For more information on Sue’s business, visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/memorybearshugs.com or call at 651-728-1334

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

can’t move it behind my house without changing the lot, ripping up a fence and pine trees … But other people on the street keep trucks for work. The worst case is the [Bald Eagle] waterfront.” When asked what he meant, Shushelnychky continued, “They say ‘move your camper,’ yet everybody on the lake has docks with four or five boats. Every year it’s further out. Yet Mike [Johnson, Building Department Official] says it’s ‘their property.’ Well, my camper’s not on the street! It’s on my property! Yet I’m told to move it.”

The board empathized with Shushelnychky, but his complaint touched upon numerous ordinances. “Boats are different than motorhomes,” Chair Ed Prudhon described, “unless dock material or boats are stored on land. We’re complaint driven; Mike is making progress in this area. We used to have 50 complaints. Now, we’re down to 10.”

Town Attorney Chad Lemmons supplemented that work trucks fall under different issues than motorhomes.

When Shushelnychky asked how to change the ordinance, Lemmons directed him to the planning commission because it was a zoning issue. Lemmons cautioned, however, that the public will be given notice and will be able to comment directly. Board Member Steve Rusek informed Shushelnychky that the next planning committee meeting is April 25.

Logan Gion

Wellness event to highlight mental health improvement

Mahtomedi Public Schools will host its official Zephyr Wellness event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 9 at Mahtomedi Middle School. Participants can choose to attend two breakout sessions from three provided: Anxiety and Stress, Perfectionism, and SelfCompassion. Each session will feature local professionals who will discuss strategies to improve mental health based on the subjects above. Families, staff and community members are all encouraged to attend. RSVP at www.mahtomedi.k12. mn.us.

Come join for some fun and games

The Senior Hi-Lites and Table Games Group will meet from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at Christ The Servant Lutheran Church. The group meets every second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Newcomers are welcome to participate and are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch. The group will provide coffee and participate in pregame conversations with lunch. Afterward, members will present various table games for others to play.

High school to host annual plant sale

The Academy for Sciences & Agriculture High School will host a vegetable and flower sale from May 9 through May 11. The sale is the largest fundraiser the school holds each year. It will be held in the school’s greenhouse from 3 to 6 p.m. on May 9, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 10 and 9 a.m. to noon on May 11. All proceeds will support different Future Farmers of America-based activities in the school. Cash, check and credit card payments will all be accepted.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Each memory bear Sue creates is made from a piece of clothing previously belonging to a deceased loved one.

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, contact him at 651-407-1229, or email at whitebearnews@presspubs.com

Health fair to come to Vadnais Heights Commons

The Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation will host a community fair at the Vadnais Heights Commons from 3 to 6 p.m. April 4. The fair will feature free screenings and information from local health care providers. According to Executive Director Liz Moscatelli, the fair will be the company’s first, and will spotlight the importance of health care workers in the Northeast Metro. “We’re looking forward to highlighting all these wonderful providers,” said Moscatelli. “I’d say the Northeast Metro is definitely turning into a place of interest for them.” The fair will feature Century College representatives, who will discuss their respective health care programs. Workers will also provide free vaccinations and acupuncture to the public. Jimmy’s Food and Drink will provide catering for the event, featuring submarine sandwiches and chips. Providers interested in having their own booth can sign up online at vhedc.com. The cost per provider is $399 and $299 for current VHEDC Investors. Each registrant will receive a table and two chairs. They can set up their table for health screenings and staffing needs. The commons will provide electricity access to booths free of charge. Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and BizRecycling will sponsor the fair.

County Highway 12 improvement project open house April 9

Washington County will host a preconstruction open house from 4 to 6 p.m. April 9 at the Mahtomedi High School Commons. The event will regard improvements made along County Highway 12 from East/Hallam Avenue to

Kimbro Avenue. Attendees will learn more about construction staging and what to expect during construction. For those unable to attend, the project will post online materials from the open house following the event. The public can also visit a virtual open house on the project website from April 9 to April 23. Updates will be posted on the project website at www. co.washington.mn.us/County12. For more information, contact Design Engineer Kevin Peterson at 651-430-4330 or email kevin.peterson@ co.washington.mn.us.

Share input on zoning code at open house

The city of White Bear Lake will hold two open houses on Monday, April 1, to give an overview on the progress of the zoning code update and gather community feedback. The open houses are at the Ramsey County Library – White Bear Lake, 2150 Second Street, from noon to 1:30 p.m. or the White Bear Area Senior Center, 2484 East County Road F, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Both events will cover the same information and will be drop-in format with no formal presentation. More information about the zoning code update can be found at whitebearlake.org/ zoningupdate.

Visit artist pop-up exhibit

Pop-up exhibitions with Jane Grant-Abban are coming to the Hanifl Performing Arts Center April 16 through June 5, and to the White Bear Center for the Arts June 8 through July 31.

Grant-Abban is a British artist who has lived and worked in the St. Croix River Valley since 2006. She uses oil and mixed media to create paintings designed to evoke emotion and capture imagination.

For more information, visit whitebeararts.com.

Erik Suchy

Housecleaners Needed!

Up to $18/hr

3-5 days/wk

Must be thorough cleaner!

Maids of White Bear 651-247-2807

City of Hugo is Hiring an Administrative Intern

Salary: $18-$20/hour

Application Deadline: April 5, 2024

Job Summary: The City of Hugo, (pop. 15,766) is offering an Administrative and Communications Intern position to a capable individual who will receive comprehensive exposure to local government management. This individual will perform highly responsible organizational and policy related work and collaborate with and receive mentorship from City leaders. Anticipated work will involve the fields of communications, finance, human resources, parks, planning, public works, engineering, and fire & rescue. The Intern will act as the primary contact for citywide communications and will assist with the rental of public facilities. The Intern serves as a fully functioning member of the City Hall team and will generally work 40 hours per week for six months to one year. Applicants should be a recent college graduate with a degree in public administration, communications, political science, urban studies, history, or a related field. Master’s students working toward completion of a graduate program are encouraged to apply.

Are you looking for something to keep your child(ren) busy?

How about something that gives them cash? Talk to them about delivering newspapers!

ROUTES AVAILABLE

Part-time Public Works Employee

The City of Lexington is accepting applications for a permanent, part-time public works employee to assist the public works department in regular maintenance and repair work associated with the city’s parks, buildings, streets, and utilities. The position is 20-30 hours per week – flexible hours. A high school diploma and a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is essential.

Applications available Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm, at Lexington City Hall, 9180 Lexington Ave, Lexington, MN 55014 or online at www.ci.lexington.mn.us/.

Starting salary $18.76/hour. For more information call 763-784-2792.

S of 8th St – W of Hwy 61

Rte 632 – S of North Rd – W o f Center Park

Rte 638 – N of Lake Dr – E of Lexington

Other Routes available, call our Circulation Dept. at 651-407-1246.

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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

Contact City Clerk Michele Lindau, (651)762-6315 or mlindau@ci.hugo.mn.us

https://www.ci.hugo.mn.us/jobs_volunteer

If you enjoy meeting people, solving problems and helping businesses grow, this may be the perfect opportunity for you. Press Publications seeks an organized and creative professional multimedia rep to promote and market the business community through our products in print and digital. Sales experience is helpful but training is provided to the candidate who shows the willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced marketplace.

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BY LORETTA HARDING

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Mahtomedi City Council unanimously (4-0 with Council Member Lilly Melander absent) joined other municipalities throughout the state to most strongly object to proposed zoning bills currently making their way through the Minnesota Legislature.

In a stated attempt to solve the state’s housing crisis, both chambers of the Legislature are working on passing HF4009, SF3964 and SF3980 to eliminate the ability of municipalities to zone for single-family housing exclusively. The bills would take effect in July.

After regional mayors in the Twin Cities met a couple of weeks ago and raised issues about solving the housing

crisis through this zoning bill, Mayor Richard Brainerd met with City Administrator Scott Neilson and City Attorney Bridget Nason and asked them to put together a resolution stating categorically why these bills would be a bad idea.

Primarily, these bills would change the ability of cities and their citizens to zone their own land. The decision of zoning what types of development would be built near to them should best be left to residents, Brainerd said. The pending bills would put an end to community engagement and the ability of citizens to voice opposition to or support of development under consideration.

There are a variety important reasons why municipalities create different zoning environments for different land uses, Brainerd

said. Just a few of these reasons include the need to mitigate flooding and preserve natural resources. Zoning with density in mind makes sure that emergency services and fire departments are not overburdened and can reach everyone in time.

The bills currently working their way through the process will tell cities they must allow duplexes, triplexes and even octoplexes in all residential areas of the city, regardless of whether there is enough parking or infrastructure to serve the high density brought on by these multi-family dwellings.

Sewer, water and stormsewer systems may be overwhelmed, public schools may be filled beyond capacity, traffic patterns could be disrupted, home values could plummet, pedestrian safety

might be impacted and there will be no where to park a car, if the bills become law.

While purporting to be well-intentioned toward providing affordable housing, the results of these changes will be that less affordable housing will be available, not more. Developers may be incentivized to buy and raze existing single-family homes to build multiplexes in their place with each home in the multiplex more expensive than the home it replaces.

The dwellings most attractive to this kind of flipping would be aging housing stock, such as that in the Historic District.

Brainerd said that all the diligence the city has practiced to make its community livable would be undone. There would no longer be a need to have a

professional city planner on staff to guide the city in its land use decisions. All the work the city did formulating its Comprehensive Plans would be wasted. The city’s advisory committees, such as the Planning Commission and Parks Commission, would be rendered superfluous.

Instead of volunteers living in the city joining an advisory committee to help their elected neighbors make decisions that are best for their city, a state bureaucrat would administer one-sizefits-all solutions from St. Paul. Brainerd wasted no time having an objection to these plans drafted that would reach the area’s representatives immediately.

Loretta Harding can be reached by emailing news@presspubs. com or calling 651-407-1200.

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Thank you for your service: Q&A with author of Lee Burtman

The Press interviewed author Lee Burtman about her newly released book, “Waiting in the Wings: Arming the Bomb in a World Gone M.A.D.”

Burtman, a North Metro resident, is fascinated with writing about war veterans and their stories. This interest formed the basis of her previous books, “Fighting for Delphine” and its sequel, “Return to Fénétrange.”

Both focused on the accounts of Ken Krueger, a messenger boy from Minnesota who served in Patton’s Third Army during World War II. “Waiting in the Wings” documents the true stories of Burtman’s father, Neal, and his time in the U.S. Air Force.

Q: How long have you lived in this community?

A: I am married with one very old cat living with us. My daughter who grew up in Mahtomedi lives in Boston.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I was born in Minneapolis and

55+

raised in St. Louis Park. I taught in private school for 10 years and at Roseville Area Schools for 24 years before retiring from teaching at a disability ministry. My husband, Greg, and I have lived in Lino Lakes for 37 years.

Q: Your previous books have focused on veterans and wartime tales. What fascination with this subject has inspired you to feature it in your writing?

A: There are so many stories and so little time to gather them. Hundreds of service men and women who have sacrificed to secure our liberty are slipping away daily, and taking their intriguing stories. They are all my heroes, and I am honored to tell the world about them.

Q: Your current book is “Waiting in the Wings: Arming the Bomb in a World Gone M.A.D.” What inspired you to write this and why?

A: After my father read my previous books, he asked why I hadn’t written his story! This was perplexing, since he had never spoken to anyone about his time in the United States Air Force, having been sworn to lifetime secrecy. However, the information regarding his top-secret role had recently been declassified. He finally opened up about his service, and I promised to document and tell his story, and “Waiting in the Wings” fulfills that vow.

Q: What does the research process for your books look like? Do you find it difficult or easy?

A: Researching a subject’s history to develop an accurate narrative is challenging but rewarding. I

begin with as many firsthand accounts as possible. These include multiple interviews and looking at photographs, letters and mementos. Then, I explore related books and articles to give context to their statements. Lastly, I tie everything together to honor the veteran and touch the reader’s heart.

Q: What advice do you have to offer to aspiring writers looking to jumpstart their careers?

A: I encourage them to write for the love of words and the joy of being creative. They should also write to use words and thoughts to enrich others’ lives rather than to make money.

Q: Outside of writing, what hobbies do you enjoy pursuing?

A: I enjoy traveling to warm places, biking, gardening and renovating our old home. I promised myself I would learn to play the piano better

and study music theory—we’ll see! Directing a bell choir for adults with disabilities brings me joy and, of course, spending time with my grandchildren is the icing on the cake!

Q: Do you have a website or link where people can purchase your previous books?

A: Books are available through email at burtmanlee@gmail.com or by phone/text at 651-271-5941. They will later be available at Amazon, the Minnesota History Center, and libraries. I plan to hold a book launch in May to honor our military. Book profits support The Disabled American Vets (DAV), Mercy Ships, Samaritan’s Purse and Shepherd’s Foundation.

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4-Hr Refresher ($35) /Online: Apr 23, 12-4pm | Sr Center: May 29, 5-9pm

8-Hr Class($45): Online: Apr 23 & 24, 12-4PM Online/Sr Center: Jul 16 & 17, 1:30-5:30pm

Bingo: Mar 29, 1-2:30PM, $5, Sr Center

Chair Yoga: Apr 1 - May 13, 10-10:45AM, $42, Sr Center

The Strange English Language: Apr 3, 9:30-11AM, $18, Sr Center

Makeup BootCamp for Women 40 & Better: Apr 4, 7-9PM, $35, Sr Center

Mixed Media SunFlower: Apr 5, 10AM-2PM, $40, Sr Center

Cake Decorating: Apr 5, 1-2PM, $40, S. Campus

Rain Barrels: Apr 10, 6:30-7:30PM, $25, Sr Center

Crochet Upcycling Market Bags: Apr 12, 12:30-3:30PM, $30, Sr Center

History with Kathy Simmer: It’s Good to Be King/President: Apr 19, 10AM-Noon, $18, Sr Center

Thank Goodness it’s Friday: Dinner for ages 55+ featuring Maniou Bar & Kitchen’s meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and veggies. Fri, Apr 19 $5, Seating at 4:30pm & 5:30pm. Registration

Required. Deadline: April 12

Meals on Wheels: Hot or Frozen meals delivered Monday-Friday. If you are interested, know of someone who may need meals, or have questions, please call 651-653-3123. For more information or to receive “The Voice” newsletter, call us at 651-653-3121.

LYNGBLOMSTEN COMMUNITY SERVICE

Are you or someone you know supportintg a spouse, partner, parent, friend, or neighbor with memory loss or a chronic condition and you’re looking for help in your caregiving role? We can help you navigate your caregiving journey. Our trained staff have expertise working with individuals who have memory loss and their care partners, although all caregivers are welcome and encouraged to connect with us. Give us a call at (651) 632-5320 or email caregiving@lyngblomsten.org to learn more about the ways in which we can support you in your caregiving role.

The Healthy Brain: Wednesday, April 10, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Living Waters Church (865 Birch St., Lino Lakes, MN 55014). Can your brain span match your life span? Join Carolyn Klaver, RN, Lyngblomsten Community Services’ Dementia Care Specialist, for a free presentation that will teach you strategies to help ensure a healthier brain based on four things you can do now for mental fitness. Pre-registration is preferred; contact Cyndy at (651) 632-5330 or communityservices@lyngblomsten.org.

Lyngblomsten Caregiver Services is supported, in part, by gifts made to the Lyngblomsten Foundation and is funded under an award with Trellis as part of the Older Americans Act.

MAHTOMEDI COMMUNITY EDUCATION

ADULT ACTIVITIES AT THE MAHTOMEDI DISTRICT EDUCATION CENTER (DEC)

1520 MAHTOMEDI AVE. ALL ACTIVITIES ARE HELD AT THE DEC UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

MONDAYS: Stitchers 1-3:00 PM, 2nd/4th Monday of Month

TUESDAYS: Mah Jongg, 9:30-11:30 AM, Cribbage 1-3:00 PM

WEDNESDAYS:  Bridge, 1-4:00 PM

THURSDAYS:  500 Cards, 12:30-3:00 PM

FRIDAYS:  Games, 12:30-3 PM; Bridge, 1-4 PM; Book Club, 2nd Friday, 10-11:30 AM

Learn to Play Mah Jongg- $49. Tuesday April 2 & Thursday April 4, 9:00 AM - Noon.

History with Kathy Simmer: Crafty Manipulators & Dangerous

Dupes: $18

Wednesday, April 3 OR Monday, April 8, 10:00 AM - Noon. Stay Loose and Manage Pain with Self Myofascial Release (SMR) - $29

Thursday, April 4, 10-11:30 AM.

Zumba - $85. Fridays, April 5-May 24, 9-9:45 AM.

Everything You Need to Know About Medicare - FREE. Monday, April 8; 6:30 PM

Day Trip: Museum of Russian Art & Moscow on the Hill - $70

Tuesday, April 9; Depart 9:30 AM, Return 3:00 PM.

Social Security: Timing is Everything- FREE. Thursday, April 11, 6-7:00 PM

Basic Charcuterie Building - $75. Friday, April 12; 6-7:00 PM

Dr. Mark Seeley: The Art & Science of Cloud Forms & Cloud Appreciation - $20

Tuesday, April 16; 6:30-7:30 PM.

Easy Partner Dancing - $65

Tuesdays, April 23-May 14; 7-8:30 PM, Red Rock Elementary, Woodbury MN.

FallProof! Workshop - $25. Wednesday, April 24, 10-11:30 AM.

Day Trip: Til Beth Do Us Part - $95

Thursday, April 25; Meeting at Gladstone Community Education Center

Depart:11:00 AM, Return: 4:30 PM

BINGO - FREE! Monday, April 29; 1:30-3:00 PM

Community Lunch - $10

Thursday, May 16; Noon. Lunch catered by Kirkwood BBQ, Music by Folk Revival. Register at mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com. If you have any questions, please call 651-407-2024.

Erik Suchy

Author Lee Burtman

SHEILA J. KELLY

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Conference champion White Bear Lake had four players on the All-Suburban East team. Seniors Jordyn Schmittdiel and Heidi Barber were named for the second straight year. They were joined by senior Cami Bachmeier and junior Addison Post. Schmittdiel, named team MVP, led with 17.0 points and 10 rebounds per game. The 5-foot-11 forward finished her threeyear career with 1,039 points and 661 rebounds. Getting honorable mentions were senior Elizabeth Wallek,

junior Abby O’Brien and eighth-grader Sarah Poepard. Barber averaged 9.7 points, Poepard 9.2, Post 7.0, O’Brien 6.2 and Wallek 5.4. The Bears were 21-9 overall, 14-3 in conference, won Section 4AAAA and were 0-2 at state.

GYMNASTICS

Addy Mueller, White Bear Lake junior, was the team’s lone All-Suburban East Conference selection. A state qualifier in bars and vault, she was also named team MVP. Getting SEC honorable mentions were

junior Amelia Ahrens, junior Josie Mlejnek, senior Rachel Proffitt, freshman Taylynne McMahon, and eighth-grader Grace Mueller. Earning allSection 4AA honors were both Muellers, Mlejnek, McMahon, and Ahrens, after the Bears placed third.

GIRLS HOCKEY

Three White Bear Lake players were named to the All-Suburban East team: juniors Talia Domschot and Amanda Smythe, and sophomore Madelyn Lee. The Bears were 15-

11-1 overall and 8-9-1 in conference. Honorable mentions went to seniors Zoe Timmons, Ava Johnson and Grace Bailey, and junior Maddy Belisle. Lee was named best offensive player and most improved. Other awards went to Belisle (defensive player) and Paige Downey and Ashley Peltier (most improved). Lee led with 39 points on 15 goals and 24 assists, followed by Smythe (16-12-28), Ava Johnson (14-1226) and Domschot (8-18-26). The goalie, senior Gabriella Casa de Calvo, had a 2.35

GIRLS HOCKEY

Roseville/Mahtomedi had five all-Suburban East selections after a 17-9 season, 12-4 in conference. They are seniors Kylie Jones, Victoria Nelson and Ruby Eskin, and juniors Olivia Martin and Addison Andre. Lily Peterfeso, junior goalie, got honorable mention. Eskin got the team’s Herb Brooks Award. Scoring leaders were (goals-assists-points) Jones 18-20-38, Andre 16-21-37, Nelson 18-12-29, Eskin 11-17-28, and Martin 3-23-26. Peterfoso had an .889 save percentage and 2.81 goals-against.

BOYS HOCKEY

Four Mahtomedi players were named to the all-Metro East team: senior defender Will Brummel, senior forward Jake Hodd-Chlebeck, sophomore forward Jimmy Egan, and junior defender Sam Harris. Hodd-Chlebeck was named team MVP. The Zephyrs were 18-13 overall, 6-4 in conference, won Section 4A and placed fourth at state. Scoring leaders (goals-assists-points) were Hodd-Chlebeck 29-24-53, Jimmy Egan 9-43-52, Gene Wegleitner 12-22-34, Harris 8-25-33, Patrick Egan 16-6-22 and Winston Wright 10-11-21. In goal, Wes Strub had a .916 percentage and

goals-against-average and .907 save percentage.

BEAR ON TEAM USA

Paige Downey, a freshman forward on the White Bear Lake hockey team, was selected to be on the USA Women’s National Deaf Hockey Team. The USA team will be playing against Canada in Buffalo, New York at the Jeff Sauer International Deaf Hockey Series, a threegame series, April 10-14.

2.35 goals against, and Charlie Brandt with .898 and 3.23.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Three Mahtomedi underclassmen got All-Metro East honors after the Zephyrs went 14-0 in conference and 20-9 overall with a section runner-up finish. They are senior Ella Kletti and juniors Anna Greene and Ella Frazier. Greene has 1,068 points, seventh in team history, and Kletti has 1,047, ninth in team history. Honorable mentions went to Presley Albers, Fiona Magers, Emily Muetzel, and Ella Prose. Greene averaged 17.2 points, Kletti 12.5, and Frazier 9.8.

GYMNASTICS

Mahtomedi had five all-Metro East honorees after tying for the conference title — seniors Alix Fox and Natalie Eisenhuth, junior Addison Briske, and eighth-graders Margo Bruner and Lily Bush. Fox was named team MVP. Honorable mentions went to sophomore Addison Eitel and eighthgrader Adele Schroeder. Other team awards went to Bush and Ashlynn VonDeLinde (most improved), Grace Olson (unsung hero), Eisenhuth (team spirit) and Bush and Isabel Carle (most dedicated).

From lakes and ponds to state, across generations

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

When three hockey teams covered by Press Publications advanced to the recent state tournament — White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi and Centennial — our office heard from two local families enjoying generational hockey ties to those teams.

Chad Norman reported that he and Dan Wright grew up on Birch Lake playing pond hockey and dreaming of going to state. They did go to state, twice. And this year, both their sons also went, Winston Wright with Mahtomedi and Noah Norman with the Bears, both juniors.

We also heard from Danny Cunningham, who outlined “a story that stretches from White Bear Lake to Mounds View and now to Centennial for a span of almost 80 years.” His son, Gavin, a sophomore, helped Centennial place fifth at state two weeks ago.

Norman and Wright met when they were two years old and formed

a lifelong bond starting with those chilly Birch Lake pickup games with neighborhood kids that led to bigger things.

“We played together for WBL. Best friends,” Norman said. “Captains our senior year.” They played in the 1989 and 1990 state tournaments. “Dreams come true,” he said. Both went on to play college hockey, and Norman was a high school coach for 12 years.

The 2024 state tournament brought that all back for Dan and Chad as they followed their sons, who’ve been friends since age five.

“We embraced the games together as friends since Birch Lake. The hockey culture has kept us together as we have traveled the road of life,” said Norman, adding that “former teammates and cheerleaders attended the section games.”

Danny Cunningham grew up in Shoreview, youngest of nine kids, with six cousins living nearby. The Cunningham clans and other neighborhood kids played at three venues: boot hockey on the road, a

flooded back-yard rink, and especially at a pond near railroad tracks.

“All of our houses backed up to these tracks, with an old historic railroad switching station sitting in the middle called Cardigan Junction,” Cunningham said. “This junction house overlooked a perfect little pond surrounded by reeds and cat-tails that became the place of many great games for all of us.”

Danny and his brother Jim went on to play for Mounds View. They never reached state, but had a great time. Jim was very good. He played for the St. Paul Vulcans, Michigan State, a minor league team in Maine, and even got into two NHL games with the Flyers.

In his late 20’s, Danny was shocked when his dad, Eugene, told him that he “actually had played in the firstever state tournament” in 1945 with

White Bear Lake. The Bears were consolation champs.

In all those years watching his kids play hundreds of games, Eugene had never mentioned that before. “But that was dad,” said Danny. He described his father as a hard-working guy (construction) who got up at five every morning and sacrificed his limited spare time to help his kids pursue their dreams.

“So now, 79 years later, Gavin, you are carrying on the Cunningham legacy in the state tournament,” Danny Cunningham stated, prior to the state tourney, “with a dad from Mounds View, a mom (Daina Rowe) from White Bear, a brother (Jack) who played in the Cougar program, an entire community here, and (a grandpa) looking down from above who couldn’t be more proud.”

35-year Bear mat coach retires

BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Craig Nasvik, who has coached and mentored White Bear Lake wrestlers for 39 years, 35 as head coach, announced after the recent season that he is retiring.

“I have seven grandchildren that I want to enjoy,” said Nasvik. “And my wife has just retired. I want to spend quality time with her. It’s time.”

Dave Meuwissen, a former assistant for 21 years, said, “Naz has a heart of gold. He always put his athletes first and made everyone feel welcome.”

Nasvik, who wrestled for Hudson (WI) High School and MinnesotaDuluth, is also the boys and girls golf coach and will continue in that post. He previously retired from teaching physical education. Career highlights, Nasvik said, were “Having the privilege of coaching individuals to state, and having many of those wrestlers ‘place’ at state.” Foremost

among those, he said, were three state finalists. Donny Longendyke got there three times and won twice. Jamie Larkin and Tim Hunt were both two-time runners-up.

Asked what he enjoyed about coaching, he said, “I have truly loved making a difference in these young people’s lives. I have always believed that life lessons can be achieved in extra curricular activities. Lessons learned can carry directly into their lives.”

He believes wrestling is a true character-builder. “Such a tough sport that

demands so much,” he said.

Nasvik expressed his appreciation for the loyalty and commitment of longtime assistants, many of whom he had coached. “Dave Meuwissen and I really were a team,” he said. Dane Bates, Longendyke, and Jeff Isaac on the current staff have been with him for over a decade.

“For 39 years, Naz developed young people,” Isaac said. “They became better athletes and better people … because of the time spent with Naz and in his program.”

Eugene Cunningham, number 41, played in the 1945 state tournament for White Bear Lake. His sons at Mounds View didn’t get there, but his grandson played for

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Committee continues to achieve milestones

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO — The members of the Hopkins Schoolhouse & Heritage Center Committee continue to look to the future of the historic building, located on the northwest corner of 170th Street N and Highway 61.

The committee accomplished several of the goals it set for 2023 and will continue to pursue some of those while pursuing new goals for 2024.

“Thank you for the decision you made just over a year ago,” Board President Liz Cinqueonce told the Hugo City Council, referring to the 15-year lease agreement the City Council signed with the committee. As a

part of that agreement, the committee agreed to report back to the council on its progress as well as the next steps for the project. Around this time last year, eight volunteers were helping with the committee’s efforts. Now, that number is 35 and counting. The committee has nine people, but Cinqueonce said they would like to have 10, including one high school junior or senior.

Last year, a lot of work was accomplished, including removing three dumpster-loads of trash from the site; cataloguing and preserving artifacts found inside the schoolhouse; redoing the roof; repairing the soffit; and installing trail cameras to enhance the security of the site.

“We were successful in getting all we needed for repairs,” Cinqueonce explained.

The committee continues to fundraise and seek donations for upcoming phases of the project. Most recently, Connexus Energy agreed to cover the cost of bringing power to the site, and an individual donor has stepped up to cover power costs through 2024.

The committee experienced a bit of a hiccup in the process of gaining its official nonprofit status, but work continues on that front, Cinqueonce said.

This year, the committee plans to continue to restore the building and improve the schoolhouse grounds; seek community engagement; raise funds and seek donations for the next phases of the project; and continue to work on planning for future phases.

This spring, the front steps will be repaired. Electrical service will be provided to the site this year. This fall, the basement and main floor windows will be replaced. The building’s siding and side door will also be replaced.

The committee plans to

Minnesotans urged to test their drinking water for 5 common contaminants

In conjunction with National Groundwater Awareness Week, now in its 25th year, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is reminding Minnesotans who rely on a private household well for their drinking water to test regularly for contaminants. Testing is particularly important if babies or pregnant people will be drinking the water.

More than 4 million Minnesotans rely on groundwater for their drinking water, including 1.1 million who rely on a private well. A recent MDH study found that less than 20% of well users test their drinking water as frequently as MDH recommends.

Public water systems are required to meet federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards, which MDH enforces, but private wells do not have those same protections. If groundwater is or becomes contaminated, it can affect the health of those who drink it. MDH therefore recommends testing private wells regularly and using an accredited laboratory for that testing.

“You cannot taste, smell or see most contaminants, so testing your private well is the only way to know what’s in your drinking water,” said MDH Water Policy Manager Tannie Eshenaur. “The good news is that there are many ways to address water quality issues.”

The five most common contaminants in Minnesota, and their potential health effects, include:

• Nitrate — Test every year. Porous geology in southeast Minnesota and sandy soils in central Minnesota make these areas of the state especially susceptible to nitrate contamination from fertilizer, manure, wastewater and faulty septic systems. Consuming too much nitrate can cause babies to develop methomoglobinemia (also known as blue baby

submit official site plans to the city for approval and begin some grounds cleanup, including brush removal, tree removal and ground leveling. Upcoming phases could include remodeling the interior of the building, constructing a pavilion outside of the schoolhouse and providing a tie-out for horses and a bike rack for bikes.

“This has come a

IF YOU GO

What: Garage sale

long way from where you started,” Council Member Phil Klein told Cinqueonce.

Mayor Tom Weidt added, “This is a subject that we have been talking about for 40 years. It is good to see that there is this progress going on. We are happy to see that something is happening to it.”

Weidt encouraged the committee to keep up the good work.

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 2-3

Where: 6425 175th St. N, Hugo

“Keep pushing forward … I’m happy with the progress you made, and your plans look great. I’m really excited to see something continue to move forward.” For more information or updates, visit hopkinsschoolhouse.org.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or citizennews@ presspubs.com.

Details: The Pettys will host a garage sale to raise funds for the Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center. There will likely be a bake and plant sale as well.

syndrome), which can be fatal.

• Coliform bacteria — Test every year. Coliform bacteria can indicate that other infectious bacteria, viruses or parasites may be in your water. These may cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, headaches, fever and fatigue.

• Arsenic — Test at least once. Arsenic has been detected in about half of private wells constructed since 2008. Drinking water that contains arsenic can increase your risk of cancer and other serious health effects.

• Lead — Test at least once. Lead from pumps or pipes can damage the brain, kidneys and nervous system. It also can slow development or cause learning, behavior and hearing problems.

• Manganese — Test at least once. Manganese can cause problems with memory, attention and motor skills. It can also cause learning and behavior problems in infants and children.

If testing identifies any contaminants, a variety of treatment options are available to improve water quality, depending on the contaminant(s) to be removed. Solutions can include installing pointof-use or whole-home filters such as reverse osmosis or a water softener, repairing cracks where contaminants are entering the well or potentially even drilling a new well. A limited number of grants and low-interest loans are available to help offset water treatment costs.

More information about well testing, understanding your test results and treatment options can be found on MDH’s website.

Minnesota Department of Health

East VS West Showdown

27 LaCrosse Teams

• Hopkins/St. Louis Park vs. Forest Lake

• Blake vs. Roseville

• Holy Family Catholic vs. Park

• Mound-Westonka vs. Irondale

• STMA vs Mounds View

• Buffalo vs East Ridge

• Wayzata vs. Cretin Derham Hall

• Moorhead vs Woodbury

• Minnetonka vs. Stillwater

• Edina vs. Mahtomedi

• Eden Prairie vs White Bear Lake

The Hopkins Schoolhouse & Heritage Center Committee continues to make progress on the old Hopkins Schoolhouse in Hugo. Here is a rendering of what the building might look like in the future.

Here is what the Hopkins Schoolhouse site might look like in the future. The property is located on the northwest corner of 170th Street N and Highway 61 in Hugo.