White Bear Press

Intricate Easter egg decorations

Remembering Vietnam 50 years later

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

It struck Dave Adams that not one news channel mentioned the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. But he wasn’t surprised. “Vietnam veterans are used to that,” he shrugged. “We never asked for this day in the first place.”

Adams was one of several veterans who spoke at a special VFW remembrance event March 29 commemorating the anniversary. Fifty years ago, on March 29, 1973, the last combat troops left South Vietnam after a decades-long conflict that took 58,275 lives. Seven of them were from White Bear Lake.

He had second thoughts about speaking at the event, Adams admitted. He’s only talked publicly once before about his Vietnam experiences since returning home 54 years ago and he didn’t think he could get through it.

The Vadnais Heights resident said his wife pointed out that his name was already on the program. “So here I am,” Adams said.

Debi Johnson are continuing to practice the annual tradition that they learned from dear family friends Tamara and Alex Zaluckyj, who had family connections to Ukraine and have since passed away. Kilmartin, at left, displays a couple of her favorite egg designs. Find more photos and information about the traditional process on page 13.

Playing hide and seek with library books

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — A mysterious person is sneaking around the library hiding books. Not just any books, but books by Black authors or with Black characters, books on the Holocaust, books on vaccines and books related to the LGBTQIA+ community. And they didn’t stop there. New issues of “Lavender” magazine were found dumped in the trash bin. The books were hidden between stacks, placed underneath chairs and stashed in inconspicuous places.

According to Ramsey County Communications Associate Pa Na Lor, the AWOL works were discovered by various library staff, including maintenance.

“Becoming” by former First Lady Michele Obama was the first title staff noticed had disappeared. “It was an indemand new rental book that was consistently missing from the rental shelf,” Lor said.

“Interested patrons were unable to check it out. Maintenance staff found it stashed in adult fiction, tucked behind books whose author starts with the letter A and placed upside down.”

Library staff is still finding

books in odd places. A sampling of the titles include: “How to be an Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi, “Smoke and Ashes: The Story of the Holocaust” by Barbara Rogasky and “‘Twas the Night Before Pride” by Joanna McClintick.  Staff is not aware of it happening at other Ramsey County locations, Lor said, and unfortunately, the culprit(s) has not been identified.

“Ramsey County and the library system strive to put residents first by creating spaces where all are valued

SEE BOOKS, PAGE 10

He was 19 when he arrived in Vietnam April 12, 1968, serving in the Big Red One infantry division. What he remembers most, Adams described, are the sights, sounds, smells and touch of Vietnam.

The sight of fear on the faces of men in combat. The fear on the faces of South Vietnamese civilians as soldiers entered their villages. The sound of Russian AK-47 rifles. The sound of rockets and the explosions that followed. The sound of helicopters flying away, leaving them behind in the jungle hoping they’d return for extrication.

The smell of burning excrement, the military’s way of dealing with human waste. The smell of

DEBRA NEUTKENS

Vietnam veterans gathered for a photo after the VFW program. Some are holding poster boards of the fallen from White Bear Lake.

Football coming to new stadium sooner than later

moving football to North Campus. However, the resolution approving the original CUP did include a condition that any additional bleacher capacity at this campus in the future shall require an amendment to this CUP.”

The architect addressed the question of why the varsity fields are moving now instead of in the future, as previously planned in the March 27 Planning Commission agenda packet:

that South Campus currently has 600 parking spots on site with a capacity of 4,800 bleacher seats.

Other sporting events like lacrosse, track and field, soccer and JV football will also use the new stadium and its already installed PA system and lights. Varsity football in the fall will increase the number of stadium events by eight games; up to 10 if the team makes playoffs. Baseball and softball will remain off site at South.

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Bigger crowds for varsity football means the new stadium’s current seating capacity won’t cut it.

So the school district wants to amend its conditional use permit (CUP) at 5045 Division Ave. to allow a 5,000-seat athletic stadium. The previously approved number was 1,500 seats. According to applicant Wold Architects, on behalf of White Bear Lake Area Schools, the expansion is necessary to relocate varsity football games from South Campus to the remodeled and larger North Campus.

The move is raising concerns about traffic, overflow parking and noise.

The original plan was to hold varsity football games at South Campus, at least for the time being. As Community Development Director Jason Lindahl pointed out, “none of the planning documents associated with the original CUP included

“The unifying of the campus identified the need for having as many facilities on-site as possible. At the time of the referendum, it was not clear how many houses could be purchased to enlarge the high school site. Because the district was able to purchase so many of those houses, it became clear that enough site features and parking could be accommodated to allow unification of the football games with the new campus.”

Under state law and the city’s zoning regulations, the application required a public hearing, which was held during last week’s Planning Commission meeting. Residents who couldn’t attend were encouraged to contact the planning department by phone or email with their concerns. The handful of residents who were afforded their right to speak were mostly against the expansion.

As far as parking, staff found the site should accommodate adequate off-street parking for a “typical or large” football event, Lindahl said. A full-capacity event could result in a parking shortage. There are 1,344 marked parking spaces. A large event would be a typical Homecoming game with 3,800 attendees. At three people per car, the site would need to park 1,267 vehicles, or 77 fewer than the number provided.

For perspective, Lindahl added

It was also noted that the stadium at South will remain for use at the converted middle school and possibly be used for special events.

In correspondence to the commission, a resident on Wild Marsh Drive across from the school urged denial of the request, stating major traffic concerns and noise. The resident, George Dutra, also feels “the school district has not been fully open and honest on its plans, originally identifying the new stadium as track and field while the South Campus stadium would be used for football.

“I assume their original submissions to the Planning Commission did not identify this latest proposal for stadium seating additions and the additional traffic and noise, Dutra wrote. “Neither was it identified prior to citizen voting on the (2019) bonding proposal.”

The applicant was required to update a traffic study as part of the CUP amendment review.

Lindahl wrote in his summary to commissioners that traffic generated by the proposed use is within capabilities of streets serving the property, based on the city engineer’s review. Planning Commission members voted 7-0 to forward its recommendation of approval to City Council. The council will consider the amendment request at its April 11 meeting.

We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Deadline approaching for Manitou Days

Applications for Manitou Days 2023 events are due April 14. Applications can be found at manitoudays. com. Organizations and individuals applying to have an event on public property in White Bear Lake will also need to submit a special event application online at whitebearlake.org/parksrec. To request an event at a Ramsey County park, call 651-748-2500.

Another option to resolving tickets

People who receive traffic or parking tickets in Washington County have a third option for getting them resolved: the Court Hearing Office. Washington County court hearing officers have the authority to work with most traffic offenses and parking tickets. They can resolve disputes and suspensions, negotiate payment plans and extensions, reduce the severity of the punishment and even offer options to keep the ticket off your driving record.

Meetings with court hearing officers are done remotely, from a cell phone or computer. They’re also relatively short, alleviating the need for most people to take time off of work. To schedule an appointment to have the Washington County Court Hearing Office resolve your ticket, call 651-281-3219 or 800657-3611 and press 2 at the prompt or send an email to 10thWashingtonHearingOffice@courts.state.mn.us.

Time to dispose of unused medications

Area law enforcement agencies are teaming up with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Check with your local police department for more details.

Tax deadline fast approaching

Tuesday, April 18 is the tax filing deadline. If you need more time, you should request an extension of time to file, according to the IRS. To receive an automatic six-month extension of time to file your return, you must file Form 4868. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. You may be subject to a late payment penalty on any tax not paid by the original due date of your return.

Free Park Days announced

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 75 state parks and recreation areas on four dates in 2023. The Free Park Days will be Saturday, April 22; Saturday, June 10; Saturday, Sept. 9; and Friday, Nov. 24.

The DNR offers Free Park Days to encourage Minnesotans to get outdoors and enjoy the health and

wellness benefits of spending time in nature.

For more information, visit mndnr.gov/freeparkdays. American Pickers

will film in Minnesota

American Pickers will film episodes for the History Channel hit television series throughout Minnesota in June. American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking.” The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.

The show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you have a unique item, story to tell, and are ready to sell, they want to hear from you. The Pickers do not pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums or anything open to the public. If interested, send your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 646-493-2184.

Staying local

Publisher’s View

Carter Johnson

Here at the Press Publications office we have worked to continuously improve in a variety of ways, from growing our audience to our use of gas and electricity. The effort to be more efficient, reduce waste and recycle stems from a community initiative that was a collaboration between Ramsey County, the White Bear Chamber of Commerce, and the White Bear business community. Years ago, we reduced our energy use by implementing practices like turning off equipment at night, installing automatic lights, and turning down the electric hot water heaters, to name a few. This year we finished converting 100% of our building to LED lights. We are excited to announce that our in-house recycling and printing plant recycling will be over hauled by a new vendor that keeps everything here in Minnesota. We all know that newsprint is a practical, renewable resource and that for every tree harvested for pulp, more than two trees are planted. So, what is so special about our new recycling vendor? Foremost is that 100% of our recycling will be linked to jobs here in Minnesota. Unlike plastic waste, where recycling makes up less than 10%, our recycled waste actually becomes something else. Every bit of newsprint, copy paper and cardboard from our office will be recycled and used right here in our state. If you were to follow our recycling bin, it will be shipped to one or two paper mills in Minnesota. If it goes to Cloquet, it will most likely be used to make ceiling tiles for commercial use. The second mill is Lester Prairie where the recycled material is used to create insulation. What is really fun is many of these products can be found on the shelves of local retailers. It’s pretty amazing to think a retailer like Menards, who buys advertising from many of the newspapers in the state, is also selling products on its shelves that were made from recycled fibers that came from some of those very same newspapers they use to promote their sales.

Pickleball

The new sport sweeping our nation is pickleball. Unlike other athletic fads, it looks like it is here to stay. Tennis rackets have been swapped for pickleball paddles and tennis courts have been converted to pickleball courts. Over spring break, I witnessed a few mishaps on the pickleball court. One super fit, middle-age mother got so into the game that she dove for the ball and hurt her shoulder. I guess this is a common occurrence in this sport. My sister, Julie, and her husband have been pickleballing for years and I think it led to an orthopedic visit. My niece and her husband are not only avid golfers but they have become champions on the pickleball courts in Palm Desert, California. If you’re looking to meet new friends or perhaps rekindle your marriage, consider giving pickleball a try. There are many courts in our area. Just remember like the spring-break mom with her arm in a sling, you don’t need to be a weekend warrior. Take it easy and play at 60-70% of your ability, as it not worth pushing yourself to the limit. It’s just a game and the summer is ahead of you and it okay to stay out of the orthopedic office.

Spring Cleanup

This time of year I get excited to get out in the yard early and start messing around. One area of contention is trying to get the salt and sand left by the snowplows off the boulevards. It’s harder than it looks because you have to pick up all the debris and it’s heavy. But doing this helps keep it out of lake, ponds and streams. It is also required to keep the street gutters clean in some communities.

Pet owners know that this time of year the backyard looks like a minefield. This winter was hard to keep up with puppy waste. It’s crucial we prevent pet waste from going into our lakes and streams, as it can be toxic to fish by depleting the oxygen level and raise ammonia levels.

Yard clean-up has countless tools to help - shovels, claws, rakes, grabbers and unique double lined bags. I like putting a pair of disposable mechanics gloves on for added protection when I pick up pet waste.

I always have mixed feelings about collecting this waste and putting it in the garbage. Although it has nutrients, it is not to be mixed with your organic matter, according to most cities and counties. The proper thing to do with dog and pet waste is put it in the trash.

Striking a balance in Legislature

having a discussion before the committee had worked through all the bonding requests from across the state. Despite our repeated attempts to work across the aisle to pass tax relief with bonding, Democrats brought forward a bill that did not get a single Republican vote.

Our state currently sits on a historic $17.5 billion surplus, which is proof of the overtaxation Minnesotans have been subjected to for far too long. How can we, in good conscience, go back to families in our districts with a historic surplus, and defend putting $2 billion on the state’s credit card without giving a penny of their hard-earned money back?

Housley

Senate Republicans have been clear on our top priority for session: meaningful tax relief that helps families across the state combat the crippling effects of inflation. Unfortunately, we are in the minority and have little control regarding the overall direction of session priorities. That being said, our input still matters, and Democrats need Republican support to pass a bonding bill, which requires a 3/5 vote to pass in the Senate. While Republicans want to pass a bonding bill that makes needed investments throughout the state, we want it to be passed in tandem with tax relief—there’s no reason we can’t do both, and we have been working hard to achieve this goal.

A few weeks ago, Senate Democrats brought forward a bonding bill. Typically, these bills are one of the last pieces of legislation we vote on, so it felt a bit premature to be

Limited to 350 words. Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.

Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and

Senate Republicans have been ready to work on getting a deal that provides needed tax relief while also investing in projects that improve infrastructure across the state. Part of our solution was the Give It Back tax plan which would have provided $13 billion in tax relief including the elimination of the social security tax, income tax cuts, property tax relief, a child tax credit, and rebate checks. This is what Minnesotans have been asking for, so it was very disappointing that the Democrats refused to even entertain this plan. In

fact, they instead doubled down and put forward a budget that amounts to an additional $17.9 billion spending with no plans included for tax relief. With one-party control, it can be difficult to be heard at the Capitol. We offered a reasonable solution, and have continued to offer more, but all have fallen on deaf ears. In fact, one Democrat Senator even said that tax relief would have been possible if Republicans voted for a bonding bill. From that comment alone, it’s clear that both sides agree on the need for bonding AND tax relief, we just haven’t found the bipartisan path to get there. It’s that time of year, where we will continue to negotiate into the wee hours, to try and find a balance. But again, with one-party control, I am hoping that the Democrats will be fairminded and sensible, and keep all Minnesotans’ priorities at the forefront of discussions. At the end of the day, Senate Republicans are prepared to support a bonding bill, so long as it comes with tax relief. We are ready to work together in a bipartisan way so we can find the balances necessary to get these two priorities done for the people across Minnesota.

WHITE BEAR PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be

published. Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification. All letters are subject to editing.

Deadline is 5 p. m. , Thursday of the week prior to publication.

To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Thanks for season

Thank you to the players, coaching staff and fans of the White Bear Lake boys basketball team for a great 2022-23 season. My family, including my two young sons, had a blast supporting the team this winter. Congratulations to the departing seniors on the team. For all the underclassmen, we are looking forward to supporting next year’s team.

Karena Schluender White Bear Lake Neighbors don’t want project

I’m writing in response to the March 22, 2023, article, “Developer hopes to create ‘residential anchor’ for intersection.” It seems only yesterday, but was in fact back in 2019, when the residents of the area surrounding the intersection of Bellaire Avenue and County Road E came out in staunch opposition to a similar attempt to build a high-density housing unit at this location. Yet once again, we find ourselves defending the tranquility and privacy of our neighborhood against the development plans of those who do not even live here.

Blight is in the eye of the beholder, and in this case, a multilevel, high-density, rental housing unit is far more of a blight on our neighborhood than a simple abandoned gas station. What part of “we don’t want it” do the elected officials of this city not understand? Those of us who live near and around this proposed project chose single-family homes in neighborhoods consisting of single-family homes for a reason. I’d say that based on the public response to this proposal, that sentiment has not changed amongst the local residents. We live here, we pay taxes here, and we vote here.

Are you listening, Mayor Louismet and Council Member Edberg? Instead of looking forward to working with the developers and trying to “find a way to get them a yes,” how about you both start looking forward to working with your constituents and trying to get us a development plan that meets our expectations? If Council Member Jones thinks this is a “good proposal,” then let him have it in his ward, and maybe he will get to see parked cars lining the main corridors around his home and he will change his opinion on whether such a thing is “horrid” or not. Those of us who are home-owning, taxpaying voters in this neighborhood don’t want this project to happen, and I don’t know how to make it any clearer than that.

Joseph Kessel White Bear Lake

Response to pastors letter

In response to the “Where are the pastors?” letter of March 22, I cannot recall reading a more bizarre, upside down and, frankly, unpatriotic opinion in our White Bear Press.

Ironically, the letter writers are actually joining forces with those being condemned in the “First they came for….” poem they cited. How can they not see it? The Foley letter asks pastors to “come for” select Americans, just like the poem warns.

First, pastors are told to “come for” Americans who believe in a female’s choice to make their own decisions regarding their own bodies — freedoms and liberties granted in the Constitution and tragically erased in a Supreme Court ruling.

Next, pastors are asked to “come for” America’s entire public school system and its teachers for daring to acknowledge (not encourage) a student’s right to communicate their own thoughts and feelings. Will the Foleys next ask the pastors to “come for” all gay and lesbian students, and call for jail and prison terms for all nontraditional students, as is done in a small number of backwards-thinking thirdworld countries?

Finally, pastors are asked to “come for” unnamed educators and schools that have “critical race theory” in their curriculum. News Flash! There isn’t any such thing. That’s why the conspiracy theory folks find themselves at a loss — and fumbling — when asked to specify. Of course our great nation’s history has some examples of white European descendants treating minorities (and women, for that matter) in horrific ways. We know that. And it should be taught alongside all the amazing and positive events in our history. But nobody has a curriculum that attempts to instill guilt and ridicule onto individuals living today. Nobody is doing that, or suggesting it.

I know a number of pastors. None want to “come for” anyone in their congregation or in this country. The pastors I know believe in and ask us to emulate Jesus. You know, the one who preached “love thy neighbor”.

George Kimball White Bear Lake

Minnesota are participating in a series of inclusive events and programs to help raise awareness and acceptance for those with autism who live throughout Minnesota.

We need to recognize the unique dignity and value of every individual who calls the White Bear Lake area home, and encourage all residents to learn more about those on the autism spectrum.

One in 36 children in Minnesota have been diagnosed with autism. This means a significant number of our students in the White Bear and Mahtomedi school districts are on the autism spectrum. Many of these students are extremely intelligent and thrive in subjects such as mathematics, art, writing and foreign languages.

While both school districts have done a remarkable job in helping those with autism, additional support is still needed in obtaining meaningful internship opportunities and career services. Between 75% and 85% of autistic individuals who graduate from high school and go on to attend college become permanent fixtures in the unemployment ranks. This is a higher percentage than all of our racial groups. With the proper work environment, autistic individuals will thrive in many professions. Jobs that require exceptional attention to detail, strong creative thinking skills and hyperfocus on specific tasks all fit the skill set of many potential autistic employees.

Many famous Americans are part of the autism spectrum, including Time magazine’s 2021 person of the year, Elon Musk, actors Anthony Hopkins and Dan Aykroyd, scientist Albert Einstein and chess Grandmaster Bobby Fischer.   Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by differences in sensory sensitivity, social skills and other behaviors. There are many subtypes, and each person with autism can exhibit unique qualities. These unique qualities add to the richness of our community. We need to embrace our neurodivergent (autistic) residents and show respect for the many talents they bring to our community. Let’s make Autism Awareness Month a fixture in the White Bear area.

Pastors have difficult jobs

“entitled,” “indoctrinated,” and yes, “propaganda” — all the current buzz words in use to put down those whose opinions disagree with your own.

You have a right to your opinions and I am sure the editor of the White Bear Press will agree that the letters to the editor forum is a good place to express them. I suggest, however, the discussions for all letter writers be civil lest the way the words are conveyed detracts from the message. I may or may not agree with your ideas, Mr. Malone, but the way you delivered your message certainly did not agree with me.

Cindy Paslawski White Bear Lake

Issue Water Gremlin air permit

Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison and MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler: Please issue the Water Gremlin Air Emissions permit as written in February 2023. Do not grant the request for a contested case hearing.

It has been more than four years since the Stipulation Agreement was issued to Water Gremlin for decades-long egregious air emissions violations of the nasty carcinogenic chemical TCE. The emissions of this awful chemical were present in the air breathed in by the surrounding community for decades.

Although TCE is no longer used, a sister chemical t-DCE is.  A permit needs to be in place to govern this company’s air emissions. MDH has defined safe and acceptable limits for t-DCE that are used in the February 2023 draft air permit. The drafted permit is strong but reasonable.

Our government must find a way to issue air permits in a timely manner.  Four years is not timely.

Many people at MPCA have worked long hours to create a strong permit—yet here we are, over 4 years after the first Stipulation Agreement was issued, with no air permit. There is a draft but the official permit is not yet issued.

At this point the MPCA can:

1. Reject the request for contested case and issue the permit (Yes. Please!)

Raise autism awareness

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and during April, organizations like the Autism Society of

Township

Tom Snell White Bear

In the March 22 edition, one letter asked, “When are pastors going to … speak out to their congregations against abortion, critical race theory and the sexualization of our children?”

I appreciated this question as I have wondered the same thing, finding some churches had avoided such topics so as not to turn people off. I eventually “voted with my feet,” finding a church that is both biblically grounded and unafraid to call out those things in our culture that are against God.

There are two other issues at play, however.

First, only one in three Christians consistently votes in elections. Many in elected office are pushing an anti-God agenda (see March 22 letter). Unfortunately, some Christians vote based on party or ideology rather than on biblical values.

Second, pastors struggle with their own beliefs. A recent study (American Worldview Inventory 2022 Release #6: G. Barna, Cultural Research Center, 5/24/22) indicated only 37% of pastors possess a biblical worldview, depending on position held. Certainly, this sad fact has an impact on what is taught in church as well as how our culture is influenced by it. For the pastors who do not hold a biblical worldview, most adhere to “the blending of ideas and applications from a variety of holistic worldviews into a unique but inconsistent combination that represents their personal preferences” (Release #6, 5/24/22). When the worldview of our pastors differs little from that of nonbelievers, biblical influence is much less likely.

2. Revise the permit (yet again)

3. Grant the request for contested case (another delay)

Please issue the permit as written in the February 2023. Do not grant the request for a contested case  and delay this process any further. It must be issued ASAP.

Kelly Tapkan White Bear Lake

Editors note

A version of this letter was printed in the March 22 Press with a headline that did not accurately convey the writer’s opinion. We are reprinting this letter to provide clarification.

Upcoming Games

April 4-9 vs. Iowa Cubs

April 18-23 vs. Scranton/WB Railriders

Upcoming Games

For those readers who are a part of the Christian church, our pastors have very difficult jobs, so I hope to encourage you to pray for their spiritual fortitude and that they would follow Jesus and hold God’s Word as infallible. Christians, we can take seriously our right to vote and do so based on biblical values; we can get involved in organizations that influence our state and nation, such as Concerned Women for America, Minnesota Right to Life, and My Faith Votes; and we can pray for our state, nation and elected officials.

Christa Mehrhoff Mahtomedi

Letter writers should be civil

To Mr. Malone: I, too, am surprised the White Bear Press published something: your letter (March 28), which appears to be a personal attack on the Foleys, who wrote a week earlier. You were a little over the top, don’t you think? Your letter spoke of their ridiculing the beliefs of others, but isn’t that what you yourself engaged in? You accused them of being propaganda pushers, but isn’t the rhetoric in your letter in that same vein, with use of the words

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Suspicious activity in the 3800 block of Dennis Lane March 22 was found to be a delivery driver dropping off items.

• A suspicious person in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue March 22 was determined to be a resident.

• Harassment was reported in the 4700 block of Centerville Road March 22.

• Residents in the 2200 block of Sierra Drive were swindled out of $31,000 via an elaborate phone scam March 22.

• Officers responded to a report of theft in the 2000 block of County Road E March 23. A man was cited for stealing liquor.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue March 24.

• Harassment was reported in the 3100 block of Karth Road March 24. Officers sent a letter to the owner of a dog in the 4800 block of Debra Stret that jumped a fence and went after caged chickens on Dillon Street March 24.

• Officers responded to a report of an assault in the 1900 block of County Road F that turned out to be a mutual disorderly conduct incident March 24.

• Officers responded to an unwanted party in the 2200 block of Carlyle Court March 25.

• Officers responded to a skateboarding complaint in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue March 25.

• Mail theft was reported in the 3100 block of McKnight Road March 25.

• Officers assisted with a civil problem in the 1700 block of

Eugene Street March 25.

• A St. Paul man fled officers attempting to conduct a traffic stop in the 3800 block of Highway 61 March 25 and crashed into a ditch. The driver, who then fled on foot, was apprehended and arrested on outstanding felony warrants and for possession of a firearm he was ineligible to possess as well as burglary tools.

• A catalytic converter was stolen in the 2600 block of Riviera Drive March 26.

• An Oakdale resident was arrested for DWI after being found slumped behind the wheel in the middle of the intersection of Highway 61 and White Bear Avenue March 26.

• Narcotics were reported in the 1400 block of Highway 96 March 26.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 4500 block of Bald Eagle Avenue March 27.

• Burglary of a vehicle was reported in the 4700 block of Centerville Road March 27. Criminal damage to property occurred in the 2100 block of Orchard Lane March 27.

• Theft was reported in the 3300 block of Emerald Drive March 27.

• Tools were stolen from a vehicle in the 3100 block of McKnight Road March 27.

• Officers responded to juvenile incidents in the 4500 block of Bald Eagle Avenue March 27.

• A juvenile male is suspected of burglary in the 1700 block of Fourth Street March 27.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2100 block of Roth Place March 28. Officers responded to a dispute in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue March 28.

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Vadnais Heights

• A Vadnais Heights man, 28, was arrested March 7 in the 300 block of Bankers Drive for domestic assault, after deputies were called out to the scene of a domestic between the suspect and a woman, 29.

• An Eden Prairie woman, 33, was cited March 7 at the Walmart store in the 800 block of County Road E for misdemeanor theft, after loss prevention personnel observed her concealing $120.20 worth of items and leaving the store. Store employees observed her entering the Marshall’s store, where deputies detained her and transported her back to Walmart to face the music. After she was cited, deputies trespassed her from the Walmart and gave her a courtesy ride to a St. Paul residence.

• A female whose identity could not be confirmed was caught shoplifting at the Walmart March 9 after she was observed underringing $279.57 in merchandise. She was stopped briefly at the entryway by loss prevention personnel. During the process to recover the unpaid-for merchandise, the suspect relentlessly pulled the shopping cart away from store employees until she was able to escape in a vehicle. Possible suspect information was gathered, however.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Grant

• A Minnesota motorist was cited March 7 in the 11000 block of northbound Manning Trail N. for speeding 71 mph in a 55 mph zone by southbound Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on patrol, who observed the vehicle pass the squad at a high rate of speed. After radar showed the speed to be 71 mph, the vehicle accelerated to 80 mph.

• Deputies assisted in mediating a civil dispute March 10 at a treatment facility in the 11000 block of Julianne Avenue N. Mahtomedi

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop and issued a citation for speeding to a motorist March 5 on Ideal Avenue N. A motorist of undisclosed identity was arrested for DWI at 8:53 p.m. March 5 in the 600 block of Wildwood Road after deputies on patrol observed a vehicle displaying expired tabs and noticed signs of intoxication during the traffic stop. The driver failed standard field sobriety tests and was escorted to the law enforcement center.

• A resident in an apartment complex on Wildwood Road reported criminal damage to property March 6 after it was discovered that someone had used a crowbar to pry open the front door. On arrival at the scene, deputies couldn’t find anyone who knew anything. Not only that, deputies didn’t see any damage to any door.

• Two antique firearms belonging to a relative on East Avenue were reported found March 6. Deputies took custody of the items.

• A motorist was arrested for DWI at 2:11 a.m. March 7 on Wildwood Road following a traffic stop. During the stop, deputies observed signs of intoxication, and off the driver went to jail.

• Deputies promised to check on the area around Arcwood Road after a resident reported a suspicious and unfamiliar

Deputies used the information to contact the possible suspect via phone, but she denied all involvement.

• Buerkle Hyundai in the 3000 block of Highway 61 reported one of its motor vehicles stolen March 10, after someone took it out for a test drive and never returned it. The information the subject provided on the information form was false. The vehicle has been entered into the National Crime Information Center database, and the case is under investigation.

• A St. Paul woman, 49, was cited at 1:33 p.m. March 10 at the Walmart store for misdemeanor theft after she was observed concealing $122.22 worth of merchandise and passing all points of sale. A different St. Paul woman, 47, was cited at 1:55 p.m. March 10 at the Walmart for shoplifting after she was observed under-ringing $159.39 in merchandise at the self-checkout and trying to leave the store. After they were formally trespassed from the store, both shoplifters were released into the world..

• A Vadnais Heights man, 50, was arrested for DWI at one minute before midnight March 11 in the 900 block of County Road D after deputies pulled him over for his poor driving conduct. His blood alcohol content was 0.23 when deputies conducted a portable breath test at the scene. After he was transported to the patrol station for further testing, the

subject refused to participate and was booked for test refusal.

dark sedan at 1:54 p.m. March 8. The driver remained parked at that location until the complainant emerged to let her dog out. Then the vehicle immediately scrammed.

• A motorist was cited at 11:57 p.m. March 8 in the 1000 block of Wildwood Road for driving after revocation. When deputies cleared that traffic stop, they conducted another one at 12:22 a.m. March 9 in the area of Long Lake Road and Century Avenue and cited that driver for undisclosed offenses.

• A suspicious person reported walking along the side of the road in the 3000 block of Century Avenue at 2:30 a.m. March 9 turned out to be a party walking to work.

A fleeing motorist was arrested at 12:17 a.m. March 10 in the area of Stillwater Road and East Avenue after deputies initially tried to pull the vehicle over for equipment violations. When deputies activated their lights, the vehicle accelerated and tried to pull away. The vehicle speeds fluctuated between 18 and 45 mph until the vehicle eventually stopped in a driveway. The driver was taken in for fleeing in a motor vehicle and was booked at the law enforcement center. The vehicle was left parked on scene.

• A person with a warrant out on him turned himself over to deputies on patrol in the 1000 block of Wildwood Road at 2:47 a.m. March 10. He was taken into custody without incident and booked at the law enforcement center for the warrant only.

• A suspicious vehicle reported parked in a driveway on Arcwood Road at 8:19 a.m. March 11 turned out to be a motorist explaining to deputies that he was just out for a drive. Deputies found the driver to be valid and advised him not to park in the complainant’s driveway any more.

• Theft was reported March 11 on Mahtomedi Avenue.

Pine Springs

Deputies conducted a traffic stop for speeding at 1:18 a.m. March 11 on westbound Highway 36, just west of Hilton Trail N.

• A Vadnais Heights man, 34, was arrested at 10:34 p.m. March 11 in the 1200 block of County Road E for domestic assault after a Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert was issued on him when deputies called to the scene of a domestic found him already gone. A citation was left for him at the address, and after he returned the following evening, he was taken into custody without incident.

White Bear Township

• A Vadnais Heights man, 50, was arrested March 13 at the Cub Foods store in the 1000 block of

Meadowlands Drive for first-degree possession of controlled substances and for driving restrictions, after deputies responded to a report of a man acting erratically in the store. He was taken in and booked at the law enforcement center. Charges are pending.

• A Chisago City woman, 40, was arrested at 10:12 p.m. March 13 in the 1600 block of Garden Lane for violating an order for protection another woman, 62, had taken out on her. A bystander heard yelling and called in to report the incident.

NOW HIRING!

Deputy Clerk/Office Administrator

White Bear Township, located in the Northeast Metro, is accepting applications for the position of a full time Deputy Clerk/Office Administrator. Applicant will execute a wide spectrum of administrative and office support responsibilities.

Duties include, but are not limited to, ensuring that Township policies, procedures, ordinances, legal requirements, and agreements are completed, followed up on, and/or updated as needed. Manages daily, weekly and monthly organizational and procedural duties as required and/or requested by the Town Board and its Boards and Commissions. Performs in-house legal tasks in conjunction with the Township Attorney’s oversight. Performs a variety of administrative and support duties to ensure legal compliance and effective

operation of the Township’s office functions.

Education and/or experience requirements are as follows: Bachelor’s Degree and/or a minimum of five years of experience in a Public Administration support role; or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Hiring range will be $65,542-$69,846. The Township provides health and retirement benefits.

Please apply through our applicant portal at the Township’s website http://www.whitebeartownship.org/jobs.aspx

Priority consideration will be given to applicants who complete their application by noon on April 24th.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

SONGBOOK LIVE: THE WOMEN WHO WROTE THE SONGS

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 15 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 16

Where: Lakeshore Players, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Top performers present tribute to iconic female songwriters in a musical celebration.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. May register day of event. Contact: 612-245-9259 or cityvadnaisheights.com/foodshelf

RESILIENT YARDS: BLUE THUMB WORKSHOP

When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 18

Where: Online

CONTRIBUTED

“BUT IT FELL IN MY CART!” TIPS FOR SMARTER PLANT PLANNING

When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11

Where: Online

Details: Join guest speaker Diana Grundeen to discuss the difference between plant shopping and plant deigning, and ways to get the most out landscapes. Free.

Contact: vlawmo.org/events/it-fell-mycart-tips-smarter-plant-planning/

NORTH SUBURBAN NEIGHBORS CLUB

SPRING COFFEE

When: 10 a.m. Thursday, April 13

Where: Shoreview Community Center, Fireside Lounge, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: NSNC, a non-profit friendship organization for women in the northern suburbs, invites prospective

members to learn about their activities. Contact: 651-247-9601

THE JOLLY POPS CONCERT

When: 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 13

Where: St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School, Mahtomedi

Details: Free children’s concert with nationally-known dad band, The Jolly Pops, hosted by Lake Area Discovery Center. Activities, snacks and preschool tours. Bring a stuffed animal. RSVP.

Contact: bit.ly/3E7Y7LC

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD PROGRAM

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, April 15

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

Details: Participants will learn DIY skills for assessing yards and creating a project plan, learn about ways to redirect runoff, select and place native trees and shrubs, design a native garden, incorporate turf alternatives, and more. Registration online. Contact: 651-204-6070 or vlawmo.org/ events/resilient-yards-blue-thumbworkshop3

MEDICARE 101

When: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19

Where: Encore Assisted Living and Memory Care, 720 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi

Details: Free educational speaker series with Tom Ostdiek. Light refreshments provided. RSVP. Contact: 651-343-1787

RAINGARDENS 101

When: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, April 20

Where: Gem Lake Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Rd.

Details: Learn how raingardens can be used to help solve drainage issues, add beauty to the yard, and support the greater watershed. Free.

Contact: 651-204-6070 or vlawmo.org/ events/raingardens-1012

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

‘

When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 22

Where: Mahtomedi Middle School ball fields lot, 8100 75th St. N.

Details: Recycle and dispose of electronics and household hazardous waste. Confidential document shredding.

Contact: 651-430-6702 or co.washington.mn.us

RITE OF SPRING

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 22

Where: Wildwood Elementary School, 8698 75th St. N., Mahtomedi

Details: Family-friendly event celebrates the Earth with vendors and organizations providing information, Household hazardous waste recycling, and prescription drug take-back. Contact: mahtomedigreen.org

SPRING CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE

WEEKEND

When: noon-5 p.m. Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16

Where: Saint Croix Vineyards, 6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater

Details: Samples of wines accompanied by cheese and chocolates. No reservations required. Contact: 651-430-3310 or scvwines.com

am Traditions Worship

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE

OF ASSUMED NAME

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

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Rainbow Bridge Pet Hospice

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 1789 County Road E E White Bear Lake, MN 55110

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business. Carol J. Heckmann 1789 County Road E E White Bear Lake, MN 55110

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

Dated: March 10, 2023

Signed: Carol J. Heckmann, Owner

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 5 and 12, 2023.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

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

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

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2153 Lakeview Ave White Bear Lake MN 55110 USA

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business. Hunter M Natterstad 2153 Lakeview Ave White Bear Lake MN 55110 USA

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

Dated: March 22, 2023

Signed: Hunter Natterstad, Owner

Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 29 and April 5, 2023.

\INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

AD FOR BIDS

AV & TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE– BEST VALUE

INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION

From: Kraus-Anderson Construction Company acting on behalf of White Bear Lake Area Schools (Owner).

Project: White Bear Lake Area High School – AV & Technology Package–

Best Value

Key Dates:

• Pre Bid Date: Thursday, April 4th, 2023 @ 2:30 PM 4969 Division, Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (KA Garage)

• Cut off Date for Questions: Thursday, April 6th, 2023 @ 2:00 PM

• Bid Due Date: Thursday, April 13th, 2023 @ 2:00 PM

Method of Delivery: Kraus-Anderson Construction Company has been selected as an Agency Construction Manager by White Bear Lake Area Schools to administer the construction of White Bear Lake Area High School located at 5045 Division Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

• The overall project consists of AV/Technology packages for the new auditorium addition & existing building renovation work. This current construction and renovation has started.

• The work will be constructed in accordance with the Project Schedule. Work Included in this Offering: We are presently soliciting competitive “Prime Contract Bids” for the following portions of work as defined herein. All portions of the Work as defined in Section 01 12 10.

Bid Date and Location: Electronic Bids will be received at KA Bid Express Webpage: https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/39702/home, free of charge to Contractors. Bids will be received until 2:00pm, on April 13th, 2023. Please join us for a WebEx/Zoom at the following link: https://tinyurl. com/KAZoomISD624AVTech

Meeting ID: 846 0144 4720

Passcode: 738832

Bid Security: Each bid shall be accompanied by Bid Security in form of certified check, cashier’s check or bid bond in amount of five (5) percent of Base Bid submitted, made payable to Owner, as guarantee that Bidder will, if awarded, enter into Contract in accordance with Contract Documents and submitted Bid.

QUESTIONS SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO

Questions shall be submitted to Kraus-Anderson Construction Company at the address below on or before the Date indicated above.

Alex Titterud

Kraus-Anderson Construction

501 South Eighth Street Minneapolis, MN 55404

Phone: 612-332-7281

Alex.Titterud@KrausAnderson.com

AVAILABILITY OF BIDDING DOCUMENTS

Location for Review and Examination: Bidding Documents (Project Manual, Drawings, and other Contract Documents) are available at the locations indicated below for review and examination:

Builder’s Exchanges and Plan Rooms

MHC Dodge Plans MEDA 3315 Central Avenue 250 Second Avenue South, #106 Hot Springs, AR 71913 Minneapolis, MN 55401

Phone: 501-321-2956 Phone: 612-259-6561

joanna.dahn@mhfi.com planroom@meda.net

Albert Lea Area Builders Exch. ISQFT & AGC Of MN Planroom 2580 Bridge Avenue 525 Park Street, #110

Albert Lea, MN 56007 St. Paul, MN 55103

Phone: 507-373-3938 Phone: 800-364-2059

agcminnesota@isqft.com

Builders Exchange of St. Cloud Mid-Minnesota Builders Exchange 110 – 6th Avenue South 2104 Highway 12 East St.Cloud, MN 56301 Willmar, MN 56201

Phone: 320-252-5832 Phone: 320-235-0279

administration@ stcloudbuildersexchange.com chamber@willmarareachamber.com

Builders Exchange of Rochester Austin Builders Exchange

108 Elton Hills Lane NW 329 N Main Street, Suite 102 Rochester, MN 55901 Austin, MN 55912

Phone: 507-282-6531 Phone: 507-437-4561

planroom@bexroch.com

admin@austincoc.com

Mankato Builders Exchange Minnesota Builders Exchange (MBEX)

500 S Broad Street, Suite 100 1123 Glenwood Avenue Mankato, MN 56001 Minneapolis, MN 55405

Phone: 507-387-2002 Phone: 612-381-2620

projects@mbex.org

South Central Builders Exchange Southwest Builders Exchange 1240 Lake Avenue 425 W Main Street Fairmont, MN 56031 Marshall, MN 56258

Phone: 507-235-6619 Phone: 507-537-1489

Procurement of Documents for Bidders on Prime Contracts:

Prime Bidders may obtain electronic Bidding Documents at no charge from: Building Connected Please contact Taylor Becker at taylor.becker@krausanderson.com or 612-255-2375 to receive an invite from Building Connected.

Examination of Documents: Bidder shall carefully examine entire content of Bidding Documents to become thoroughly familiar with the documents and project requirements. Refer to Instructions to Bidders for additional requirements.

Examination of the Site: Bidders shall make arrangements with the Construction Manager to visit the project site to obtain first-hand knowledge of existing conditions, including existing utilities and services, obstacles which may be encountered and all other conditions relative to the Work to be performed OTHER CONDITIONS

Time of Completion: Refer to Section 01 32 10 - Bids shall reflect all costs necessary to meet this schedule requirement.

Owner’s Right to Reject Bids: Owner reserves the right to reject a Bid which is in any way incomplete or irregular or to waive informalities or irregularities in a Bid received, and accept a Bid, which in the Owner’s judgment is in the Owner’s best interests.

Additional Compensation: Contractors shall not receive extra payments for conditions which can be determined by examining the site and the Contract Documents. Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 29 and April 5, 2023.

MAHTOMEDI PUBLIC SCHOOLS

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 832 MAHTOMEDI, MINNESOTA

AD FOR BIDS

Notice is hereby given by the School Board of Independent School District No. 832 located at Mahtomedi, Minnesota, that it will receive sealed proposals for the following:

2023 ISD 832 Mahtomedi Public Schools

Request for Proposals for Municipal Solid Waste, Single Stream Recycling, & Source Separated Organics Services

Hand delivered and time-stamped no later than:

June 2, 2023 1:00 PM Local Time

At the District Education Office, 1520 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi, Minnesota 55155.

Mahtomedi Public Schools is soliciting proposals from qualified proposers to select and contract with a firm to provide the School District: (1) hauling and disposal of municipal solid waste; (2) collection, transportation and marketing of source separated recyclable materials in a single stream recycling system; and (3) collection, transportation, and composting of source separated organics.

All proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope or other container at the place and time indicated above. The proposer shall mark on the outside of the package with: (1) the name and address of the proposer; and (2) the title: “Proposal for Mahtomedi Public Schools Municipal Solid Waste, Recycling, and Source Separated Organics Services.”

Mahtomedi Public Schools will issue the Request for Proposals on April 19, 2023. Proposers may download the Request for Proposals from the School District’s website at: https://www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us/page/3295

If proposers are having difficulty in downloading the documents, contact Leslie Lovas, at 651-407-2002 or leslie.lovas@isd832.net

Proposers are required to attend a mandatory pre-proposal meeting on April 24, 2023 at 1:00 to 3:30pm at Stillwater Area Public Schools District Central Services Building, Room A&B, 1875 Greeley Street South, Stillwater, MN 55082. To attend this meeting, RSVP no later than April 21, 2023 to Jodi Taitt at jodi@ecoconsilium.com. Attendance at this meeting is mandatory to submit a proposal.

The School District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals or parts of such proposals and to waive any informalities or irregularities in submitting proposals. No proposals shall be withdrawn subsequent to the opening of proposals without the consent of Mahtomedi Public Schools for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of closing proposals.

Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 29 and April 5, 2023.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 832 MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115

MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2023

A Study Session of the Board of Education of Mahtomedi Public Schools was held February 23, 2023, beginning at 7:00 PM.- CALL TO ORDERMeeting was called to order by Chair Stacey Stout at 7:03 p.m. ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE- Present: Ryan Domin; Paul Donna; Lucy Payne; Jenny Peterson; Kelly Reagan; and Stacey Stout. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDAReagan motioned, Peterson seconded; Approval of Agenda with flexibility to change as needed. Carried 6-0. ACTION ITEMS-A.) Approval of Donations/ Grants from December 2022 Totaling $10,051.29. Donna motioned, Reagan seconded; Approval of Donations/Grants from December 2022 Totaling $10,051.29. Carried 6-0. B.) Approval of General Fund Budget Revisions - Jeff Priess, Director of Finance and Operations, followed up from the February 9, 2023 Study Session regarding the General Fund Budget Revisions, and the needed approval by the School Board. Priess advised the board the impacts are from enrollment changes, staffing updates, assumptions, and grants. There is a decrease in revenue of .3% or $127,735 and a decrease in expenditures of .45% or $215,428. Donna motioned, Domin seconded; Approval of General Fund Budget Revisions. Carried 6-0. C.) Approval of Resolution on Intent to Proceed and Sell LTFM Bonds - Jeff Priess, Director of Finance and Operations, reviewed with the School Board how districts that want to participate in the Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Plan or LTFM have 10-year budgets approved each June. In June 2022, the LTFM was approved with the roof replacement information being there as a component since they were still working through the actual costs, knowing Priess would come back to the board with a revised 10-Year plan in 2023. Preiss then asked the School Board that he would be asking the School Board to approve the resolution of the sale 15-year LTFM Bonds at 4% or $6,125,000 and at the same time approve the revised LTFM plan. The bonds would be used to help replace the roofs with a multi-ply product that haves a 30-year warranty. Priess then displayed the School Board Roof Replacement timeline with the sale of bonds, roof bids and the award of bonds. Peterson motioned, Reagan seconded; on Intent to Proceed and Sell LTFM Bonds. Carried 6-0.

D.) Approval of the AIPAC Presentation of the Annual Compliance Vote - Allie Middlebrook, Mahtomedi District Social Worker, presented to the School Board the Annual American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC’s) Resolution of Concurrence. Middlebrook reviewed AIPAC’s history, where

districts with ten or more American Indian enrolled students must establish a parent advisory group per Minnesota Statute. Mahtomedi currently has 40 children from 23 families who identify as American Indian. Middlebrook then gave an overview of how many times the group meets and what happens during those meetings on how they support Native American students. Middlebrook discussed committee goals, including increasing attendance at their committee meetings, increasing authentic Native American experiences and scholarships, and continually building classroom culture trunks. Domin motioned, Peterson seconded; Approval of the AIPAC Presentation of the Annual Compliance Vote. Carried 6-0. E.) Approval of the Achievement and Integration Program - Jennifer Reichel, Director of Teaching and Learning, asked the School Board for Approval of the Achievement and Integration (A& I) Program. Reichel explained to the board that they discussed this same plan during February 9, 2023, Study Session. Reichel began the presentation with an overview of the history of the A & I Program and how it was established in the Minnesota State Statute to close the academic and achievement gap, with 171 districts in the state participating. Reichel reviewed the A & I eligibility for funding and how Mahtomedi is eligible by adjoining with a Racially Isolated district in ISD 622 (North St. Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale), which has been a partner since 2009. Reichel described the School Board’s role as approving and participating in this plan by March 15, 2023. This plan has been approved in the past, every three years with North St. Paul since 2009. Reichel then laid out the A & I plan expectations which include the following three areas:

1. Increasing racial and economic integrations, 2. Reduce achievement disparities, and 3. Increase access to adequate and diverse teachers. The plan must also have goals tied to the three areas, action-oriented strategies, and key indicators of progress (KIPs) to show the measured progress, creating efficiencies and eliminating duplicative programs. Reichel then described Mahtomedi’s A & I Plan, discussed at the Study Session. Reichel reviewed the seven Strategies that support four goals, where five align to a specific goal, and two strategies support multiple goals to benefit all students. The strategies are improving K-12 coherent math instruction, coherent literacy instruction, cross-district activities with ISD 622, and increasing partnerships with post-secondary schools and other organizations to hire highly qualified educators. Reichel detailed deeper the restorative practice strategy and clarified what these practices mean, including helping students understand how their behaviors impact others, ensuring students feel welcomed and have a sense of belonging, and the adult response to these student behaviors. The last two strategies include Professional development and Outreach and Family Engagement. Reichel ended the presentation detailing how Mahtomedi will use the $400,000 awarded in the A & I program and how the district will allocate the dollars. Payne motioned, Reagan seconded; Approval of Achievement and Integration Plan. Carried 6-0. ADJOURNMENT- Reagan motioned, Donna seconded; adjournment. Carried 6-0. Meeting was adjourned at 8:36 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 April 5, 2023.

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: August 14, 2017 ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $308,803.00 MORTGAGOR(S): Scott Newcomb and Krista Newcomb, husband and wife MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. acting solely as nominee for Freedom Mortgage Corporation TRANSACTION AGENT: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. MIN#: 100073001002163994 SERVICER: Rushmore Loan Management Services LLC LENDER: Freedom Mortgage Corporation. DATE AND PLACE OF FILING: Ramsey County Minnesota, Registrar of Title, on August 17, 2017, as Document No. T02594553. CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO: 619183 ASSIGNED TO: U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee for RMTP Trust, Series 2021 Cottage-TT-V by an Assignment of Mortgage dated 11/14/2022, filed on 11/16/2022 and memorialized as Document No. T02745115. LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lots 5 and 6, Block 34, White Bear Beach, Ramsey County, Minnesota; together with the North one-half of the adjoining vacated alley lying between the Southerly extensions across said vacated alley of the West line of said Lot 6 and the East line of said Lot 5. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2662 STILLWATER ST, WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP, MN 55110 PROPERTY I.D: 12.30.22.41.0057 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Ramsey THE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: Two Hundred Ninety-Three Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Seven and 66/100 ($293,887.66) THAT no action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that there has been compliance with all pre-foreclosure notice and acceleration requirements of said mortgage, and/or applicable statutes; PURSUANT, to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: 10:00AM on May 4, 2023 PLACE OF SALE: Ramsey County City Hall, 25 West 4th Street, Suite 150, St. Paul, MN 55102 to pay the debt then secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any actually paid by the mortgagee, on the premises and the costs and disbursements allowed by law. The time allowed by law for redemption by said mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns is 6.00 months from the date of sale. If Mortgage is not reinstated under Minn. Stat. Section580.30 or the property is not redeemed under Minn. Stat. Section580.23, the Mortgagor must vacate the property on or before 11:59 p.m. on November 4, 2023, or the next business day if November 4, 2023 falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. “THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.” Dated: March 15, 2023 U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee for RMTP Trust, Series 2021 Cottage-TT-V Randall S. Miller and Associates, PLLC Attorneys for Assignee of Mortgage/Mortgagee Edinburgh Executive Office Center, 8525 Edinbrook Crossing North Suite #210 Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Phone: 952-232-0052

Our File No. 23MN00008-1 A-4777012 03/15/2023, 03/22/2023, 03/29/2023, 04/05/2023, 04/12/2023, 04/19/2023

Published six times in the White Bear Press on March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12 and 19, 2023.

US STORAGE CENTERS – WHITE BEAR

NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE SALE

Please take notice US Storage Centers – White Bear located at 1828 Buerkle Road White Bear, MN 55110 intends to hold an auction of storage units in default of payment. The sale will occur as an online auction via www. storagetreasures.com on 4/19/2023 at 10:00 AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings. Patricia Barrios; David Ault; Kelly L Brunner; Adebayo Adelagun; Shelly Kirkup; Cindy Johnson; Jeffery Blahut; Juan Martinez; Thuy Huyen Nguyen. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 29 and April 5, 2023.

THE CLERK’S CORNER – GREETINGS FROM WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP!

In case you hadn’t noticed, there is a definite change in the air towards a spring like weather pattern in spite of, hopefully, this last blast of cold! I know I might be jinxing things here, but I think we are safe to assume that the dark & bitterly cold days of the winter are done, & not a minute too soon. It has been an eventful winter season for us all here at the Township with Hockey Day & an insane amount of snow to pile! Anyway, I hope everyone will start to get out of their homes with this warm up & maybe shake the blues.

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHERE YOUR TRASH GOES?

Ramsey & Washington Counties work together to manage waste through Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E Center) which is located in Newport, Minnesota. The R&E Center manages more than 450,000 tons of trash per year & is the only facility of its kind in the state. In 2019, nearly 90% of waste in the two counties was diverted from landfills.

When trash arrives at the R&E Center it is tipped on the floor the size of a football field where conveyor belts carry the materials through a series of shredders, screens, & magnets that recover recyclable metals from the trash & process the remaining material into a fuel source called refuse-derived fuel which is used in Xcel power plants in Red Wing & Mankato to generate electricity. 1,000 tons of trash each day is processed which is enough to cover a football field six feet deep.

A bi-weekly section where readers will be informed on subjects of seasonal interest, upcoming events and other timely topics.

In 2022: The R&E Center produced enough electricity to power 13,000 homes for a year Recovered 12,869 tons of metal from the trash for recycling 98,482 fewer tons of carbon dioxide were produced than if the trash had been landfilled, equivalent to taking over 21,276 cars off the road

THOSE DATES ON FOOD PRODUCTS – WHAT DO THEY REALLY MEAN?

the “best if used by/before” date is not a purchase or safety date, it simply indicates when a product will be at its best flavor or quality

the “sell-by” date is used for inventory management for stores to determine how long to display the product for sale, and again not a safety date

• the “use-by” date indicates the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality; the date is selected by the manufacturer, packer or distributor of the product & is based on product analysis, tests, conditions of handling, storage, preparation or other information, and again not a safety date

• the “consume or freeze-by” date indicates when a product should be frozen to maintain peak qualify, and again not a safety date

• should I pay attention to date labels – yes, it is a good idea to inspect the product for food safety once the date has passed, it can also help you to remember to use it up freezer foods are safe to eat no matter how long a food is frozen because food poisoning bacteria does not grow in the freezer

most canned foods are safe indefinitely if the container isn’t rusted, has dents or is swelling

ARE YOU MOVING INTO OR OUT OF THE TOWNSHIP? – Here are a few things to remember:

If Moving In - Contact us to change the utility billing account information. We will need to know what name or names you would like on your utility bill, a contact phone number & an email address.

• New Resident Billing Information –

1. You will receive a bill quarterly.

2. Residents are able to have their bills mailed to them or sent to them via email.

3. We have several payment options available including: 1) automatic payment out of a checking or savings account, 2) pay by phone with a debit or credit card through or phone service, 3) pay online with a debit or credit card, 4) drop payment off in our 24 hour drive up drop off box located at the Administrative Offices, 5) mail in your payment or 6) pay in person with a debit or credit card, check, money order or cash.

If Moving Out - we need to know your closing or move out date & a forwarding address to send your final bill to.

If you would like more information, please visit our website at www. whitebeartownship.org or call us at 651.747.2754.

Postage prices, subscription rates increase at Press Pubs

The trend of rising winter (and summer) United States Postal Service (USPS) prices continues for the general public and commercial users. Increases include firstclass letters, by 5%; postcards, 9%; marketing mail, 6.25%; and periodicals, 7.6%.

The increase, one of two planned for 2023, follows stamp increases of 13.5% during 2022.

Due to the postage increase, Press Publications and other U.S. periodicals are raising home delivery subscription rates to coincide with postage increases. Press Publications subscriptions will increase by $3 per year.

National Newspaper Association (NNA) incoming chair John Galer, publisher of the Hillsboro (Illinois) Journal-News, said the increases

are daunting. The increase added to a price hike of around 7% from July 2022. The total impact of increased mailing costs has risen into the range of 15% in a single year.

“We understand the damage that inflation inflicts upon the U.S. economy and, as loyal customers of the Postal Service in our industry for more than 200 years, we try to take actions to help USPS control its own expenses,” Galer said. “But price increases of this magnitude will hurt newspapers as well as the Postal Service. This is not the time to drive business away if the Postmaster General’s goal is to fill his mail trucks and his mailbags, as he told us.”

“We value our subscribers and don’t make these decisions lightly,” said Press Publications’ publisher

Carter Johnson. Johnson added subscribers get unlimited access to the paper’s website, including the e-edition.

The cost of a local subscription is $39.

Delivery of the paper is .75 cents

CONTRIBUTED

per issue with the new rates. Newsstand price is $1 per issue.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

No bid will be considered unless it is securely sealed in an envelope and filed with the Town Clerk prior to the time noted above for the closing of bids.

Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or cashier’s check payable to White Bear Township in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total bid as a guarantee that the bidder, if successful, will enter into a contract with the Owner for the work described in the proposal. This deposit will be subject to forfeiture as provided by law. The deposits for the three lowest bidders will be retained by the Owner until the contract has been awarded and executed but not longer than sixty (60) days. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days following the bid opening.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive informalities or to award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, in the best interest of the Owner.

The Town Board will consider award of contracts at a regular meeting to be held on Monday May 1, 2023 beginning at 7:00pm.

Patrick Christopherson, Town Clerk

Dated: April 3, 2023

Published to Questcdn.com on April 5, 2023.

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 5 and 12, 2023.

3 EACH Signal Loops

Bid forms, contract documents, drawings and specifications as prepared by TKDA, are on file for inspection in the office of the Town Clerk and in the office of the Engineers, whose address is 444 Cedar Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101.

Complete digital Proposal Forms, Plans, and Specifications for use by Contractors submitting a bid are available at www.questcdn.com. You may download the digital plan documents for a non-refundable fee of $25 by inputting Quest Project No. 8441979 on the website’s Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information.

Contractors desiring drawings, specifications, and related documents for the purpose of submitting a bid may secure them from the Engineers upon a non-refundable payment of $50 for each set. Mail orders for Drawings and Specifications, and orders for Drawings and Specifications will not be taken by the Town.

Every bidder must apply to the Town Clerk at 1281 Hammond Road, Town of White Bear, for a Permit before conducting any subsurface investigation and such bidder shall be responsible to check with the utility companies concerning the location of any buried utility services.

are on file for inspection in the office of the Town Clerk and in the office of the Engineers, whose address is 444 Cedar Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101.

Complete digital Proposal Forms, Plans, and Specifications for use by Contractors submitting a bid are available at www.questcdn.com. You may download the digital plan documents for a non-refundable fee of $25 by inputting Quest Project No. 8441983 on the website’s Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information.

Contractors desiring drawings, specifications, and related documents for the purpose of submitting a bid may secure them from the Engineers upon a non-refundable payment of $50 for each set. Mail orders for Drawings and Specifications, and orders for Drawings and Specifications will not be taken by the Town.

Every bidder must apply to the Town Clerk at 1281 Hammond Road, Town

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP ADVERTISEMENT

FOR BIDS

GILFILLAN AREA STREET IMPROVEMENTS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed Bids will be received, publicly opened, and read aloud by representatives of the Town of White Bear, Minnesota at the Town Administrative Offices, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, Minnesota 55110, in said Township at 9:00am, Wednesday April 26, 2023 for furnishing all work and materials for the Gilfillan Area Street

Improvements, consisting of the following:

4000 TONS Bituminous Paving

6500 SQ YD Full Depth Pavement Reclamation

To our current customers THANK YOU, and if you are looking for a new local garage or are tired of the dealership games please come experience a honest family oriented repair center.

No bid will be considered unless it is securely sealed in an envelope and filed with the Town Clerk prior to the time noted above for the closing of bids.

Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or cashier’s check payable to White Bear Township in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total bid as a guarantee that the bidder, if successful, will enter into a contract with the Owner for the work described in the proposal. This deposit will be subject to forfeiture as provided by law. The deposits for the three lowest bidders will be retained by the Owner until the contract has been awarded and executed but not longer than sixty (60) days. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days following the bid opening.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive informalities or to award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, in the best interest of the Owner.

The Town Board will consider award of contracts at a regular meeting to be held on Monday May 1, 2023 beginning at 7:00pm.

Patrick Christopherson, Town Clerk

BOOKS: County issues statement

and thrive,” read a statement to the Press from Pang Yang, interim library director. “Recently library materials have been found hidden throughout the library in White Bear Lake. These actions concern us greatly as library spaces and materials play a critical role in shaping our understanding of our communities and give us a chance to experience different ideas and perspectives.

“In alignment with the library’s strategic priority to extend our welcoming by growing our spaces to be more anti-racist, equitable, responsive and effective for all communities, we are using this as a moment of community learning and have created a bookshelf dedicated to highlighting these items.”

Department swears in new police officers

Three new police officers took the oath of office at last week’s City Council meeting.

Chief Julie Swanson introduced the trio, providing short bios on each prior to official pinning of their badges.

The female in the group is Samantha Moriarty. Her interest in law enforcement started at a young age through her mother’s affiliation with the reserves. After graduating from Blaine High School, Moriarty attended Northern Michigan University. She then received a law enforcement certificate from Century College and worked as a community service officer with Anoka County Sheriff’s Department and as a security officer for Minneapolis College.

Cole Campbell grew up in Minnetonka, and attended Hopkins High School. He took a law enforcement class at Winona State University and decided that would be his career path. His interest in team sports and a love for the outdoors will align well throughout his career, Swanson said. Campbell also worked in security with Allina Health at United Hospital.

Kyle Torvik earned a criminal justice degree from the University of North Dakota after graduating from Prior Lake High School. He worked security at Allina and United for three years before joining the

University of Minnesota Police Department. Swanson said serving in a suburb was more in line with Torvik’s passion for police work. “Every one of them is drawn to our community for the engagement activities, all have a passion for connecting and being part of the community,” the chief noted, adding the new recruits are “a great fit for the department.”

Debra Neutkens

Ready to enjoy some cake after their swearing in at the March 28 City Council meeting are new White Bear Lake Police Officers: from left, Samantha Moriarty, Cole Campbell and Kyle Torvik.

Sen. Heather Gustafson is considering legislation that some claim benefits patients.

But who does it really help?

The truth: there are no guaranteed patient savings at the pharmacy counter—only an unelected, taxpayer-funded board that can pave the way for Big Insurance and the PBMs they own to make record profits, at the expense of patients.

The people of District 36 deserve better: Guaranteed lower out-of-pocket costs and more affordable treatment options. Not laws likely to benefit billion-dollar corporate interests.

Don’t let Sen. Heather Gustafson sell you out to Big Insurance and PBMs.

We love this town!

It’s great to live and work in a community where people are making a difference every day! In January we attended and were a sponsor of the Northland 300 snowmobile ride benefiting Special Olympics MN. The Northland 300 is comprised of all volunteers who organize and coordinate year-round fundraising efforts to support the athletes of Special Olympics MN and to implement safe and responsible snowmobiling.

Summer is right around the corner which means so is Manitou Days 2023! Manitou Days is a three-week (June 15 – July 4) summer festival showcasing the great lakeside community of White Bear Lake. For 50+ years this annual summer ritual has been a favorite for locals and visitors. We’re happy to be a part of the planning committee! If you or someone you know would like to get involved, please reach out to our office for details.

My team and I are here to help! Call or stop by for a free quote today. We proudly serve the White Bear Lake and surrounding area. We embrace the responsibility to give back, volunteer, and work alongside non-profits and community groups in our neighborhood to make the world around us better. Together, we can accomplish anything. Good news. Rates just got lower.

$ 25 $ 99

Carrying on a Ukrainian Easter tradition

Above: Shannon Kilmartin works on one phase of the multi-step Ukrainian Easter egg decoration process. She began learning the process back in the 5th grade.

At right: Debi Johnson and her daughter Shannon Kilmartin display a couple of completed Ukrainian Easter egg designs. They both learned the centuries-old tradition from Ukrainianborn family friends Tamara and Alex Zaluckyj, who have since passed away.

Above: The process, called psanka, meaning to write on, begins with symbolic patterns applied with pencil, followed by wax and dyes.

At left: A group of finished eggs show the variety of symbols and colors used to create the miniature works of art. The butterfly symbol, center, represents Christ’s resurrection and the ribbon or belt, at left, represents the endless line of eternity. Find more photos online at presspubs. com.

Church celebrates 150th anniversary with change of ownership

MAPLEWOOD — It’s one last hurrah for LifePoint Church in Maplewood, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary this month. After that, the church will close its doors as it prepares to become the 12th campus of Eagle Brook Church.

Back in 1873, the church began as First Swedish Baptist, and changed names several times over the course of its history. Over the years, the church has had a strong connection to Bethel University and its seminary school. In its heyday, the church served a congregation of more than 1,000 people.

In recent years, the church has opened its doors as a worship space to several different intercultural congregations as part of its mission of community.

Under Pastor Dan Munson, who was at first hired on as an interim pastor, the church made connections with the Karen community—a minority ethnic group from Myanmar. Minnesota is one of the biggest diaspora communities of Karen living in the U.S. after many refugees fled from the political persecution in their homelands over the last few decades.

“A lot of these kids remember seeing people killed, seeing people beat up,” Munson said. In 2008 the church began making an intentional effort to reach out to refugee families, and began teaching children from Karen families in Sunday school and through the children’s ministry.

Munson was one of the founders of a nonprofit, Anchored Ministries, designed to help support refugees who came to the community with very few resources. Munson was able to secure bus transportation for youth, as well as other youth programming to help fill the gaps and help kids from refugee families be successful in school.

LifePoint soon became the scene of Karenlanguage church services, which eventually drew a congregation of more than 500. In addition to Karen, LifePoint has been host to services for Nepalese, Thai, Hmong and Spanish-speaking communities.

However, LifePoint, like many churches, was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our church is experiencing what a lot of churches are experiencing, in that we’ve seen the numbers of the church and attendance dwindle for

We

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White Bear Lake ROTARY ACADEMIC ACHIEVER

quite some time,” said LifePoint Board Chair Ross Rud. “Eagle Brook is in the same denomination as us, so God is really at work there. We reached out to them and said, ‘Here’s a concern we have with our church, do you think you might be interested in bringing Eagle Brook here?’ After conversation, the answer was yes.”

The church community has expressed mixed feelings about the change. While many are hopeful for the future, it is not necessarily an easy or comfortable transition for everyone.

“Eagle Brook does wonderful work; they preach the gospel and reach great numbers of people, but there’s still sadness as we lose our relationships within the church and all the ministry we were doing,” said a longtime member of the congregation who wished to remain anonymous. “I’m 85, I don’t know what I’m going to do or where I’m going to go. Some are enthusiastic, others are heartbroken,” the anonymous source added.

Munson said that all of the partner communities have found new homes for the time being, but

many are hopeful that Eagle Brook may be able to continue to offer support in some of the same ways and keep the same relationships thriving.

After LifePoint passes into the hands of Eagle Brook leaders, the church will close for renovation and reopen to the community sometime later this year, hopefully by Christmastime.

April 18 is the official 150th anniversary, but since the church will change ownership on April 20, church leaders wanted to set up the celebration a few days early.

The 150th anniversary celebration will be held at the 10 a.m. Sunday, April 16, service at LifePoint Church, 2220 Edgerton St. Several pastors from the church’s past have been invited to speak and share their memories, and Munson promised lots of music. Anyone who has ever sung in the choir will be invited to come up and sing. They can find the sheet music by reaching out to LifePoint beforehand, or join in on the day of the celebration. Learn more at https://www.lifepointmn.org.

Jackie Bussjaeger

Come Celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord

at South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church

Sunday, April 21, 2019

He is not here, but has risen. – Luke 24:6

Come Celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord

Palm Sunday April 1&2, Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 8* & 10:45am*

Maundy Thursday April 6, Thursday 11am*, 7pm*

Good Friday April 7, Friday 11am*, 7pm*

Easter Vigil Saturday April 8, Saturday 5:30pm*

Rotary Matters

Robbie Dresen is a sophomore at White Bear Lake Area High School and has been selected as our Academic Achiever. Robbie is an outstanding student that balances his studies with high academic rigor, strong work ethic, leadership in the top orchestra and competing at the varsity level on the alpine ski team. He is an enthusiastic learner that applies himself in all things that he embarks on. Robbie is creative and thoughtful and leads by example. He is viewed as a role model among his peers. He genuinely desires to learn for self-growth and experiences, while intentionally pushing himself beyond his known capabilities. Way to go Robbie!

Sponsored by

The Resurrection of our Lord Easter Sunday! April 9, Sunday 7*, 9 & 10:45am*

*Denotes service is also available online. Visit sstwbl.org/watch

CONTACT US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

651-429-4293 / www.sstwbl.org

South Shore

Trinity Lutheran Church, LCMS

2480 South Shore Blvd. White Bear Lake, MN 768500

7:00am, 9:00am, or 10:45am Breakfast served 8:00-9:30am

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

Robbie (Robert) Dresen North Campus High School

wblrotary1@comcast.net

EASTERWOR SHIP

Cleanup Day on lake

The annual lake cleanup event was a “bit splintered,” in organizer Jim Schuster’s words, due to too much snow on the lake, but still participants collected about 160 pounds of trash. Among the debris: a tire, shopping cart, wheelbarrow and bicycle parts. Volunteers from VFW’s auxiliary gather with garbage bags in hand March 25 to do their part in the lake cleanup. From left, Paul and Katie Fick, Joan Mample, Eli and Ryan Barth and Sharon Schmidt. Mample is also pictured at right.

Easter

Christ the Servant Lutheran Church

Palm Sunday Worship: April 2 at 9 a.m.

Easter Sunday Worship: April 9, 7:30 & 9 a.m.

Pastor Jon Yurk

Christ is Risen!!

Come celebrate the Good News

Palm Sunday, April 2: worship at 10:15 a.m.

from many

unlike most insurance agencies, to get you the best coverage and price suitable for your situation.

April 2th at 10:15 a.m.

Palm Sunday Service

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April 2th at 10:15 a.m.

April 2th at 10:15

Good Friday Service

Good Friday Service

April 7th at 6:30 p.m.

April 7th at 6:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday Service

Easter Sunday Service

April 9th at 10:15 a.m.

April 9th at 10:15 a.m.

Easter Sunday Service

April 9th at 10:15

930 Mahtomedi Avenue

930 Mahtomedi Avenue

Mahtomedi, MN 55115

Mahtomedi, MN 55115

REMEMBERING VIETNAM:

VFW Post 1782 honors fallen

gunsmoke.

The touch of mosquito repellent, constantly applied, and worst of all, Adams added, the sticky feel of blood.

“I’m not a hero,” he said. “I did my best to complete my mission and return home. The heroes in my opinion are those who have their names on the Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.”

He knew many of the White Bear casualties, too. High school classmates and neighbor kids he hung around with. “Allen Meldahl was a quiet, intelligent guy,” Adams said. “Jerry Ellis was funny and definitely destined to be a Marine. I knew those guys since sixth grade.”

The former VFW Post 1782 commander asked those in attendance a favor: “If you know a Vietnam

vet, call them and tell them ‘welcome home.’ And thank them for their service.”

Brave men showing courage under fire was what Darryl Lemire remembers most about Vietnam.

It was 1969 when Lemire, 22, went to southeast Asia. As part of the 101st Airborne, he worked on Huey helicopters, the workhorse of the war, which hauled troops to battle and out again and resupplied the infantry.

“The gunners and crew chiefs got up every single day knowing where they were going, in some really bad places, where they were shot at and shot down,

emotional remembering those brave faces.

Seven times a priest administered last rites before they left for an insertion. “We’d wonder, does the priest know something we don’t?” he recalled.

Mample, 78, doesn’t talk much about Vietnam but he’s learned that talking is better than holding it inside.

He can forgive the Vietnamese for the war, the veteran added, but not the protesters who threw rocks at their buses and spit on them. “It takes a bigger man to forgive those people who did that to us when our only solace was looking in the mirror and saying, ‘You know what, they have the right to protest because of guys like us who are keeping this country free.’

“A day like today makes you remember stuff we’ve tried to forget for 50 years,” Mample said. “It seems like yesterday. You can’t forget.”

and they went anyway, day after day,” Lemire said. “That is courage.”

Also like Adams, Lemire knew many of the local guys who didn’t come home. He believes the best way to honor them is “to be the best you can be.”

“They didn’t get to do the things we’ve done,” Lemire said. “They didn’t have children or grandchildren, homes. It is our obligation to think of them and let them be part of us and our families.”

The special day at the VFW coaxed other veterans to share stories who usually don’t want to talk about Vietnam. Bill Mample, former White Bear Town Board chair, spent his 21st birthday in Vietnam. His sister sent him a birthday cake that sat in an Army mail room for months. Mample left for “the field” in August, the month of his birthday, and didn’t return until January.

“When I got it, the cake was green and fuzzy. She had put a miniature bottle of Old Crow in the middle. Three of us took a drink and looked at each other and said, ‘it wasn’t worth waiting for.’” His aunt sent him two pounds of cashews, a favorite snack. By the time he got them, the nuts were soggy and limp. “They were horrible. I couldn’t eat cashews for five years.”

Mample traveled from one end of Vietnam to the other as a paratrooper with the 1st Cavalry Division. “We were air mobile and made good use of the helicopters. They would insert us into hot zones when they found North Vietnamese. Sometimes the jungle was so thick it took 40 of us all day to chop our way (the distance from VFW) to Hwy. 96.”

Mample, too, saw courage on a daily basis. “You could see the fear in their eyes when the guys got on the helicopters. Still, they got on.” He still gets

DEBRA NEUTKENS

American Legion 168 SAL member John Strohkirch holds the bugle during Taps to honor the dead following a three-volley rifle salute on the VFW deck.

Darryl Lemire was a Huey mechanic in Hua, Vietnam, 1968, with the 101st Airborne. They were shirtless, he explained, because they worked outside in

DEBRA NEUTKENS

Vietnam veterans Darryl Lemire, Richard Liebl and Dave Adams hold the boards of high-school friends killed in action.

NEUTKENS

Bill Mample, a paratrooper in Vietnam, went to school with some of the young men who died, including John Reilly.

NEUTKENS

Former Post Commander Dave Adams shares what he remembers most about Vietnam.

NEUTKENS

Jerry Briggs, left, emceed the event. Dave Adams is to right. Both men have served as post commanders of the VFW. Briggs is a former mayor of White Bear Lake.

Seven young men from White Bear Lake did not return home: Jerry N. Ellis, Ronald A. Kresbsbach, Jerome F. Lavasseur, Allen R. Meldahl, John F. Reilly, Jerrold P. Smith and James F. Uttermark.

Caught in burglary, caught in whopper

A St. Paul man, 46, faces up to 10 years in prison and/or maximum financial penalty of $20,000 if convicted of felony burglary, after he was arrested March 20 on Bald Eagle Island following a report of a male observed trying to gain entry into a mailbox and trespassing on the island. A caller saw the male try to open the mailbox on the shoreline, then walk onto the frozen lake toward the island. The homeowner said he was not on the property and that no one should have been at the residence.

When Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) deputies arrived on scene, they observed a broken window in the glass garage door, walls of the home spray-painted and a male lurking about on the second floor of the residence. The male was ordered out of the house and eventually emerged to be arrested.

After the male was identified, he said he was the owner of the house and denied breaking the garage door window or spray-painting the house, saying the door was unlocked. After a Miranda advisory, the suspect continued, saying he currently lived in St. Paul and was a U.S. Marshal. Not only that, he said he was a former RCSO deputy and former St. Paul Police officer. He went on, saying he purchased the home, currently on the market for $6 million, several years prior for $400,000, after which he tore it down and rebuilt it.

He admitted to being on “his” property on March 20, but was not trying to break into the mailbox. He said he had a key to the box, but it wasn’t working. He needed to open the mailbox to retrieve a $50,000 check he was expecting.

The homeowner — the party in possession of the home’s title, as well as its keys — said he didn’t know the suspect, who did not have permission to be in the home.

The quandary about who really owned the house was dispelled when deputies checked their records.

According to Ramsey County Court Case 62-CR21-5976, RCSO deputies responded to a home on Viking Drive in Little Canada in October 2021 on

a report of a person taking photos of homes and looking into parked vehicles. Deputies located the current suspect in the area riding a bicycle with a set of golf clubs on the bicycle. The suspect said he owned the Viking Drive home, as well, stored his golf clubs in the home and had entered the home through an open back door. That homeowner also said he didn’t know the suspect, who didn’t have permission to enter the home.

In neither report was it mentioned whether the suspect was able to produce any keys to either home. Submitted

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SEASONAL MAINTENANCE WORKERS POSITIONS

White Bear Township is accepting applications for Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions to assist in routine maintenance work including, but not limited to, the following: general maintenance of parks, streets, water, storm water, sanitary sewer, etc. Up to 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm (subject to change between Memorial Day – Labor Day). Salary starting at $20.00/hour. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass pre-employment drug screening.

Applications are available Monday – Friday, 7 am – 4:30 pm, at Township Administrative Office, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110 or online at “http:// www.whitebeartownship.org”

Application deadline: Open until positions filled.

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate adv ertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion bas ed on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings adv ertised in this newsp ap er are av ailable on an equal oppor tunity bas is To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

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Press Publications in White Bear Lake is seeking a staff writer to join its award-winning team. As a staff writer-reporter you will be responsible for coordinating editorial content and layout for our newspapers, website and social media pages. In addition to writing stories, the job will require attending meetings, taking photographs, assisting with the layout process, coordinating, writing occasional editorial columns and maintaining a positive relationship with the community at large. We are looking for a candidate who is an efficient writer, passionate about local community news and great at time managment. Candidates should have a degree in journalism (or a related field) and have relevant experience. To apply, please send resume, cover letter and three writing samples to quadnews@presspubs.com.

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White Bear Lake City Council notes

WHITE BEAR LAKE — City Council approved the following at its March 28 meeting:

• Police Department Body Camera audit.

Chief Julie Swanson reported that the required independent audit by the Minnesota Security Consortium found the department’s use of the body camera system in compliance with state statute.

The audit period from Jan. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2022 involved 45,000 cases, 52 of which were random calls for service selected for review.

Results were consistent with the department’s BWC policy, which Swanson noted, is online.

“Our officers love having body cams,” she added. “People can have a different recollection of a call so body cams are useful.”

Asked about discharge of weapon incidents, the chief replied in her 23-year career, the department just had its first in 2023.

For readers who have interest, the White Bear department processes public body-worn camera (BWC) requests online via “Discover Request.” See www.whitebearlake.org/publicsafety/ webform/discovery-request

Citizens can also make a request for their privately classified BWC data by visiting the front desk of the Police Department lobby (currently closed due to construction), using the paper form “Discovery Request.”

White Bear Lake Police Department Commanders redact BWC Data when released to Data Subjects. About 500 requests were made during the audit period.

• New ordinance amending fee schedule to include sidewalk cafés.

Initial application fee is $150 for a café permit. Annual renewal is $60 unless there are significant changes, such as adding seating, adding liquor or layout change, in which case the fee is $125. Violation of the permit may result in a $100 fine.

Concurrent detachment and annexation of property to the city of Mahtomedi.

The 1.3-acre property is a 100-foot-wide strip of land that runs south from Wildwood Road and is surrounded on three sides by Mahtomedi. The city of Mahtomedi communicated first with the White Bear Lake city attorney about the annexation, and then with owners of the property, who did not object to the jurisdictional change.

• Resolution to enter into memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) for development of a Rotary Nature Preserve wetland vegetation management plan.

The ecological integrity of the upland and

wetland native habitat in the 40-acre park is being threatened by invasive plant species. In 2022, the city and Rotary Club began a partnership on a three-year upland restoration project to remove invasive plants and restore areas with native plants. VLAWMO and Natural Shore Technologies (NST) are also key partners in the upland restoration efforts. NST is working to develop a wetland management plan that will cost $9,800, with VLAWMO picking up the tab. The MOU defines the city and VLAWMO future roles and how to share project costs.

• Council members also heard Police Chief Julie Swanson’s biannual report.

Calls for service were fewer in 2022 than 2021 at 21,000 versus 23,000.

Among the incidents last year: 58 burglaries; six robberies; 528 thefts (mostly from unlocked cars, things left outside); 549 disorderly/disputes (not an arrest); 409 juvenile incidents; 130 domestic

calls; 3,082 medicals/assist to fire; 79 nondomestic assaults; 14 fights; 441 welfare checks; 238 calls for people in crisis; 803 calls for suspicious activity; and 117 warrant arrests.

Another “big one” is traffic stops, at 4,369. Of those, half resulted in warnings. “People who got tickets might wonder why; I can’t answer that,” Swanson said. “Might be their speed.” Of the stops, 94 resulted in DWI arrests.

The chief was happy to report her department is fully staffed at 31 sworn officers with the April 17 addition of a new hire. “It’s a good place to be,” she said, and then knocked on wood.

Debra Neutkens

Weekly Outlook

Judging by the number of comments I received over the weekend, people don’t appreciate how close we are to totaling 100 inches of snow for the season. They all think we’ve had more than enough. I totaled 9 inches while the airport totaled 8.5 from this past weekend’s snow. For the season I’m at 91.2 and the airport is at 89.7 inches. We have plenty of April left for snow and we can’t count out May. I think we just might do it! It melts fast.

Nature notes: Wood Ducks have returned to Peppertree Pond and the pond level looks up. Calendar update: Lake Country Booksellers in downtown White Bear Lake has one left. Call 651.426.0918 to hold it. I can get them more.

Frank Watson

K. Olson Construction is owned by Kevin Olson of Scandia MN. Kevin has been in remodeling and new construction since 1985 and became a licensed contractor in 1995. They provide new home construction, also specializing in room additions, basement finishing, kitchen remodels and finish carpentry.

K. Olson Construction provides full service contracting from start to finish or will come into a project and work with the homeowner and do a portion of the work. Any successful remodeling project requires a detailed plan and timeline, as well as attention to detail. Kevin is a contractor that is on site

OBITUARIES

Pamela “Pam” Vadnais

September 6, 1946March 13, 2023

Age 76 of White Bear Lake, MN. Passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on March 13, 2023. Pam was a lover of books, coffee, and all babies.

She is preceded in Death by her mother and father, Dorothy Hare and Clemadair Pepin; inlaws, George and Frances Vadnais; sister-in-law, Karen Hansen; great-grandson, Henry Peckman.

Pam worked in St. Paul and her bus ride home dropped her off at White Bear Oil in White Bear Lake. Terry Vadnais happened to work at White Bear Oil and gave her rides to her house a few blocks down the road. Those car rides home turned into a long and loving marriage that began on July 8th, 1967.

Pam is survived by her loving husband, Terry Vadnais; her children, Victoria (Tara) Vadnais, Scott (Christina) Vadnais, Angela (Allen) Steiner and Melissa (Brian) Wilson; her grandchildren, Kathleen Vadnais-Peckman, Karly Jepsen, Clay Peckman, Thomas Vadnais, Nick Vadnais, Cole Peckman, Emma Steiner, Shelby Vadnais, George Steiner, Dylan Wilson, Daulton Wilson, Terrick Wilson, and Keagan Wilson; her greatgrandchildren, Isabella Peckman, Mikella Jepsen, Alicen Planque, Crosby Jepsen, Ava Vadnais, Charlotte Planque, Everett Jepsen, Eliza Vadnais, Emmett Planque, Declan Peckman, Charlie Peckman, Reagan Jepsen, Patrick Peckman, Griffin Peckman and Nikko Diaz; her sister, Penee (Jack) Spencer her brothers, Perry Pepin and Phil (Debbie) Pepin; brothers-in-law, Jerry Vadnais and Al Hansen, and her sisters-in-law, Sue (Jim) Crothers and Arlene Vadnais; and by many nieces and nephews and other extended family members.

Visitation was on Thursday, March 16th with a prayer vigil at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass was held at 11:00am on Friday, March 17th at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Foundation. Arrangements by Mueller Memorial, White Bear Lake.

Cynthia Westin Johnson

Cynthia Westin Johnson, WBHS Class of 1966, resident of Oakdale, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2023, after a long illness. Preceded in death by parents, Harold & Dolores Westin, and sister Rosemary. She is survived by 4 children, 4 grandchildren, 2 sisters, and extended family.

Obituaries celebrate and honor unique lives.

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Email obits@presspubs.com

Call 651-407-1250

Visit us at 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN

Kathleen Burbach

Kathleen Ann Burbach, age 76, of White Bear Lake, passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in Baxter, MN. Kathy was born in St Paul on November 2, 1946 to Landon Garland, Jr & Evelyn Helen (Vadnais) Hamner. She married Conrad William Burbach and they had two sons.

Kathy is survived by her son, Mike (Jess) Burbach; aunt, Melody Bonniwell; grandchildren: Maurecia (Jordan) Groce, Jade (Kevin) Booker, Brandi Burbach, Kyle Wiese, Lindsey Dieter, Isabella Burbach, Eva Burbach and Landon Burbach; great-grandchildren: Zaidyn, Nathaniel, Khizyn, Maziuh, Jackson and Brielle; the Kolodziej cousins; and many other family and friends. Kathy is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Conrad; son, Jonathan.

A memorial service for Kathy will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 1 PM at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, with visitation from 11 AM until the time of the service.

Chad R. Swanson

Chad R Swanson, age 49, left us too soon on March 24th, in Portland, OR.

Chad was born on January 8, 1974, in St. Paul, MN to Gary and Kathy Swanson. He is survived by his mother, Kathy Swanson and his twin brother, Scott (Janel) Swanson, niece Hannah, nephews Cole, Brody and Chace, and many relatives. He is preceded in death by his father, Gary Swanson, grandparents, and many friends.

Chad was loved and admired by many for his kindness, caring heart, and his generosity. He was always putting others before himself and looking out for others.

A memorial service is yet to be announced. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Chad’s life.

Major food shelf donation

White Bear Lake Rotarian Ken Galloway, chair of the 2023 BEAR’ly Open Golf Tournament on ice, reported proceeds amounting to $33,357 going to the White Bear Food Shelf from this year’s event. According to Galloway, the total allows food purchases in the amount of $266,856. This is the second-highest level in 16 years. The cumulative total is now $307,130, which has allowed the Food Shelf to purchase $2.45 million worth of food.

City participating in national ‘water-wise’ challenge

White Bear Lake Mayor Dan Louismet is joining mayors across the country in asking residents to make a commitment to conserve water by taking part in a national contest aimed at drastically reducing water and energy use across the nation.

The Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation is a nonprofit national community service campaign to see which cities can best inspire residents to commit to reduce water and energy usage by filling out a no-cost, online pledge that takes only one minute to complete.

To participate, go to mywaterpledge.com any time during the month of April to take a conservation pledge on behalf of the city of White Bear Lake. Participants in cities with the highest percentage of residents who take the challenge in their population category are entered into drawings for hundreds of prizes.

“Water conservation,” said Mayor Louismet, “is integral for the sustainable management and preservation of our water resources. This friendly competition is a great way for the city and our residents to reaffirm our commitment to responsible stewardship of our resources. Something as simple as pledging to turn off a faucet while you brush your teeth can save up to 4 gallons of water a day.”

Press release

SCHOOL BRIEFS

Teacher/farmer recognized for service

Mahtomedi High School substitute teacher Jeff Young received recognition from the school board and his principal, Jeff Hahn, for outstanding service to district students and staff. A farmer in Massachusetts during summer vacation, Young has answered the call to teach at the high school for the past two years. “I always introduce him as ‘the nicest man on the planet,’ and I’m not exaggerating,” said Susan Decker, secretary to the principal. Young is highly regarded for his patience and work ethic, Decker said.

Learning showcase in May

The district held its latest Zephyr Learning Showcase to a great turnout prior to the March 23 school board meeting. “It is so impressive to see our kids come and showcase what they’re doing,” said Vice Chair Kelly Reagan. The next Zephyr Learning Showcase is scheduled for May 24 at 6:15 p.m.

Food drive at high school

The National Honor Society (NHS) is conducting a food drive for the Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf through April 10. Please drop off food items in the bin at the front entrance to the high school.

Zephyr girls basketball honors, leaders listed

Four members of Mahtomedi’s first-place girls basketball team were named to the all-Metro East team — senior guard Sonya Potthoff, junior guard Ella Kletti, sophomore forward Anna Greene and eighth-grade guard Mya Wilson.

The Zephyrs were 14-0 in the conference and 20-6 overall.

Potthoff averaged 14.3 points and 4.4 assists; Greene 13.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists; Wilson 13.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals; and Kletti 12.1 points and 2.4 steals. Meanwhile, Ella

Bears boys hockey leaders, awards listed

Frazier averaged 8.1 points, Sophia Peer led with 31 blocked shots and averaged 4.5 points and 4.3 rebounds, and Emily Muetzel averaged 8.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists.

Potthoff’s 101 assists were a team record. She finished her career ranking fourth in assists (231), first in free throw shooting (85.9 percent) and fourth in 3-point shooting (38.2 percent). Team records set this year were 70.0 points per game and 72.5 percent free throw shooting.

Bruce Strand

White Bear Lake’s conference champion team had five allconference picks, headed by Nolan Roed, named team Most Valuable Player, and Joe Belisle, named conference Defenseman of the Year. The Bears were 20-6 overall and 10-2 in the Suburban East Conference.

Named all-SEC squad were senior forwards Aiden Welch and Brady Borgestad, senior defenseman Belisle, junior forward Roed, and sophomore goalie Leo Gabriel. Honorable mentions went to seniors Grady Gallatin and Charlie Olsen, and sophomores Jack Stanius and Will Distad. Other team awards went to Gabriel (top rookie), sophomore Noah Norman (most improved), senior Michael Delaney (most determined), Gallatin (leadership) and Belisle (Herb Brooks). Top scorers (goals-assistspoints) were Roed (24-31-55), Welch (21-30-51), Stanius (11-22-33), Borgestad (13-19-32), Belisle (8-16-24) and Olsen (10-10-20). Gabriel posted a .904 save percentage and 2.23 goals-against. Roed also led in scoring last year with 19-21-40.

Bruce Strand

Municipalities impacted by court order seek relief

Louismet said he is asking for relief from the Legislature to “allow our city to continue to pump water from the ground for our residents, schools and businesses, as we have for decades.

“The broader question,” he continued, “is why a need to make this plea? The answer lies in the outcomes of that decade-long litigation. We believe the ruling threatens our ability to provide drinking water.”

supply plans to apply for appropriation permits and prove the natural resource is not negatively impacted. “What we like about this bill is it starts to set up a responsible process. We want to be good stewards, but we think and we know the rules and directives outlined in that court order are not helpful and, in many ways, are not responsible.”

ST. PAUL — Cities within a 5-mile radius of White Bear Lake are looking for relief from court-ordered restrictions impacting their water supplies, and area legislators have teamed up to provide it.

If passed into law, bipartisan bills HF2304 and SF2047 would accomplish three objectives: allow Lake Elmo to drill a new municipal well, something the DNR has denied the city; place a four-year moratorium on reductions to water-use permits for communities impacted by the 2017 court ruling; and establish a working group to explore options to supply safe water to cities while ensuring sustainability of White Bear Lake levels.

In that ruling almost six years ago, District Court Judge (now retired) Margaret Marrinan ordered the DNR to amend the volume of groundwater pumped from the aquifer for permit holders within 5 miles of the lake in an effort to protect elevation. The issue caused an uproar among the 17 well owners, who are still contesting the amendments.

Both bills request a $3 million appropriation in 2024 to form the White Bear Lake Area Water-Use Work Group. Funding would go to the Metropolitan Council to develop a plan to ensure area communities have access to sufficient, safe drinking water to allow for municipal growth and, at the same time, ensure sustainability of surface and groundwater resources for future generations.

The working group would have four years to develop a comprehensive plan that includes ways to conserve and recharge groundwater, convert groundwater supplies to total or partial surface water sources and find ways to reduce groundwater use, along with policy and funding recommendations. The group would have until June 30, 2027 to

provide a report to House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources finance and policy.

Sen. Judy Seeberger co-authored SF2047 with area Sens. Heather Gustafson and Karin Housley.

Seeberger is a DFLer who represents District 41, which includes Lake Elmo. She testified before the Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee last month with two mayors and a city administrator who endorse the legislation.

“Cities were given conflicting directives from the state,” as a result of the court ruling, Seeberger told the committee. “On one hand, cities were encouraged to grow, providing more housing choices and economic development, but then told they may not have access to water resources to support that growth. This happened to Lake Elmo. The court drew a 5-mile circle around White Bear Lake that includes a well from Lake Elmo. Unfortunately, the only clean aquifer the city can access that isn’t contaminated with PFAS is within that circle.”

The senator explained that to meet the demand for growth mandated by the Metropolitan Council, Lake Elmo has to pump more water than the 260 million gallons the DNR allows. When asked for a permit to pump the level of water needed for residents, the DNR told Lake Elmo ‘no,’ and said their hands were tied because of the court order, she said.

“No one wants to unduly affect the level of White Bear Lake,” Seeberger continued. “Everyone seems to agree the circle was arbitrary on the part of the judge and has no correlation to aquifers that exist within that circle. Studies show the city of Woodbury has more effect on White Bear Lake than any communities inside that circle.”

White Bear Lake Mayor Dan

The mayor contends the city cannot comply with a reduced appropriation permit. “White Bear Lake uses 78 gallons of water per day per person. To comply with the judge’s order, it’s conceivable the city would be required to reduce water consumption to 55 gallons of residential use. We believe that level is unattainable. The city has already made great strides in water conservation, long before litigation began.”

Calling the water supply issue “an unfortunate problem to find ourselves in,” Hugo City Administrator Bryan Bear told the Senate committee he doesn’t disagree that good, responsible water policy is important in the state and the northeast metro. “The problem for us was this lawsuit,” he said. “The court didn’t order the DNR to come up with policy to solve the problem (with White Bear Lake water levels), but ordered the DNR specifically what to do. So the DNR started changing our permits, and we expect they will change again.”

Bear reminded committee members that cities must have approved water

Asked by committee member Sen. Nathan Wesenberg if the judge ruled on something she didn’t have expertise on, Louismet replied, “that is our position. Frankly, we think the court got it wrong. There is competing theory to what the judge ruled as to the source of why the lake level is low.”

In closing, Seeberger called the situation for Lake Elmo and White Bear Lake “dire.” She asked that the bill not be laid over but move on to the next committee to provide relief as soon as possible.

The committee agreed and rereferred the bill to the state and local government committee. Since there is an appropriation, it must go through a finance committee before reaching the Senate floor. The companion bill in the House, co-authored by Reps. Peter Fischer, Brion Curran, Patti Anderson and Elliott Engen, also passed its first committee hearing and is before the Ways and Means committee. If passed, it goes to the full House for a vote.

Waiting Child

Darian,14, is talkative, outgoing, helpful and funny. He enjoys cooking, playing video games, dodgeball, fishing, dirt biking, and four-wheeling. Darian would like to live in a rural community with a “country style” atmosphere. He loves animals and has a dog that he is hoping to take with him to his adoptive home. Darian would do best in a home where he is the only child. Following adoption, Darian would need to maintain contact with his siblings and birthparents.

BRUCE STRAND

Sonya Potthoff

BRUCE STRAND Nolan Roed

Mayor Dan Louismet City Administrator Bryan Bear

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Sen. Judy Seeberger

State-of-the-art: Bears debut indoor track facility

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER

With spring sports otherwise on hold due to a late winter, White Bear Lake was able to host two memorable track meets this past week in a new facility that is, in a word, fabulous.

Both the Bear boys and girls had small meets in the White Bear Lake Fieldhouse, a cavernous indoor complex on the North Campus with an orange Mondo oval track surrounding three basketball courts, pole vault and high jump setups inside the track, and a long jump pit in the corner. Shot put was held on the second floor.

“We are so grateful and lucky to have an indoor track facility like this one,” said Brianna Seibel, co-head coach of the girls team with Hannah Hensley. “We’ve had the ability to practice and train indoors since the first day of the season, and I think that’s already made a huge difference in our preparedness for competition.”

There’s also a new outdoor stadium south of the school with a 10-lane track with the same surface used at the Olympics. The first scheduled event there is April 13.

“It is the most state-of-the-art track facility in the state,” said Brian Peloquin, activities director. “Once it’s all said and done, we will also have a secondary stadium where Price Field used to be that will also have a state of the art, eight-lane track.“

The new facility comes from a $326 million building bond request that passed in 2019. “At the time, it was the largest bond referendum in the

history of the state,” Peloquin said.

“The indoor track, field house, weight room, and auxiliary gym is an incredible facility for the White Bear Lake athletes, especially this year with the bad weather and snow,” Tom Paulson, longtime Bear boys coach, stated. “The athletes and coaches are able to experience a great teaching environment, thanks to the community.”

“We love the new facility,” Luke Williams, Bears distance running star said. “It is great for practice when it is cold and snowing. It’s fun to have indoor track meets at home.”

The facility has already been used for track, baseball, softball, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, golf, archery, pickleball and floor hockey, Peloquin said.

In the two inaugural events last week, Mounds View, Mahtomedi, Hudson, and Roseville were the guests at the girls meet, while the boys hosted Forest Lake and Roseville. They were unscored meets that provided an opportunity to suit up and run against other teams on the brand-new track.

The Bears have multiple invitationals on the schedule this season —  boys invitationals on April 13 (a relay meet with all 10 conference schools), April 29 and May 4, and a grade 9-10 meet May 11, along with girls invitationals April 20 and April 29 and a JV meet on May 2. Next spring, the Bears will host the Suburban East Conference meet.

“Moving forward,” Peloquin said, “we have a goal of being the host site for the MSHSL state track meet.”

Beckler caps hoops career with stellar season at Carleton College

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER

Jeremy Beckler closed out a prodigious MIAC basketball career with Carleton College this winter by leading the Knights to their best season in a century and earning AllAmerica honors.

“My career highlight is easily being a part of the best team in Carleton history my senior year,” said the 6-foot-8 sharpshooter from White Bear Lake.

“We set the singleseason win record, won the outright MIAC regular season championship for the first time in 100 years, and

we won the MIAC tournament to get a ticket to the NCAA tournament.”

Beckler, an inside-outside threat, averaged 22.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He made 62 of 150 three-point attempts (41.3 percent) while hitting 51.3 percent overall and 83.5 percent on free shots.

While ranking 11th in the nation in scoring, he was the only D-III player to average more than 20 points and five rebounds while shooting at least 50 percent overall, 40 percent on three’s and 80 percent on free shots.

Carleton finished 24-4 with a first-round loss to St. Norbert’s (Wisconsin) in the NCAA-III playoffs. The Knights were 17-3 in the MIAC regular season and won the playoffs as well, capped by an 86-76 win over St. John’s, with Beckler scoring 35 points in his final home game.

The Knights were outright champions of the MIAC for the first time since 1923. Their last two titles in 2006 and 2011 were shared with St. Thomas.

Beckler averaged 16.7 points as a junior and 17.2 points as a freshman. He had no sophomore season due to the pandemic. While he could have played another year after graduation due to missing that season, he opted not to.

Coach Ryan Kershaw praised Becker for having “a profound impact” on the Carleton hoops program.

“He is one of the most talented offensive players the MIAC has seen in the past 20 years. His size, skill and versatility, coupled with his

David Wolsfeld capped his Mahtomedi hockey career with a state team championship and receiving the Herb Brooks Award, which goes to the state tournament player best representing the values and characteristics of the great coach. Over the last two seasons, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound forward logged 33 goals and 59 assists (102 points) in 55 games. Coach Jeff Poeschl praised Wolsfeld as an explosive, highly-skilled scorer with a quick shot, the team’s best face-off player, and an excellent leader with a commanding presence despite a soft-spoken personality. “He is able to assess what the team needs and that is where he directs his focus,” Poeschl said.

basketball intelligence, were critical components to our team success.”

With a humble demeanor and a “team-first ethos” that endears him to teammates and coaches, Becker was, Kershaw said, Carleton’s version of San Antonio Spur great Tim Duncan. “It is quite a luxury as a coach when your most talented player also happens to be your most coachable player.”

Becker, a 2019 graduate, scored 1,315 points at White Bear Lake, ranking No. 3 all-time. He scored 1,438 points at Carleton in 76 games. That’s No. 8 alltime, though he only played three seasons.

“From high school, I further developed my outside shooting. I also became much stronger on the inside to go against much stronger big men,” said Beckler, who carries 225 pounds on his 6-8 frame.

These two improvements enabled Beckler to choose which style to play in any given game.

“If I felt like I had a major advantage in the paint, I would post up and attack more. If I had a defender on me that could not keep up with me on the arc, that is where I would be taking shots.”

Beckler is a computer science major with a goal of becoming a software engineer. He was named to the NABC Honors Court in 2022. He was selected for a 10-week off-campus study program at Cambridge in England. He’s ready to go to work.

“It is a sad thought that I am officially done with my competitive basketball career,” Beckler said. “But, I am ready for the next steps in life and I will for sure be playing basketball for a very long time for fun.”

Katelyn Porter of the Bears leads the pack early in the 800-meter race at the new White Bear Lake Field house. The Mahtomedi runner is Brooke Erickson. The other runners were from Roseville and Hudson.

While Bear Lake’s Blessing Adebesi clears the bar in the high jump event.

BRUCE STRAND

Jeremy Beckler was an insideoutside threat, averaging 22.3 points for Carleton.

David Wolsfeld

New roofs for school buildings

The roofing replacement for buildings around the district is moving forward, after the board unanimously awarded the contract to three different roofing contractors for six district buildings. District officials divided the bidding process to allow contractors to bid on the buildings individually. The winning bids on buildings are as follows: Berwald Roofing will reroof the district’s ancillary buildings for $35,800. Palmer Wolf Construction will reroof the District Education Center (DEC) for $1,167,600; Mahtomedi High School for 4,983,000; Mahtomedi Middle School for 2,434,000 and Wildwood Elementary for $1,439,800. Peterson Brothers Roofing will reroof O. H. Anderson Elementary for $2,190,225. The total award for all location amounts to $12,250,425. This amount will be paid for with insurance claim money and LTFM bonds.

To pay for the districtwide roofing project, the district will issue $3.8 million in general obligation facilities maintenance bonds, Series 2023A, Jodie Zesbaugh of Ehlers Public Finance Advisors said in her presentation. The proposed issue will finance deferred facilities maintenance projects included in the district’s 10-year long-term facilities maintenance (LTFM) plan, approved by the Commissioner of Education. The roof replacement is a large portion of that LTFM plan. Debt service for paying off the bonds will be paid for using property tax levies and an annual $400,000 in state aid received as part of the LTFM program. The bonds will be issued for a period of 14 years, 9 months, and cover 14 annual levies. The bonds will be sold during the morning of April 27, the date of the next regular meeting. The results of the sale will

be announced during the meeting that evening. The estimated closing date of the bond sale will be May 18.

The board approved donations and grants totaling $74,174.78 from February. Highlights include $17,302.99 from the Parent Teacher Organization for gym equipment and supplies for Wildwood Elementary, $12,904.80 from Snap Mobile Inc. for the boys golf fundraiser and $10,939 from private parties for the boys hockey fundraiser. These donations don’t include all the time volunteers put in on behalf of the district, Director Lucy Payne said, before thanking community members for everything they donate to the district.

Due to the absence of Jeff Priess, director of finance and operations, the board tabled action on the 202324 school year general fund budget assumptions. A presentation, followed by approval, will take place at the next available meeting.

On March 16, Modeling a Protein Story (MAPS) focused on insulin and insulin-related proteins, and O. H. Anderson Elementary celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on March 23, Barb Duffrin said in her superintendent’s report. During the 916 Career and Technology visit on March 23, leaders met with Mahtomedi students enrolled in programs focusing on animal science, engine technology, law enforcement, information technology and health services, she said. In the legislative portion of her report, Duffrin noted the universal free school meals bill signed into law.

The board next meets at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 27, in the District Center Community Room, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.

Loretta Harding