White Bear Press

Friday night lights to debut in 2024

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

Varsity football is moving. The school district got its wish to expand seating at its new stadium to accommodate the fans. It was never a question of “if”, but “when” varsity games would move to the new facility at the unified campus.

Foreseeing that football fans would outnumber the 1,500-seat-capacity stadium, the district asked the city to amend its conditional use permit (CUP) to add another 3,500 seats.

That was the plan all along, explained Tim Wald, assistant superintendent for finance and operations. “We’re just doing it earlier than we anticipated.”

‘The Joy of Politics’

United States Senator Amy Klobuchar addresses members and guests of the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s recent Annual Meeting and 100 Year Anniversary Celebration at Dellwood Country Club. Her keynote talk, addressing the post-pandemic economy, was interspersed with humor and personal observations. Some of the policy priorities she discussed that affect businesses included balancing the need for more workers with border security, infrastructure and access to broadband and high-speed internet, supply chain policy to bring shipping rates down and encourage exports, and addressing fair competition by limiting big tech platforms. Sen. Klobuchar will soon release a book about encouraging civil discourse titled “The Joy of Politics.” The Chamber also presented awards to annual businesses and business leaders in the community. Go to presspubs.com to see photos of award recipients.

Working with wood helps traumatized cope

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

When someone is hurting and in a dark place, ex-cop Greg Freeman shows them how to make a pen from wood.

He then instructs them to use the pen to sign all their important papers.

“It’s very therapeutic,” said Freeman, who retired with a medical disability after serving 31 years with the Minneapolis Police Department. His disability was diagnosed as posttraumatic-stress-disorder, or PTSD. And he’s decided it’s his mission

in life to help others significantly touched by trauma by teaching them woodworking.

When word spread that Freeman had left the department due to PTSD, others who were struggling reached out. He invited anyone who needed to talk to a wood shop in his garage. “I noticed people were stressed out. I’d tell them, ‘you feel out of control, so we’re going to make a pen and you’re going to use it to sign all your important papers.’ We’d talk while working

SEE WOOD WORKING, PAGE 14

The district spokesman said pre-2019 referendum, football was expected to remain at South Campus until they could bring larger events to the new high school. “In 2018-’19, we didn’t anticipate we’d have the footprint to build the amenities for parking and other things (concessions and restrooms, for example). That changed when the district acquired more property (from people selling their homes),” Wald said. “What hasn’t changed is our desire to move football to the new campus.”

There were neighbors opposed to the expansion due to traffic concerns and noise, mostly, and the mayor gave both sides time to speak at the April 11 City Council meeting.

Mariner High School grad Jeff Taylor, class of ’79, encouraged council to delay approval. “My concern is this is being rushed through,” he said. “We still don’t understand the impact to the neighborhood. When I was growing up, this town had two high schools and shared one football field and it was Price Field (behind Central Middle School). Now we have one high school and two stadiums. I’m not sure that is progress.”

CONTRIBUTED

The home side of the stadium will provide seating for 3,500 and the visitor, or east, side, 1,500. There was no seating previously for visitors. Typically, there are four regularseason, Friday night home games with the possibility of one or two playoff games scheduled at home.

SEE STADIUM, PAGE 9

DEBRA NEUTKENS Russ Hanes, left, and Greg Freeman hold a challenge coin flag made in a woodworking class. Note their Invisible Wounds Projects (IWP) sweatshirts. Every line on the map represents a group they work to support: green is military; blue, law enforcement; red, fire; gold, dispatch; white, EMS and frontline medical staff; and gray represents corrections.

We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!

Get to know Mahtomedi’s new mayor

Richard Brainerd was appointed mayor of Mahtomedi Feb. 7, following the Jan. 17 retirement of Judson Marshall. Brainerd shares a few personal tidbits and thoughts so that the community can get to know him better.

Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?

A: Born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in Fennimore, Wisconsin.

Q: How long have you lived in this community?

A: 36 years.

Q: What do you like best about living here?

A: Living in a “small town city” where residents have connections with each other and take pride in the community. This includes our excellent educational opportunities, the natural resources which surround us, the city parks and trails, the east shore of White Bear Lake, the proximity to Saint Paul and Minneapolis, the historical significance of the community, and the businesses community.

Q: What are your favorite things to do in the community?

A: I like to walk on the city trails, bike the Lake Links Trail, walk in Katherine Abbott Park and eat and enjoy coffee at our local businesses.

Q: What changes have you wanted to see in your community since you’ve lived here?

A: A healthy environment; a community connected by walking and bike paths; a great school system; a capital improvement plan that provides for good infrastructure of roads, water and buildings; an excellent staff to serve the community; and an atmosphere of a “small town city” similar to that of the community where I was raised.

Q: What things would you like to preserve in your community?

A: The history of the city — Chautauqua community and Wildwood Amusement Park. The close-knit small-town atmosphere where residents have connections with each other and where we take pride in our community by working together with educational leaders, businesses/community leaders and our government to maintain a safe environment in which to live, work and learn.

Q: Why did you decide accept the appointment to be mayor?

A: When Mayor Jud Marshall retired, I was serving as president of the council and had been acting mayor for a number of months. When asked by the other members of the council if I would accept the mayoral responsibilities, I enthusiastically said yes. The council voted unanimously to appoint me mayor.

Q: Are you retired?

A: I am retired from regular employment, but not retired from my involvement in many organizational activities.

Q: What was your profession?

A: My professional career was in human resources. I had the opportunity to serve as deputy administrator for the Wisconsin Department of Justice, deputy commissioner of personnel for the State of Minnesota, director of human resources for Ramsey County, and director of human resources for Metropolitan Council. I also served as an independent human resources consultant and as an instructor for Carlson School of Management, Employer Education Service.

Q: How has your profession helped you as mayor?

A: My experience dealing with the challenges that people face has been truly helpful. I’ve learned that people are our greatest asset, and it is so important to listen and hear what they say. From my experience, I have also found that my skills and knowledge relative to administration, consulting and training/education assist me every day in one way or another.

Q: What new things have you learned so far in your position that you didn’t know before?

A: I’m experiencing the amount of time and attention that are necessary to prepare and represent the city as a spokesperson, presiding officer at council meetings and ceremonial head for the city. I’m also having the chance to meet more people and learn their hopes and interests for our city.

Q: What would you like to share with us about your family?

A: I am married and fortunate to have a wonderful wife, children and grandchildren.

Q: What fun places do you like to volunteer?

A: I enjoy giving back to my community and organizations which are of interest, including the American Red Cross, Century College, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, League of Minnesota Cities, Clean Water Council of Minnesota and Conservation Minnesota.

Q: What are some of the top 10 things on your bucket list?

A: Travel with family and friends to National Parks; hiking and cycling in the U.S. and Europe.

Q: What are your favorite hobbies?

A: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, cross-country skiing, hiking, bicycling and other physical activities like pilates and working in my yard.

Q: What fun thing do you like to do, that no one would ever guess of you?

A: I am an avid bird-watcher with my wife Mary, and enjoy the many birding venues in Minnesota, especially the Sax-Zim Bog.

Q: What would you like the public at large to know about yourself and/or your community?

A: As mayor, I am committed to the well-being of the city now and into the future. My work experiences, organizational and City Council experiences have provided me with opportunities to be exposed to the great things Mahtomedi has to offer — schools, parks, trails, fire/ EMT services, law enforcement services, good neighborhoods, committed citizens and, of course, beautiful White Bear Lake.

CONTIBUTED Richard Brainerd

FINANCIAL PLANNING Consider making charitable contributions

Charitable contributions of money or goods may entitle individuals (and businesses) to certain tax breaks. However, it’s important to note that there are rules concerning charity and tax deductions.

Generally speaking, the United States Internal Revenue Service enables people to deduct up to 60% of their adjusted gross incomes via charitable donations, but there may be limitations based on the type of contribution and the organization.

For example, contributions to certain private foundations, fraternal societies and veterans’ organizations come with lower limits.

Tax-deductible donations are those made to qualifying organizations in the year the tax return is filed, says the IRS. Qualifying organizations may include religious organizations and churches, 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, nonprofit volunteer organizations, civil defense organizations, fraternal societies, and educational institutions, among others.

Donations that are not taxdeductible include cash gifts to individuals and political contributions.

Rules may be complex, so it’s always best do discuss charitable donations with a certified public accountant for clarification.

What qualifies as a charitable contribution?

Deductible as charitable contributions

Money or property you give to:

• Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other religious organizations

• Federal, state, and local governments, if your contribution is solely for public purposes (for example, a gift to reduce the public debt or maintain a public park)

• Nonprofit schools and hospitals

Not deductible as charitable contributions

Money or property you give to:

• Civic leagues, social and sports clubs, labor unions, and chambers of commerce

• Foreign organizations (except certain Canadian, Israeli, and Mexican charities)

• Groups that are run for personal profit

• Groups whose purpose is to lobby for law changes

• Homeowners’ associations

• Individuals

6 TIPS FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS:

1. Knowyourcharity

2.

4. Keeprecordsofyourdonations

5. Remember“taxexempt”doesnot alwaysmean“taxdeductible”

• The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, CARE, Goodwill Industries, United Way, Scouts BSA, Girl Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, etc.

• War veterans’ groups

• Expenses paid for a student living with you, sponsored by a qualified organization

• Out-of-pocket expenses when you serve a qualified organization as a volunteer

• Political groups or candidates for public office

• Cost of raffle, bingo, or lottery tickets

• Dues, fees, or bills paid to country clubs, lodges, fraternal orders, or similar groups

• Tuition

• Value of your time or services

• Value of blood given to a blood bank

6. Donotbeenticedbyemotional appeals

Achievement in journalism

I’m always inspired to meet someone who has achieved success by hard work, determination and expanding education. There is a danger today for some college students when they graduate to expect a major position and high salary despite limited experience in the career path or profession they are pursuing.

A contrast is Angela Davis, who is host of weekday talk show MPR News. She has been with MPR since November 2018 and has a background of 25 years of television reporting and anchoring in the Twin Cities and other cities throughout the country.

About the Town

Gene Johnson

Kathy and I were invited to hear her as a guest speaker at Bethel University’s School of Journalism on April 4. Her talk to the students was about her life story and the many obstacles she had to overcome.

She has had to face barriers because of her color and being a woman. Today she is very capable of leading conversations and topics on how the state is changing, Minnesota’s persistent racial disparities, economic issues, education and mental health.

She made the point to be accurate, moral, ethical and slow down to get things right.

People need to listen to different points of view to learn about various jobs behind the scenes. As a result, one needs to develop a thick skin.

Newspapers need to be on social media to balance all of the misinformation. You must give yourself time to process what goes on around you to protect your spirit and joy in life. Set boundaries.

Davis is a member of local and national chapters of the National Association of Black Journalists and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She is a mother of two college students, and married to fellow journalist, Duchesni Drew. Before joining MPR she was editor at the Star Tribune.

The key message from her was to work hard, overcome obstacles, continue your education, and learn all you can about the key issues that people are struggling with.

The takeaway we left with is that she is persistent, professional journalist. Along the way she had to prove to every newsroom that she could do the job of being an on-air reporter.

She holds a journalism degree from the University of Maryland- College Park, which is considered one of the best J schools in the United States.

Dave Kansas, a director on the Board of the Johnson Center for Journalism at Bethel University, invited students to hear and see Angela Davis. Dr. Scott Winter is the lead staff of the Center.

Too beautiful for earth

I try to glance at the obituary page in all of our newspapers on a weekly basis. I may know someone, sometimes a relative or friend I didn’t know was ill.

When I was reading the March 15 Baldwin Bulletin, my eyes watered when I read about an infant that lived only three days and died in his mother’s arms. There was a quote, “An angel in the Book of Life, wrote down our baby’s birth. She whispered as she closed the book, too beautiful for earth.”

Another part went on to say, “Some people only dream of angels. We held one in our arms. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I would walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again.”

Perhaps that struck a memory in my heart when my first wife, Joanie, and I lost our first son hours after birth in 1956.

I also look at ages of deaths to see if I’m above or below the average. Community newspapers are great at reporting this information. They clip well for scrapbooks, too.

E

Movers & Shakers

I recommend taking on the concept of equity from the perspective of an elementary school teacher.

Facing the objective of improving the reading skills of a classroom full of students, any classroom of students, is a daunting task. It soon becomes apparent that students show up with radically varying capacities to learn. Students live in diverse family situations, reflect a spectrum of physical and cognitive aptitudes, not to mention the dynamic effects of classroom circumstances.

How does a teacher help each of these unique human beings achieve progress in the subject area?

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quity as a concept or practice is often misunderstood. And this misunderstanding hinders our ability to live in community. We need to define equity in a more tangible and meaningful way for the broadest possible audience. Therefore, I suggest a contextual explanation that, I hope, will provoke more and better ways to communicate this desperately needed social change.It is arguably “fair” to give each student the same textbook, the same instructions, and equal time to digest and practice the material. Now consider the diversity of each student. Each child potentially shows up with one or more challenges. Is a child who is sleep deprived, hungry, has an undiagnosed medical condition or a learning disorder able to summon the personal resources to engage in learning? The personal challenges listed above are only a sampling of the situations that may be part of any given child’s life, on any given day. Are the challenges present in the lives and experiences of each child things they as individuals control? Are they even selfaware enough to articulate those challenges, or ask for help? This is a description of inequity that I hope most people can identify with. Most of us have been in this situation, even if it was decades ago. Teachers know that alternative learning plans, a nap, a snack, or a trip to the school nurse, may be more beneficial to the learning process than the lesson at hand. And a relationship with each child, and ideally their parent(s), significantly improves the ability to engage that student.

I hope this example of inequity will help to illustrate the need for equity in every context. Each person in our community

contributes something to the broader quality of life. No matter how secure our individual bubbles, we all suffer the consequences of inequity. Each person in the community can become a contributing member or impose cost on society. It is up to each of us to recognize our part in building strong communities through equitable treatment of one another.

It is important to avoid describing categories of people. If treatment of someone is based on assumptions because of race, class, religion, or other impressions, that treatment is prejudiced by our own perceptions. Prejudice, in any form, poisons our ability to see an individual as a whole person. I have ignored the historical reasons for inequity, for purposes of this article, on similar grounds. Our history forms each of us in important ways. However, equitable treatment happens in the present. As important as it is to learn from history, we face each other in the here and now. None of us needs to take responsibility for our ancestors. We do each have the opportunity to take responsibility for a more equitable society today.

Mike Krachmer is Mayor of Vadnais Heights

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Equity is misunderstood

Mike Krachmer

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Kudos for snow removal

I’ve lived in White Bear Lake for over 20 years, coming from St. Paul. I want to compliment the public works department for the great job they did removing the snow, not only this year, but in other years.

My one complaint is the police department’s failure in ticketing and towing the parked cars that the plows need to get around. As we know, streets in White Bear Lake are narrow. If a plow damages a car, we as taxpayers pay for it in the long run.

Police, please start doing your job.

Didn’t like headline

The headline

“Playing hide and seek with library books” made me interested in learning more about a new program happening at the library. Instead, the article reported on lamentable behavior happening in my community. Unfortunately, I believe I understand the motives behind the people who are hiding the books. However, I don’t understand the motive behind giving this article a cheeky headline, and I would appreciate any insight into that decision.

Andrew Jensen

Participate in Loyalty Day

May 1 is Loyalty Day in the United States of America. Some of the following is from the website, nationaldaycalendar. com/national-loyalty-day-may-1.

This holiday was developed to set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the U.S. and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom. It was introduced and celebrated for the first time in 1921 and was intended to replace the International Workers’ Day, promoted by the Communists and Socialists.

Loyalty Day was originally called Americanization Day, and it was to commemorate the events of May 4, 1886, when a bombing took place at a labor demonstration at Haymarket Square, Chicago. On May 2, 1930, 10,000 VFW members

staged a rally at New York’s Union Square to promote Patriotism. The passage of Loyalty Day was considered one of the greatest victories of the VFW.

The U.S. Congress recognized Loyalty Day on April 27, 1955, when it was proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and observed for the first time. This holiday was made an official reoccurring holiday in 1958. May 1, 1959 was the first official observation of Loyalty Day.

Loyalty Day is celebrated with parades and ceremonies in some states, but even today many people remain unaware of this holiday. As this holiday doesn’t have federal status, it is not commonly observed. This is a day to celebrate the heritage of freedom we have. It is also a day to be in unity as we reaffirm

our loyalty to our country, and to those who are serving or have served.

VFW 1782 Auxiliary is celebrating the day by exercising its freedom to support March for Babies, a March of Dimes fundraiser. The Auxiliary’s team, Freedom Walkers, will be walking to raise funds for March for Babies. Community members may support the team by going to .marchforbabies. org/Fundraising/

We encourage you to celebrate your heritage of freedom on Loyalty Day, May 1.

-Submitted by VFW 1782

Commander George Brown and Auxiliary President Deb CourtsBrown

Construction to start soon at Central Middle School

BY NOELLE OLSON SHOREVIEW PRESS EDITOR

Next in line for the “building our future” referendum of the White Bear Lake Area School District is the Central Middle School project.

Sal Bagley of Wold Architects and Engineers said Central Middle School is expanding to take over the current District Center building.

“We’ve just passed the bid opening phase of the project and design is complete, but construction obviously has not yet started,” Bagley said. “We are still working through some of the referendum projects which include districtwide additions and renovations to accommodate enrollment growth.”

Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak said Central Middle School staff were deeply involved in the design process. “They began working with the team from Wold back in June 2022,” he said.

The Central Middle School project scope includes renovating the district office to create additional classroom space, a gym addition, kitchen and cafeteria renovation/expansion, updated classrooms, media center and flex areas, and safety and security upgrades. The total cost for the project is approximately $33.13 million.

“A huge part of the project is doing a total renovation of the kitchen and cafeteria experience for Central updated classrooms; learning

commons and flexible learning areas; and safety and security upgrades,” Begley said. “And then last, but not least, quite a few upgrades to the system to the building, including adding dehumidification to classrooms.”

The floor plan of the building will be made up of “homes, lakes and trails”.

“The ‘home’ really represents those flexible learning areas that every grade level will have access to so as they kind of stay in their house to do their core classwork,” Bagley said.

The “trails” will represent transitional opportunities that everybody uses and will be located in the center.

CONTRIBUTED

“The core planning group thought that was important to try to reduce travel so you never had a class way over there and had to make it way over here during passing time,” Bagley said. “And to create some sense of home.”

The vernacular of “lakes” will be large gathering spaces, including the commons area right inside the main entrance, the kitchen and cafeteria area and the learning commons on the second floor.

“The intent at this time, I believe, is for eighth grade to be on the first floor and the northern part of the building and seventh

Bear sightings in Birchwood and beyond

A black bear is reportedly ransacking bird feeders in search of food in Birchwood Village. The Birchwood bear has also been spotted climbing up trees, hanging out on decks, and drinking from bird baths. Residents believe the hungry bear spent the winter in a nearby culvert. It is unknown if there are multiple bears exploring the neighborhood, or if residents are spotting the same one. Bear sightings have been reported recently in Birchwood, Mahtomedi, Grant, and White Bear Township. The Minnesota DNR reminds residents to remove attractants to prevent bears from becoming a nuisance. Bear attractants are things that smell, taste or look like food to bears, including include birdseed, dog food, grease on grills, garbage, fish entrails and fruit. For more information about how to live with bears, visit dnr. state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/bears.

grade to be directly above,” Bagley said. “The district center will serve as a base for sixth grade. Also, we’ve got a collection of classrooms and labs to support math, English, social studies and language arts happening for each grade level near their ‘home’.”

The new gym will have a fullsize basketball court and will be a flexible space for weightlifting, cardio equipment, Yoga and aerobics. It will also serve as a storm shelter for the building. “It does have some bathrooms with it and natural light proposed on the north, east and south walls of it,” Bagley said.

Construction will begin this summer and is projected to be completed in fall 2025.

Referendum project updates are as follows:

• Referendum projects bid or in construction — White Bear Lake Area High School, Oneka Elementary School and ALC LTFM

• Referendum projects in design — Central Middle School, Sunrise Park (future District Services Center, TEC and early childhood)

• Referendum projects remaining — Hugo Elementary (future early childhood site)

White Bear Lake ROTARY ACADEMIC ACHIEVER

Rotary Matters

wblrotary1@comcast.net

Ramadhan is an outstanding fifth-grade student who puts forth his best effort. He is a deep thinker and unique problem solver. He thrives on being challenged in all academic areas. Not only is he a good student, he is also a wonderful friend. Ramadhan joined Matoska for only his fifth grade year. He quickly made friends. He easily works with anyone and pushes any group he is in to think harder. His leadership style is a quiet presence that listens first. Outside of school Ramadhan is a fan of “footy” aka soccer. He loves to play and watch soccer. He is a member of a local team and a big fan of Chelsea, who plays in the English Premier League.

Sponsored by Mark Rohweder

Cliff Whitson White Bear Lake

White Bear Township

Rendering of new cafeteria

Ramadhan Negewo Matoska IB World School

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• A Woodbury man was arrested following a traffic stop in the 3100 block of Century Avenue April 5, after he was found to have an active KOPS alert out on him.

• T heft from a vehicle occurred in the 3800 block of Highway 61 April 5.

• O fficers responded to the 2000 block of Fifth Street April 5 to assist an employee with trespassing a previous resident who had been evicted.

• O fficers mediated a verbal dispute in the 3500 block of Century Avenue April 5.

• O fficers mediated a civil dispute in the 4700 block of Bald Eagle Avenue April 5.

• H arassment was reported in the 3900 block of White Bear Avenue April 5.

• O fficers responded to a noise complaint in the 1500 block of Park Street April 5.

• A c ar was vandalized in the 1400 block of County Road E April 6.

• O fficers responded to a report of theft at a business in the 2700 block of County Road E April 6.

• T heft was reported in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue April 6.

• O fficers responded to a civil problem in the 4800 block of Banning Avenue April 6.

• A noise complaint was reported in the 1600 block of Ninth Street April 6.

• A gas cap was removed from a vehicle in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road April 6, preventing it from being driven.

• O fficers responded to disorderly conduct at a business in the 4500 block of Centerville Road April 7.

• C riminal damage to property was reported in the 1700 block of Linden Curve April 7.

• A fraudulent unemployment insurance application was

reported in the 3200 block of Orchard Court April 7.

• O fficers responded to the 2300 block of Elm Drive April 7 after a victim flagged down a passerby and reported her boyfriend assaulted her and held her captive for several hours. The suspect is being sought.

• A bike was stolen at the YMCA April 7.

• O fficers responded to a domestic assault between multiple family members in the 2400 block of Elm Drive April 8. An adult male was found with a severe laceration to his forehead. The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office will determine charges upon review.

• A code violation was reported at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Morehead Avenue April 8.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the area of White Bear Avenue and Ronald Avenue April 8.

• O fficers assisted with a civil issue in the 2600 block of Sumac Ridge April 8.

• F ireworks were reported April 8 in the 4700 block of Carolyn Avenue.

• O fficers stopped a pedestrian on Hoffman Road April 9 and ended up arresting the person for a warrant and possession of suspected cocaine, meth and pills.

• A W hite Bear Lake man was arrested for misdemeanor violation of a no contact order in the 4800 block of Cook Avenue April 9.

• A St. Paul man was arrested for driving on a revoked license and under the influence of alcohol in the area of Interstate 694 and White Bear Avenue April 10.

• T heft from a vehicle was reported in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue April 10.

• H arassment was reported in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road April 10.

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 hotel in the 1100 block of County Road E reported an unknown male for stealing a $773 hotel room key card maker March 19 after he drove up to the lobby in a light-colored four-door sedan. CCTV video footage is available, and the case is under investigation.

• A resident in the 400 block of Koehler Road on March 19 reported a fox in the driveway that was not behaving like a fox. It was not clear what the fox was behaving like. However, it was resting and ran away upon approach, which would have been foxlike of it.

• T he Vadnais Heights Target in the 900 block of County Road E reported gift cards rung up and money removed from the cash register March 19. There was no suspect information at the time of the report, but the video had yet to be reviewed.

• T he strange fox was again reported at 9:57 a.m. March 20 lingering around in the 400 block of Koehler Road; this time it attacked a dog. Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies checked the area without

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Birchwood

An unnamed motorist was arrested at 10:13 p.m. March 25 in the area of East County Line Road and Wildwood Avenue on a Ramsey County gross misdemeanor warrant after Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies conducted a traffic stop for failure to signal a turn.

Dellwood

• D eputies issued a citation for speeding at 8:27 p.m. March 19 in the area of Dellwood Avenue and Meadow Lane. They issued a citation to another motorist for speeding 54 mph in a 35 mph zone at 7:52 a.m. March 20 in the 2800 block of Dellwood Avenue.

A passerby at 3:55 p.m. March 21 reported a suspicious line hanging down from a power pole in the 200 block of Dellwood Road N. that turned out to have been coming from the phone line section. The line was not causing a road hazard and had been down for a few days.

• A suspicious person reported for walking in the roadway in the area of Dellwood Road and Quail Road March 24 turned out to be a daily walker and of no concern, after Mahtomedi deputies checked their mental files and advised the caller.

• D eputies took a fraud report March 24 from a Dellwood Avenue resident.

• A suspicious male in a vehicle stuck in the ditch in the area of Apple Orchard Road and Lacosta Drive late March 24 turned out to be a nonintoxicated male who was merely stuck in the ditch. The driver told deputies he had a ride coming and would pick up the vehicle the next day. Deputies checked on another vehicle off the road, this time unoccupied, at 8:27 a.m. March 25. Deputies on the earlier shift reported making contact with the registered owner who was working on towing the vehicle later in the day. Deputies ran the vehicle’s numbers through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database as a precaution, because abandoned vehicles have often been found to be stolen. The vehicle returned valid and clear.

success after the caller said the fox might be rabid. The saga of the fox continued at 12:28 that day when the fox was reported on the side of the road at the address acting sick. Deputies dispatched the fox and sent the remains to the University of Minnesota Veterinarian Diagnostic Lab for rabies testing.

• T he business in the 1100 block of County Road E on March 20 reported a hotel room damaged by an occupant who used a stolen credit card to book the room. Suspect photos have been collected.

• A W hite Bear Township woman, 30, was mailed a misdemeanor citation March 21 in a retail store parking lot in the 800 block of County Road E after she left the scene of an accident. The driver was identified via witness photos and retail store video. The driver did not return repeated phone calls.

• A resident in the 800 block of County Road D reported losing $7,000 in bitcoin March 22 to a text phishing scam claiming her bank account had been hacked. The victim called the number in the text and was persuaded to send the money to resolve the suspicious activity. When talking to her real bank after the fact, the victim learned she had been scammed.

• A resident in the 900 block of

Grant Deputies conducted a traffic stop for an undisclosed violation March 21 in the area of Manning Avenue N. and Mendel Road N. and issued a citation.

Mahtomedi

• D eputies pulled a motorist over and issued a citation for speeding 55 mph in a 40 mph zone at 2:28 a.m. March 19 in the area of Wildwood Road and Wedgewood Drive. A second motorist was cited at 3:18 a.m. March 20 in the area of Century Avenue and Long Lake Road for driving after suspension after deputies on routine patrol conducted a random license plate check. A third motorist was cited for driving after revocation at 12:24 a.m. March 21 in the area of Century Avenue N. and Wildwood Road following a traffic stop for an unreadable license plate due to obstruction or a malfunctioning license plate light.

• A h arassment-tenant eviction combination was reported March 21 on Park Avenue.

• D eputies responded to the Wildwood Library on Stillwater Road following a report of a fight March 22. The main instigator had left before deputies arrived, and both remaining parties involved were separated after deputies arrived.

• A n Echo Lake Blvd. resident reported being defrauded out of $3,000 March 22 after she sent money via phone using the Zelle and Apple Pay apps. Deputies advised the victim to call her bank immediately to cancel the transaction on her account.

• A motorist was cited at 12:56 a.m. March 23 in the area of Woodland Drive and Century Avenue for possessing marijuana in a motor vehicle and for equipment violation after being pulled over for no license plate lights. During the traffic stop, deputies detected the presence of marijuana in the vehicle and conducted a search.

• A motorist was cited March 23 in the 9400 block of Wildwood Road for speeding 57 mph in a 45 mph zone.

• D eputies were dispatched out to the scene of juveniles playing ding-dongditch in the 1000 block of Park Avenue at 8:29 p.m. March 24. The juveniles were found and turned over to a responsible adult.

Greenhaven Drive reported receiving threatening letters March 22 from unknown persons.

• A M aplewood man reported a hitand-run March 24 after another driver backed into him in a parking lot in the 1100 block of County Road E. The hit-and-run driver stopped briefly to ask if the complainant was okay, then fled. The victim was not entirely okay, as he missed work to go to the clinic to see about bruised ribs. The driver, a 60-yearold Vadnais Heights man, was identified and contacted the next day. His case has been forwarded to the city attorney for consideration of charges.

• A New Brighton man reported his backpack stolen March 24 from the area of Willow Lake Road and Labore Road after he set it down on the ground next to him to take photos. A male on a bicycle swooped by and stole the backpack. As the backpack contained his phone and keys, a delivery driver phoned dispatch on behalf of the victim, and deputies gave the victim a courtesy ride to his hotel.

• A St. Paul man, 35, was cited March 24 at the intersection of Vadnais Road and Centerville Road for driving after revocation, possessing drug paraphernalia in a motor vehicle and tampering with vehicle

registration, after deputies pulled him over for defaced license plates that failed to match the vehicle they were on. Glass pipes and burglary tools found in the vehicle were seized, and both occupants were released as long as they didn’t drive the vehicle.

A business in the 3500 block of Highway 61 reported a burglary March 25 after a video alarm showed a person in dark clothing entering the building under construction. Deputies and K-9 officer cleared the building without incident. Staff noticed nothing missing.

White Bear Township

• A Hugo woman reported an attempt to steal her vehicle overnight March 18-19 as it was parked in a lot in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive, after she found the rear passenger window broken in and the steering column and ignition torn apart. Nothing was noted missing.

• A suspicious silver canister reported found by the gas pumps in the 5900 block of Highway 61 on March 25 turned out to contain nitroglycerin pills. The item was placed into property for safekeeping.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Contact: 651-653-3121 or communityservices.isd624.org

Where: Wildwood Elementary School, Mahtomedi

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: communityed.mahtomedi. k12.mn.us

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

VADNAIS HEIGHTS CLEAN UP DAY

When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 22

Where: Community Park, 651 E. County Road F

Details: Residents can clean out garages, basements and yard. Fees apply for some items (cash or check). Document shredding services available. ID required for proof of residency.

Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com

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

SENIOR HOUSING DAY

When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 22

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

Details: Seniors can explore housing options in the area and have questions answered.

BINGO

When: 1:30-3 p.m. Monday, April 24

Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.

Details: Free afternoon of Bingo with prizes. Drop-in for adults.

Contact: communityed.mahtomedi. k12.mn.us

‘THE STORY OF PLASTIC’

When: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 Where: Zoom

Details: Watch the documentary film about the current global plastic pollution crisis between April 17-26, and join for panel discussion. Free. Contact: bit.ly/NEMCA0426 or 612-7186412

CELEBRATION OF LIFE AND ESTATE PLANNING EVENT

When: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, April 27

Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi

Details: Staff and community partners present funeral and memorial service planning, information about advance healthcare directives and basics of estate planning. Free and open to the public. RSVP online; Zoom also available. Contact: 651-470-5275 or saintandrews. org/foundation

EARLY CHILDHOOD STEM FAMILY NIGHT

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 27

Details: Hands-on science, math, and engineering activities for families to complete together. Free open house; registration required. Contact: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com

“LA CAGE AUX FOLLES”

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, April 28May 21; 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 15

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts

Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Comic play performed by Lakeshore Players Theatre. Tickets $10-$30.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

FRIDAY LUNCH

When: 4:30 or 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 28

Where: White Bear Senior Center, 2484 East County Road F

Details: Pizza and salad by Carbone’s served for seniors. Reservations required.

Contact: 651-653-3121

THANK GOODNESS IT’S FOOD!

When: 4:30-6 p.m. Friday, April 28

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

Details: Evening pizza meal provided by Carbone’s. Register by April 26.

Contact: 651-653-3121 or communityservices.isd624.org

We invite the community! RALLY SUNDAY SEPT. 26 10am worship & BYO picnic with The Barley Jacks 10am indoor (masks recommended) & online worship

THANK YOU!

We invite the community! RALLY SUNDAY SEPT. 26

worship & BYO picnic with The Barley Jacks

1851 Birch Street WBL 55110 | wblumc.org/links/livestream

WBL 55110 | wblumc.org/links/livestream

22 ’d appreciate it.

9 am

10:45am New Crossings

All are welcome!

This should start in the Sept. 29 Christmas.

THANK YOU! 1851 Birch Street WBL 55110 | wblumc.org/links/livestream

Masks recommended indoors | 10am online worship

|

Memory-care facility would fit odd-shaped lot

WHITE BEAR LAKE — A vacant, triangular lot at 2687 County Road D is slated to become a 14-unit memory care facility if all goes as planned.

Owner Brian Winges presented his DigniSuites concept plan to City Council April 11 for review. The proposal would require rezoning from B-2, or limited business, to R-B, residential-business transition, and a probable setback variance.

Winges introduced himself as the founder of Suite Living memory care facilities, which he has since divested, and Comforts of Home. “I’ve been doing this 25 years,” he said, adding

he specializes in 32-bed, communitybased memory care models.

The developer told council he wants the one-story facility to “look like something you want to move into right away.” Parking would not be an issue, since residents don’t drive.

Winges noted he’s considering opening about five more “modular” facilities “to slide into neighborhoods” around the Twin Cities. Area contractor Paul Bruggeman is a partner in the development concept.

Council Member Kevin Edberg, in whose ward the property sits, acknowledged the site was difficult

to develop and deserves conversation about setbacks. “There’s clearly a community need for these services,” he said. “I see no reason why not to encourage the developer to move forward.”

Council Member Bill Walsh agreed, calling the proposal a “perfect use” of a hard-to-develop site.

“I think you’ll love it,” Winges told council. “We offer end-of-life, highlevel care in an activity-based model. That’s our forte.”

The piece is the southern portion of a 1.58-acre property located on both sides of County Road D. It once

contained a single-family home that was demolished in 2019. The northern portion was rezoned in 2019 to medium-density residential and granted a setback variance for a triplex in 2019. That project was never completed and approvals have expired.

No formal action was taken, as the concept was simply reviewed for feedback purposes. A formal submittal from the developer(s) will follow.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE AND ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

FOR A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

I, Steve Simon, Secretary of State of Minnesota, do certify that: The following business entitly has duly complied with the relevant provisions of Minnesota Statutes listed below, and is formed or authorized to do business in Minnesota on and after this date with all the powers, rights and privileges, and subject to the limitations, duties and restrictions set forth in that chapter. The business entity is now legally registered under the laws of Minnesota.

File Number: 1382949200022

Minnesota Statutes, Chapter: 322C

ARTICLE 1. NAME OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: Hahn Consulting LLC

ARTICLE 2. REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT AT THAT ADDRESS: 13175 Goodview Ave N White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Agents: Jody Hahn, Timothy Hahn

ARTICLE 3. DURATION: Perpetual

ARTICLE 4. ORGANIZERS:

Jody Hahn

Timothy Hahn

Dated: March 26, 2023

Signed: Jody Hahn

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 19 and 26, 2023. CITY OF BIRCHWOOD VILLAGE PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE 2023-03-01

Please be advised that the City of Birchwood Village has duly-passed the following ORDINANCE: AN ORDINANCE REPLACING SECTION 609 AND REPEALING SECTION 608 OF THE BIRCHWOOD CITY CODE.

The following is a SUMMARY of the Ordinance:

On April 11, 2023 the City adopted an Ordinance (2023-03-01) replacing Section 609 (regarding firearms) and repealing Section 608 (regarding trapping) to better mirror State law and to prohibit trapping in the same, combined, section.

PLEASE BE ADVISED, this is not the full text of the Ordinance passed and the published material is only a summary. The full text is available for public inspection at the City of Birchwood, 207 Birchwood Avenue, Birchwood, Minnesota 55110 or delivered upon request electronically or by U.S. Mail.

Summary complies with Minn. Stat. §§ 331A.05 subd. 8. & 412.191 subd 4.

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 19, 2023.

CITY OF BIRCHWOOD VILLAGE

PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE 2023-03-02

Please be advised that the City of Birchwood has duly-passed the following

ORDINANCE:

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING SECTION 610

REGARDING TOBACCO, CURFEWS AND REGULATION OF FIREARMS IN BIRCHWOOD CITY CODE.

The following is a SUMMARY of the Ordinance:

On April 11, 2023 the City adopted an Ordinance (2023-03-02) repealing and replacing Section 610 to streamline curfews and better define restrictions on tobacco and nicotine-products and eliminate references to firearms that are addressed elsewhere in the Code.

PLEASE BE ADVISED, this is not the full text of the Ordinance passed and the published material is only a summary. The full text is available for public inspection at the City of Birchwood, 207 Birchwood Avenue, Birchwood, Minnesota 55110 or delivered upon request electronically or by U.S. Mail.

Summary complies with Minn. Stat. §§ 331A.05 subd. 8. & 412.191 subd 4.

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 19, 2023.

CITY OF BIRCHWOOD VILLAGE

PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE 2023-03-03

Please be advised that the City of Birchwood Village has duly-passed the following ORDINANCE:

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING SECTION 201

REGARDING WATER METERS IN BIRCHWOOD CITY CODE.

The following is a SUMMARY of the Ordinance:

On April 11, 2023 the City adopted an Ordinance (2023-03-03) amending Section 201 to refer to the City’s Fee Schedule and remove duplicated text.

PLEASE BE ADVISED, this is not the full text of the Ordinance passed and the published material is only a summary. The full text is available for public inspection at the City of Birchwood, 207 Birchwood Avenue, Birchwood, Minnesota 55110 or delivered upon request electronically or by U.S. Mail.

Summary complies with Minn. Stat. §§ 331A.05 subd. 8. & 412.191 subd 4.

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 19, 2023.

CITY OF PINE SPRINGS

PUBLIC HEARING MAY 2, 2023

This hearing is to review the special use permit for Eric Mead, 7867 64th street N, Pine Springs, MN to install a 4 foot instead of 6-foot structure setback for portable pool from June to September 2023 with a 4.5-foot wall/fence.

The hearing will be at 7:45 p.m. May 2, 2023, at the Mahtomedi Maintenance Building, 1250 Lincolntown Ave., Mahtomedi, MN 55115.

Victoria R. Keating, Administrator

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 19, 2023.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110 MINUTES MARCH 13, 2023

Abbreviated Minutes-complete information available from the Superintendent’s office or online at www.isd624.org.

A meeting of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 112 at District Center, 4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a record-

ing is posted on the website.

PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1) Acting Chair Arcand called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2) Roll Call - Present: Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Daniels. Absent: Beloyed, Ellison. Ex-Officio: Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak. 3) Pledge of Allegiance. 4) Newmaster moved and Daniels seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5) Daniels moved and Streiff-Oji seconded to approve the consent agenda consisting of: a) Minutes for regular Board meeting on February 13, 2023, and February 27, 2023; b) Invoices based upon a random sample, all of which met the standards and guidelines as set by the School Board; c) Correspondence; d) Resolution regarding acceptance of gifts with thank you letters directed to the donors; e) Field trips; and f) Resolution regarding personnel items. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. PUBLIC FORUM - Gretchen Mattson. INFORMATION ITEMS

1) Student Recognition - Students were recognized and congratulated by Dr. Kazmierczak for earning state recognition in Scholastic Arts, Boy’s Alpine Ski, Girl’s Gymnastics, Wrestling, Boy’s Swim and Dive, and the Knowledge Bowl.

2) Superintendent’s Report - Lauren Collier, student liaison spoke about the Black Student Union hosting a 3 vs 3 Basketball Tournament, and the White Bear Lake Environmental Club selling tree saplings. Dr. Kazmierczak welcomed everyone back from spring break. He gave information about Kindergarten enrollment, and free indoor walking in the new Field House at WBLAHS - North Campus. He finished with information about the March 22 late start for secondary students in grades 6-12+. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1) First Reading of School Board Policies: a) 211, Criminal or Civil Action Against School District, School Board Member, Employee or Student; b) 212, School Board Member Development; c) 214, Out-of-State Travel by School Board Members; d) 215, School Board Member Code of Conduct; e) 410, Family and Medical Leave Policy; f) 721, Uniform Grant Guidance Policy Regarding Federal Revenue Sources; and g) 802, Disposition of Obsolete Equipment and Material. The policies listed above will be on the April 10, 2023 or subsequent agenda for a second reading. OPERATIONAL ITEMS 1) Streiff Oji moved and Daniels seconded to approve the action on FY24-26 Achievement and Integration Plan. Voice vote: Ayes, Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Arcand, Daniels. Nays, Thompson. Motion carried. 2) Thompson moved and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the action on Acceptance of Glasrud Grants. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3) Streiff Oji moved and Daniels seconded to approve the action on Bids for Security Upgrade Package #4 at Oneka Elementary, Otter Lake Elementary, and the District Grounds and Maintenance Building in the amount of $767,679. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4) Thompson moved and Newmaster seconded to approve the action on School Board Policies: a) 101, Legal Status of the School District; b) 101.1, Name of the School District; c) 102, Equal Educational Opportunity; d) 103, Complaints - Students, Employees, Parents, Other Persons; e) 511, Student Fundraising; f) 532, Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams to Remove Students from School Grounds; g) 616, School District System Accountability; h) 713, Student Activity Accounting; and i) 809, Naming School Buildings or Facilities. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. BOARD FORUM. ADJOURNMENT - Arcand moved and Newmaster seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:09p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Angela Thompson, clerk.

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 19, 2023.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624 WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110 MINUTES MARCH 27, 2023

Abbreviated Minutes-complete information available from the Superintendent’s office or online at www.isd624.org.

A work session of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 112 at District Center, 4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1) Call to Order - Chair Ellison called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2) Roll CallPresent: Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Daniels, Ellison, Newmaster. Absent: Beloyed. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1) Foundation of Success - Dr. Alison Gillespie, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning and Jen Babiash, Director of Teaching and Learning discussed the strategic plan and action plan specific results that lead to creating the “Foundation of Success.” 2) FY 202324 Budget Adjustments - Tim Wald, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations and Andi Johnson, Director of Finance presented the proposed FY 2023-24 budget adjustments. 3) Update of 2023-24 and Overview of 202425 School Year Calendars - Dr. Alison Gillespie, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning presented an update to the 2023-24 school year calendar and introduced the 2024-25 school year calendar. OPERATIONAL ITEMS 1) Arcand motioned and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the Action on Official Depositories for School District Funds and Authorized Bank Accounts and Signatures. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 2) Streiff Oji motioned and Newmaster seconded to approve the Action on FY 2023-24 Budget Adjustments. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3) Daniels motioned and Thompson seconded to approve the Action on 202324 and 2024-25 School Year Calendars. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT - Arcand moved and Daniels seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Angela Thompson, clerk. Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 19, 2023.

Notice is hereby given that a filing period will be held for candidates seeking election to City Council in the City of White Bear Lake for Wards 1, 3 and 5. The filing period will open on

55107

A filing fee or petition in place of the filing fee must be filed with the affidavit of candidacy. The filing fee for White Bear Lake City Council is $5.

Candidates may submit an affidavit of withdrawal any time during the filing period, but no later than Thursday, June 1, 2023 by 5 p.m. After this deadline,

candidates cannot have their name removed from the ballot. Filing fees are not refundable.

If more than two candidates file for a specific city ward, a primary will be conducted on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. A general election will be conducted on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

For more information about the filing process, visit ramseycounty.us/Elections or contact Ramsey County Elections Office at elections@ramseycounty. us or 651-266-2171.

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 19, 2023.

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624 WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN

NOTICE OF BID

Independent School District No. 624, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, is presently soliciting competitive “Prime Contract Bids” for the White Bear Lake Area Schools North Campus. Sealed bids will be received electronically through Bid Express using the following link: https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/39702/home, free of charge to Contractors. No other agent is authorized to receive bids. Bids will be received until 2:00PM local time, on Thursday, May 4th, 2023. Please note, Best Value bids will not be publically opened and announced. Bidders are also invited to review the results online at https:// www.bidexpress.com/businesses/39702/home .

The complete form shall be without alterations, additions, or erasures. Each bidder shall accompany the Bid Form with a bid security as described in the Instructions to Bidders. Only scopes noted as Best Value will be required to submit the Best Value attachments. All other bids shall be on a lump sum basis. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days after bid receipt without consent of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any irregularities in bids.

This project involves: AV/Technology packages for the new auditorium additions & Existing building renovation work. Construction has commenced in the existing building & new additions. The work will be constructed in accordance with Project Schedule.

Direct communications regarding this Project to the office of the Construction Manager: Alex Balsiger (alex.balsiger@krausanderson.com) Kraus-Anderson Construction, 501 South 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404 Tel: 612-719-1026.

Obtain Bidding Documents, including the online bidding instructions, as well as Drawings and Specifications, via free electronic download by visiting www.isqft.com. Contact with any planroom downloading or ordering questions at taylor.becker@krausanderson.com to receive an invite. Kraus-Anderson will not be responsible for notifying individual parties who obtained documents without utilizing the isqft process through KA, when Addenda are issued. Bidding Documents will be available for inspection at the office of the Construction Manager and the office of the Architect: Wold Architects; as well as several Builder’s Exchanges: MHC, Minneapolis Builder’s Exchange, St. Paul Builders Exchange, ISQFT, and Franz Reprographics.

A pre-bid conference will be held:

• White Bear Lake High School (KA Garage) 4969 Division Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110: Tuesday April 11th, 2023 @ 3:00 PM.

Independent School District No. 624

White Bear Lake, Minnesota

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 19 and 26, 2023.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT

PROBATE COURT DIVISION

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-23-272

NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of Kimberly Grace DiLaura, a/k/a Kimberly G. DiLaura, Kimberly DiLaura, and Kim DiLaura, Deceased Decedent.

NOTICE is given that on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. a hearing will be held using remote technology by this Court on the petition for formal adjudication of intestacy, determination of heirship, and for the appointment of Dawn Murphy, whose address is 8011 Elbe Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration.

Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.

Any objections to the petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the Estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.

Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 501B.41, Subdivision 5.

NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN by publishing this Notice as provided by law and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice.

Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.

BY THE COURT:

Michael F. Upton, District Court Administrator

Date: March 31, 2023

BY: Benjamin Linker, Deputy Court Administrator

Attorney for Petitioner:

Marcus L. Urlaub, Monroe Moxness Berg PA 7760 France Ave S., Ste 700, Minneapolis, MN, 55435

Attorney License No: 395712

Telephone: (952) 885-5999; FAX: (952) 885-5969

Email: murlaub@mmblawfirm.com

Debra Neutkens

14TH ANNUAL TRASH 2 TREASURE, SATURDAY, APRIL 29TH -

It’s time for cleaning out the yard, the garage, your home and basement. Time to send all your no longer wanted items to a new home. Give them a second chance to be loved by someone else, and help the environment at the same time. What’s not to like about that? Everyone knows the old saying, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure”. It’s true. Let’s get those treasures out there!

Residents who wish to participate in the annual event should place items they no longer want on the curb at the end of their driveways on Saturday April 29, clearly marked as “FREE.” Treasure hunters will have the opportunity to pick up items that are marked as “FREE” from 7 AM until 5 PM that day. Thank you for joining in. Items not taken should be brought in & placed out at the curb on your next garbage day. If larger items need to be picked up by Republic Services please call them at 952.941.5174 to schedule a pick up.

WATER EFFICIENCY REBATES ARE AVAILABLE - Water Efficiency

Rebates are still available to White Bear Township utility customers who replace existing products with specified water efficient products now through June 30, 2024 or until the remaining $32,787.73 is depleted. The rebate is for 100% of the pretax cost of the item, up to the maximum rebate amount allowed on eligible water efficiency products. A

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

minimum investment of $75.00 for homeowners or $200 for Commercial / HOA’s is required on the Irrigation Audits.

Residents can get up to a maximum of $150 for Energy Star washers; $200 for Energy Star Certified Dishwashers; $200 for WaterSense toilets; and $200 for WaterSense irrigation controllers; and up to $500 for Irrigation Audit by a WaterSense certified professional.

Commercial / Homeowners Associations can also get rebates for irrigation improvements visit www.whitebeartownship.org/165/water-efficiency-rebateprogram for more information about the Water Efficiency Rebate program.

COMPOST BINS ARE NOW ON SALE – The Recycling Association of Minnesota is selling compost bins for $76 plus tax this year. Ramsey County residents can receive a $20 discount. Order online at RecycleMinnesota.org & enter promo code “Ramsey” to receive the discounted price. Or call 651-641-4589 & mention that you are a Ramsey County resident. Pick up your pre-ordered bin on Saturday, April 29 in Maplewood. Find additional sales at RecycleMinnesota.org.

HYDRANT FLUSHING TO BEGIN SOON - Within the next few weeks White Bear Township Public Works will begin to flush hydrants & watermains throughout the Township. Some residents may experience discoloration in the water.

Residents can open their lowest level faucet to clear the line. It is not advisable to wash clothes if the water is discolored. Please visit our website & Facebook pages for more information.

STREET SWEEPING ALSO TO BEGIN SOON – The exact date has not been set but it should be within the next few weeks. Please visit our website & Facebook pages for more information.

PLEASE KEEP YOUR CANS BEHIND THE CURB – Garbage & recycling cans placed in the street are a nuisance to drivers & street sweepers, making it impossible to sweep the streets from curb to curb. Help our drivers by placing your garbage & recycling cans on the driveway, behind the curb & out of the street. The garbage & recycling trucks have long, mechanical arms that can reach from the street to the driveway with no problem! Thank you!

May 13 – Opening Fishing

May 14 - Mother’s Day

May 29 – Memorial Day

STADIUM: District says moving was always the plan, just happening sooner

Former math teacher and coach Jim Galvin favors moving football. He reminisced about the program’s history, the 40-plus years football was played at Price Field and the successful White Bear coaches who were “plucked” for positions at the college level.

“Our players want to play home games at the new location, not hop on a bus and go across town,” Galvin said. “They want to dress and prepare in their own locker room and take the short walk to the field. We want our students and student athletes to have pride in our programs and our facilities. This helps establish that pride.”

Mayor Dan Louismet, a graduate from the split high-school era, called the “concept of having varsity football played at the new stadium a nobrainer. Still, I come into the issue with mixed feelings,” he told council. “I remember what promises were made prior to the referendum and I remember varsity football would be played at South. I won’t go so far to say it was a bait and switch, I’ll take the school district at their word that this was always the long game.

“I can appreciate that more homes were acquired than originally planned. Is it worth delaying to break in the new high school and get the neighborhood acclimated before bringing football here?”

Wald explained that the district “hit the right things at the right time.”

“Construction pricing was reasonable. Residents sold their houses,” he said. “The footprint of the property expanded, which allows us to expand the scope. That may not be the case in 2027 when we don’t have the benefit of bond money to put into this project. We only have a certain

amount of time, so we want to hit those deadlines. A soft construction market allowed us to do things on the project we didn’t originally expect. We never expected to have 1,344 parking spots available on the campus.”

Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak pointed out that the question of moving football came up “a lot” in the 125 community meetings the district held on the project. “We stated that over and over, yes, we planned to leave South. Our long-term goal was always to bring football to the new site. We couldn’t do it right away because the site wouldn’t allow it. Now it does.”

Parking concerns by neighbors brought back the calculation district consultants shared with the Planning Commission and reported earlier. A typical homecoming game draws 3,800 spectators. Assuming three people per vehicle, the site would need to park 1,267 vehicles, or 77 fewer than the 1,344 provided. South Campus, it was noted, has 600 parking spots with a capacity of 4,800 bleacher seats.

Council Member Kevin Edberg said three occupants per vehicle didn’t strike him as a realistic number.

“What confidence do we have we’re not creating issues that flow into neighborhoods?” he asked.

“There will be people parking in the neighborhood, like they do at South,” replied a SEH Engineering representative. “We plan to encourage patrons to park on site.”

Street parking can be controlled by “No parking” signs during events or restricted to one side of nearby streets if it becomes an issue. Wald said the district may work with White Bear Lake’s Police Department to mitigate parking issues. Multiple entrances and exits on both the east and west side of campus will also allow cars to get out quickly, unlike the bottleneck at South.

Cooling off

CONTRIBUTED

There is potential to have a parking shortage, all agreed, but the district has yet to experience a 5,000-person event.

Street improvements to mitigate traffic near the school are also a condition of the amended CUP. On the calendar are improvements to Bald Eagle Boulevard – starting summer 2023; Division Avenue and Eighth Street – starting summer 2024; and a signalized intersection at Eighth and Hwy. 61.

A review by City Engineer Paul Kauppi indicated surrounding roads have the capacity to absorb additional traffic. He advised council to take a “wait and see” approach to parking issues instead of restricting street parking now. “Today we don’t know what it will look like,” he said. “All the high school kids aren’t there.”

The unified high school, with a 3,200-student capacity, and site amenities are expected to be complete by fall 2024. Football remains at South Campus one more year.

Adding perspective was Edberg, who graduated from Mariner in 1976. “Anytime we had a football game (at Price Field), the neighborhoods to the east had bumper-to-bumper parking because there were no stalls,” he recalled. “That was once the norm for this community. New residents have never experienced that.”

Council voted 4-0 to amend the CUP expanding the stadium seating. Member Steve Engstran abstained, noting he works for the school district. Added the mayor: “Go Bears.”

Varsity football at the new location is not entirely new. Price Field behind Central Middle School was the home stadium for at least four decades and actually served as home field for both White Bear and Mariner High School before the South Campus stadium was built. This aerial photo was taken in 1954. The field was named for longtime school board member Charles Price.

George, Chloe, Lucy, Charlie & Ollie found just enough open water between the shore and the ice for a quick, cold dip in White Bear Lake.

LUKE MICHAUD

IS SEN. HEATHER GUSTAFSON IGNORING PATIENTS & VOTERS?

of Minnesota voters say NO to Big Insurance and PBMs!

82%

More than 8 in 10 Minnesota registered voters would be less likely to vote for a legislator who allows increased profits for Big Insurance and PBMs without guaranteeing savings for patients.*

Sen. Heather Gustafson is considering PDAB legislation that offers no guaranteed patient savings at the pharmacy counter—only an unelected, taxpayer-funded board that could 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.

Upcoming events:

Heart 4 Art: Join White Bear Center for the Arts onsite Thursday, May 11. Heart 4 Art is WBCA’s only fundraising event of the year, dedicated entirely to arts programming. Contributions ensure that access to affordable, highquality arts programs are available to all who wish to participate.

WriteNow! High School Writing Contest Student

Readings:

Thursday, May 4, 6:308:30 p.m.

Suzi Hudson finds the artist in everyone

as an artist, but he was one.” As somebody with a background in jewelry, weaving, textiles, and pottery, Suzi knew there were so many other ways to engage in the arts. “One of my first efforts was to expand our offerings and provide other ways for community members to start exploring their creativity,” she said.

Hear from the award winners of WBCA’s annual High School Writing Contest. There will be an award ceremony and student readings.

Suzi Hudson first learned about the White Bear Arts Council when she moved to the area in 1986. She and her husband Erick were both working as artists, Suzi making jewelry and Erick as a woodworker. They sold their artwork at booths in the Art Council’s annual Fair in the Fields art sale, and that first connection to the White Bear art community was made. Years later, she joined the board at a time when the arts council was almost entirely volunteerrun, and was on the board for when they changed the name from the White Bear Arts Council to White Bear Center for the Arts. After a short time on the board, Suzi got more involved in the parent volunteer program which would eventually become the Art in Elementary program. When Suzi’s children graduated from elementary school she took a break from the art center to run Lake Country

Booksellers. She went back to school for Creative Writing, and in 2004, was interested in going back to work. That’s when WBCA Board Member Jackie Reis approached Suzi and asked if she would be interested in applying for the position of Executive Director at WBCA, She said “Absolutely!”

Part of what drew her to this position at the art center was the creativity she saw in the White Bear Lake community, and the opportunity to nourish that spirit. “One thing I had noticed when I first moved here was how many people in other trades were closet artists,” she said during an interview this past December. When she went into the local auto shop, she saw the owner had welded car parts together in whimsical displays around his shop. “He was unassuming as an artist, and certainly I don’t think he would have identified

High School Visual Arts Exhibition on display soon

WBCA’s High School Visual Arts Exhibition is an annual celebration of the creativity of young artists. High schoolers from schools across the region each year are invited to submit their artwork, in mediums from painting to photography to pottery and more.

Three professional artists act as the judges and select artwork that will be displayed on the walls of the Ford Family Gallery. This year’s show is about to be installed, with 189 pieces from 147 artists. White Bear Lake Area

High School teacher

Shawn Gritzmacher

encourages his students to enter the contest each year. “The annual High School Visual Arts Contest is one of the highlights of the year for myself and my students,” Gritzmacher said.

“[Last spring], after a two year hiatus, as I entered the gallery, I once again saw

Another aspect that drew her to the job was the ability to connect with local artists. “I was really interested in the whole life cycle of an artist, and I became particularly interested in what happens in the middle,” Suzi said. She was also affected by those years of volunteering at the elementary school and cultivating kids’ creativity.

“That had a really profound impact on me,” she said, “knowing how important the arts are to young people, and seeing some of the kids who seemed to be most academically marginalized really get engaged in school through the art classes.”

During Suzi’s tenure as Executive Director, the art center started doing iron pours in downtown White Bear Lake “which really put us on the map,” she said. They started offering more and more classes, moving some classes offsite to fulfill more demand. Eventually, as the need continued to grow, the art center purchased a building on Long Avenue where the center is currently

located. “It consolidated all of our satellite spaces under one roof, it gave us a gallery which we never had, and it gave us places to gather and celebrate,” she said. They soon outgrew this new location, especially with their robust clay program, and expanded the building in 2020. Suzi retired as executive director in December of 2022, leaving a lasting legacy after 18 years of leadership. A planned retirement celebration was postponed due to a snowstorm, but has been rescheduled for April 21, 2023. All are welcome to attend this celebration to honor what the art center has accomplished as a community.

Suzi’s retirement celebration will be April 21 from 6-8:30 p.m., with a program beginning at 7 p.m. Register for this event at WhiteBearArts.org.

students celebrating, parents taking photos, and students dressed as if it were prom,” he said. This year’s opening reception is being held at WBCA on Thursday, April 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with an award ceremony at 7 p.m.

Top

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• A Trust Avoids Probate

• A Trust Allows you to Maintain Control Over Your Assets While Living, as well as the Distribution of Your Assets in the Future

• A Trust Protects Your Privacy

• A Living Trust is Revocable

• Assists in the Event of Incapacitation

• In conjunction with a living trust, you can have a Pour Over Will to catch any assets that have not been transferred into your trust.

Middle school students present ‘Annie Jr.’

Above: White Bear Lake Middle School students sing the iconic song “It’s the hard knock life” during a recent dress rehearsal for the upcoming musical production of “Annie Jr.”

At right: Annie, played by Brigid McVeigh, learns how to survive by her wits and get out of tough situations in the orphanage.

Get tickets online at: www.bit.ly/WBLTheater.

Above: Annie, Brigid McVeigh, sings “Tomorrow” after finding a stray dog she names Sandy.

At left: Annie is grateful for her new life with Oliver Warbucks, Weston Rabbitt, and Grace, Eleanor Cannon. Performances of “Annie Jr.” are Thursday, April 20 and Friday, April 21 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 22 at 2 p.m. at the White Bear Lake District Community Auditorium.

PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS

WOODWORKING: Classes improve lives and mental health of frontline heroes

Freeman noted. “Law enforcement officers have over 800 in 20 years. I don’t know how many shootings or homicides I’ve seen, how many dead kids or how many autopsies. I can’t remember.”

Freeman was a patrol officer in the Third and Fourth precincts, worked in a gang unit, and served as an assault, conspiracy and homicide investigator. He was point man in the Top 100 Unit that focused on the most violent people in Minneapolis. He was also a peer counselor from 2012 to 2020, when he decided he’d had enough. His job, his reality, was something he couldn’t do anymore.

There is still a stigma regarding PTSD. For Freeman, retiring early felt like failing. “I almost made it, but I got to the point where I noticed I didn’t care anymore.”

He had a serious heart-to-heart with himself, Freeman said, and realized he had changed. “My wife started noticing things. People kept asking me why I was angry. I was sleeping two to three hours a night.” It was tough to leave, he admitted. “You’re no longer part of something, so you sit home by yourself.”

When he realized what woodworking did for his mental health, Freeman decided to reach out to the Invisible Wounds Project (IWP).

wind of the woodworking classes and has sent clients their way. The organizations will ask Freeman to call those who need help. “We have a conversation, some long, some short. And they come in (to the class),” he said. “Some come in with physical issues, not just PTSD. If they want to talk about the dead babies they’ve seen, they can. They have permission to talk about anything. My rule is what we talk about in the shop stays in the shop.”

upstream before they go over the waterfall.

“We’ve had several people who have come through here say that if they hadn’t, they would be dead. Suicide is the No. 1 killer of first responders,” according to Hanes.

Unfortunately, Makerspace is closing April 29 and the 10,000-squarefoot building at 5966 Hwy. 61 is for sale. Owners Tom and Theresa Lendway said they plan to move the woodshop to the Roseville/Midway area with the new location opening this fall. The property is listed at $1.029 million.

Freeman and Hanes are hoping someone will step up and decide their project is worthwhile enough to help fund a new space. Hanes is confident he can get grants to buy woodworking equipment, but they need a physical building to put it in, preferably in the northeast metro.

“There’s still a lot of work to do,” Freeman said. “I’ve had people come in here goober-snot crying. Now they’re walking around smiling, laughing and talking to other people. There’s a glimmer of hope.”

YOU SHOULD KNOW

on the lathe. I could watch their stress come down.”

When his garage became too small for more advanced projects, Freeman found White Bear Makerspace, a do-ityourself shop that offers memberships to people who want to make things.

The pieces on display are beautiful; some are for sale, some go to charities. Many of the wooden treasures, from coffee tables to cutting boards, are made from scrap: throwaway, cracked or warped wood. “It is a metaphor for people’s lives,” Freeman said.

The former officer’s story isn’t pretty. “The average person has one or two critical incidents in a lifetime,”

Founded by Russ Hanes, IWP is a Forest Lake nonprofit that works to improve the lives and mental health of our frontline heroes. Like Freeman, Hanes suffered PTSD from almost two decades in public safety, corrections and dispatch. He looked for help after leaving his career behind and when he couldn’t find it, he started IWP.

IWP offers therapy services and resources to Minnesota’s military, first responders and frontline medical staff, corrections, dispatch and their families. Its focus is providing therapeutic outlets that includes allexpenses-paid woodworking classes. Hanes figures they held about 200 woodworking therapy sessions in 2022.

“The program at Makerspace has been incredibly successful with people who are struggling, who may only leave their house to come here,” Hanes said.

Heroes Helping Heroes also got

Not everyone is unemployed or diagnosed with a disorder like PTSD. Some don’t want a diagnosis if they’re working because employers might think they’re crazy. Some are taking classes to “inoculate themselves,” Hanes said. “We try to catch them

IWP is holding its second annual Blue Jean Ball at 7 Vines Winery in Dellwood, 6-9 p.m. May 5. Open to the public, tickets are $125 and available at www. iwproject.org. Items made in the woodshop will be for sale in silent and live auctions.

READ REUSE RECYCLE

Think GREEN]

If every

Saturday at 12:30pm

PHOTOS BY DEBRA NEUTKENS

Greg Freeman stands behind an ax throwing board.

Making wooden pens like this is where it all started for Greg Freeman.

Wood projects range from cribbage, corn hole and ax-throwing boards, to charcuterie trays.

person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change

the planet.

Opportunities to experience native culture

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The greater White Bear Lake community will provide two worthwhile opportunities to learn more about Native American tradition and protocols, including the chance to experience a powwow, or Wacipi, on May 6.

As the community at large learns about their culture, members of the Native population will also have the important chance to meet other Native families, which can be difficult in the suburbs. “It’s an amazing opportunity to connect with other Native families and grow our Native community support within (the area),” said Jennifer Murray, a Native parent who lives in Mahtomedi. “I am very excited for the upcoming powwow!”

Before the day of the powwow, the community is invited to learn about powwow etiquette at the Ramsey County Library, 2150 Second Street, White Bear Lake from 6-7 p.m. April 24. The White Bear Lake Historical Society will sponsor an etiquette seminar, “Powwow Protocols,” featuring host Rob Thomas, representing Many Faces of the White Bear Lake Area.

Lessons learned at the powwow protocol session will be especially relevant from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at Sunrise Park Middle School, 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake, when the entire community is invited to the Many Faces – Many Students Wacipi.

The Wacipi will serve as an opportunity to celebrate the graduation from high school of area Native students.

The Dakota word for powwow, Wacipi, means “they dance” and is pronounced “wah-CHEE-pee”. A Wacipi is a traditional Native American celebration of life, said Wacipi coordinator Amy Puschinsky, director of events and development at the Maplewood Area Historical Society.

“It is a time when people gather together to dance, sing and celebrate while renewing friendships, old and new,” she said. Native American students graduating high school is an occasion that calls for such a celebration.

“Native students graduating high school is a high achievement,” Thomas said. The education system was not designed for these students to succeed, and the fact that they not only made it through but also graduated is something that should always be honored and celebrated, he said.

“So much of our culture was stripped away, and there is a huge gap in teachings being passed down to our younger generation,” Puschinsky said. “With the loss of our culture, our people lost our way of healing, leaving generations of Native people without that ability — passing on that trauma from generation to generation,” she said. Prior to the passing of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978, many aspects

groups, dancing, singing, socializing, educational booths, food trucks and Native American artisans and vendors, Puschinsky said.

The highlight of the day will be the Grand Entry at 1 p.m., when the graduates process in. This is the moment the public will want to attend.

Although the powwow is still in the planning process, most of the performers have already been lined up, Puschinsky said. Two drum groups have been booked, and a third group is being sought. The Hoka-Hey Singers will be the host drum group, and the Little Earth Singers will be the first of two invited groups. The Twin Cities Color Guard will lead the Grand Entry.

On May 6, as the community at large takes it all in, members of the Native community will be getting together, with schools again drawing people together.

Murray said she’d lived in Mahtomedi for seven years before she met other Natives in the area. The American Indian Parent Advisory Council (AIPAC) was formed to help connect Native families within the school district. “It’s so important, and the kids are excited to go to our AIPAC meetings and are forming really sweet friendships,” Murray said.

SOME WACIPI ETIQUETTE

• Attendees are also asked to refrain from talking during prayers.

• T he master of ceremonies will indicate when it is appropriate to stand during various songs and prayers throughout the event. Watch the people around you to know when to stand.

• B e respectful — don’t make offensive comments or wear offensive clothing.

• T he circle is sacred — always walk around the circle of the powwow, never down the middle or through a drum group’s circle.

• Respect the dancers by not touching or asking to touch their regalia — the festive clothing worn by the dancers. Each dancer’s regalia is special, with a spiritual or family connection.

• W hen you meet dancers away from the circle, ask their permission before taking a photo. Some may decline for various reasons, such as not wanting anyone to imitate their unique regalia.

of Native American religions and sacred ceremonies, such as Wacipis and powwows, were prohibited by law, Puschinsky said.

In addition to a ceremony honoring students from the Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake and North St. Paul/ Maplewood/Oakdale districts, the day will include several drum

The Wacipi, which will be held outdoors (inside if the weather is poor), is sponsored by Many Faces of the White Bear Lake Area, a nonprofit organization supported by 29 individual member organizations from around the community. The nonprofit’s mission is to strengthen the community by providing opportunities to listen, learn, reflect and engage in conversations and actions that promote equity, diversity and inclusion.

It will be tempting to take pictures of the Grand Entry and ceremony, but that would not be respectful. As you will learn at the Powwow Protocol, a Wacipi is a sacred gathering to which the public has been cordially invited. The April 24 Powwow Protocol will offer many other

• At a powwow, you’ll usually see vendors selling their handiwork. Bartering is considered disrespectful, as the artisans have put a lot of time and skill into their work.

important points of etiquette.

“We welcome the local community at large to join us, support our youth, learn about our culture and join in!” Murray said, while thanking the Wacipi planning committee and sponsors for putting on the powwow. “It is a large undertaking,” she said.

For more details about Wacipi etiquette, be sure to attend the April 24 Powwow Protocol. For more information about the May 6 Wacipi, visit the Many Faces of the White Bear Lake Area website at manyfaceswblarea.org/ Wacipi.

A dancer at a previous event hosted by the American Indian Education Department at White Bear Lake High School.

Answer these Earth Day trivia questions correctly for a chance to win Free pizza provided by Pizza Man. Any ties will be an additional drawing for winners.

1. In what year did the first Earth Day take place?

2. Which was the first book to set the stage for society to change in becoming more environmentally aware?

3. Earth Day’s date was chosen because it falls between which two events on college campuses?

4. True or False: In 2016, the Paris Agreement was signed on Earth Day?

5. True or False: In the USA, There are comprehensive, national standards regarding environmental education

6. Approximately how many people participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the world’s largest secular observance?

Name:

Music center signage issue ends on good note

WHITE BEAR LAKE — It’s not often City Council disagrees with both the Planning Commission and staff recommendations. But that happened when McNeely Music Center (MMC) requested a variance to move its monument sign 3 inches from the property line.

The planning department didn’t see that a practical difficulty in the owner’s request made the sign relocation necessary, and felt deviation from code could “slowly alter the city’s essential character.”

MSR Design Project Manager Sean Higgins, representing the music center, explained to City Council April 11 that there was indeed practical difficulty. The current setback only allows for a sign to sit parallel to Hwy. 61, which creates legibility issues for motorists trying to read the sign, he explained. If the sign sits perpendicular to the roadway and the flow of traffic, it’s easier to see, isn’t a public safety issue and is “a good reason to approve the variance.”

The new center, currently under construction in the arts district at 4910 Hwy. 61, is requesting a variance from 24 inches to 3 inches. A sign variance was approved in 1998 that allowed a 32-squarefoot monument sign to be set back 2 feet from the western property line along 61, rather than the required 10 feet. The original sign, as mentioned earlier, would be parallel to the highway.

The applicant requested a variance down to 3 inches in order to reorient the sign and increase its visibility. The new electronic sign will be 7.6 feet high, 19 square feet and perpendicular to Hwy. 61.

Both the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the request because a practical difficulty was not demonstrated.

The awkward shape of the lot also presented practical difficulty and the need for a variance, noted Brian Bell, outside counsel representing the Manitou Fund, parent company of MMC. The attorney also addressed the Planning Commission’s concern that approval would create a precedent. “A variance must be decided on its own merits,” Bell said. “The degree to which it sets precedent is not germane. There are practical difficulties due to the shape of the lot.” Higgins pointed out that properties adjacent to the center all use monument signs to advertise their locations, arguing they are consistent in size and

location with the immediate area.

Mayor Dan Louismet said he’s excited to see the new music center. “It’s a great asset to the community. The notion that a sign needs to be 21 inches closer or it creates practical difficulty isn’t a level I can get to. I’m not sure it makes much of a difference.”

The project manager explained again that the sign needs to be further west to be perpendicular. If it is 21 inches east, the sign must be parallel.

Council Member Dan Jones said he didn’t see the request as setting a precedent. “The horse is out of the barn in this area (as signs are concerned). I want to give the center the best opportunity, so I am against denial.”

A motion to deny the variance failed to garner a second, so the resolution was not approved. Council voted 5-0 directing staff to bring back a new resolution listing findings of fact.

Background information provided by the planning department indicated five variances were granted the applicant in 2022 for parking, setbacks and type of exterior building material. A former real estate office building sat on the parcel until it was demolished in 2022 and construction began. There was a pause over winter due to necessary design changes after discovering a high water table, but is underway again.

The MMC will provide access to high-quality music education and offer 18 teaching studios and a basement recording studio.

Debra Neutkens

CONTRIBUTED

McNeely Music Center hopes to receive a variance allowing their sign to be easily noticed by passerby.

Looking fo r a roommate, I am a nonsmoker, educated, no kids under 25 working loca lly (WBL). Have 2 tiny adult dogs Willing to help with housework, cooking, ch ild care (in the evenings). Please reach out at smile4glo @y ahoo.com w/ contact information.

403 Boutiques 403 Boutiques

CCW Spring Jewelry & Craft Sale

The St. Odilia Council of Catholic Women is holding a Jewelry & Craft Sale. Huge selections of costume jewelry, fabrics, and glassware items will be priced to sell & must go! Quilts, blankets, baby items & more - handmade by CCW crafters.

Sale dates

Saturday April 29 - noon to 6:30 p.m.

*Sunday April 30 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

St. Odilia Church, 3495 N. Victoria, Shoreview, MN. 55126

Part-time Public Works Employee

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

Applications available

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

Salary Range: $17.05-$18.76/hour. For more information call 763-784-2792. Position is open until filled.

Craft Sale

Saturday, April 22rd 10am – 3pm

Waters Edge Clubhouse 15290

Farmham Ave N. Hugo

EQUAL HOUSING

Scrap meta l appliance pick up 65 1-329-0815

OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based 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 discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A

Staff Writer

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.

52 Automobile

2011

accessories, great condition garage kept, spent many winters in Florida. Services by Maplewood Toyota all records available. $14,955 (612)-599-1729

PT Admin Position in WBL Circulation Dept. 15-20 hrs/week. Call Lisa 651-407-1205

NOW HIRING!

NOW HIRING!

Admin Assistant 32-35 hrs/week

Able to multi-task and handle variety of jobs, including correspondence. Call 651-271-5985 to set up interview;immediate or send resume to: bill@ whitebearcountryinn.com

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4687 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL 55110

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.

Weekly Outlook

Toyota Sienna XLE loaded, low mileage est. 110K, rear DVD player all

Deputy

Local supporter of performing arts extends reach

a future for community-based arts education and programs,” said Oliver Din, Manitou Fund president and chief executive officer.

The support comes at a critical time for the Zephyr Theatre, which has experienced significant financial and organizational difficulties in recent months. These difficulties have led to the resignation of the executive director, staff furloughs, changes in leadership on the board of trustees, and cancellation of programs and productions.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Township hydrant flushing to begin

Within the next few weeks, White Bear Township Public Works will begin to flush hydrants and water mains throughout the township. Some residents may experience discoloration in the water. Residents can open their lowestlevel faucet to clear the line. It is not advisable to wash clothes if the water is discolored.

The Manitou Fund, a private foundation based in White Bear Lake, has executed a purchase agreement for the Zephyr Theatre property, located at 601 Main Street North, Stillwater. The move was intended to give the Zephyr Theatre an opportunity to enter into a lease agreement while it reorganizes educational and performance programming and plans for the future. The sale price was not disclosed.

“Manitou Fund is pleased to offer support to an essential and impactful community-driven arts collaborative. This supportive effort enables the arts organization to envision and engineer

The nonprofit Zephyr Theatre Company purchased the former train depot in 2018. The Manitou Fund will include an option in the lease agreement for the Zephyr Theatre to repurchase the property at a future date. The Manitou Fund is also behind the McNeely Music Center, a state-of-the-art facility that will offer lessons, recording capabilities and performance space that is currently under construction at the corner of Highway 61 and Eighth Street in White Bear Lake’s “arts district.”

“The Zephyr Theatre is beyond thrilled for Manitou Fund’s generous support to give us a way forward,” says Nicole Bartelt, Zephyr Theatre board chair. “We will sharpen our focus on long-term goals, and we look forward to sharing more good news as this relationship develops and grows.”

Time for spring cleaning

Residents of White Bear Lake and White Bear Township have the opportunity to clear out their basements, garages, and closets and take comfort in knowing their unwanted items may be reused by others.

Trash to Treasure is scheduled all day Saturday, April 29. Residents can place items they no longer want on the curb at the end of their driveway, clearly

marked “free.” Treasure hunters can drive around to pick up the free items. Any items not picked up can be brought to the City of White Bear Lake Spring Cleanup Day the following Saturday, May 6. Items will be accepted from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 4200 Hoffman Road. Proof of White Bear Lake residency is required. See a list of items that will be accepted and fees at whitebearlake.org/ee/ page/cleanup-days.

White Bear Township residents can bring leftover items to a Spring Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 20, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Otter Lake Elementary School. Paper shredding will also be available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A separate date for collection of household hazardous waste is May 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information a list of items that will be accepted each day, go to ci.white-bear-township. mn.us/331/Spring-CleanUp-Day.

Amy Johnson

JIM SPIEGELHALTER

Stillwater’s fledging Zephyr Theatre is set to get a boost from White Bear Lake based Manitou Fund.

North metro school districts see fewer applicants

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

One thing most school districts can agree on is how difficult it has become to find teachers.

Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, districts across the nation are still feeling the effects. Many districts are facing teacher shortages, as fewer people decide to pursue careers in education.

The 2023 Teacher Supply and Demand Report shows the ongoing trend of district struggles to retain current educators and recruit new individuals to the profession in Minnesota. A majority of districts reported being “somewhat significantly” or “very significantly” impacted by the teacher shortage (84%) and substitute teacher shortage (89%). The report also states that nearly one-third of new teachers leave teaching within their first five years in the profession.

White Bear Lake Area Schools

Despite the shortage, White Bear Lake Area Schools says it is currently fully staffed. It may, however, be in need of some summer maintenance workers as well as a few individuals to fill part-time positions next year.

Director of Human Resources Matthew Mons says

student prep time. (A variance is a special permission time teaching areas, the positions that have been the science and world languages,” Mons said, adding that

District surveys remain an important element of the discussion regarding supply and demand of teachers. Table 26 shows how districts perceive the teacher shortage and availability of teachers.

each day, so it is vital to us that we are able to recruit terrific candidates for these positions,” Mons said.

Similarly, to Centennial, White Bear Area Schools says the overall hiring environment has become more challenging.

“Fewer professionals are seeking jobs in education, meaning we are receiving fewer applications and we are having difficulty finding applicants for some of our licensed areas,” Mons explained.

The district has tried to “think outside the box” on how to get the word out about open positions; for example, it has been using yard signs and social media for that purpose.

“Our communications efforts are also seen as a recruitment and retention tool. As we continue to tell the story of the district, we aim to help people see that it’s both a place where students learn and grow and a place where employees engage and make a difference,” Mons explained.

Mahtomedi Public Schools

our district include areas such as special education and early childhood,” Duffrin said. “In addition, finding substitute teachers for last-minute absences as well as filling paraprofessional positions continue to be challenging.”

For that reason, for the past two years the district has established a permanent substitute position at every school so that there is help with last-minute, unfilled substitute requests for teachers. In addition, Duffrin says community members have stepped up to fill some of the hard-to-fill paraprofessional roles, like lunchroom and recess duties, until they can be filled.

Retaining teachers is just as important as attracting them to the district according to Duffrin. This year, Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Jenn Reichel developed a new teacher-mentor program to provide new teachers with more structured support and training during their first few years with the district.

Centennial Schools

Currently, Centennial Schools has approximately 20 open teaching positions.

“There are simply not that many candidates for teaching positions. We (recently) attended the Minnesota Job Fair, which is the largest job fair in Minnesota, and there was a significant reduction in the number of candidates who attended,” Human Resources Director Dan Melde explained. “We also know the number of students going into education has significantly reduced over the last couple of years. This will lead to not as many teacher candidates to hire in the future.”

Melde said where the district is seeing its biggest reduction of candidates is in special education. He explained part of the reason for the shortage is the paperwork mandates that are required of special education teachers. “There is less time to work directly with the students,” he said.

looking for staff members who are interested in these important role in supporting our students’ experience

Superintendent Barb Duffrin says Mahtomedi Schools has been very fortunate when it comes to filling its teaching positions, as it was fully staffed for the 2022-23 school year.

The candidate pool for jobs remains strong for elementary positions, but the district has seen a decrease in that pool at the secondary level.

“Typically, the hardest-to-fill licensed positions in

To combat the shortage, Centennial has had to increase where and how it advertises positions and attend more job fairs. The district is also advertising on billboards and letting the community know it is hiring by hanging banners on school buildings.

“Although we are experiencing a shortage of teachers, Centennial continues to be a place where teachers want to teach,” Melde said.

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

OBITUARIES

Jonathan Allen Parsons

87, passed peacefully on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater, MN.  Jon was born in Minneapolis, MN on May 16, 1935. He was a professor at the University of Minnesota and raised a family with his wife, Margaret Roof Parsons, in Circle Pines, MN. In 1996, Jon and Margaret retired to Polson, MT. In 2022, Jon relocated back to MN at the Lodge at the Lakes in Stillwater.

Jon is survived by his children: Alva Marie Parsons, Victor, ID; Sara Jane Parsons, Austin, TX; Susanne Kanning, Bend, OR; Jonathan George Parsons, Lino Lakes, MN; Andrea Schotzko, Afton, MN; and eleven grandchildren. More information is located at the Bradshaw Funeral Home in Stillwater, MN.

In lieu of gifts, feel free to contribute to The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center, in memory of Jonathan A. Parsons.

Richard “Skip” Allen Hansen

age 83 of Isle died on April 6, 2023 in Aitkin surrounded by family. He was born May 28, 1939 in St. Paul to Allen R. and Eileen L. (Peterson) Hansen. He was owner, alongside his father, Allen, and brother, Tom, of Summit Farms, a memorable staple in the community and history of White Bear Lake. Skip was united in marriage to Linda Frank on January 19, 1979 in Vadnais Heights. He served his community as Captain of the Vadnais Heights Fire

Department and was an active and contributing member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Malmo. Skip enjoyed his time fishing, making maple syrup, cooking new recipes on his smoker, and spending time with his family and friends. His legacy will live on and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Skip is survived by his son: Gary (Tami) Hansen of Woodbury, Daughters: Terre (Tom) Lord of Woodbury and Lisa (Shawn) Westerlund of Aitkin; Grandchildren: Paige (Luke) Borden, Sidney and Jake Westerlund, Jenny (Nick) Diederich, Stephanie Ciccone, Jon Lord, Kelly (Eric) Rodencal, Becky (Dan) Swenson; Great Grandchildren: Parker and Piper Diederich, Clark and Adeline Ciccone, Jase Lord and Arlo Swenson; Brother: Thomas (Beth) Hansen of White Bear Lake; Sister: Sandy (Phil) Furlong of San Clemente, CA. and special friend Sharon Whipple. He was preceded in death by his wife Linda in 2021 and parents Allen and Eileen Hansen.

A memorial service will be 11:00am - Friday, April 28, 2023 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Malmo. Pastor James Muske will be the officiant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Malmo at a later date. Memorials are preferred to Bethesda Lutheran Church in Malmo. Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Aitkin.

Go to www.srtfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence.

Helen Cartford

89, of White Bear Lake, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Bob. She is survived by her daughter, Barb (boyfriendSherry), son, Chuck (Julie); grandsons, Sam and Ben; brother, Sam (Marie) Carlson; and other family and friends.

Helen graduated from Bethesda School of Nursing in 1957 and was a caring nurse for many years. She was an amazing and meticulous seamstress; a great baker; and loved to vacation and travel with her family. Helen was a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother and she will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 26 at Community of Grace Lutheran Church, 4000 Linden St, White Bear Lake, with visitation an hour prior. Interment at Evergreen Memorial Garden to follow. Mueller Memorial, White Bear Lake, www.muellermemorial.com 651-429-4944

‘Loon Chronicles’ coming soon

The Loons have arrived on White Bear Lake! Ellen Maas and Len Pratt will once again be documenting their adventures this season through photographs and stories in ‘Loon Chronicles’ published every other week in the White Bear Press and online at presspubs.com. Look for the first installment of ‘Loon Chronicles’ next week!

2023 Summer Camp Directory

LOON CHRONICLES

Honors, leaders listed for Zephyrs’ 25-4 basketball season

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER

Four seniors on Mahtomedi High School’s No. 6 ranked boys basketball team were named to the All-Metro East Conference team.

Owen Carlson collected his third all-conference honor while Will Underwood, Cole Armitage and AJ McCleery each got their second. Javon Harvey got honorable mention.

Zephyr co-MVP’s were Carlson and Underwood.

Carlson scored 1,337 career points, No. 2 all-time for MHS. Underwood, who missed his junior season with an injury, scored 1,083 points, No. 7 all-time. Armitage had 719 points and McCleery 575.

Other team awards went to McCleery (Mr. Defense), Carsten Cummins (outstanding attitude), Tyler Swanson (most improved), Gavin Beek (workhorse award), Carlson (free throw shooter) and James Ecker (three-point shooter.)

Mahtomedi tied No. 4 ranked St. Thomas Academy for the conference title, each 15-1. Mahtomedi was 25-4 overall and lost in the second finals to state champion Totino-Grace. STA lost in their section finals to state runner-up DeLaSalle.  Carlson averaged 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.8 steals. Underwood averaged 18.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.4 steals. Armitage averaged 12.7

MAHTOMEDI BASKETBALL 1 ,000-POINT CLUB MEMBERS

points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals. McCleery averaged 9.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Carlson made 73 three-pointers (41.2 percent), Underwood 41 (39.4 percent), Ecker 26 (42.9 percent), and Armitage 24 (26.7 percent).

Strong opening week for Zephyr tennis

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER

In their opening week of competition, Mahtomedi faced the first of several daunting nonconference foes and came away with an encouraging 4-3 loss to Blake — between conference wins over Two Rivers 5-2 and South St. Paul 6-1.

“One of our goals this year was to create the most challenging non-conference schedule possible,” coach Aaron Freer said. “We’ve had a few seasons where our top players aren’t being pushed and challenged in the ways that would be ideal for their growth and development.”

SOFTBALL

Chloe Barber fired two straight nohitters as White Bear Lake squared its record at 2-2 last week. The other highlight was finally generating some offense and ending a 31-inning scoreless streak. The Bears were blanked by Forest Lake 3-0, marking their third consecutive shutout loss, counting the third-place game at state last year.

Barber twirled a nine-inning no-hitter with 21 strikeouts against East Ridge. The Bears won 1-0 when Annika Olsen singled in the last of the ninth and eventually scored on Heidi Barber’s walk-off single, ending that long scoring drought. The bats came alive in a 12-0 win at Roseville Area while Barber threw another nohitter with 14 strikeouts. The Bears collected 11 hits and eight walks.

Heidi Barber was 3-for-4 (double, RBI), Olsen 2-for-3 (two runs), Emma Larson 2-for-3 (double, two RBIs), Maddie Pearson 1-for-2 (two walks, two runs), and Maddie Belisle 1-for2 (two RBIs). Sydney Schwartz and Abby Taylor each had a hit and RBI.

BASEBALL

White Bear Lake lost its opener to Mounds View 4-1 but picked up an 8-5 win over Park, both at home. Against Mounds View, three pitchers combined to strike out 12 batters.

Noah Jacka had six strikeouts in three innings, giving up two hits and two runs. Connor Stanley fanned all three batters he faced. Aiden Welch had three K’s in two innings, allowing

Blake is “known for their consistent draw of top tennis talent,” said Freer. Other powers on the schedule are Edina (25-time state champion), Wayzata, Maple Grove and Minneapolis Washburn.

Mahtomedi’s section is almost always won by Mounds View but the Zephyrs, usually the runnerup, think they have a good shot this year.

Blake won the first four completed — all three doubles, and 4-singles — before the Zephyrs pulled out third-set tie-breakers at 1-2-3 singles. Sam Rathmanner nipped Kai Chen 4-6, 6-3, 10-8, Brandon Pham foiled Andrew Richardson 6-4, 5-7, 10-4 and Jack Allaben topped Tarun

Gopalakrishnan 6-2, 4-6, 10-6. “A lot of credit goes to Jack, Sam, and Brandon. Each of them were playing against fellow elite players,” Freer said.

Winning against Two Rivers were Rathmanner, Brandon Pham, Allaben at 1-2-3 singles, and Dylan Pham/Zach Burge and Aidan Wald/Max Hendrickson at 1-2 doubles. Winning against SSP were Rathmanner, Allaben, Luke Roettger and Reese Nelson in singles, and Wald/Brandon Pham and Burge/Hendrickson in doubles.

All three matches were  played in warm sunshine, in stark contrast to the cold weather usually endured early in the season.

three hits and two runs. Owen Farrington knocked in the Bears’ run with a single off the third base bag. Against Park, sophomore Evan Newlander, in his first varsity start, threw four shutout innings (one hit, no walks, four strikeouts). Roman Lachenmayer, Connor Stanley and Jacka finished. Owen Mortimer rapped a tworun double, Jack Setterlund was 2-for-2 (RBI), Blake Eckerle 2-for-3 (RBI), Kaden Johnson 2-for-4 (two RBI), and Kevin Zollinger 2-for-4 (two RBI).

GIRLS TRACK

White Bear Lake placed fifth of eight conference teams in a Roseville meet that included nine individual events and seven relays. Roseville nipped Stillwater for first place. For the Bears, Josephine Mlejnek won high jump (5-0) and Temitope Adebisi tied for second (4-10). Other top-eight

finishes for the Bears were: Karen Enow, sixth, shot put (28-91/4); Amelia Nachtscheim, seventh, 300 hurdles (52.58); and Aveline McCabe, eighth, 3200 (12:41). The Bears were second in the 4x800, third in the 1600 shuttle, and fifth in the 4x400.

GIRLS LACROSSE

White Bear Lake defeated HillMurray 12-5 in the season opener. Georgia Kodytek and Beverly Peterson pumped in three goals each, Zoe Timmons and Jaeda Jensen two each, and Olivia Simpkins and Julie Hendrickson one each. Mesa McElmury was in goal, stopping 13 of 18 shots.

BOYS TRACK

White Bear Lake hosted a 10-team relays meet and placed second in their new indoor fieldhouse. Top three teams were Stillwater 117, White Bear Lake 106, and Mounds View 95. The Bears were second in the 4x100 with Caleb Anderson, Rayshawn Brakes, Jaden Gierok and Logan Fisher (44.71) and fourth in the 4x100 throwers relay. Other events were conducted in regular fashion with each team’s four entrants added up.

Bennett Gilson won triple jump (4553/4), tied for first in high jump (6-0) and placed second in long jump (21-7).

Tolu Oyekunle won 100 hurdles (16.17) and placed third in the 300 (43.55).

Luke Williams won the 3200 (10:24).

In the 200, Anderson was third (23.49) and Brakes fourth (23.68). Ryley Murphy was fourth in the 800 (2:11.25),

Carlson made 105 of 125 free shots (84 percent). In overall shooting Armitage was 50.7 percent, Carlson 50.1 percent, and Underwood 47.3 percent.

Vatel Henderson fifth in high jump (510) and Imeleyo Stanton fifth in discus (122-81/2)

TENNIS

White Bear Lake won two of three matches to open the season last week. The Bears lost to Mounds Park Academy 6-1. Will Fleming/Andrew Kolenich won 5-7, 6-3, 10-8 at 1-doubles and MPA won the other six in straight sets.

The Bears won their conference lidlifter over Park 6-1. Fleming won 6-2, 6-1 and Kolenich won 6-2, 6-3 at one and two. Derrick Thomas lost 6-2, 6-1. Andrew McDonald prevailed 6-3, 3-6, 12-10 at No. 4. Sweeping doubles were Brock Moor/Travis Domschot 6-2, 6-0; Colton Knutson/Everett Moravec 2-6, 6-1, 7-5; and Grady Gallatin/Will Distad 7-6, 6-0.

The Bears tripped Chisago Lakes 5-2 as Fleming won 6-0, 6-3; Kolenich 6-4, 6-4; Thomas 6-4, 6-2; Mason Voeller 7-5, 2-6,  6-0; and Moor/Domschot 6-4, 4-6, 7-6.

CORRECTION

There were two Class 4A seniors in Minnesota who finished with 2,000 or more points: Max Shikenjanski of Stillwater (2,046) and Jack Janicki of White Bear Lake (2,000 exactly). A recent article in the Press stated that Janicki was the only one.

BRUCE STRAND Owen Carlson got his 3rd all-MEC honor and finished 2nd all-time in Zephyr scoring.

BRUCE STRAND

Sam Rathmanner won all three matches at No. 1 singles in the Zephyrs first week.

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER

Kevin Zollinger of the Bears clapped after hitting a double against Mounds View.

Mastering music

Mahtomedi Middle School 8th grade band members have worked hard over the past three years to earn the Master Musician Award. The award criteria includes passing tests on topics such as music history, music of other cultures, and music theory at 90% or greater, performing a solo or ensemble at least one time each year, and completing a project. This year’s projects included building an instrument, writing or arranging a song, or writing a report on a topic in music. The projects will be presented at the 8th grade band concert Tuesday, May 2 at 7:45 p.m. at the Mahtomedi High School Fine Arts Center.

Master Musician Award recipients are (back row, l-r): Alex Goldfine, Amelia Englund, Rachel Brings, Jessica Kuchar, Allissa Robinson, Brody Kraai, Yeupheng Lee, Jessica Aufderhar, Sam Gravley; (front row, l-r) Grant Severson, Garrett Schlagel, Yuktika Samtani, Molly Roettger, Kieran Vik, Gabe Melchert-Zimmerman, Melanie Zhang; Blake Udelhofen not pictured.

ZEPHYR SPORTS BRIEFS

SOFTBALL

Mahtomedi edged Pine Island 8-5 for their first win after two losses, sparked by Calista Kurr, who went 3-for-4, scored three runs and drove home another. Olivia Boyle knocked in two runs, and Julia Ruzynski, Annika Sturm, Jayden Bonk and Greta Siess one each. Bonk pitched 4 2/3 innings (two runs, six strikeouts) for the win. Sophie Metcalf and Malia Erickson finished. Previously, Mahtomedi lost to Edina 13-2 and Two Rivers 9-0.

BASEBALL

Mahtomedi opened with three wins last week, over Two Rivers 14-4, Tartan 10-0 and St. Thomas Academy 3-2. Charlie Barre, senior infielder, swung a hot bat, going 7-for-9 with six runs-batted-in. Against Two Rivers, Barre had three hits and Seth Nelson two while Jack Erickson knocked in three runs, and Josh Donna, Jacob Johnson, Barre and Ben Hyde two each. Seth Nelson pitched all five innings, striking out six. Against Tartan, Tommy

Muetzel pitched a six-inning shutout (four hits, six strikeouts, no walks). Sam Garry was 2-for-4 (homer, two RBI’s), Barre 2-for-3 (two doubles, three RBI’s), Ethan Felling 3-for-3 (three runs, RBI), and Max Strecker 2-for-2 (two RBIs). In the STA game, each team had just two hits. Ethan Felling pitched 5 2/3 innings (seven strikeouts, two runs) and Donna got the last four outs, two by strikeout. Barre had both hits and two RBIs.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi opened with a 15-3 win over Forest Lake at home Friday evening. Leading the attack were McKenna Cunnington with five goals and Evi Cegielski with four goals and an assist. Reese Saenger and Annie Tanner added two goals apiece and Rachel Fussy and Brooklyn Kragness one each. Ground ball leaders were Cunnington and Raegan Schrankler with three each. Goalie Addie Demars faced seven shots and stopped four.