White Bear Press

Eye in the sky: A look into police department’s drone program

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Sometimes, police need a little outside help when they’re out on the job. That help can come from the capabilities of aerial vehicles. That remains the objective

of the White Bear Lake Police Department’s newly operational drone program.

“We’re trying to catch up with the times,” said Police Chief Dale Hager. “Drone usage for police department agencies is a thing of the future. Many agencies

have been seeing that and got to it a little before we did. That was when we knew it was time to change.”

Hager’s predecessor, Julie Swanson, helped get the

Nominations sought for ‘Best of the Press’ contest

MANAGING EDITOR

And so it begins —Press Publications readers are being asked to help recognize the best of everything from food to shopping to best local sports team in 2024.

The online Best of the Press Contest has started its nomination phase. Readers are asked to nominate their favorites in several groups: eating and drinking; arts and

entertainment; health and fitness; local; services; shopping and sports and recreation.

Several categories have been added to this year’s contest, including solar company, dog trainer, hotel, Airbnb, esthetician, yoga, physical therapist, pet store, thrift store and more.

Readers may nominate in as many or as few categories as they like from May 1–19. If readers nominate at least two candidates in a category, the category will appear on the voting ballot. If

only one nomination is received, the category won’t be on the ballot.

After the ballot is finalized, readers will be able to vote online for their favorites once a day from July 10–Aug. 4. The ballot will be found at presspubs.com/bestof. The contest will be conducted exclusively online, with no paper ballots. When voting closes Aug. 4, the results will be tallied and winners will be announced the first week of October.

Resident honored for helping prevent carjacking

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Michael Henderson didn’t expect to become a hero at the White Bear Lake Police Department on December 23, 2023. But that day’s events pushed him to act as a protector without wasting time.

The department presented Henderson with a Citizen’s Award at City Hall on April 23 for the events of Dec. 23. That day, Henderson prevented an attempted carjacking against two women outside of Planet Fitness on Buerkle Road.

“Mr. Henderson is truly deserving of this award by our department,” Police Chief Dale Hager read at the April 23 City Council meeting. “We value community members like you. Thank you for your bravery in helping others.”

On that cold December morning, Henderson arrived at Planet Fitness to work out when he heard a commotion in the parking lot. Henderson then noticed two older women struggling with each other, one trying to steal the other’s car.

“At first, I thought they were just goofing off,” recalled Henderson. “But then I locked eyes with the first lady and saw she was frightened. That’s when I jumped in.”

The first victim was Victoria Halverson, an East Saint Paul resident who, like Michael, had gone to work out. Halverson had finished her workout and was at her car when she saw a middle-aged, disheveled woman run at her. “She came screaming at me, yelling, ‘Give me

Sgt. Isaac Tuma is in charge of the White Bear Lake Police Department’s drone program.

ERIK SUCHY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Michael Henderson (center) was awarded with the Citizen’s Award by the White Bear Lake Police Department for helping prevent an attempted carjacking. From left to right: Mayor Dan Louismet, Police Chief Dale Hager, Henderson, Sergeant John Vette, and City Manager Lindy Crawford

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OBITUARIES

Luka Vidovic

Age 87, of White Bear Lake, passed away April 23, 2024. Preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Agata Vidovic and Ilinka Karadza. Survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Mary; children

Jerome (Ong Yang), Kristi (Bob) Gavin and Michelle (Mike Wolf) Vidovic; grandchildren Brett, Megan, Tyler, Tevin and Raiden, nephews Bosko Karadza and family, Draschko Karadza and family and many other relatives in Europe. Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, April 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Jude of the Lake, Interment Lakeview Cemetery, Mahtomedi. Luka was a pilot in the Yugoslavian Army. Graduated from University of Zagreb, Croatia. Luka came to the US in 1969 from Germany after growing up in Croatia. Luka and Mary got married in 1975, and in 1976, Luka and Mary began their careers as restauranteurs which developed into the start of the Pizza Man chain with 50 shops across Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota. If desired, memorials can be made to the Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf where Luka volunteered.

Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home.

1. They Should Listen to You

2. Gentle, Comfortable Care

3. Reasonable and Fair Cost

Robin Lee Peterson

Lover of Life, Family, Service, Quilting, and Cards!

We regretfully announce the passing of Robin Peterson (85) of White Bear Lake, MN on April 19, 2024. Robin died of complications following knee surgery due to her underlying Interstitial Lung Disease. She was surrounded by her family and passed away peacefully. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Allan Peterson. She is survived by her 4 children: Mike Peterson, Jodi (Bill) Defiel, Jill Peterson, and Andy (Tera) Peterson. She loved her eight grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Robin’s funeral service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church (WBL) on May 3rd. Visitation from 10:00am to 11:30, service at 11:30am with a luncheon to follow. Robin was very active in her church and serving in the community. So, to honor Robin, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church Community Outreach or White Bear Lake Food Shelf.

Gerald Charles Backhaus

Chad Justin “Cj” Freseman

David John Abel

On April 13, 2024, Gerald (Jerry) Charles Backhaus passed away peacefully at 85 years old. Jerry is survived by his wife, Sondra (Sonny) Backhaus, and his children, Julie Benson, Jill Welshinger, and Jana Swanson, as well as seven grandchildren, Jack, Olivia, Max, Annika, Lars, Ava, and Charlie. His nephew, Steve Backhaus, and niece, Sue Rohrlack, also survived him. His parents, Fredrick and Dorothy Backhaus, and his brother, Fredrick Backhaus, preceded him in death.

Jerry was born on October 21, 1938, in Davenport, Iowa. He attended Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa, where he met Sonny, his soon-to-be wife of 63 years and best friend. He graduated in 1956, then attended Drake University and graduated from there in 1960. Soon after, Jerry and Sonny married in 1960 before he proceeded to Drake Law School and graduated with a law degree in 1963.

Jerry’s professional career began at Postal Finance in the legal department in Des Moines in 1963. Then, he moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where he worked as an attorney for 19 years. He moved his family to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1983, where he continued his legal career with St. Paul Companies. He then became the Executive Director of the Minnesota Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association until he retired in 2019.

Jerry is remembered as a loving and dependable husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a loyal friend and generous community member. He enjoyed spending time with family, attending Eagle Brook Church and playing golf and tennis, but mostly, he enjoyed making everyone around him laugh. His dry sense of humor and incredibly quick wit won’t ever be forgotten. He will be remembered fondly, and dearly missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held at Eagle Brook Church, White Bear Lake, on May 17, 2024visitation 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m.

Age 51 of Mahtomedi, MN. Chad died 4/4/24 suddenly, alone and unexpectedly about 7 a.m. on a sidewalk along Woodland Dr. just east of Hwy 120 in Mahtomedi, Mn. He is survived by parents Gary E. & Susan (nee Drobinski) Freseman, brothers Rick G. & Scott A. Freseman & sister Terrie L. Owens.

He graduated from Mahtomedi HS in 1992. He had worked at SEH Engr. as a survey rodman. Chad had a talent for music, playing guitar, keyboard and drums and composing several pieces for an early trio he was in. Chad was employed at 3M as a tech in the Btry. Div. In his desire to become an astro-physicist, he attended the U of MN and the U of AZ.

Returning home, he lived in North St. Paul, Maplewood, Stillwater and finally Mahtomedi. As a pivot point between humans and spirits, Chad spent his last 24 years here, orchestrating for peace during the many spiritual wars in the universe. This completed his life cycle on this planet.

Patricia “Pat” (Noe) Lindau

Passed away peacefully on April 25, 2024. Survived by children, Jennifer Lindaux, Gordon Lindau, Dianne Kor, William (Melissa) Lindau; 8 grandchildren; 5 greatgrandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00am Friday, May 3, 2024 at CERENITY

MARIAN, 200 Earl Street, St. Paul, with visitation one hour prior.

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 21, 2024, age 77. Preceded in death by parents, Claude and Margaret Lucille (nee MacDonald) Abel; sisters, Faith VonBehren, Gloria Gomez, Darline Weekes, and Joyce Zuniga.

Survived by wife of 55 years, Kathleen; children, Jessica (Kevin) Tlougan and Elizabeth (John) Kietzman; grandchildren, Mikayla (Ewan), Alexander, and Lauren; siblings, Mary Lou Ruiz, Claudette Schiefelbein, and Donald (Patricia) Abel.; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. David was a proud lifelong plumber who gave generously of his time and skill. Army Veteran.

Service Tuesday, May 14, 10:30 A.M. at Bradsaw, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear. Visitation Monday, 4-8 p.m. at Bradsaw. Burial Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Vonnie (LaVonne) Mahon

94, of White Bear Lake, passed away on April 22, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Mueller Memorial-White Bear Lake, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, with visitation from 1 PM until the time of the service. Private family interment at St. Patrick’s cemetery in Inver Grove Heights. Mueller Memorial -White Bear Lake, www.muellermemorial.com 651-429-4944

Songs live in memories

For several days a song entitled “I Believe” kept popping up in my memory. I’m not sure why, but perhaps its things in our society that have been disturbing to me.

My wife Kathy looked up the words to the song: I believe for every drop of rain that falls A flower grows I believe that somewhere in the darkest night A candle glows I believe for everyone who goes astray Someone will come to show the way I believe I believe

Gene Johnson

I believe above the storm the smallest prayer Will still be heard I believe that someone in the great somewhere Hears every word Every time I hear a newborn baby cry Or touch a leaf Or see the sky Then I know why I believe I believe

Frankie Laine’s original version was recorded for Columbia Records on January 8, 1953.

It’s been a popular song, written by Ervin Drake, Irvin Abraham, Jack Mendelsohn and Al Stillman in 1953.

It was commissioned and introduced by Jane Froman on her television show, and became the first hit song ever introduced on television. Froman was troubled by the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 and asked the writers to compose a song that would offer hope and faith to the country. Laine’s recording spent 18 non-consecutive weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart.

In the US, Laine had a successful version where it reached No. 2, staying there for three weeks.

I hope the words cause you to reflect on the world around us and you, too, will know why you believe.

Proud Heritage

Whatever culture is in your heritage, very likely it can be described by certain foods used to celebrate.

In 1966 the Norske Torske Klubben was formed in St. Paul for Norwegian men to get together for a monthly luncheon seven months of the year. Recently I was a guest for the lutefisk luncheon at the Inwood Oaks Event Center in Oakdale.

My good friend Lin Lindbeck is a past president of the club and hosts a table of friends and guests. It was a privilege to join them.

Today they have about 200 members, but prior to the COVID pandemic they were at 300.

The guest speaker was Lorrie Nelson of the Minnesota DNR presenting a program on the trumpeter swans. The DNR wildlife division developed a program to increase the swan population that was becoming extinct.

In 1982 the goal was to have 300 swans in Minnesota. The current trumpeter swan population is estimated at over 30,000 based on a survey conducted in 2022.

The trumpeter swan mates for life and returns to the area where they were hatched.

In Minnesota swans have been released at the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area and the Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Township.

The swans don’t all stay in Minnesota during the winter, but generally only migrate to central and southern Minnesota or nearby states. Some have been documented as wintering as far south as Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

The trumpeter swan is legally protected from hunting, but has been officially removed from the federal list of endangered and threatened species in 1999. They are still listed as a species of special concern in Minnesota.

Cell phone scams

Every day something comes across in cell phone messages that is very likely a scam. They attract with incentives. You have won prizes, you have this amount of money in gift certificates for you, and you must respond before midnight. The more time goes on, the more clever they become.

There are some very legitimate businesses that are offering some introductory offers or financial incentives. I don’t trust those now either.

It’s best to trash messages if you don’t know where they came from or that you don’t have any relationship through any retail store or online service. Don’t give out any personal information.

Gene Johnson is the publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

Keeping rural charm with modern updates

TMovers & Shakers

he City of Grant remains the top destination for those seeking quiet enjoyment of their home in the east metro. A little history, Grant Township (now city) is the second oldest community in Washington County and the originator of the land comprising Mahtomedi and other neighboring Cities. We became a city in the 1990’s primarily to preserve the remainder of open land.

Our recent history is impressive as well, our new comprehensive plan to keep Grant rural was accepted by the Met Council, keeping our lot sizes, private wells, and septic. Three major subdivisions have been approved with two built out, another soon to start, all keeping our large lot sizes. While maintaining

the lowest tax rates in the county, we’ve funded special road projects every year, including guardrails, aprons, and other improvements; raised roads in flooding areas; reduced speeds to preserve gravel roads; and hired a full-time roads supervisor without the expense of equipment, all supplied by contractor. We also made sure our 1900’s schoolhouse City Hall building will last with siding, roof, and window improvements. Sorry, still no indoor plumbing - it’s tradition!

With Covid lockdowns we realized many of our residents lacked access to high-speed internet. Working with Xfinity, we’ve now secured a second, much larger buildout of highspeed cable, using grants and earmarked federal dollars for the build. This should begin construction in 2025. Unfortunately, no city coverage maps have been released yet. Working hard for more buildouts, we won’t stop until Grant is 100% high speed capable, a promise I made to residents. Big thanks to Councilman Jeff Giefer who drove many miles

identifying underserved areas, as coverage maps were incomplete.

Our city also concluded our part in the Highway 36 / Lake Elmo Avenue freeway access design. The county engineers and Grant settled on the close buttonhook design as improving safety and access. We’re simply waiting on the City of Lake Elmo to finish their review, and hopeful that construction will start in 2025 or early 2026.

Your city is careful with your tax dollars, funding projects that benefit the most residents at the least cost. In short, we watch your tax dollars closely and stay in our lane. With 144 miles of roads and our low tax rate we must choose spending on cost/benefit carefully.

Most importantly, “personnel is policy” and we’ve kept our staff on board for their experience and knowledge. We appreciate our neighbors and are confident of meeting future challenges with an effective Council and your support. Have a great summer, Grant!

•

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

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published. Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

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

• Deadline is 5

About the Town

Jeff Huber Mayor Of Grant

Jeff Huber

Safer with current pilot

This letter is in response to Bill Kolsar’s letter that used the analogy of pilots in this election. He described Trump as crude and arrogant and Biden as polite. That part I agree with.

I disagree with who the best man is to pilot Democracy for America. Comparing the records, Trump has had many “crashes” like bankruptcies (1991, 1992, 2004, and 2009); fraud (Trump University as well as falsifying business records); guilty of sexual abuse (E. Jean Carroll); and trying to forcefully maintain power when he lost the election.  Biden, on the other hand, has been steady at the helm with no bankruptcies, no cases of fraud, no charges of sexual abuse and no failed insurrection. Clearly, we are safer in the hands of Biden, who will pilot us to a better and safer America.

Dr. Don Sonsalla White

Need stability

I’m writing in response to Bill Kolesar’s thoughtful letter in the April 17 paper. I agree with him that the upcoming November election is critical to our present and future.

In his example of an airplane flight choice of pilot, I would choose President Biden. He has passed the Infrastructure Act, which will rebuild roads and bridges, build a more resilient power grid, and much more.  His Inflation Reduction Act allows Medicare to negotiate certain high-cost drugs: for example, a month’s worth of insulin is capped at $35. It will also provide more funds to the IRS, much of which is dedicated to closing the tax gap by specifically enforcing tax compliance by the wealthiest tax evaders. He signed into law the PACT act, expanding benefits and services for toxic-exposed veterans.

Former President Trump worries me very much. He has said he will be a dictator (only) on Day 1. Who says that? He said there’s a lot of cutting you can do regarding Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. His campaign later clarified those remarks. He said he’d encourage Russia to do “whatever the hell they want” to any NATO country that doesn’t meet defense spending guidelines. Why would he say that?

We need a stable person for president who will continue to lead, help and protect our country and our democracy. That person would be President Biden.

Rebuttal letter

Responders to my April 10 letter suggest it’s okay to support a vulgar, law-breaking, misogynistic election-denying bully, if you like his policies. Wow! That’s what we teach our children?

Memories get fuzzy. Let’s review the Trump presidency.

1. Corporate tax rate slashed from 35 to 21%, dramatically reducing tax revenue. Supporters claimed it would boost GDP. It did not. It increases our national debt by billions each year.

2. America’s global image declined significantly, as Trump insulted key U.S. allies while cozying up to world dictators.

3. His border policy led to 5,500 families being separated and children being placed in cages. The UN found his policies to be human rights abuses.

4. Withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal led to chaos throughout the Middle East and was condemned by top U.S. allies.

5. He campaigned on “health insurance for everybody” and promised to repeal the Affordable

Care Act, yet never offered a replacement plan. He weakened the existing ACA, reducing coverage for Americans.

6. His disastrous handling of COVID-19, ignoring his own experts, caused the U.S. to have the worst outbreak in the world, with over 400,000 U.S. deaths.

7. He says the economy was great during his time. Economists say he inherited a strong economy from Obama but under Trump, unemployment went up and the national debt grew by $7.8 trillion, more than by any other president.

8. January 6. Arguably the lowest moment of the Trump presidency as he incited an attempted coup with his refusal (to this day!) to accept the 2020 election results. He gave aid and comfort to insurrectionists, in violation of the 14th Amendment.

9. He takes pride in taking down Roe v. Wade, which resulted in limiting access to abortion — especially to low-income and vulnerable women. And it has now resulted in a push by many states to almost totally ban abortion.

There’s so much more, but Press has a word limit. Please consider not voting for a guy who would be dismissed from city councils, school boards and PTA’s for his behavior and rhetoric.

Pollinators are vital

We just had Earth Day 2024, and we know spring is right around the corner. We hear terms such as Sustainable Landscaping, Slow Mow May, Leave the Leaves, Bee Lawns. It can sound very confusing to know what to do and where to start. Let’s break it down.

Our pollinators are in perilous decline in numbers. Pollinators, like birds, bees, moths, beetles, butterflies and bats, are animals that transfer pollen between flowers, helping plants to reproduce. They’re vital to the function of our ecosystems and to our food system — two-thirds of the world’s crops are reliant on pollinators to produce food. It’s not an exaggeration that without pollinators, humans and nearly all of earth’s ecosystems would not survive.

Our pollinators winter in our leaves (so just leave your “leaf litter” on your lawn a little longer), and in the spring they need the early bloomers that sprout in in our grass, like dandelions (so slow your mow down in May: start to mow later in the month and when you mow, mow your grass on a higher level). Throughout the summer/fall, they need our blooming native flowers. Find places in your yard where you can introduce and/or convert a portion of your yard to native plantings. Small steps can make a difference.

There are lots of other benefits to planting native flowers beyond just helping our pollinators; less pesticides, which ultimately end up in our water bodies (we don’t need to fertilize native landscaping like a traditional yard), use less water (native landscaping has deep roots), and less work (no need to mow!).

The state of Minnesota passed a law in 2023 that says all cities must allow sustainable landscaping. Vadnais Heights has changed the city code to comply and has become a Pollinator Friendly Community. We are very fortunate to have grant opportunities available; our watershed resource, VLAWMO, and Lawn to Legumes through BlueThumb, applications due 5/15. (vlawmo.org/ grants and bluethumb.org/lawns-to-legumes). Now is the time to make your spring plans for grant applications and planting native. Here’s a

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Heidi Barber

White Bear Lake Softball

Heidi Barber is closing out a stellar softball career at White Bear Lake with a productive senior year, batting .560 so far at 14-for25 with four doubles, a homer, nine RBI’s and nine runs. After three seasons as catcher for her sister Chloe (now pitching for Wichita State), she’s at shortstop, handling 22 chances with no errors. Coach Jill Leverty calls Barber a “phenomenal” player with a very high softball IQ and a great leader who is “constantly making an impact” with her bat and glove. The six-foot righthander, signed by UConn as a catcher, is the school’s Athena Award recipient (top female athlete) this year.

link to native plant sales in the area: (bluethumborg-spring-plant-sales-in-Minnesota).

Unusual candidate

This letter is in response to George Kimball’s letter to the editor in the April 10 edition. Trump apparently put out a video depicting Biden hogtied to the back of a truck. I remember when newspapers had cartoons of politicians all in good fun. Gone are the days when journalists were allowed to report the news without fear of repercussions.

He stated that Trump makes crude, racist, childish nicknames for his political opponents, yet the same politicians who make these accusations call the American people names. Deplorables, racist, homophobes, white supremacists, domestic terrorists, Christian nationalists.

He also stated that Trump’s bullying, vulgar, childish comments pose a threat to the PTA and the school board. The real threat is substandard education, indoctrination, critical race theory and pornographic material in the classrooms.

MAGA supporters will respond to this article with crude remarks about Biden’s age and cognitive abilities. Although most state and Republican leaders consider Biden to be a morally decent human being, I believe he has done many things that are not moral or decent. Is he capable of running our country? If you want open borders, escalating crime, failing economy, inflation, fentanyl crises and endless wars, “For Gosh Sakes” vote for Biden.

It was also stated that Trump is a candidate the likes we have never seen before in terms of filth and decadence. Biden is a president in terms of filth and decadence the likes I have never seen before. He has no regard for our Constitution and he thinks he’s above the law.

Our neighbors are not our enemies. We must unite to fight for freedom or our future children will never know what it was to be free.

Keep local news coming to your doorstep

The April 10 edition of the White Bear and Vadnais Heights Press included Carter Johnson’s editorial regarding the importance of supporting local news, pointing out benefits to local communities of a local paper. He did not dwell on what will be missed if we do not have a local paper. This reality of the demise of local news sources is happening to communities around us. Just last week, television news reported the demise of weekly papers in the southwestern part of the twin cities (Chaska, Shakopee, Prior Lake, and others). Weeks prior to that, the news mentioned the end of local papers in central Minnesota. Those citizens no longer have access to local information about their school district, city activities, community events and other information pertinent to the local community; and youth no longer have the opportunity at a first job delivering papers.

If you want to know about local news, it is a benefit to YOU to help keep our local paper operating. Businesses support it through their advertising dollars. For less than $35 per year, White Bear area citizens can help support our local paper and continue to get local news. Even though the paper is delivered to you whether you subscribe or not, please consider subscribing to your local news.

Thank you.

Waiting Child

Austin,17, is a talkative, funny, and adventurous teen who enjoys being artistic (with skills ranging from diamond art to woodworking), riding his bike, and playing video games on his tablet. Some of his favorite woodworking projects to work on include bird houses, benches, and tables. When outside, Austin enjoys riding his bike to visit with his animal friends at a local farm. Austin has also been described by many as being thoughtful. He enjoys making handmade gifts for people in his life during the holiday season.

Austin needs a patient, loving and understanding family that is able to provide space for him to grow and learn, and who loves him as the unique person he is!

“Your Financial Partner”

Heidi Barber 4661 Highway 61 | White Bear Lake northstarbank.com | 651-429-4531

Bear Lake

Beth Pokela Hugo

George Kimball White Bear Lake

Colleen O’Brien Vadnais Heights

Dionne Leitschuh

White Bear Lake

Sonja Irlbeck White Bear Lake

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA

SECRETARY OF STATE

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 1 and 8, 2024. OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

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

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: JOHN THOMAS ETZELL

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: c/o 3503 Richmond Avenue Shoreview Minnesota 00000 USA

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

John Thomas

c/o 3503 Richmond Avenue Shoreview Minnesota 00000 USA

John Thomas Etzell

c/o 3503 Richmond Avenue Shoreview Minnesota 00000 USA :John- Thomas: Etzell.,Statutory Agent c/o 3503 Richmond Avenue Shoreview Minnesota 00000 USA I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA

Dated: April 5, 2024

Signed: Kathryn Klaers, Agent

two times in the White Bear Press on May 1 and 8, 2024. OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Octolon

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:

1000 County Road E Suite 250, Shoreview MN 55126

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

Octolan Technology, Inc.

1000 County Road E Suite 250, Shoreview MN 55126 I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: April 22, 2024

Signed: /JWard/

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 1 and 8, 2024.

BROWN’S CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., the Brown’s Creek Watershed District Board of Managers will hold a public hearing to receive comments on a proposed cost-share project with the city of Stillwater to reduce flood risk in Long Lake Villas by lowering the 62nd Street Trail by two feet.

The project will be constructed by the city of Stillwater and funded through a district-wide ad valorem levy as authorized by Minnesota Statutes chapter 103B in the amount of $10,000, and city of Stillwater in the amount of $10,000. The estimated total cost for the project is $20,000. The project is planned for 2024.

The public hearing will be held at Family Means, 1875 Northwestern Ave, Stillwater, Minnesota.

Chuck LeRoux, Secretary, Browns Creek Watershed District

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 1 and 8, 2024.

a hallway connecting the addition to the school facility, plus additional patio space, and (b) improvements to the existing facility, including new siding, utility upgrades, and parking improvements, all located at 1201 East County Rd. E, in the City of Gem Lake, Minnesota (collectively, the “Project”), and (ii) pay all or a portion of certain costs associated with the issuance of the Notes. The Project is and will be owned, operated, and managed by the Borrower The aggregate estimated principal amount of the Notes to finance the Project and related costs will be an amount not to exceed $3,500,000.

The Notes, as and when issued, will not constitute a charge, lien, or encumbrance upon any property of the City, except the Project and the revenues to be derived from the Project. Such Notes will not be a charge against the general credit or taxing powers of the City but will be payable from sums to be paid by the Borrower pursuant to a revenue agreement.

A draft copy of the proposed application to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for approval of the Project, together with all attachments and exhibits thereto, is available for public inspection, during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, in the office of the Acting City Clerk in the City Hall/Heritage Hall.

At the time and place fixed for the public hearing, the City Council of the City will give all persons who appear at the hearing an opportunity to express their views with respect to the proposal. Written comments will be considered if submitted to the office of the Acting City Clerk on or before the date of the hearing.

Dated: May 1, 2024 BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF GEM LAKE, MINNESOTA

By Melissa Lawrence, Its Acting City Clerk

Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 1, 2024.

CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING SWPPP

The City of White Bear Lake will hold a public hearing to review the City’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) and receive public comments regarding the program and its appropriateness at the regular City Council meeting on May 14, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. The public hearing will be held in the City Hall Council Chamber at 4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, and will consist of an overview of the City’s SWPPP and the activities completed in 2023. The hearing will include opportunity for public comment on the appropriateness of the program. Written and oral comments received before or during the hearing will be considered as the City prepares its annual report to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on its SWPPP.

A copy of the City of White Bear Lake’s SWPPP may be reviewed at City Hall, or on the City’s website at www.whitebearlake.org

The City of White Bear Lake’s SWPPP was prepared to address the requirements of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit that may be reviewed at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/municipal-stormwater-ms4

Paul Kauppi, Public Works Director/City Engineer

Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 1, 2024.

CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The White Bear Lake City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, MN, to consider a petition to vacate the following public easements which presently encumber the real property located at 5005 Bald Eagle Avenue and which are on file with the Office of the Ramsey County Recorder: all of the drainage and utility easements, as created and dedicated in WHITE BEAR MEADOWS 2ND ADDITION, according to the recorded plat thereof, Ramsey County, Minnesota, lying over, under, and across Lot 7, Block 2, said WHITE BEAR MEADOWS 2ND ADDITION. The petition, along with details and depictions of the specific easements proposed to be vacated, are available for inspection at City Hall during regular business hours or by contacting Community Development Director, Jason Lindahl, at (651) 429-8562 or jlindahl@whitebearlake.org. Any person wishing to express an opinion on the vacation petition to be considered at the public hearing will be heard, and thereafter the White Bear Lake City Council might formally act on said vacation.

Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 1, 2024.

CITY OF WILLERNIE

NOTICE OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION

There will be a public hearing to review the request of Robert LaCasse, Jr., owner of 109 Warner Ave. South pertaining to the approval of the retaining wall in place since purchase of property.

The conditional use permit hearing will be held on May 15, 2024, at Willernie City Hall, 111 Wildwood Road, Willernie, MN, 7:10 p.m. You may attend in person or via Zoom. Zoom information is on the Willernie website Willernie.org.

Property description is Block 1, the south ½ of lot 4 and all of lot Subdivision Wildwood Manor.

Victoria R. Keating, Clerk-Treasurer

Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 1, 2024.

US STORAGE CENTERS – WHITE BEAR

NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE SALE

Please take notice US Storage Centers – White Bear located at 1828 Buerkle Road White Bear, MN 55110 intends to hold an auction of storage units in default of payment. The sale will occur as an online auction via www. storagetreasures.com on 5/15/2024 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Joshua Kropp. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 24 and May 1, 2024.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town of White Bear will receive sealed Bids for the construction of the Parkview Court Street Improvements project, consisting of

CITY OF GEM LAKE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A PROPOSAL FOR THE ISSUANCE OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES REVENUE NOTES FOR THE WHITE BEAR MONTESSORI SCHOOL PROJECT Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Gem Lake, Minnesota (the “City”), will meet in the City Hall/Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road, in the City, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, to consider the proposal of White Bear Montessori School, Inc., a Minnesota nonprofit corporation and having federal income tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status (the “Borrower”), that the City assist in financing a project hereinafter described pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.152 through 469.165, as amended, by the issuance of revenue notes or other obligations,

school facility, construction of

Drawings

not be

of White Bear, for a Permit before conducting any subsurface investigation and such bidder shall be responsible to check with the utility companies concerning the location of any buried utility services.

Bids will be received by the Town of White Bear until 11:00am, Wednesday May 15, 2024. For this solicitation, bids will ONLY be received and accepted via the online electronic bid service through QuestCDN.com for an additional bidding fee of $30. Download the bid documents and click the online bidding button at the top of the advertisement to access the electronic bid qualifications and bid worksheet. Bids will be electronically opened and publicly read aloud by representatives of the Town of White Bear.

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

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

The Town Board will consider award of contracts at a regular meeting to be held on Monday May 20, 2024 beginning at 7:00pm.

Patrick Christopherson, Town Clerk

Dated: April 15, 2024 Published to Questcdn.com on April 24, 2024 Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 24 and May 1, 2024.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town of White Bear will receive sealed Bids for the construction of the Mallard Ponds Area Street Improvements project, consisting of the following: 12000 TONS Bituminous Paving

51000 SQ YD Full Depth Reclamation

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

Complete digital Proposal Forms, Plans, and Specifications for use by Contractors submitting a bid are available at www.questcdn.com. You may download the digital plan documents for a non-refundable fee of $25 by inputting Quest Project No. 9082324 on the website’s Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information.

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

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

Bids will be received by the Town of White Bear until 10:00am, Wednesday May 15, 2024. For this solicitation, bids will ONLY be received and accepted via the online electronic bid service through QuestCDN.com for an additional bidding fee of $30. Download the bid documents and click the online bidding button at the top of the advertisement to access the electronic bid qualifications and bid worksheet. Bids will be electronically opened and publicly read aloud by representatives of the Town of White Bear.

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

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

The Town Board will consider award of contracts at a regular meeting to be held on Monday May 20, 2024 beginning at 7:00pm.

Patrick Christopherson, Town Clerk

Dated: April 15, 2024

Published to Questcdn.com on April 24, 2024

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 24 and May 1, 2024.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: CIVIL, OTHER COURT FILE NO.: 62-CV-23-4504

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE UNDER JUDGMENT AND DECREE (REAL PROPERTY)

Click n’ Close, Inc., Plaintiff, vs. Marissa Goodsky, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Defendants.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that under and by virtue of a Second Amended Judgment and Decree entered in the above-entitled action on March 5, 2024, a certified copy of which has been delivered to me directing the sale of the premises hereinafter described to satisfy the amount found and adjudged due said Plaintiff in the above-entitled action, as prescribed by the Judgement, the undersigned Sheriff of Ramsey County will sell at public auction, to the highest bidder, for cash, as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE:

Pedestrian, vehicle traffic improvements slated for 8th Street area

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Roadwork to improve vehicle and foot traffic around White Bear Lake Area High School will begin June 10, with an estimated finish date of Aug. 17.

Among the many improvements, a new stoplight will be installed at Highway 61 and Eighth Street.

“This is a collaboration between the school district, the city of White Bear Lake, MnDOT, the Minnesota Commercial Railway and BNSF Railway,” explained Tim Wald, assistant superintendent for finance and operations of White Bear Lake Area Schools.

“We all have our different ways of doing our work, but traffic flow and pedestrian safety were our common goal.”

The work stems from a request from City Hall. “When we passed the referendum for the new high school,” Wald recalls, “one thing the city asked for was a traffic study. It informed what improvements we should make, and we went

CITY COUNCIL NOTES

with its recommendations.”

According to White Bear Lake Area High School Principal Russell Reetz, “The traffic study considered parent-student drop off, Division (Avenue) versus Bald Eagle (Avenue), school start time — helping the commute, in essence. It’s well thought out and flows nicely.”

In addition to the new signal at Eighth Street, the queue for northbound vehicles turning left onto Eighth Street will be extended. Designated crosswalks will be constructed across Highway 61 at Eighth Street on both the north and south sides of the intersection, and sidewalks in the area will be improved, including the railroad crossing skirt.

At the intersection of Highway 61 and Seventh Street, an island refuge will be added to the crosswalk on the north side of the intersection. Eighth Street will be widened to better accommodate traffic. Parking will be limited to the south side of the street. A fourway stop will be added at Eighth Street and Division Avenue, and a sidewalk will

• The council approved a special event application for 4 Deuces Saloon for certain downtown events. This application will allow the saloon to extend its patio into city-owned parking lots during those events. The patio extension will also enable the saloon to extend its liquor-licensed premises and allow amplified music. The dates requested by the saloon include May 18 for Dog Days Downtown

be constructed on the south side of Eighth Street from Highway 61 to Bloom Avenue. Dedicated turn lanes will be added on Division Avenue for use by northbound and southbound traffic that is waiting to enter school parking lots to reduce traffic delays. A new crosswalk with a center refuge island will be built for safer student passage between the high school and the White Bear Center for the Arts.

Though the new Highway 61 stoplight will be the largest piece of the project, Wald is especially excited about the additional crosswalks and sidewalks. “It’ll connect both sides of (Highway) 61 in the Arts District,” Wald pointed out. “It will improve pedestrian access and community access, especially for students who live downtown or have jobs there.” Wald specifically brought attention to the island refuge planned for Seventh Street. “If a pedestrian is too brave, gets to the middle and realizes, ‘I shouldn’t have crossed,’ they’re fine to wait there until the next half clears.”

and June 13, 20, and 27, as well as July 11, 18, and 25 for Marketfest.

The Dog Days Downtown extension would be between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For Marketfest, the extension would be between 2 to 10 p.m.

The council approved a request by El Pariente Mexican Grill to host a Cinco de Mayo celebration on Sunday, May 5, from noon to 7 p.m.

The celebration will also involve a single-event liquor extension in

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

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-24-306

NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR DESCENT OF PROPERTY

In re the Estate of:

Hortense Louise Sandifer, Decedent.

A Petition for Determination of Descent has been filed with this Court. The Petition represents that the Decedent died more than three years ago, leaving property in Minnesota and requests the probate of Decedent’s last Will, if any, and the descent of such property be determined and assigned by this Court to the persons entitled to the property.

Any objections to the Petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper, and no objections are filed or raised, the Petition may be granted. 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 IS GIVEN that the Petition will be heard using remote technology on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. by this Court using remote technology via zoom. Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that this Notice shall be published in a legal newspaper in Ramsey County once per week for two consecutive weeks in a row 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.

BY THE COURT:

Michael Upton, Court Administrator

BY: Benjamin Linker, Deputy Court Administrator

Date: April 12, 2024

Petitioner is a Self-Represented Litigant:

Lamont Sandifer

2330 Lexington Ave. S. Mendota Heights, MN 55120

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 1 and 8, 2024.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-24-322

ESTATE OF JACQUELINE POSTON, DECEDENT. Notice is given that on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 1:30 p.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 Patrick Poston, whose address is 2112 Roth Place, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration. Hearing will be held remotely via Zoom. Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling

Another highlight of the project is a dedicated sidewalk from the high school to the White Bear Center for the Arts (WBCA). Many art teachers already encourage their students to use WBCA’s resources, but this access improvement will encourage excursions between the buildings. “I imagine classrooms of students going there,” Wald said.

their parking lot. The restaurant will host the event in its parking lot and provide music, food trucks and electricity. There will also be family-friendly entertainment, including a petting zoo, bouncy house, mechanical bull and dunk tank.

• Mayor Dan Louismet read a proclamation recognizing law enforcement officers, as well as in observation of Police Week.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-24-332 NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of: Eleanor Brandanger, Decedent.

NOTICE is given that on Wednesday. May 29. 2024 at 2:30 p.m. a hearing using remote technology will be held by this Court for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s

The aesthetics of the Eighth Street area were vital when drawing up the plans. “Curb appeal doesn’t stop when you enter or exit the (school) building,” said Reetz. “This school is a community asset, so all of it matters … You should feel positive about it, whether you’re driving by or at a stoplight.”

re the Estate of:

Louismet stated that the city recognizes law enforcement officers for their service to White Bear Lake. Lousimet also highlighted the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which honors officers through annual events. These events include a candlelight vigil and designation of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Hazel Nelson, a/k/a Loris H. Nelson, Loris Nelson, and Lori Nelson, Decedent.

is given that on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. a hearing using remote technology will be held by this Court for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s last will dated February 2, 2011 (“Will”), and a separate writing dated May 1, 2009 and revised March 27, 2023, and for the appointment of Mary Kay Peters, whose address is 9497 79th Street South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016, 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 or Will 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 estate 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

CARTER JOHNSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Highway 61 at Eighth Street will get a stoplight.

Solid Ground set to undergo expansion at White Bear Lake location

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

With new expansions come new changes. With new changes come new areas to explore.

At Solid Ground in White Bear Lake, Executive Director Diamond Hunter is excited to see these new areas come to life.

“We’re committed to creating an inclusive and inviting space for participants and staff,” said Hunter. “We want to open our doors to all and have families thrive in a safe, stable and affordable environment.”

Solid Ground is a nonprofit organization that helps families that are experiencing homelessness. It provides affordable housing, rent and utility assistance, and children’s educational programs.

The idea of expanding Solid Ground’s main building, East Metro Place, began almost three years ago. “This was something that grew out of the need and desire of the community,” said Director of Advancement Andree Aronson. “We wanted to better serve our families who live at East Metro Place and give the staff an internal capacity for connecting with them.”

During this time, as COVID-19 restrictions were loosening, staff identified several problem areas at the facility. There was a need to hire more staff for security purposes.

“This gives us the ability to control who’s in the building,” said Hunter.

“We’re also going to get new cameras throughout the building.”

However, the East Metro Place expansion will include more than security upgrades. The building addition will consist of rooms and programs for kids and adults, including a tutoring space and a Kid’s Club. The Kid’s Club will be a space for

kids to rest and be cared for while their parents go to work.

Additionally, the tutoring space will cater to adults and children. Here, parents will get the opportunity to take courses on parental education. Kids will also take classes to enhance their academic skills one-on-one with caring adult tutors, supporting school and life skills. Children services specialists will also be on-site to provide parents with special assessments for their kids. These include individualized educational programs for children who need additional help or have behavioral disabilities.

“We want to ensure children have access to essential components that will help them academically, socially and emotionally,” said Aronson.

Other rooms will feature upgrades, including the donation room and kitchen. The former area will be increased to give volunteers more space to sort through donated

items to provide residents. The kitchen will be equipped to facilitate hands-on cooking classes with residents and volunteers.

Tashemia Pratt, program director for East Metro Place, hopes the new expansions will help convey the organization’s mission to help those in need.

“This is a place where families can get the support and services they need,” said Pratt. “I

stand by our mission to end homelessness and provide a safe, affordable place for those who are struggling.”

East Metro Place will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 2 p.m. May 8 to begin construction.”

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jack

Jack Erickson’s hitting ledger for Mahtomedi so far is 5-for-19 but that includes a Grand Slam, triple and double that have knocked in eight runs for the Zephyrs (5-1). The senior pitcher/third baseman has also taken the mound for one start and two relief appearances, allowing one run in seven innings with 11 strikeouts and one win. “Your

Jack Erickson

ERIK SUCHY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The Kid’s Club at Solid Ground will be a place for children to unwind while their parents take on-site educational classes.

Solid Ground’s main building, called East Metro Place, will undergo large renovations. Work is set to start in early May.

DRONE: New resource helps officers keep public safe

program off the ground. Last year, Swanson applied for a Minnesota Department of Public Safety grant to purchase the drones. After the purchase, the department began training officers to use them. The drones themselves were launched between fall 2023 and early 2024.

Sgt. Isaac Tuma has been in charge of leading the program. Tuma said that the drone’s usage would apply to various situations. One example would be if a person wandered from their residence and could not find their way home. Another would be if a suicidal individual who left to hurt themselves couldn’t be found. This would require a drone to find the missing person in both cases.

“We would use them while on patrol in situations like

that,” said Tuma. “Typically, we would have dogs and helicopters out to find (those individuals). But now drones would be another aspect to use, as well.”

“They also work well in assessing and determining the safety of a particular scene,” added Hager. “It helps to send a drone into a dangerous scenario instead of risking an officer’s safety. It helps ensure they know what to look for before getting involved.”

Tuma said the department will rarely use drones for arresting suspects. The latter would only apply if an individual were a threat to a community, where bodily harm or a risk of life were on the line. Tuma said this is due to concerns over violating individuals’ Fourth Amendment rights.

“Our rules are limited regarding when we can use drones for apprehension,” said Tuma. “Because of those limitations, we rarely use it to make arrests. Crimes also just don’t happen very often around White Bear Lake.”

Hager also cited regulations and guidelines for the drones’ limited use. “We always look to follow national, federal and state guidelines about the legality of drone usage,” said Hager. “I want everyone to know that we’re following industry and other police department standards regarding that.”

Tuma said the department has no plans to expand its drone program. Instead, he wants to educate the public on drones for the time being. “The biggest thing I want to push is education,” said Tuma.

CONTRIBUTED

“Drones are a great asset for law enforcement and keeping people safe. “We want to show that we’re being transparent on how we use them and respecting everyone’s privacy.”

The department will have a

Interest rates are consistently changing, so to ensure we’re always offering our best CD rates, each morning we will publish our “Best Rate of the Day.”

booth dedicated to the drone program at Marketfest this summer. Attendees will learn about drone usage from local police officers and the role drones can play in helping officers on the job.

A screenshot of one of the drone’s trajectories. The WBL Police Department uses a program called DroneSense to record and map out a drone’s flight path

CITIZEN’S AWARD: Resident jumps to aid of 2 women in attempted carjacking

your keys!’ and grabbed me,” said Halverson. “She wouldn’t let go until Michael intervened.”

Henderson had recently undergone rotator cuff surgery and had his arm in a sling.

Nevertheless, he pushed his discomfort aside as the situation unfolded. “I felt pure adrenaline,” said Henderson. “Whatever pain I had didn’t bother me anymore.”

Henderson separated Halverson from the woman before they went inside Planet Fitness to call the police. The two saw the woman pursuing another girl, Laine Graening, a White Bear Lake Area High School senior.

“Once I got to my car, she

grabbed me,” said Graening. “She said she wanted my car and keys and tried taking my phone out of my bag.”

Henderson came to Graening’s aid, holding the woman down while she bit and kicked him. As with Halverson, Henderson safely got Graening inside Planet Fitness. From there, the three saw the woman approaching shoppers at the Cub Foods nearby.

“I followed her to make sure she wouldn’t start more trouble,” said Henderson. Sgt. John Vette arrived to stop the woman, yet was met with resistance. Henderson rushed in and helped Vette restrain the woman until more officers arrived to arrest her.

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

Officers responded to a disorderly conduct incident in the 3500 block of Hoffman Road April 17.

• Two vehicles involved in a crash April 17 at Highway 96 and White Bear Parkway were considered a total loss, and two occupants were transported to the hospital by ambulance.

• A resident in the 4900 block of Otter Lake Road reported finding BB sized holes in three windows of her home April 17.

• Officers responded to a dispute between family members in the 4000 block of Gisella Blvd. April 17.

• Theft was reported in the 1400 block of Park Street April 17.

• Officers responded to a report of damaged property at a business in the 2100 block of Fourth Street April 18.

• Officers took a report of a dispute between family members in the 2300 block of Oak Lane April 18.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 4700 block of Highway 61 April 18. An unidentified male followed two juveniles in

the 2100 block of Second Street at 5:38 p.m. April 18 and made offensive gestures toward them prior to officers arrival.

• Theft was reported in the 1800 block of Birch Street April 19.

• A man was provided with emergency care after multiple people called police April 19 to report he was running around the parking lot of White Bear Woods Apartments.

• Harassment was reported in the 4800 block of Bald Eagle Avenue and the 2000 block of Fifth Street April 19.

• A fake $100 bill reported at a business in the 4400 block of Highway 61April 20 turned out to be real.

• Disturbances were reported April 20 in the 1800 block of Clarence Street and the 3300 block of Willow Avenue.

• A noise complaint reported in the 1600 block of Highway 96 April 21 turned out to be at a church that was finishing up a funeral.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 2500 block of County Road F April 21.

• A dipute over property was reported in the 1800 block of Kathy Lane April 21.

Graening and Halverson attended the ceremony to support Henderson, who accepted the award to thunderous applause. “We’re very grateful for Mr. Henderson and his actions that day,” said Vette. “He did not hesitate to help me restrain the suspect before more officers could come. Thank you, and congratulations!”

“You never know if these things will happen to you or not, especially as a teenage girl,” added Graening. “Without Michael’s help, I probably wouldn’t have the things I was fighting to protect that morning.”

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, email at whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

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

• A suspicious individual with a flashlight spotted by deputies on patrol outside a home on Wildwood Avenue at 1:43 a.m. April 6 turned out to be the son of the property owner.

Dellwood

• Deputies cited a motorist April 3 in the 8000 block of Dellwood Avenue for driving after revocation and speeding, following a traffic stop for speeding.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited for speeding 45 mph in a posted 35 mph zone late April 6 near Dellwood Avenue and Peninsula Road by deputies conducting stationary speed patrol.

Grant

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop March 31 on 75th Street N. and Lake Elmo Avenue N. to issue a short form notice for a Harassment Restraining Order that had not been served.

• An Amazon delivery driver reported being bitten by a dog in the 8000 block of Dellwood Avenue while she was delivering a package during the afternoon of March 31.

Mahtomedi

• A motorist was cited at 1:40 a.m. March 24 on I-694 and Century Avenue for driving after suspension, after being pulled over for driving excessively slowly with high beams blinding the oncoming traffic. A valid driver assumed the driver’s seat and drove the vehicle away from the scene.

• A motorist along Mahtomedi Avenue at Birch Street was cited for cell phone use at 7:57 a.m. March 29.

• A suspicious vehicle parked at 12:14 a.m. March 30 in a church parking lot on Maple Street turned out to be a random driver just pulled over listening to music. The driver was identified and sent on.

Pine Springs

• A Minnesota motorist was arrested for reckless driving at 9:39 p.m. March 31 on eastbound Highway 36 at the Hilton Trail N. overpass, after deputies clocked the vehicle on radar at 105 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. After being booked at the law enforcement center, the motorist was released with a citation.

Willernie

• Stillwater Road residents on March 27 reported themselves for being involved in a verbal argument with another person over how that person had parked. Deputies arrived on scene and spoke to both parties.

Henderson (center) with Laine Graening (far left), the first attempted victim, with Vette (center right), and Victoria Halverson (far right), the second attempted victim.

ACADEMY ART

SHOW

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 2

Where: Liberty’s White Bear Lake Campus, 3878 Highland Ave.

Details: Artwork created by students in K-12 on display; food truck and live music. Public welcome.

Contact: libertyclassicalacademy.org/ art-show

‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’ A NEW MUSICAL

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2, Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4

Where: Mahtomedi High School Fine Arts Center

Details: Mahtomedi High School students perform spring musical. Tickets information online.

Contact: zephyrfinearts.org

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

When: 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3

Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center

Details: Free music, yard games, outdoor activities, and food for purchase from food trucks.

Contact: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com

ST. CROIX BALLET’S ‘SLEEPING BEAUTY’

When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 3; 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4; 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5

Where: Stillwater Area High School Auditorium

Details: More than 70 dancers from St.Croix Ballet perform Tchaikovsky’s classic. Ticket information online. Contact: stcroixballet.com

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Get rid of junk at cleanup events

Residents can lighten the load at home by bringing unwanted items to one of several upcoming community cleanup events.

White Bear Lake residents can drop off items between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the former public works site located at 4200 Hoffman Road. Proof of residency is required. Yard waste and household hazardous waste is not accepted at this event. A list of acceptable items and disposal fees can be found at whitebearlake. org/cleanup.

The city of White Bear Lake is also partnering with Retold Recycling at the cleanup event to offer residents the opportunity to recycle unwanted clothing, bed linens, blankets, towels, shoes and other textiles. Textile recycling is free. Learn more at retoldrecycling.com.

White Bear Township

WHITE BEAR LAKE CLEANUP DAY

When: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Where: 4200 Hoffman Road (former public works site), White Bear Lake

Details: Get rid of unwanted items for a small fee. Household haxardous waste is not accepted. Proof of residentcy required. See list of accepted items and fees online.

Contact: whitebearlake.org

PUZZLING HISTORY – JIGSAW PUZZLE

COMPETITION

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St.

Details: Family-friendly puzzle competition for teams of 4 featuring a 500 piece puzzle. Prizes awarded and teams keep the puzzle. Bring gently-

and Gem Lake residents have two opportunities to unload unwanted items: a household hazardous waste collection event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 11, and the Township Cleanup Day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18. Both Saturday events are held at Otter Lake

Elementary School, 1401 County Road H2. Events are free, but proof of residency is required. For information about items accepted for each date, go to ci.white-beartownship.mn.us/331/ Spring-Clean-Up-Day. Household hazardous waste may be dropped

STAR WARS ‘MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU’ CONCERT

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Where: Century College, West Campus Theatre, 3300 Century Ave. N., White Bear Lake

Details: 50-member ensemble comprises Century College students, community members, and alumni performind music from the Star Wars movies. Free. Contact: century.edu/campus-life/fine-performing-arts

used puzzles for puzzle swap. Register online.

Contact: whiebearhistory.org

STRATEGIES TO PROTECT THE HOUSE, FARM, CABIN & MORE, BEFORE & AFTER YOUR DEATH

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, May 6

Where: Online Details: Learn real life solutions and explore four paths to resolution without driving the family apart or sacrificing the family legacy asset.

Contact: 651-653-3121

COFFEE WITH DR. K

When: 7:30-8:30 a.m. May 7

Where: Caribou Coffee, 4733 Highway 61, White Bear Lake

Details: Community members can

off any time at one of the Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sites (ramseyrecycles.com/ hhw) or the Washington County Environmental Center in Woodbury (co.washington.mn.us/ envirocenter).

stop by for an informal chat with Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak. Contact: isd624.org

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 9

Where: Podvin park, 1700 9th St., White Bear Lake

Details: Kids can see and tour police vehicles, fire trucks, city street equipment, and other big rigs. Free. Contact: whitebearlake.org

DAY OF SERVICE

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, May 11

Where: Union Cemetery, Highway 96 and 1st Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: VFW Post 1782 and The American Legion 168 lead an event remember and honor veterans by cleaning up headstones at local cemeteries. Begin at Union Cemetery, then St. Mary of the Lake and St. John in the Wilderness cemeteries. See information online or call to volunteer.

Contact: 651-429-5770 or Facebook: whitebearlakevfwpost1782 or whitebearlakeamericanlegion

GUIDED FILLEBORWN HOUSE TOUR

When: 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 11

Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Visit the 1879 lakeside cottage and learn abou life during the resort era. See website for ticket information. Contact: whitebearhistory.org

Watering restrictions begin

As of this week, residents and businesses in White Bear Lake can only water their lawns in the early morning or evening hours. In an effort to conserve groundwater resources, the city prohibits all property owners from watering lawns between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day through Sept. 30.

Mayor combats homelessness,

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

mayor, he seeks to work with different property owners to bring it to life.

In March, Krachmer was appointed to the board of Heading Home Ramsey. The organization provides housing for homeless individuals and families throughout Ramsey County.

White Bear Lake

for affordable housing

To Krachmer, this was a significant step in bringing more attention to affordable housing.

“Many Ramsey County suburbs are more under-resourced than some of the neighboring cities,” said Krachmer. “The mission at Heading Home is to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring. That’s the bottom line. If people lose their homes, we want it to be for a very short time and never happen again.”

Krachmer and the Vadnais City Council will also work on affordable housing options around the city. However, all development plans have yet to evolve past discussion. “This council has been proactive about building workforce housing,” said Krachmer. “We are talking about some projects here and there. However, nothing’s been signed, sealed and delivered yet.”

Of particular note was that Vadnais Heights has not had an affordable housing proposal in 14 years. This is likely because the local housing market has been more successful in selling single-family homes. As a result, these homes have been a central focus of development around Vadnais Heights.

Despite this, Krachmer said he and the council would push to focus on those forgotten by the housing crisis.

“We’re paying a lot of attention to those suffering the most from this,” said Krachmer. “The council is working to adjust our policy to support inclusive, affordable and workforce housing. All those things are in process, and will take effect over the next nine months.”

The council also plans to hold open houses for local property owners who are hesitant about new housing units being built on their land. Krachmer said he understands owners’ concerns and hopes the open houses will help both sides find common ground.

“The best we can do is have an open mind,” said Krachmer. “That, and we

should make our arguments well in advance and discuss why the city supports doing this. We must include the public in those conversations so that when they happen, they’re not as surprised.”

Krachmer has also voiced his support for recently passed legislation at the state Capitol. This allows landowners throughout Minnesota to build affordable housing complexes on their property.

Krachmer has also been a long-time volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, having worked with the organization for 25 years. He said he plans to work with Habitat to redevelop the abandoned Hillcrest Golf Course in St. Paul into townhomes. Krachmer and Habitat are working to secure funding for the course’s potential renovation.

Krachmer also emphasized the need for affordable housing on a larger scale. “In the Twin Cities, we’re 30,000 housing units short of meeting the current demand, while the population is growing,” said Krachmer. “You almost can’t build houses fast enough. That’s why we will do our best because of how big of a deal it is.”

Krachmer hopes that his discussions with those around him will spark greater change throughout the city. “I hope to have plenty of conversations around the community. The idea is to help people better understand how we can solve these issues together.”

Vadnais Heights Mayor Mike Krachmer believes in the power of affordable housing for those experiencing homelessness. As

Visual and literary creative expressions

Above: Nyanpal Kuornyuot and her painting titled “Rough Start,” which the panel of judges picked as Best of Show in the High School Visual Arts (and Write Now!) exhibition.

At right: A standing room only crowd filled the atrium at the White Bear Center for the Arts during the opening night awards ceremony. The exhibit is on display through May 22.

Above: More than 500 examples of student art and writing, including a ceramic sculpture by Kendra M. Rick titled “Octopus of the Swamp,” fill the Ford Family Gallery & Exhibition Hall.

At left: Adding a bit of performance art to the opening night event, Marco Rodriguez dressed in a costume that complemented his “Be Monkey” painting.

SPORTS

AND OUTDOORS

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

SOFTBALL

White Bear Lake enjoyed a 4-0 week, toppling perennial powers Forest Lake 8-4 and Stillwater 5-0 along with Woodbury 3-1 and Mounds View 11-1. The Bears and Cretin-Derham Hall share the Suburban East lead, each 8-1. Lily Martin had a one-hit shutout against Stillwater, allowed just 12 hits in 26 innings and struck out 42. Against Woodbury, Maddy Belisle led off the game with a double, stole third and scored on a grounder. Maddie Pearson and Heidi Barber each doubled home a run. Against Forest Lake (7-2), Barber had three RBI’s with a single and double. Scoring twice each after hits and walks were Belisle and Lauren Elias. Against Mounds View, Anessa Pena, Pearson, Barber and Belisle had two hits each, Brynn Johnson a two-run double, and Pena and Pearson two RBI’s each. Against Stillwater (7-4), Barber hit a solo homer, Amanda Meyers an RBI double, Belisle a two-run single, and Emma Larson two singles. The Bears had no errors against Forest Lake and Stillwater. Catcher Aubrey Parker threw out two Stillwater base-stealers.

BASEBALL

White Bear Lake won six of seven games over a ten-day stretch. The Bears (7-3) beat Duluth East 10-3 as Blake Ecklerle went 3-for-4, Jackson Berg knocked in three runs, and Jackson Kolb and Tyler Almshouse pitched. They beat Forest Lake 6-2  in the 11th inning as Kevin Zollinger singled home two runs, and two more scored on base-loaded walks. Isaiah Weber’s two-run double in the sixth tied the score 2-2. The Bears nipped Park 6-5. Owen Mortimer took a 6-0 lead into the sixth when Park tallied five unearned runs after two outs. Kellen Beck got the last seven outs for the save. Owen Farrington had a two-run single. The Bears nipped Stillwater 3-2 with Roman Lachmeyer throwing six strong innings with Allshouse finishing. Eckerle, Jace Lombardi and Newlander delivered RBI hits. Cretin-Derham Hall thumped the Bears 9-0. The Bears rebounded with road wins over Irondale 1-0 and Rochester Mayo 5-4.

TENNIS

White Bear Lake (2-5) lost conference matches to Forest  Lake 5-2 and Stillwater 4-3. Winning against Forest Lake were Andrew Kolenich 4-6, 6-1, 10-3 at 2-singles and Colton Knutson 6-4, 6-4 at 3-singles. Winning against Stillwater were Kolenich 6-4, 6-3, Knutson 6-3, 6-4 and Brooks Peltier 6-3, 6-2, at 2-3-4

singles, respectively. At 1-singles, Will Fleming lost to Forest Lake’s Frank Kerklow 6-3, 6-1 and Stillwater’s Carter Magistad 6-0, 6-3.

BOYS LACROSSE

White Bear Lake (3-2) beat Mounds View 13-8 and lost to Forest Lake 20-5. Finn Karni tallied four goals against Mounds View, Ben Lockwood three, Preston West two, and Connor Podewils, Charlie Woodcock, Griffin Ziccardi and Gavin Hunt one each. Wyatt Raleigh made three assists and Reid Vickstrom 11 saves.

GIRLS LACROSSE

White Bear Lake rolled to conference victories over Mounds View 11-6 and Forest Lake 14-3, improving to 3-2. In the two games, Jaeda Jensen logged six goals, Zoe Timmons and Beverly Peterson four each, and Olivia Simpkins, Georgia Kodytek, Grace Castro and Kylee Lehman two each. Julie Hendrickson, Ava Maas and Kayla Swenson added a goal each. The Bears permitted just 14 shots in the two games with Mesa McElmury making six saves.

BOYS GOLF

White Bear Lake earned third- and second-place finishes in nine-team conference meets this past week while also competing in two invitationals. The Bears placed third with 304 in a Suburban East meet at Stillwater. Easton Fiddle shot 73, Wyatt Peterson 76, Jack Stanius 77 and Anders Samec 78. The Bears placed second in a makeup SEC meet at Stone Ridge in Stillwater, simultaneously placing fifth of 19 teams in the East Ridge Invitational, with 304. Fiddle shot 73, Stanius 74, Peterson 76 and Samec 81. The Bears placed 12th of 20 teams with 625 in the The Preview, a 36hole invitational at Edinburg in Brooklyn Park, Friday and Saturday. Fiddle again led the Bears with 154, followed by Stanius with 162, Thomas Pederson 163 and Peterson 166.

GIRLS TRACK

White Bear Lake, dominating the running events, won a six-team coed invitational at home with 197 points, followed by Elk River 162, Mahtomedi 108, Sauk Rapids-Rice 100, Irondale 65 and North St. Paul 46. Bears placing first were Lys-Aurele d’Almeida, 100, 12.81; Brooke Johnson, 400, 1:02.67; Brynn Heinsohn, 800, 2:35.45; Rosalie Sommers, 1600, 5:49; and Clara Kolstad, 3200, 12:21. First-place relays were the 4x100 (Sophia Haley, Caria-maelle D’almeida, Autumn

Addy Alvar, a 4th grader at Matoska International, is the winner of the 2024 Manitou Days Button Contest. Her design incorporated the “Bears Unite” theme and will be featured during the annual community festival.

She was presented with a $100 check, a pizza party for her class, and she will participate in the Manitou Days parade this summer.

Maki,  Lys-Aurele d’Almeida, 51.61), and the 4x800 (Sommers, Grace Laszio, Brynn Heinsohn, Amelia Nachtscheim, 10:26). Placing second were Gabrielle Rohrer (400), Logan Bailey (1600), Grace Bailey (triple jump) and Karen Enow (discus).

BOYS TRACK

White Bear Lake won a six-team coed meet at home with 458 points, followed by Elk River 298.5, Sauk Rapids 199, Mahtomedi 177, Irondale 125 and North St. Paul 89.5. Caleb Anderson won the 100 dash (11.19) and the 200 (22.49). Matt Hunter won discus (136-3) and took second in shot put (44-8). Other individual firsts were by Keith Johnson, 400, 52.71; Isaac Kolstad, 1600, 4:36; Luke Williams, 3200, 9:36; Rithy Sain, long jump, 19-6; and Parker Klein, high jump, 6-1. Three Bear relays placed first: 4x200 (Nate Asiedu-Mansah, Tyrese Behnken, Sain, Johnson, 1:32.88); 4x400 (Ryley Murphy, Kolstad, Amir Brown, Johnson,

3:35.79); and 4x800 (Murphy, Rodrigo Rubio, Isaac Lindholm, Tanner Hoel, 8:59). The Bears placed 2-3-4 in pole vault with Ian Cran (11-6), Tommy Coa (11-6) and James Wallek (11-0). Also placing second were Hoel (800), Vaughn Larson (3200), and Tomi Animasaun (long jump).

GIRLS GOLF

White Bear Lake placed third in two meets this week — a nine-team Suburban East meet on Monday at Highland National in St. Paul and their own 12team White Bear Lake Invitational on Wednesday at Keller in Maplewood. The Bears shot 173 in the conference meet. Elaine Eddicus led with 41, followed by Ivory Drusch 43, Melinda Spence 44 and Maddy Vang 45. In the invitational, the Bears shot 345, trailing Mounds View and Mahtomedi. Drusch led with 84, followed by Cami Bachmeier with 85, Eddicus 87 and Vang 88. Medalist was Reese McCauley of Simley with 72.

Brickhouse is now serving breakfast every day, with new menu items

- Friday, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

10

BH Sandwich

House made biscuit, scrambled eggs, bacon & American cheese. Served with a fresh fruit bowl.

Denver Style Omelette

Ham, bell peppers, onions & cheddar cheese. (Look out for other styles of omelette, or make your own!

Denver Sandwich

Japanese milk bread with two egg scrambled with ham, onion, bell peppers & cheddar cheese. Served with a fresh fruit bowl.

Everyday Breakfast

Two eggs your style, hashbrowns & toast. Add bacon, sausage or ham.

Chorizo-N-Eggs

Eggs scrambled with chorizo & green onion, topped with Pico De Gallo. Side of corn tortillas, smoky salsa & hashbrowns.

Biscuits & Gravy

Fresh buttermilk biscuit topped with spicy sausage pan gravy. Served with BH fried potatoes.

Steel Cut Oats

Thick-cut oatmeal slow simmered with brown sugar, candied pecans, berries & cream.

Short Stack

Griddled buttermilk pancakes with sweet maple butter.

Yogurt Parfait

Greek yogurt, chia seeds, coconut milk, summer berries & maple granola.

Bruce Strand

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER

Lily Pederson, a White Bear Lake gymnast rated as the No. 2 college prospect in the country, was named Minnesota Gymnast of the Year after winning all the events in the USA Gymnastics state meet in Minneapolis.

A longtime member of the local Flips Gymnastics Club, Pederson will graduate this spring and move to Oklahoma to start her collegiate career with the six-time NCAA champi-

SPORTS

Local gymnast will soon be a Sooner

ons. She committed to the University of Oklahoma Sooners after her sophomore year and has a full ride scholarship.

“I am so unbelievably excited to move in June to the University of Oklahoma, something I have been looking forward to for years, and it’s finally almost here,” Pederson said.

Pederson qualified for USA Gymnastics nationals for the sixth time by winning all events at regionals. Nationals will be held in Florida in May. She also qualified for the

ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS

BOYS TRACK

Mahtomedi placed fourth in the mid-season Metro East Conference meet at home. The Zephyrs had five first-place finishes, three by Jonah McCormick. Team scoring was Hastings 159.5, St. Thomas Academy 133, Two Rivers 125.5, Mahtomedi 102, North 64, Simley 40, Tartan 35, South St. Paul 22 and Hill-Murray 21. McCormick won the 110 highs (14.19) and 300 intermediates (39.01) along with long jump (20-9). Michael Barry won triple jump (42-0) and Andrew Russell won high jump (5-10). Evan Carion placed third in the 800 run (2:05.24). Placing fourth were William Lieberman (3200 run, 10:18.31), Jacob Hauer (shot put, 43-2), and William Newman (long jump, 19-6 1/2). Top relay finish was second place by the 4x400 (3:30.99) with Carion, McCormick, Barry and Hudson Otto.  Mahtomedi placed third of six teams in a White Bear Lake coed meet. Zephyr event winners were Carion (800, 2:03.2) and Barry (triple jump, 43-7.75).

GIRLS TRACK

Mahtomedi placed fourth in the mid-season Metro East Conference meet, with three first-places and four seconds. Team scoring was Hastings 164.5, Two Rivers 120.5, Simley 103.5, Mahtomedi 91.16, South St. Paul 76.33, Hill-Murray 68, North 38.5 and Tartan 35.5. Kaili Malvey won high jump (5-4) and long jump (17-4), and placed fourth in the 100 hurdles (16.92). Olivia Thiele won the 400 dash (59.70) and anchored second-place 4x200 and 4x400 relays. Also placing second were Gabby Fox (3200,12:09) and Harlow Berger (shot put, 34-10).

Natalie Jackson third in shot (323). Mahtomedi then placed third of six teams at White Bear Lake. The

prestigious Nastia Luikin Cup (for leading Level 10 gymnasts) for the second time. That event was held in February in Louisville. Pederson earned national championships in balance beam and all-around in 2022, and uneven bars in 2023. She is the only Level 10 gymnast in the state to have scored a perfect 10; three times, in fact, twice on bars, once on vault. She holds the national Level 10 record with a 39.775 all-around score. She was a HOPES national team member (age group 10-12)

Zephyrs were 1-2-3 in long jump with Malvey (16-8), Anna Moseley (16-1 1/2) and Abigail Peterson (15-5). Malvey also won high jump (5-1/4). Relay winners were the 4x200 (Moseley, Ella Prose, Amber Schaefer, Thiele, 1:50.33) and the 4x400 (Prose, Fox, Breanna Elbers, Schaefer, 4:22.54).

BOYS GOLF

Mahtomedi placed second in a nineteam Metro East Conference meet, and 11th of 20 teams in The Premier, an elite invitational. In the MEC meet at Goodrich in St. Paul, the top three were St. Thomas Academy with 310, Mahtomedi 312 and Two Rivers 318. The Zephyrs had Jacob Wilson with 74 (with a par five eagle), Thomas Meader 79, Tony Kurn 79 and Karl Hochradel 80. Wilson was one stroke behind medalist Justin Orn of Simley. In the Premier at Edinburgh USA in Brooklyn Park, which Spring Lake Park won with 588, Mahtomedi scored 631. CDH’s Joe Honsa was medalist with 141 (three under). Wilson tied for fifth with 145 and Meader tied for seventh with 147. Kurn shot 167,  Hochradel 172 and Brooks Ashfield 177.

GIRLS GOLF

Mahtomedi won a pair of conference dual meets and placed second of 12 teams in the White Bear Lake Invitational . “A very successful week,” coach Matt Huss said. In the invitational at Keller, the top four teams were Mounds View with 330, Mahtomedi 340, White Bear Lake 345 and Two Rivers 349. Zephyr sophomore Lexie McGrane placed fourth with 76 and freshman Reagan Juhl was eighth with 76. The Zephyrs beat Simley 171 to 203 at Inverwood, led by Juhl with 39 and McGrane with 40. They beat North/Tartan 169 to 223 Thursday at Oak Glen as McGrane shot 37, Juhl 41 and Lily Carlson 45. The Zephyrs hold second place in the Metro East.

BOYS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi lost to St. Thomas Academy 9-5 and Chanhassen 9-8, while picking up their first win over Hastings 10-4. The Zephyrs are 1-4. Max Hohn netted four goals and Ned Whitney two against Hastings. Goalie Alex Lavalle stopped seven of 11 shots.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi won a conference match at Hastings 17-1, after losing at Hudson (WI) 10-5. Annie Tanner flipped in six goals against the Raiders while Ellie Dahlberg, Maggie Duea, Evi Cegielski and Brooklyn Kragness two each. Scoring against Hudson were Cegielski (two), Reese Saenger and Kragness.

twice, and a Developmental Nationals Team member five times.

She will join a dynastic Oklahoma program coached by K.J. Kindler. The Sooners won nationals in 2022 and 2023 and appeared headed for another title this season but made some rare errors in regionals and didn’t advance.

“I can’t wait to join this amazing family,” Pederson said, “and accomplish so many great things with them.”

SOFTBALL

Mahtomedi is 2-7 after losses to North St. Paul 4-3 and Tartan 16-10 and a win over Simley 9-8. Against Simley, Sophie Metcalf was 3-for-4 (three runs, RBI), Rylee Bogren 2-for4 (two runs, RBI), Malia Erickson 2-for-2 (two RBI’s) and Victoria Nelson 2-for-4 (triple, two RBI’s). The game-winner scored on a basesloaded walk to Metcalf. Abby Wright pitched four innings and Erickson three, each allowing four runs. Against North, Erickson pitched (12 hits, no walks). Nelson was 2-for-3 (two-run double), Ava Sheppeck 2-for3 (double, RBI) and Metcalf 1-for-4 (RBI).  Tartan had 20 hits against Erickson. Nelson smacked a two-run homer, Morgan Marx was 3-for-4 (two runs, RBI) and Nelson 2-for-4. Also getting RBI’s were Metcalf (two) Julia Ruzynski and Greta Siess.

BASEBALL

Mahtomedi (7-2) lost a nine-inning game to Hastings 4-2, then beat North 10-2 and Hudson (WI) 5-3. Jack Seleski’s three-run homer in the ninth won it for Hastings. Ethan Felling threw six innings (one run, 12 strikeouts) and Max Strecker finished. Four Raider pitchers held the Zephyrs to seven hits. Jack Erickson and Tommy Becker were each 2-for-4. Felling hit an RBI double. Against North, Strecker was 3-for-4 (three runs, two RBI’s) at leadoff. Carter Schmidtz was 2-for-3 (RBI, two runs), Felling hit a two-run single, Erickson was 2-for-2 (double) and Austin Felling had an RBI single. Jack Erickson pitched four innings for the win (two unearned runs, four strikeouts). Payton Erickson and Andrew Sokoll finished. At Hudson, the Zephyrs were helped by six Hudson errors. Erickson had the lone RBI on a single. Winston Wiseley pitched six innings (three runs, one earned, five strikeouts). Strecker threw a 1-2-3 seventh for the save. Ethan Felling was 2-for-3 (double, two runs).

TENNIS

Mahtomedi is 9-1 and ranked No. 4 in Class 2A after defeating Hastings 6-1 and No. 8 Minneapolis Washburn 4-3. Against Hastings, Sam Rathmanner, Brandon Pham and Jack Allaben all won 6-0, 6-0 at 1-2-3 singles, while Aidan Wald/ Zach Burge, Max Hendrickson/Eli Hendrickson, and Luke Roettger/ Reese Nelson won in straight sets. Against Washburn (7-3), the Zephyrs pulled out third sets by Allaben/Eli Hendrickson and Roettger/Nelson to tip the scales. Rathmanner and Pham won in straight sets at 1-2 singles.

Hurdler wins at elite track meet

Jonah McCormick, Mahtomedi senior hurdler, won the 110 high hurdles at the Hamline Elite Meet, a prestigious track-and-field invitational that draws many of the state’s best athletes. McCormick won the 110 highs with a personal best 13.99. He also placed third in 300 intermediate hurdles with 39.41. At the state meet last year, McCormick was third in the 110 highs. Also medaling at Hamline was Olivia Thiele, Zephyr junior, placing seventh in the girls 400 dash with 59.27.

Lily Pederson dominated the USA Gymnastics state meet at Minneapolis Convention Center.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Evan Carion (2) ran with a pack at the front on the way to third place in the 800 at the MEC mid-season meet.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Jonah McCormick, shown recently at a home meet, won 110 highs at the Hamline Elite Meet.

MAHTOMEDI HONOR ROLL

9th Grade High Honors:

Gavin Adams, Elise Aflakpi, Emily Alexander, Evyn Alexander, Mejken Amiot, Ellie Anderson, Jessica Aufderhar, Lydia Bartness, George Beckman, Marija Berkner, Isabella Bixby, Rachel Brings, Cole Burkel, Madison Campbell, Isabelle Carle, Shawn Carlon, Halyn Chaffee, Coen Chavarria, Matissa Conrad, Mabel Curtis, Maya Dahl, Lola Dambowy, Reginald DeBruin, Charles DeHaan, Shea Deneen, Paige Detert, Cerwyn Dobbelmann, Grace Doebler, Annika Drimel, Jackson Drimel, Delaney Dumermuth, Adam Elbaz, Amelia Englund, Katherine Fanta, Cullen Faulkner, Kylie Flannigan, Anthony Foster, Charlie Gillet, Caitlin Glaser, Alexander Goldfine, Samuel Gravley, Ellen Gruba, Natalie Haase, Anya Hague, Gannon Hamen, Ava Hanson, Mahdi Hanson, Ella Haraldson, Cameron Harris, Capri Hartmann, Edwin Henderson, April Hoffoss, Sadie Hughes, Abraham Jansen, Emilia Jensen, Kristen Johnson, Kaylen Jones, Reagan Juhl, Van Karle, Anton Kastler, Dylan Kelly, Broderick Kraai, Elsie Krull, Jessica Kuchar, Greta Lahr, Timothy Landes, Claire Langhoff, Lyla Lear, Yeupheng Lee, Jocelyn Lidle, Ava Lockbaum, Mia Loosbrock, Amelia Lucke, Addison Mack, Isabella Micetic, Callie Mullaney, Sophia Nelsen, Reese Nelson, Brynna Newfield, Devin O’Donnell, Paige Olsen, Isaac Opitz, Lucille Petersen, Lola Peterson Choi, Molly Peterson, Danielle Paulene Pineda, Henry Pompilio, Allissa Robinson, Molly Roettger, Trevor Rogosheske, Yuktika Samtani, Fiona Sawyer, Garrett Schlagel, Maria Schlegel, Frank Schwieters, Emmett See, Kai Seidl, Amber Shell, Adam Sixt, Ethan Stout, Eliana Suchy, Katherine Taylor, Maria Tkachuck, Anneliese Ulschmid, Gabrielle Vang, Kieran Vik, Jozie Wetzel, Alayna Whitson, Tirzah Whitson, Eve Wiebe, Maximus Winegar, Matthew Wolfsberger, Melanie Zhang

9th Grade Honors:

Lyric Aceves, Matthew Arumba, Brooks Ashfield, Amelia Barron, Azariah Barta, Amatulillah Bato, Rena Becker, Cameron Behnke, Blake Bentz, Gavin Bifulk, Nora Bonifas-Johnson, Lorelai Bracken, Temperance Bracken, Henrik Buckley, Jasper Buerger, Ella Buivid, Eli Buttke, Lorraine Campbell, Payton Campbell, Noah Carlson, Sailor Carlson, William Carter, Sienna Clark, Charlotte Colestock, Alexander Craig, Ericdarren Daafour, Ana Dahl, Harper Decorsey, Kendall DeMars, Madelyn Dexheimer, Morgan Dupey, Erica Ekpruke, Hailey Ellingson, Charles Fernandez, Jackson Foix, Grace Gilbert, John Goebel, Katie Gogberashvili, Ruby Greer, Victoria Harnish, Aidan Hastings, Josephine Hochradel, Henry Honmyhr, Micah Horsager, Hailey Hunter, Isaac Iten, Jacob Kalimu, Serina Khounpanya, Adelric Koenig-Kali, Lucas Kraft, Levi Kruse, Joshua Larson, Kenji Lee, Lily Lockbaum, Cally Loida, Anthony Longen, Ahnasophia Lorinser, Henrik Madson, Logan Malone, Reagan Mamer, Evelyn McMahon, Sarah Mekuria, Emmett MelchertZimmerman, Emerson Meyers, Brody Moen, Charlotte Monette, Liesel Mueller, Grant Oien, Addison Otto, Isabella Ouellette, Logen Pendleton, Graydon Poppelman, Savanna Pratt, Grace Prose, Josiah Robinson, William Roelofs, Brooklyn Rondeau, Madeline Samarani, Aubrey Saterbak, Joseph Sauer, Brody Schrankler, McCauley Schulz, Will Seevers, Senna Semaan, Grady Severson, Grant Severson, Bemnet Shekur, Lucas Smieja, Barrett Sorum, Isabel Steffen, Asher Stooksbury, Sophia Syring, James Theuninck, Luke Torgrude, Elijah Turner, Blake Udelhofen, Lucas Vander Louw, Isaac Welsh, Finn Wiesen, Sommer Wood, Alexander Wooi, Abigail Wright, Caroline Wright, Nolan Wyse

10th Grade High Honors:

Jocelyn Aguilera, Bjorn Anderson, Brynn Anderson, Zoe Anderson, Elena Atkinson, Amber Becker, Layla Befidi, Thomas Bengtson, Chase Benning Swanson, Samuel Beulke, Julia Boogren, Cael Brummel, Emerson Buckley, Aidan Carlson, Collin Carlson, Lily Carlson, BaoHien. Chu, Julian Cisek, Julia Clayton, Alexis Collins, Anna Cosby, Claire Crothers, Brennan Dambowy, Casey DeFor, Riley DeFor, June Duclos-Beecher, Abigael Edwards, James Egan, Owen Eigen, Sarah Frazer, Oliver Gadbois, Julia Gill, Mark Graff, Eleanor Halsten, Lily Harnisch, Charles Hauer, Eli Hendrickson, Katie Hergenrader, Wyatt Herschbach, Paige Johnson, Noah Kamrath, Kendall Kapfer, Ian Kiely, Jacob Kletti, Sydney Kuschke, Mallory Langer, Teagan Larson, Alexis Lum, Alasdair MacChesney, William MacChesney, Evan Marty, Riley McAuley, Teagan McCloy, Nolan McCutcheon,

Payton Mielke, Evan Miller, Adam Nelson, Sophia Paraschou, Jocelyn Parker, Eve Porter, Caroline Potjer, Sahar Ramaley, Taelin Richmond, Allison Rippentrop, AndrewRussell, Josephine Schifsky, Kai Schwartz, Hannah Smith, Ruby Stembridge, Matthew Studenski, Jack Tarnowski, Simon Taylor, Levi Ternberg, Lauren Thalacker, Ada Thompson, Claire Tofte, Olivia Tofte, Gavin Vennemann, Isabel Vipond, Nicholas Wisniewski, Taylor Wojtowicz, Jacquelyn Worden, Sasha Wuori

10th Grade Honors:

Yusra Abdi, Ethan Albrecht, Mason Amberg, Sally Amundson, Ava Arcand, Joseph Bance, Connor Barry, Rowan Berger, Lillyan Birkeland, Keely Bohm, Joseph Borovsky, Robert Burkel, Tyler Busson, Noah Carlson, Arjun Chandra, Maia Daniels, Bethel Darik, Lawson DeGezelle, Haley DesJardins, Easton DeZelar, Ethan Dvorak, Ila Erenz, Samuel Erickson, Seth Erickson, Drew Feustel, Myles Flaherty, Brayden Fuerst, Kaden Gagnelius, Teyla Gordon, Natalie Gruba, Alex Haase, Noah Hahn, Chace Hallin, Sanyi Hamine, Austin Hanft, Finn Hemenway, Cameron Hentsch, Gabriella Hernandez, Audrey Hilton, Brianna Hilton, Aoife Hiniker, Nolan Hochban, Haley Hohenstein, Nicholas Huberty, Rahama Hussein, Noelle Jackson, Lauren Jacobson, Valeria Jerney, Elianah Jespersen, Henry Johnson, Kento Kedrowski, Kallie Kolbet, Ellis Krause, Oliver Lavalle, Sylvie Lavigne, Tyler Leciejewski, Neven Leopold, Hannah Lindstrom, Cody Loida, Isabel Major, Nicholas Manz, Madeline Matuzak, Grace McCarthy, Eliah McCormick, Lexie McGrane, Grady McKusick, Sophia Metcalf, Ashley Motz, Lucille Otto, Tyler Parizek, Greta Plugge, Kayla Poirier, Layla Ragan, Lawson Rainer, Audrey Reid, Danielle Ricci, Daniel Ruiz, Madeline Ruppel, Blair Smith, Katherine Smith, Ava Sorum, Annika Sowder, Trent Steenberg, Jackson Stout, Charles Swanson, Louisa Tarnowski, Alexandra Taylor, Cullen Taylor, Aspen Tillges, Grace Van Hout, Valentina VanDenBoom, SuabCua Vang, Joud Wadi, Ian Walch, Peyton Whitbeck, Samuel White, Colton Whiterabbit

11th Grade High Honors:

Audrey Aflakpi, Presley Albers, Georgia Alfonse, Lydia Armstrong, Julia Atkins, John Aufderhar, Betsy Boland, Collin Bromeland, Zachary Burge, Evan Carion, Audrey Carlson, Janeea Chlebeck, Dehvin Chu, Nhat Chu, Samuel Churchill, Lauren Clark, Addison Crep, Addisyn DeMars, Ana Detert, Ava Donna, Alexis Efiong, Max Egan, Breanna Elbers, Cecilia Emery, Kylee Farmer, Dorian Fedie, Ethan Felling, Reagan Flaherty, Rowan Flanary, Gabriela Fox, Daniel Gibbens, Silvia Graetzer, Connor Gray, Benjamin Hammond, Samuel Harris, Karl Hochradel, Anna Holley, Vincent Humpal, Charlotte Husten, Jacqueline Igel, Oliver Jaroslawski, Soleil Johnson, Taylor Johnson, Camron Knapstein, Gabriella Kraai, Kajia Krull, Cendall Kurr, Sidney Leciejewski, Wyatt Lorinser, Clara Loss, Lydia Lucke, Gavin Maas, Matthew Macdonald, Kaili Malvey, Annika Martin, Madison McCoy, Shelby McFetridge, Riley McGrane, Joel Melby, Maxwell Milbrandt, Molly Moffitt, Emily Muetzel, Greta Munson, Helayna Nelson, Maxwell Newcome, Elesia Newfield, Faith Peper, Zoe Peterson, Brandon Pham, Khang Pham, Eden Puchreiter, Indra Ramaley, Keira Redpath, Alexander Reister, Luke Roettger, Audrey Roling, Olivia Ross, Esme Roux, Julia Ruzynski, Kimberly Ryan, Addison Saterbak, Zhenghong Schlechte, Madison Schmidtz, Sidney Schmitt, Madeline Schoenecker, Mason Schultz, Timothy Schussler, Joy Shadrack, Adona Shekur, Shey Sorenson, Wesley Strub, Evalyn Suchy, Sriram Sureshkumar, Anne Tanner, Mykenna Theuninck, Aida Thiam, Olivia Thiele, Cecelia Thielen, Luke Vipond, Olivia Wendorff, Nicholas Whitney, Abigail Wiebe, Liam Wilcox, Ronan Wise

11th Grade Honors:

Zakariyya Adams-Hladio, Markus Albrecht, MacKlin Appert, Alayna Bartylla, Dylan Bauman, Akaycia Belisle, Michaela Bergman, Anna Bierwerth, Nicol Bondeson, Audriana Bostic, Nathan Brinker, Natalya Brown, Riley Burke, Elizabeth Carlon, Cathryn Curran, Lewis Davids, Laken Decker, Grace Dehaan, Eily DeMars, Joshua Drivdahl, Brycen Ganz, Logan Garcia, Anna Greene, Ruby Grinstead, Maria Horsager, Rouba Hussein, Charlotte Irvine, Kellen Johnson, Jordan Jonas, Evelyn Karle, Hayden King, Mason Kipp, Samuel Knapp,

Xavier Knauss, Oliver Ko, Christina Kochanski, Yulian Lazutin, Ryan Lipovetz, Frank Lombardi, Samuel Macdonald, Jillian Mack, Ella Madson, Oskar Magnusson, Lauren Marinac, Emma Marty, Allison McCleery, Evan McGuire, Owen Mead, Thomas Meader, Andrew Micetic, Jess Miller, Reese Mitchell, Matheu Mizinski, Ashley Moeller, Miranda Monteiro, Julia Morreim, Ayla Nasvik, Joseph Nelson, Abriella Niehaus, Pierce Paddock, Sophia Peer, Alice Penttila, Nicholas Pietig, Cadence Pompilio, Miles Poppelman, Jacob Rank, Tanner Reagan, Colton Robbins, Henry Roelofs, Sophia Rude, Reese Saenger, Amber Schaefer, Arabella Schlosser, Stella Schroeder, Gunnar Sellman, Karin Sheeser, Daniel Short, Greta Siess, Isabella Smieja, Ethan Sockalosky, Andrew Sokoll, Jackson Stanko, Jack Stepan, Nathan Stooksbury, Douglas Strand, Emma Tank, Ivan Thomsen, Emma Thron, Grace Tronrud, Aynslea Ulschmid, John Vander Louw, Erika Verbout, Aubree VonDeLinde, Walker Willett, Jacob Wilson, Winston Wisely, Isaac Wooi, Winston Wright, Sophie Wynne, Yiyan Yang, Mistere Yigermal, Ezra Zeck, Bodhi Ziemann

12th Grade High Honors:

Rachel Aleckson, Jack Allaben, Ezra Anderson, Rebecca Anderson, Fatimah Bah, Thomas Becker, Isabelle Befidi, Justin Beiersdorf, Olivia Bengtson, Lauren Bierman, Adele Bodensteiner, Charles Brandt, William Bruentrup, William Brummel, Alexander Buckingham, Caroline Burge, Isabella Cardenas, Matthew Carlson, Evelyn Cegielski, Aradhna Chandra, Spencer Christensen, Zoe Coler, Ella Corey, Lauren Coy, Amanda Craig, Ella Daniels, Maisie DeGrote, Stella DeMars, Ishana Didwania, Joshua Donna, Amal Dubad, Sophia Duwenhoegger, Richard Egan, Natalie Eisenhuth, Cicely Evans, Claire Faulkner, Megan Feustel, Kathryne Foley, Julia Fussy, Emma Gahm, Nina Gillet, Stella Grabow, Christina Graebner, James Gravley, Mary Kate Grilz, Caden Hallin, Elsie Hammer, Jacob Hauer, Zoey Hauer, Jake Hodd Chlebeck, Alexander Huberty, Mason Hughes, Annalise Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Maxwell Johnson, Michael Kasel, Frances Kastler, Tristan Keuning, Ella Kletti, Patrick Kosel, Robert Kronschnabel, Dean Kulifaj, Calista Kurr, Nils Landes, Ethan Laynor, Katherine Lengyel, William Lieberman, Esther Lim, Alec Mahoney, Isabelle Markoe, Alexa McKusick, Ivy McPherson, Hanna Meslow, Annika Meyer, Griffin Mitchell, Lauren Mitchell, Kaitlyn Moltzan, Anna Moseley, Annika Munson, Victoria Nelson, Grace Newman, Elizabeth Novack, Dyllan Onduko, Bryan Passofaro, Natalie Patsy, Cole Potvin, Rylee Poulin, Ella Prose, Samuel Rathmanner, Cameron Redpath, Joseph Riley, Emily Rippentrop, Teri Schifsky, Micah Schmidt, Carter Schmidtz, Mason Schneider, Jacob Schwietz, Olivia See, Karagan Sheeser, Sophie Shores, Eliah Showers, Benjamin Smith, Korinne Smith, Sadie Stembridge, Savanna Stockness, Max Strecker, Wyatt Tarnowski, Alyssa Terry, Mia Terry, Samuel Thein, Tea Tuttle, Gabriel Vik, Aidan Wald, Piper Waldemar, Eugene Wegleitner, Solana Winter, Anna Wisniewski, Nicole Wuori, Brooke Zemke

12th Grade Honors:

Sartu Ahmed, Jackson Anderson, Michael Barry, Keilane Basquin Lamia, Brooke Bauer, Natalie Beaulieu, Katherine Bennett, Rylan Berry, Katelyn Birkeland, Emmerson Buckley, Eric Buttke, Olivia Carle, Benett Carlson, Samuel Carson, Kari Commander, Mavrick Cook, Sean Crothers, Ella Dahlberg, Matthew Dauffenbach, Cairo Douville, Isaiah Erickson, Maxwell Faust, Austin Felling, Alixandra Fox, Jack Harrigan, Kennedy Hayne, Ella Heath, Maxwell Hendrickson, Jayden Henseler, Kathryn Hoffman, Ella Jacobus, Astoria Jespersen, Adam Johnson, Evan Johnson, Alexander Kolosov, Nathan Kulifaj, Mitchell Kuschke, Anthony Larson, Arik Larson, Benjamin Larson, Alexander Lavalle, Benjamin Lavalle, Mikhail Leopold, Angel Little, Fiona Magers, Margaret Major, Aiden Mamer, Vincent Marino, Morgan Marx, Jason Mauer, Jonah McCormick, Benjamin Mitchell, Laena Mueller, Maria Neely, William Newman, Kaila Och, Dylan Patsy, Logan Pavlick, Ryder Peddycoart, Eloise Petersen, Abigail Peterson, Madelyn Peterson, Noah Peterson, Ayla Pilrain, Landon Pogreba, Cole Saenger, Gunnar Sather, Kaya Schlaeger, Raegan Schrankler, Will Schwieters, Seaton Seidl, Summer Seidl, Sophia Strand, Lindsie Sullivan, Cole Swanson, Tyler Swanson, Brett Swystun, Charles Thein, Isabella Thompson, Emily Trudeau, Faith Trudeau, Lily Turner, Asher VanDemark, Claire Velky, Emma Walek, Ava Welshinger, Carsyn Winter, Charles Wirka, Mary Wynia, Vincent Xiong

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24 Seasons Strong: Q&A with stage actor Reed Sigmund

Reed Sigmund is a stage actor who has been with the Minnesota Children’s Theatre Company since 2000. The Stillwater resident has performed in How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Shrek The Musical, The Wizard of Oz, and Peter Pan. Sigmund will portray Toad in the company’s upcoming production of A Year with Frog and Toad from April 23 to June 16.

Q: How did you get started as an actor?

A: Theatre was something I had never considered when I was in

elementary school. In fourth grade, our school performed Johnny Appleseed. My teacher chose me to play Johnny because she was looking for someone with ‘the loudest voice.’ Even though I’d never considered it, I fell in love with reading and rehearsing my lines. From there, I sought out doing school shows whenever I could.

Q: How did acting carry over into your adult life?

A: I was looking to get a child psychology degree when I went to the University of Minnesota. I’d lost interest in doing theatre at that point. However, I was also unhappy and missed having people to share the stage with. I auditioned for a show at the theatre department and got recommended by another director for another show, where I got cast. From there, I was offered to apply to the apprenticeship program at Children’s Theatre. After being there for a few years, I was offered to stay on permanently, and the rest is history!

Q: What drew you to portraying the role of Toad in this play?

A: I remembered the books a lot as a kid. What I love about Frog and Toad’s friendship is that it’s a

Mahtomedi district lengthens school day

Mahtomedi Public Schools annouced it will add 10 minutes of instructional time to the school day starting this fall.

The district identified 3 needs for increasing instuctional time: to address new literacy instruction time requirements at the elementary level; to extend secondary class periods; and to increase professional learning time for teachers to

connection I don’t see celebrated often. These two characters see and experience the world differently and do not judge each other. Watching characters like them celebrate their differences instead of criticizing them is exciting and admirable. It’s a good subject to teach kids about getting along with each other despite disagreeing.

Q: You are celebrating your 24th season as a member of Children’s Theatre. What has been your favorite memory so far?

A: It would be when I did my very second show here, a play called Mississippi Panorama. It felt like one of those lighting-in-abottle-type performances where everything about it hit right. Every cast member delivered on the same perfect level, and I remember the audience absolutely loved it. Once the show ended, I felt part of something special and making a living doing something I truly loved.

Q: What do you find to be the most enjoyable aspect about being an actor?

A: In a lot of ways, performances are easy for me in general. As an actor, I really like to live in the world of reacting. It’s cliché to hear the phrase “acting as reacting” because

align the district with other leaders in education. The change will add a total of 28 instructional hours for students and two professional development days for teachers.

The new schedule will have the Wildwood Elementary school day beginning at 9:05 a.m., 10 minutes earlier than the current schedule. The schedule at OH Anderson will begin 10 minutes later at 9:15 a.m., but the school day will go until 4:45

it sounds simple, but it’s not easy for most actors to always live in the moment. Speaking for myself, reacting is something that I love to do. My job is to come in, tell a story I care about, and go on stage to play with my friends and react to that.

Q: What advice do you have to give to aspiring actors?

A: Be true to yourself, but also be fearless. I’ve seen many actors enter a rehearsal space for the first time and begin feeling self-doubt. They often don’t have the faith and trust in themselves to succeed. It’s really about not being afraid to fail, and that’s okay. Trust yourself, be as brave as possible, and go for it.

p.m., 20 minutes later than the current schedule. The 10 extra minutes at Mahtomedi Middle School and High School will be tacked on at the end of the school day schedule.

As the additional instruction time is implemented in 2024-25 school schedule, the district is asking families to share input through a survey sent via e-mail this week.

Compiled by Erik Suchy.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED Reed Sigmund has been with the Minnesota Children’s Theatre Company since 2000

Sigmund will be portraying Toad in the theatre’s upcoming production of “A Year with Frog and Toad.”

1. A turkey was spotted running down Fourth Street near Keys Cafe. – Ed Peltier

2. Scott Eggert of White Bear Lake was the winner of St. Paul Saints tickets in the White Bear Press’ reader giveaway contest. Eggert went to the Saints vs. Rochester Red Wings game with (from left to right) Bob Pocrnich, Tom Pocrnich, Dave Olsen, and Tim Faricy. Congratulations, and thanks for playing! – Scott Eggert

3. No buses serve the stop at the corner of Fourth Street and Cook Avenue. – Contributed

4. Sun Yi’s Academy of Traditional Tae Kwon Do gets a facelift. – Carter Johnson

5. A Spring sunset spotted over Bald Eagle Lake – Lisa Rounds

6. The owls who have made a home in a tree along the Lake Avenue Trail has expanded their family. Ellen Maas spotted two owlets (baby owls) looking out from the nest, perhaps wondering what all the folks down below are looking at! –Ellen Maas

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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 discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings 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

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WHITE BEAR LAKE SCHOOL BOARD NOTES

• The board heard an update from Brian Peloquin, director of student activities, and Adrian Turner, assistant activities director, at North Campus. Turner discussed Leadership Academy, a program for captains of school sports, no matter the season. During its biweekly meetings the group, led by Turner, used “The Team Captain’s Leadership Manual” by Jeff Janssen as a guideline for discussion. “Most of the things we covered were how to be a good leader, showing poise, building character, and how to deal with conflict on your team.” Because it was the first year of the program, Turner reported that “it was decently successful. We learned a lot, had a lot of good feedback from the students.” Board member Dr. Scott Arcand applauded the use of Janssen’s

IT IS HARD TO PREDICT ANYTHING AFTER “ENJOYING” THE WINTER THAT NEVER WAS AND THE EARLIEST WBL ICE-OUT ON RECORD. THE LOONS ARE SETTING THEIR OWN SCHEDULE. IF ALL GOES WELL, THERE WILL BE HATCHES ON TWO NESTS DURING THE THIRD WEEK OF

book, describing that it’s “about transformative leadership, not transactional. ‘I may not be the best, but I know I’m valued as a person.’” Board member Kathleen Daniels wondered, “Is there an opportunity for people in activities but who aren’t captains?” Peloquin said, “We are working to build this for not only all of our student leaders, but also our advisers.”

• Peloquin reported that 10 White Bear students signed letters of intent with NCAA Division I and II schools for sports-based scholarships. “We will also have several more signing this spring.” Going forward, Peloquin wishes to expand professional development for coaches to include assistant coaches, hold more regular booster club board meetings to deal with their heavy turnover, and

emphasize the “student” half of student-athlete. “What does that student accountability look like? My goal is to come back this summer with a proposal on how to get that in place for the future,” Peloquin noted.

• Sal Bugely of Wold Architects and Engineers presented the status of various construction projects from the 2019 referendum. Some projects have a ways to go, she said. For example, the auditorium will be slabbing concrete in May. Mechanical, electric, and plumbing (MEP) startup is mid-May. “All these parts and pieces we’ve been putting in the building have just been sitting idle until they’re ready,” Bugely said. “It’s exciting and nail-biting at the same time.”

Logan Gion

AHEAD OF SCHEDULE!

Loon Chronicles IX: Ahead of schedule

This has been a year of records for White Bear Lake. The lake did not freeze over until Jan. 18. Ice-out officially was called on March 8, 2024, the earliest on record. Did this have any effect on White Bear Lake Loons’ migration? The answer is no. Last fall, the adult loons started their migration in late September, stopping over on Lake Michigan to feast on ciscoes, before heading south. The juvenile loons were not fooled by the warm weather and open water and left on schedule in early December. During the first week of March, Len and I joined a group of Loon experts and field scientists, now in their eighth year studying wintering loons on Lake Jocassee, a freshwater reservoir in South Carolina. The census count was 126, and included at least one banded Loon from Minnesota. Loons lose their flight feathers, once they reach their winter destination, rendering them flightless for several weeks. We watched scores of Loons

in various stages of body and wing molt, fishing and preening, while waiting for the regrowth of their flight feathers. Until the wintering loons’ flight feathers and red eyes are back up and running, they are in no position to begin their journey home. The montage includes photos, taken on March 8, of Lake Jocassee and a wintering loon, not yet ready to fly. Back on White Bear Lake, we started hearing Loons flying overhead in late March. Neighbors reported spotting a pair of Loons in Ordway Bay on March 31. Len and I want to thank Loon Whisperers Erik, Carolyn, Shannon, Brad, Jody, Dave and Betsy for their help launching three artificial nests. During the last week, the Loons have been busy! One pair has claimed the nest in the Cove, and Mama loon is now tending two eggs on that nest. Unlike last year, the geese are staying clear of the loons. After a few days of circling the nest and getting down to business,

the second loon pair set up shop on Shannon’s nest and are taking turns tending two golden eggs. If all goes well, we can look forward to two hatches during the third week of May. Avian activity on and around the lake is off the charts. Geese are everywhere and continue to keep all living things awake or on edge, including each other. Migratory duck sightings include blue-winged teals, mergansers, grebes, canvasbacks, buffleheads, and scaups. We spotted a pair of killdeer and a sandhill crane hiding in the bulrushes. The yellow-headed blackbirds are starting to return, along with the red-winged blackbirds. The eagles have been laying low and staying out of the picture, for the time being. This is our ninth year following the loons in the Loon Chronicles. Thank you, Debra Neutkens and the White Bear Press for getting us started. We look forward to another great year!

ELLEN MAAS

Apr 17-27, 2024