White Bear Press

Ex-Ukrainian soldiers soak up sun and talk future plans on boat trip

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

War. Chaos. The largest attack on a European country since World War II. Through thick and thin, the Ukrainian people have endured Russia’s invasion of their country for almost 2 1/2 years. Some of those who joined the fight have since been forced to bow out after losing their limbs.

At the Protez Foundation in Oakdale, help is always available for these soldiers. That included a special twohour boat ride on White Bear Lake that several soldiers took during the early evening hours of May 29.

David Ryan, president of Bear Boating in White Bear Lake, organized the event. The nonprofit organization offers boating and fishing trips for

seniors, veterans and activeduty military personnel.

“This trip is all about bringing some joy and happiness to their day,” said Ryan, describing his past expectations for the trip. “We want everybody to have a smile on their face after they get off the boat.” Ryan emphasized that the trip is to help aid the soldiers recover from mental trauma from the war.

Stew Hinerfeld, a volunteer at Protez, also spoke positively about the trip. “The trip is just to have some fun,” said Hinerfeld, “and enjoy a little rest and relaxation. The Ukrainian community is very supportive of them. Being on the water will be a very relaxing process for these guys.”

Many of the attending soldiers were excited for the trip. For

foster parent

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

On any given day in Minnesota, over 6,000 children and youth experience out-of-home (foster) care, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Children’s Home Society (CHLSS) and Lutheran Social Service (LSS) of Minnesota are affiliated organizations that are always seeking foster parents to care for children and youth in need.

“We are not finding kids for families, we are finding families for kids,” said Heidi Wiste, CHLSS president and LSS associate vice president. “All of our work is child-centered and through the lens of a child.”

The goal of foster care is to reunite children with their birth parents whenever possible.

“What these kids really need is somebody who can help them in their time of transition. There is so much newness, there is so much adjustment, whether it is school, the smell of a home, the feel of the sheets, the food in a home,” Wiste explained. “We have some incredibly skilled foster parents who have that flexibility and that patience and a willingness to learn and be a strong support for kids.”

some, it reminded them of past hobbies done back in Ukraine.

“I really like to fish,” said Vitalii, “especially when I had the opportunity to do so back in Ukraine.” Vitalii formerly worked construction in Ukraine before joining the war, where he lost both legs. Since leaving Ukraine, Vitalii has lived at Protez for 1 1/2 months. If he were ever to return to Ukraine, Vitalii said he has big plans to aid the war effort. “I want to be able to return to Ukraine and work as a first responder,” Vitalii said. “I want to help those who were in the same situation as we were.”

Other soldiers, including Eugen, shared similar sentiments about the trip. Eugen, like Vitalii, also enjoyed fishing in Ukraine before

SEE BEAR BOATING, PAGE 8

Hugo resident Zoua Vue has been a foster parent for a little over three years. During that time, she has fostered five children ages 5 to 14. She is currently fostering to adopt three siblings, ages 7, 9 and 10. They are from Ramsey County and currently attend White Bear Lake Area Schools. She says her 16 years of teaching for St. Paul Public Schools inspired her to become a foster parent. “I’ve had quite a few students that were in foster care. That really inspired me to take some action and be a part of it,” she said.

Vue explained that she was a single woman but always knew she wanted children. She started exploring various adoption options and decided on foster care due to the huge need within the Twin Cities. “It just felt like the right thing to do,” she said.

The timeline to become a foster parent can vary greatly. In addition to required education courses, several steps must be completed like a physical, a background check, visits with a case worker, etc. “The whole process from start to finish for me was less than a year,” she said.

“We don’t want children to be in foster care longer than they need to,” Wiste said, adding that some children may be in foster care for a short time, less than a year, while other children may stay in the system for five to 10 years. Most of the youth who are ready to be adopted are ages 12 and up.

As a foster mom, Vue has been able to experience several firsts with the children, like a first birthday, a first Christmas and even a first trip to a restaurant and pool.

“When I first got them, I told them I was taking

Bear Boating hosts soldiers from the Protez Foundation on a two-hour boat ride around White Bear Lake. Stewart Hinerfeld (standing) and Jolene Servatius (front right) of the Protez Foundation led the group. The soldiers (seated) reportedly enjoyed pastries, calm waters, sunshine and sharing stories with each other.

CONTRIBUTED

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Last year Gov. Tim Walz approved the Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act. According to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), “The goal of this legislation is to have every Minnesota child reading at or above grade level every year, beginning in kindergarten.”

“Our kindergarten teachers were the first group to learn LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training and our first year of implementation of a new curriculum. We’re really starting from the ground up,” said Cynthia Mueller, principal on special

assignment and district literacy specialist.

LETRS training is a rigorous, 160-hour course that shows teachers the ways in which young children might struggle with reading and how to address those issues. LETRS then shows a scientifically backed, peer-reviewed process that lets kids “decode” letters on a page, then grasp the intent of what they read. LETRS training derives from the “Mississippi Miracle” model of training, which pushed the state of Mississippi from 49th place for K-5 reading to 21st in under a decade.

“When I first started at Willow, I didn’t know a lot about early childhood reading,” admitted Matt Menier, principal of Willow Lane Elementary. “I wanted kids to read to learn. I didn’t

know much about how to learn to read, right? I had to do a lot of homework myself. It’s something that’s become a passion area of mine.”

This passion has led to undeniable growth. MDE’s goal is for 80% of kindergarteners to be at low-risk for reading problems — a benchmark almost no school has been able to reach.

In the winter of 2022, Willow Lane students took a “phonemic awareness” — or word segmenting — test, showing 59% of students to be low risk and 14% at high risk. Post-LETRS training and new curriculum implementation, the winter 2023 test showed 79% of students to be low risk and 6% at high risk. “I can honestly say it’s one of the first times in my career

• Serving the White Bear Lake community for over 60 years, offering hometown hospitality with a personalized touch!

• Chapel on-site with beautiful custom stained glass, offering ecumenical and Catholic services

• Recently remodeled assisted living apartments, respite care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing care

• Transitional Care Unit

Call for a tour and about our specials: (651) 429-9654 Call for a tour: (651) 429-9654

where I’ve truly seen that (spread),” Mueller said.

What is making such a quick, decisive difference? “I definitely attribute it to a very structured focus: This is our instructional time devoted to reading,” Mueller said.

She also credits the curriculum, which teachers have told her are “the materials I need to apply my LETRS learning.”

Menier noted,“You’re seeing kindergarteners who are not gravitating toward picture books. You see them gravitating toward the decodable readers.”

Mueller added, “I was just talking to a parent a couple of weeks ago — his child is a kindergartener — and he’s like, ‘She’s reading the Cheerios box!”

Soldier honored at Veteran’s Memorial Park

Memorial Day weekend ceremonies at Veteran’s Memorial Park included the placement of a brick in honor of PFC Elden Arcand of White Bear Lake. Arcand was killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 at the age of 22. The brick was placed in the walking path by his mother, Kelly Frogner, with assistance from members of the VFW and Honor Guard.

BUSINESS BRIEF

Learn about VHEDC at breakfast event

The VHEDC will host a free breakfast event for the business community, VHEDC 101, from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Vadnais Heights. The session will provide an introduction to the VHEDC and an overview of the organization’s programs, initiatives and resources available to businesses. All current and prospective VHEDC members are invited to attend.

Summer Internships

The Press staff is excited to be working with three interns this summer, two in our newsroom and one in our production department. The college students hail from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bethel University and University of Wisconsin-River Falls. We try to assign our interns a variety of tasks that will give them insight into the journalism business in their short time with us, from covering feature stories and city council meetings, to learning about marketing and advertising, to touring our printing plant.

Publisher’s View

Carter Johnson

We have noticed an eagerness for young people to pick up jobs here at Press. We had nearly 20 new youth carriers start this spring. There aren’t many jobs available to younger kids that offer a once-a-week commitment and some flexibility. It’s encouraging when young people are anxious to get jobs. It can be a lot of extra work for parents to drive them and otherwise provide support to a kid who wants to work. The benefit of learning discipline and entrepreneurial skills at a young age can make it all worthwhile. If your son or daughter is 11 or older and interested in becoming a newspaper carrier, give us a call at 651-407-1200 or email ppcirc@presspubs.com.

Wildlife

We have recently noticed sandhill cranes living among us. They look similar to a blue heron but more unform gray and the adults cranes have a red crown. They live along wetlands and can be quite loud in the morning. The squeaking sounds almost prehistoric. According to the University of Minnesota Season Watch, they can be heard up to 2 ½ miles away, and are one of Minnesota’s largest birds, standing 4-5 feet tall. Recently a neighbor mentioned they had babies and after a few days of watching I was able to snap a photo of the two colts.

Those interested in getting immersed into nature can take in a state park for free on Saturday, June 8. Entrance to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas is free - vehicle permits are not needed on this day. The parks offer four free days annually, one for each season.

Security, privacy

Last fall North Oaks residents met regarding proposals for improved safety that included cameras and license plate readers to combat crime. A story available online at presspubs.com covers why the city of Dellwood recently installed license plate readers. The technology sounds amazing in that it could identify drivers down to what color shirt they’re wearing. The question that has been brought up is whether it’s necessary. Will cameras or license plate readers be enough of a deterrent to reduce or prevent crime? Video recordings are typically reviewed after a crime has occurred. How will a timestamp license plate recording be of use in preventing crime? Is it realistic to think the sheriff can follow up on every report of suspicious vehicles traveling between Stillwater and White Bear Lake on Highway 96?

It seems most of the incidents in Dellwood are traffic violations, along with an occasional minor theft and reports of phone and email scams. I understand people move to a community such as Dellwood because they enjoy privacy and want to feel safe and secure. Maybe even because they desire to live in a community where they don’t have to lock their doors. It’s sadly not the reality we live in. Crime is and always has been around us. With license plate readers up, residents need to continue to ask questions about how data will be used. Could a private investigator access the footage to bust a cheating spouse, or could tickets be issued for speeding? What level of privacy was given up for perceived security and what community will be installing cameras next?

College costs are skyrocketing

As students applied for college this year, many were hit with an unexpected setback. The FAFSA—the tool that allows students to apply for federal financial aid—didn’t become fully available online until almost four months later than usual.

Legislator Lingo

U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) Chuck Grassley (R-IA)

Like cascading dominos, that delay has led to a slew of problems in the college admissions process.

Students are visiting colleges, meeting with potential professors and charting their next steps before even receiving an aid offer. Many students will have to decide on a college, or whether to go to college at all, without even knowing how much they will pay to attend.

But it’s not the first time students have faced this decision without a clear understanding of the dollars and cents. At most universities, that’s the norm.

A 2022 Government Accountability Office Report

• Limited to 350 words.

• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

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

• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and

revealed 91 percent of colleges understate the price students will actually pay to attend. Not a single school followed all the best practices identified in the GAO’s report, and two-thirds failed to mention important financial details in their communications with students. This prevents students from planning ahead or considering their borrowing costs.

Even worse, a third of colleges listed loans as grants. One study found various colleges were referring to just one type of federal loan by 136 different names, some of which didn’t even include the word “loan!” Institutions often used this tactic to zero out the total, making it look like students would pay $0 to attend. Only when students read the fine print would they see much of that “aid” was actually a loan to be paid back with interest. This tactic is a key piece of the puzzle as to why the cost of college keeps going up. And while it’s not the only factor, when colleges and universities hide the ball, students can’t shop around for their best option.

Students fresh out of high school are taking their first steps into adulthood while making one of the biggest financial decisions in their lives. Yet, they often sign the dotted line without knowing exactly how much they’re expected to pay.

That’s why we introduced a bipartisan bill, the Understanding the True Cost of College Act. When colleges offer students financial aid packages, we want to ensure they are comparable among colleges. The information students receive should use the same terms, clearly show the amount the student would borrow and allow students to compare their options apples-to-apples, not apples-to-oranges.

Bipartisan, bicameral solutions like this empower students, and greater cost transparency can help lower the cost of a college education. Under our proposal, aspiring scholars would know the cost of each option from the jump. The same GAO report that found 91 percent of colleges understate their attendance costs also noted our bill would help fix many of the issues students are currently up against.

This year’s FAFSA delays emphasize exactly why students need timely, accurate financial breakdowns. Students naturally struggle to make the right choice when they’re rushed or uninformed. Before students take the leap—and tens of thousands of dollars in loans— Congress and colleges should help make sure they have the full picture.

BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

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

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.

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

• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.

• All letters are subject to editing.

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

• To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Response to letter

A letter writer in the May 29 issue indicated suspicion of the WBLAS School Board’s Policy 606.5. The author stated it is a new policy that was updated using a court case from 50 years ago. I’d like to point out to the author that it is a NEW policy, therefore it is not updated. Furthermore, the definition of what was generally considered obscene five decades ago is much, much more conservative than what children and teens are currently exposed to in the media on a daily basis. So my question to the author: are you concerned that the language is from the conservative 1970s, or is it really that your request was denied?

Karla Keller White Bear Lake

Thanks to public works

On behalf of VFW Post 1782 and Auxiliary, we want to thank the Public Works Parks crew for the awesome job they did at Veterans Park prior to Memorial Day. The red, white and blue flowers in front of the monument were beautiful and meaningful. The additional work with the mowing and mulch and everything they did was very much appreciated. They spent many hours over several days, and the time and effort paid off.

We are lucky to have the support from them and were proud to have our event on Memorial Day in such a lovely setting.

Bob Krominga – VFW Post Commander Deb Courts-Brown – VFW Auxiliary President

Public comment not for all

On May 28 the Vadnais Heights Planning Commission voted to recommend a citywide Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the density from 22 units per acre maximum to 45 units per acre maximum for High Density Residential.

The NOTICE FOR PUBLIC HEARING read: “NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Vadnais Heights Planning Commission will meet and conduct a public hearing ... to consider an application submitted by the City of Vadnais Heights for a comprehensive plan amendment concerning the property at 3400 Arcade Street. Anyone wishing to be heard in regard to this matter will be given an opportunity at this time.”

During the open to the public comment portion of the hearing, one commission member asked where residents who spoke lived in relation to 3400 Arcade Street, as if to say that residents who did not live in the immediate vicinity of the cityowned property at 3400 Arcade Street would not have their voices heard. When in reality, this city-owned property belongs to all residents and any change to the Comprehensive Plan could therefore impact all residents.

In addition, a citywide increase in density definitely affects all residents. These divide-and-conquer tactics have been used by the city for years.

After the public comment portion of the meeting was closed, the City Council liaison asked the city staff

if all residents should have been notified, since one of the proposed amendments was for a citywide density change that would impact all residents.   City staff responded that a notice was placed in the local newspaper. But a lot of notices are placed in the local newspaper, and none of them stated that a citywide density amendment was being considered, and none of the notices in the local newspaper stated that any residents wishing to be heard about this citywide change would be given an opportunity to speak.

After the public comment portion of the meeting was over, a resident asked a question. Then residents were told that the city follows Robert’s Rules of Order. But Robert’s Rules of Order is just a handbook. What about the Rule Of Law?

Troy Kunze Vadnais Heights

Sales tax questions

Just wondering the tax percentage realized by the state when a car is:

Bought new, sales tax paid. Traded in and resold, sales tax paid.

Later resold, sales tax paid. This does not include taxes paid on the income, gas and services such as oil changes and tires.

Kick off summer with reading programs

Wildwood Library will kick off its summer reading program for kids, teens and adults on Saturday, June 1. The summer adventure program for kids up to age 11 includes reading and exploring with an alien friend, Zorb. Level Up! for teens 12-18 is a video game-themed program that promotes literacy through reading, crafting, cooking and gaming. Adults can participate in the 10,000 Experiences at Your Library program, which includes librarian-recommended reads and ways to explore the community.

Participants will complete activities on a game card and return it to the library to collect rewards. Those completing a card will be entered into a grand prize drawing. Reading programs run through Aug. 17. The Library will also host free performances and other programs for all ages throughout the summer. For more information about the summer reading programs and other library events, go to washcolib. org.

Celebrate South Shore stop

The Lake Links Association and the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate completion of the South Shore segment of the Lake Links Trail at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20 at the Saputo Station rest stop at Bellaire Beach Park. All are welcome and encouraged to attend as a sign of appreciation for those who made the community rest stop possible.

Nominations sought for Tour de Bar

The 36th Annual Tour de Bar Bicycle Benefit Ride is scheduled for August 3, and event organizers are seeking a nominee to be the recipient of the funds raised.

The nominee must reside, attend school, or be employed in White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights, Mahtomedi, or Hugo.

Past nominees have included individuals and families who have been affected by illness and need help with medical bills and other expenses or debt. Over the past decade, more than $150,000 has been raised to help those in need in the 4 communities. Applicants can self-nominate or be nominated by another individual or group. Applications are due Saturday, June 15 and can be obtained by emailing at tourdebar@hotmail.com.

White Bear Lake Area

Church Directory

Dave Brockel White Bear Township

COPS&COURTS

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Vadnais Heights

• A New Brighton man, 33, was arrested for assault at 9:04 p.m. May 3 in the 1000 block of Highway 96, after he became intoxicated and angry while inside a Subway restaurant and started waving a sandwich tray at an employee.

• A resident in the 3500 block of Montmorency Street on May 4 reported a family member for going through her mailbox and stealing an item of mail.

• A vehicle was reported broken into May 4 in the Sucker Lake parking lot in the 4500 block of Rice Street and belongings from inside it stolen.

• A St. Paul woman, 27, was arrested on two active warrants at 11:27 p.m. May 4, after Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a fire in the 3700 block of Edgerton Street.

• A St. Paul woman and a Hugo man reported their vehicle broken into May 5 while it was parked in the 3800 block of Labore Road. Thieves then stole items belonging to the complainant.

• Road rage was reported May 6 at the intersection of Centerville Road and Koehler Road, after the driver of a black Nissan Rogue became upset with the complainant when he tried to drive around her vehicle stopped in the the middle of the road. The vehicle began following the complainant and harassing him. A Maplewood man reported thousands of dollars stolen from an app on his phone May 6, after he lent it to a stranger in need in the 3500 block of Willow Lake Blvd. The thief took the phone ostensibly to make a may day call, but meddled with the complainant’s apps instead.

• A Vadnais Heights man, 27, was arrested for shoplifting and other offenses May 6 at the Walmart in the

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Officers mediated a family dispute in the 4700 block of Wood Avenue May 18.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 1600 block of Birch Lake Avenue May 18.

• Ding Dong Ditchers were reported in the 3700 block of Dennis Avenue May 18. An Oakdale man was arrested for misdemeanor assault in the 1900 block of Garden Lane May 18.

• Officers responded to a report of disorderly kids jumping fences in the 1600 block of Florence Street May 19.

• Burglary was reported in the 1200 block of Little Fox Lane, Gem Lake May 19.

• A missing person was reported in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue May 20.

• A man was arrested for an outstanding warrant near the intersection of White Bear Avenue and Interstate 694 May 21.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 3700 block of Dennis Lane May 21. Officers were dispatched to the area of White Bear Parkway and Highway 96 May 22 for a report of a vehicle that was attempting to run other cars off the road. The vehicle, which had been stolen in St. Paul, was not located.

• A vehicle reported for driving erratically in the 3600 block of Highland Avenue March 22 was located parked and unoccupied.

800 block of County Road E, after he was observed wandering the aisles of the store stuffing items into his backpack. He was also arrested for felony possession of drugs, gross misdemeanor resisting arrest with force and gross misdemeanor giving false information to police.

• A St. Paul man reported that someone broke into his vehicle parked in the 800 block of County Road E at 9:57 p.m. May 6 and stole a bottle of Victoria’s Secret Eau So Sexy perfume, a bottle of Sprite and a 12-pack of Hamm’s beer.

• Deputies recovered a stolen vehicle at 4:08 a.m. May 7 in the 600 block of County Road D.

• A resident in the 3600 block of Searle Court on May 7 reported the theft of an adaptor wire from a trailer attached to her vehicle that had been left parked outside her home.

A St. Paul man reported his vehicle stolen from the 3500 block of Highway 61 on May 8.

• Walmart loss prevention personnel reported a woman, 64, for stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from the store May 9. Residents in the 4200 block of Desoto Street on May 10 reported being scammed out of thousands of dollars, after their personal computer was remotely locked by thieves.

White Bear Township

• A White Bear Township man, 23, was cited for driving after revocation and failure to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop at 10:09 p.m. May 2 in the 4700 block of Centerville Road. A White Bear Township woman, 38, was cited at 10:58 p.m. that same evening at the same location.

• A White Bear Township woman, 19, was cited at 11:08 p.m. May 2 in the 5500 block of Portland Avenue for speeding. A White Bear Township juvenile, 17, was cited for speeding at 11:39 p.m. that same evening at the same location.

• Officers responded to a report of a disorderly person in the 4700 block of Washington Square May 22.

• A seat was reported stolen off a pontoon parked in the 4100 block of Hoffman Road May 23.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2100 block of First Street May 23.

• Graffiti was reported in the 1900 block of Ninth Street May 24. Theft from a boat was reported May 24 in the 4100 block of Hoffman Road.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 2000 block of County Road F.

• A vehicle was stolen in the 3800 block of Van Dyke Street May 25.

• Officers responded to a disturbance at a business in the 2000 block of County Road E May 25. Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 2100 block of Randy Avenue May 25.

• Officers responded to a report of two people chasing each other and yelling in the 1600 block of Florence Street May 25. A citation was issued to a motorist in the area of Woodcrest Road and Seventh Street following a report of a driving complaint May 25.

• A Hugo man was arrested for fifth degree assault following a fight in the 2100 block of Fourth Street May 25.

• Narcotics activity was reported in the 3500 block of Auger Avenue May 26.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

• A suspicious vehicle reported parked in front of Indian Hills Golf clubhouse in the 6000 block of Keats Avenue N. at 1:01 a.m. May 1 turned out to belong to the cleaners.

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies arrested a male on warrant May 1 in the 11000 block of Julianne Avenue N.

• A wrong way driver was arrested for DWI on Jamaca Avenue N. and 80th Street N. at 10:28 p.m. May 3.

Mahtomedi

• A semi-trailer was reported stolen from the FedEx lot on Long Lake Road April 22.

• A vehicle reported stolen April 22 from a Locust Street resident while it was parked at a golf course was mysteriously returned, as the complainants tracked it on their phone.

Deputies on patrol April 23 on Mahtomedi Avenue and Kale Street arrested a motorcyclist, after they observed the bike traveling on a public roadway without a license plate. During the traffic stop, deputies discovered that the biker did not have proof of insurance and had multiple convictions for failure to take out insurance.

• A Wedgewood Court resident requested extra patrol April 24, after an unknown person came to her door at 9 p.m. the previous evening claiming to sell pest control services. The complainant believed the device the suspect was holding may have been scanning the garage code and changed her code.

• A motorist was arrested for DWI at 12:56 a.m. April 27 in the 6000

• A homeless man was asked to leave a business in the 4000 block of Highway 61 May 26, and did without incident.

• Graffiti was reported May 26 at Podvin Park and Lakewood Hills Park May 26.

• A man was arrested for violating a protection order in the 2500 block of County Road F May 26.

• Officers responding to a report of juveniles smoking marijuana at a park in the 4800 block of Lake Avenue May 26 found them to be just “hanging out.”

• Officers responded to a report of disorderly males in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue May 26.

• Officers mediated a verbal dispute in the 4900 block of Woodcrest Road May 27.

• Officers responding to a report of a suspicious man sleeping under the stairs of a church on First Street May 28 arrested him for providing a false name to conceal a warrant.

• A homeless man was asked to leave a property in the 4700 block of Centerville Road May 28, which he did without incident. A person reported missing in the 1500 block of Pine Pointe May 28 was later found unharmed.

• A man was arrested for an outstanding warrant May 28 in the 3700 block of Centerville Road.

• Officers mediated a family dispute over alcohol consumption in the 3500 block of Ebba Street May 28.

block of Hilton Trail N. Deputies arrested a second motorist for DWI at the other end of that day at 11:33 p.m. in the 800 block of Stillwater Road.

• A suspicious red sedan reported following the complainant as he left his house near Hickory Street and Griffin Court at 2:54 a.m. April 27 turned out to be an Uber driver who had been waiting in the area to pick up another person.

• Two girls were reported for drawing graffiti of sexual content with a marker on playground equipment on Wedgewood Drive April 27. Deputies found the girls and their multiple graphic pictures before summoning their parents and prevailing upon the girls to clean off all the graffiti.

• Wedgewood Drive residents reported their vehicle rummaged through overnight April 2930. Jesse James Lane residents also reported their vehicle gone through overnight April 29-30.

Pine Springs

• A Minnesota motorist was mailed a citation at 11:39 p.m. April 27 on eastbound I-94 at McKnight Road, after nearby WCSO deputies assisted an off-duty St. Paul Police officer in reining in a driver who was all over the road. The driver was crossing over all lanes of traffic and speeding with dangerous variations. The driver admitted to having one beer at the Minnesota United game, but gave no indication of intoxication on the standardized field sobriety tests. However, the driver’s status was revoked, and he was cited for driving after revocation, careless driving and failure to provide proof of insurance.

Willernie

• Criminal property damage to a vehicle on Wildwood Road was reported April 21.

WHITE BEAR LAKE CITY COUNCIL NOTES

• The council approved a liquor license for the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund to serve alcohol at a tennis event outside Life Time Fitness from August 1 to 4. According to Minnesota Statute section 340A.404, municipalities may issue temporary on-sale liquor licenses to nonprofit organizations operating for at least three years.

• The council approved a cooperative maintenance agreement with Ramsey County to focus on sidewalk construction on County Road F. The city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan includes a map of existing and proposed sidewalks and trails, which indicates a missing sidewalk segment on County Road F. The project will involve building a sidewalk along the north side of the road from McKnight Road to Jay Lane. Ramsey County anticipates finishing the project sometime this year.

• The council adopted a resolution approving an agreement with Ramsey County for the construction and long-term maintenance of the Bruce Vento Trail Phase I Improvements on city-owned land. Phase 1 of the project will extend the trail 2.7 miles from Buerkle Road north to the intersection of Hoffman Road and Highway 61. A segment of the future trail, referred to as the Willow Marsh Reserve, will be located on city-owned land. It is located along the east side of Highway 61, north of Buerkle Road. Ramsey County will handle all construction costs and maintenance responsibilities for this trail segment.

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

Erik Suchy

WHAT’S HAPPENING

“19TH ANNUAL 10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL”

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, through June 9

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

Details: See 10 never-before-seen plays from around the world performed by Lakeshore Players actors. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers

KIDS BIKE RODEO

When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 8

Where: White Bear Lake Public Works facility, 3950 Hoffman Rd.

Details: Kids can get bikes tuned up, helmets fitted, rider safety information, demonstrations, prizes and ride through courses. Registration required. Contact: whitebearlake.org/ publicsafety/webform/kids-bikerodeo

MOVIE IN THE PARK

When: Dusk, June 8

Where: Polar Lakes Park,1280 Hammond Rd., White Bear Township

Details: Bring a lawn chair or banket and bug spray and watch a free familyfriendly movie outdoors. “Super Mario Brothers” shows on June 8. See weather updates on facebook. Contact: facebook.com/ WhiteBearTownshipMNOfficialSite

BIRCHWOOD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 9

Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park

Details: Any Day Now performs. See website for details. Contact: reverbnation.com/ anydaynowband

BASICS OF SQUARE DANCING

When: 6-7:45 p.m. Monday, June 10

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

Details: All are welcome to learn sqare dancing, including solos, couples, and families.Casual attire; partners provided. Contact: 651-208-5807

MIDWEST SKI OTTERS SHOW

When: 6 p.m. Sunday, June 9

Where: Little Goose Lake

Details: White Bear-based team of 120 amateur skiers performs weekly throughout the summer.

Contact: skiotter.com

SKILLS FOR DISAGREEING BETTER

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 11

Where: White Bear Schools District Center, 4855 Bloom Ave.

Details: Braver Angels-led workshop helps participants learn strategies to have better conversations with family and friends who disagree about politics. Register online. Contact: //bit.ly/3UZYfpr

CAR SEAT CLINIC

When: 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 11

Where: Mahtomedi Fire Hall, 800 Stillwater Rd.

Details: Certified car seat technicians are on hand to properly install children’s car seats. Free; appointment required by e-mail. Contact: cpsdiana@hotmail.com

WOMEN’S VETERAN’S DAY

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 12

Where: White Bear Lake Senior Center, 2484 E. County Rd. F Details: Join the VFW 1782 Auxiliary for a short program honoring female veterans followed by refreshments. Free program.

LUNCH AND TABLE GAMES

When: Noon Wednesday, June 12

Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran

Church, 3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights

Details: Seniors can bring a bag lunch and play table games with friends. Coffee provided.

Contact: 651-429-6595 or cslcvh.org

MUSIC TOGETHER DEMO CLASS

When: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons Fireside Room

Details: Class for grandparents to sing, dance and play with a grandchild, ages infant-preschool. Free. Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com/ register

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

When: 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 12

Where: Berwood Park, 780 Berwood Ave., Vadnais Heights

Details: Join neighbors for annula kick-off to summer, with live music by Los Rebeldes and free ice cream.

Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com/ events

Emerging Artist: Bella Femrite

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This year, the White Bear Center for the Arts (WBCA) began a six-month Studio Repose Internship Program, running January through June. “I’m part of the first cohort,” White Bear Lake Senior Bella Femrite announces. “Or ‘coheart’ as we call ourselves.” As she says this, Bella’s homemade earrings dangle, made from modified safety pins.

Quirky yet elegant sums up much of Femrite’s style. Surreal self-portraits show her biting into an apple that bleeds or holding the earth between her fingers. These exaggerations are painted with smooth oils. “I like being able to go back and blend things instead of having to rush through everything with acrylics,” Femrite compares.

Femrite’s core passion, though, is drawing and illustration. “I work with 2D, but also digital,” she explains. “My process is definitely different between those. On paper, I have a sketch, then do sections of detail. Then, with digital, I do a sketch, then flat colors, then shading, then

rendering—it’s like a whole-piece kind of process.”

Femrite pinpoints 2020 as being the first time she dove into digital illustration. “Over quarantine, when none of us had anything to do, I asked for an iPad for Christmas,” Femrite recalls. “I downloaded ProCreate and just started doing stuff.”

Social media has also kept Femrite sharp on her characterdesign skills. “I’m part of this monthly art [group] on Instagram where we vote on a theme or picture, then people design a character based off of it,” she says.

While Femrite is still exploring her voice, she feels that she has unlocked at least one piece: Her AP portfolio was “The Female Experience through Nature and Mythology.”

“I think my identity as a woman will definitely have an impact in the future,” Femrite says. No matter the piece, Femrite’s work aims to describe emotions she finds indescribable.

“I think that if I hadn’t gotten into art, I would’ve exploded by now. It’s kind of my outlet for everything. If I have an idea I want to express, it makes sense

once I put it on paper. Going forward, Femrite wants to expand her illustration skills. “I’m going to Minneapolis College of Art and Design to major in illustration,” Femrite reveals. “I want to learn how to do landscapes and bigger scenes as well as intricate stuff. Then I’d do book covers or movie posters.”

Whatever pathways Femrite chooses to explore, she is sure to bring character to her characters.

MARKETFEST

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, June 13

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Community summer festival with 200+ food and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants. Theme weeks include: Avenue of the Arts on June 13; History Night June 20, and White Bear Lake Area Schools June 27.

Contact: marketfestwbl.com

KIDDIE PARADE

When: 6:15-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Families can decorate a stroller, wagon, and bikes and walk/ ride through the streets of Marketfest ending at Sweetlife Lane candy store. Register online.

Contact: marketfestwbl.com/kiddieparade

MANITOU DAYS GRANDE PARADE

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 14

Where: Begins at Fourth Street and Washington Square; ends at Memorial Beach

Details: Floats, marching bands, local organizations, and more travel through downtown and along Lake Avenue toward the beach. Contact: manitoudays.com

BEACH DANCE

When: 8-11 p.m. Friday, June 14

Where: Memorial Beach

Details: Enjoy live music by the Free & Easy Band. Food and beverages available for purchase. Admission fee. Contact: manitoudays.com

CONTRIBUTED

Bella Femrite

SPECIAL TO THE PRESS

BY CAROLYN VADNAIS AND CYNTHIA VADNAIS

Times have changed for the Vadnais family and their plumbing business. However, their legacy in White Bear Lake won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

After 100 years of serving the White Bear Lake community through four generations, John Vadnais, who formerly ran Roger Vadnais Plumbing White Bear Lake, merged the business with Aquarius Home Services. Vadnais and Aquarius owner Jeff Dougherty, a White Bear Lake graduate who operates the third-generation business out of Little Canada, based their merger on similar core values and history in family-owned businesses.

The Vadnais family’s plumbing business began with William Vadnais in the early 20th century. As documented in the 1910 census, William’s occupation at the age of 26 was well digging. Early business cards show the business as “Wm Vadnais, well drilling, pump repairing, water connections and piping of all kinds.” The business was located at his home on Miller Avenue in White Bear Lake.

The early 1920s saw White Bear Lake experiencing economic and infrastructural growth, and William’s skills were soon seen as a valuable asset to the community. A Feb. 24, 1927 article from the White Bear Press praised Vadnais: “Besides doing well drilling, Mr. Vadnais does the necessary work in making house connections to the sewer and water systems. The standing of Mr. Vadnais with those who have known him for years is proof of his industry, honesty, and capabilities in his line of work.”

William’s son, Robert Vadnais, was born in 1913. Even as a child, Robert helped out with the business. By the age of 12, he frequently drove William’s truck to St Paul to pick up plumbing supplies.

After graduating from high school, Robert joined the business full time, and the business name was changed to “William Vadnais and Son, Well Drilling — Water Systems and Plumbing.” World War II interrupted the family business: Robert was drafted and spent several years in Europe. At the same time, William worked as a steam fitter on several government jobs supporting the war effort. In October 1945, Robert was discharged. He returned home to take over the family business, as William wasn’t physically able to work anymore. Around 1953, Robert moved the business, which had been run out of William’s home on Miller Avenue, to his own home on Lincoln Avenue in White Bear Lake and later to Bald Eagle Avenue around 1960.

Robert’s son, Roger Vadnais, born in 1953, soon became interested in his father’s work. At age 4, he even had his own toolbox. Like his father before him, Roger helped Robert out on many jobs. After completing high school, he enrolled at St. Paul VoTech and spent several years taking courses to earn his journeyman’s license while still working plumbing jobs

for several companies.

In 1980, Roger took over the family business, calling it “Vadnais Plumbing.” He expanded it, offering more services and hiring new employees. In November 1992, Roger saw the opportunity to purchase the Vadnais White Bear Oil Company Station No. 1 on Bald Eagle Avenue. The new location gave him greater visibility and allowed him to expand the business. Roger did extensive remodeling to adapt the building to become a plumbing shop and showroom and renamed the company “Roger Vadnais Plumbing.”

In 2008, Roger’s son John Vadnais, who was born in 1986, began full-time employment at Roger Vadnais Plumbing. By 2016, he had started to take on a larger managerial role, adding new life and modernization to the business. In early 2020, Roger sold the business to his son John, who continued to expand on it.

The legacy of the Vadnais family success will always be remembered even though times have changed for the family and their White Bear Lake plumbing business.

Sharon Ruibal-Bollig

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The old White Bear Oil Company building on 4th Street. Robert’s son Roger would later purchase the building in 1992 to become the new Vadnais Plumbing building

William (left) and his son Robert (right) in front of William Vadnais Plumbing & Well Work, circa 1945. Robert would take over the business after William was unable to work due to health

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Are you a 90-plus senior citizen looking for community, relaxation and fun-filled discussion topics? Then the White Bear Lake 90’s Club has got you covered. The group meets at the Beartown Bar & Grill at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month. It comprises roughly 20 residents from the Arbors Senior Living Facility, all aged 90 and older. According to co-founder Irene Venburg, the group’s formation came from a simple desire to see others around the

facility connect better.

“I belonged to a group of 90-year-olds at Arbors who were enthusiastic and lively for our age,” explained Venburg. Venburg then approached fellow resident Don Sonsalla about putting the group together.

“I told Don we should have a 90’s club where we could all get together and visit. It’d be like catching up and talking about old times. So we immediately started from there.”

Sonsalla also highlighted the need to form the group to help maintain the mental health of their fellow

90-plus residents. “One of the easiest ways to maintain mental health is through sociability,” said Sonsalla. “Our meetings are the only time each month to catch up, exchange ideas, talk about grandkids and so forth. One of the core values is the want for social connections to maintain our mental strength.”

According to member Thomas Roy, group discussions usually focus on a particular theme, which varies between meetings. “One of the first things we do is pick something to talk about,” said Roy. “Usually, it’s family, places we’ve traveled or where we plan on traveling.”

“We try to avoid touchy subjects that can cause discomfort,”

added Sonsalla. “Also, at each meeting, we rotate and sit with someone different from last month. That way, it helps us get reacquainted with someone we normally would not see every day.”

Sonsalla added that the 90’s Club helps attendees feel rejuvenated about pursuing hobbies.

“Tom’s favorite activities are bowling and golfing,” said Sonsalla. “When we meet, it helps him feel stimulated by that sense of community he gets from interacting with others. So he carries that excitement over into playing golf.”

Sonsalla noted that that same camaraderie helps tackle problems in members’ personal lives. “Irene herself has gone through some heart problems in the past,” said Sonsalla. “Being around others in the 90’s Club keeps her going, and she always looked forward to it. It’s like an internal thing to help regulate our mental health, which, in turn, improves our physical health.”

Sonsalla hopes that other 90+ citizens will want to join because of the group’s laid-back nature. “It’s not a formal club, for sure,” said Sonsalla. “New people might have a hard time believing it’s just a fun

meeting we do.”

“We’ve all been members of different organizations before,” added Venburg. “Now that we’re in our 90s, the question becomes, ‘What do you want to do?’ The answer is just to have fun, be fit and keep your health up.”

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

PHOTOS

90’s Club members include (from left) Verna Sonsalla, John Kenyon, Irene Venburg and Bette Smeed photo. Don Sonsalla helps

Students to spend 28 more hours at school

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Just when Mahtomedi students and those in charge of getting them to school have finally perfected their clockwork, they’ll have to make a few adjustments to that timetable in the fall.

Students in the Mahtomedi School District will have 28 additional instructional hours over the course of the 2024-25 school year after the Mahtomedi School Board at its May 23 meeting approved an increase of 10 minutes of instruction time each day.

Partially offsetting the amount of time students will be in school, the board at the same time changed two student learning days into teacher learning days. When it all shakes out, students will be spending more time in school and elementary students will spend more time learning how to read, as the district identified a need to address new literacy instruction time requirements at that level. At the secondary level, the increased period time will allow more time for instruction and provide student work time with support and feedback from teachers.

The third need identified by the district was to increase professional learning time for teachers to better align the district with other leaders in education. The two additional professional learning days are expected to improve researched-based instruction and allow teachers to learn innovative practices.

The two new days off for students and professional learning time for teachers will be Dec. 2, 2024 and April 18, 2025.

Wildwood Elementary School will start 10 minutes earlier each day and O. H. Anderson Elementary (OHA) will start 10 minutes later and end 20 minutes later each day. Mahtomedi Middle School, Mahtomedi High School and the Passages Transition program will all end 10 minutes later every day.

School bus routes and other traffic patterns will be on a different timetable next year. Within the buildings, movement and breaks will also follow different timing. In the secondary schools, homework time and after-school activities will also be juggled.

“A year from now, we should look for evidence of success resulting from the extra teaching time and not extra minutes just for homework time,” noted Vice Chair/Clerk Kelly Reagan.

As a result of changing the schedule, the board unanimously approved the revised 2024-25 Family Calendar in a separate vote.

MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL NOTES

• Each year, the city receives a base amount of $10,000 in grant money from Washington County for its residential recycling program and more grant money for recycling projects. After the Mahtomedi City Council approved the 2024 grant agreement for recycling with Washington County in the total amount of $14,710, the city will receive $4,710 for three recycling projects. These three events are the city’s RITE of Spring event and its household hazardous collection; educational information for the upcoming curbside food scrap program expected to begin later this year; and an appliance recycling event to be coordinated by Walters, the city’s contracted recycling hauler.

• Attention Mahtomedi property owners with inflow and infiltration issues: you can receive grant dollars to repair your sanitary sewer service lines. The city received a grant of $40,000 to help private property owners fund repairs that will remove and prevent clear water from entering the sanitary sewer system. The city will accept applications for grant money until Sept. 15, 2024, and reimbursements will be distributed on a first-come basis until the grant monies are exhausted. All work must be done before Dec. 31, 2024, and be submitted for reimbursement to the city by that date. Rental and owneroccupied properties are eligible.

• A large facility with thousands

MAHTOMEDI SCHOOL BOARD NOTES

• Teachers from around the district say that students are learning more effectively and that teachers’ peer coaches are helping them to become better teachers, said Q-Comp Coordinator Jennifer Merthan in her Mahtomedi Compensation (M-Comp) Plan Annual Report. The M-Comp survey focused on two topics: professional learning communities (PLCs) and peer coaching. In PLC, 80% of those surveyed agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: “Working toward our common challenges contributes to better results for the students we serve.” With the statement that collaboratively examining evidence of student learning resulted in actions that moved student learning forward, 73% agreed or strongly agreed. In peer coaching, 83.6% of those surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that “peer coaching is valuable to my professional development.” With the statement that “my peer coach fosters professional trust and confidentiality,” 84% of those surveyed strongly agreed. School districts are required by law to present an annual report about the Q-Comp program. Every year, at least 80% of Mahtomedi’s teachers participate in the survey.

• Three policies will be revised due to legislative changes: Policy 509, Enrollment of nonresident students; Policy 534, School Meals Policy; and Policy 516, Student Medications. Under Policy 509, the district now needs to report to the state anyone who applies for open enrollment and is denied. Under Policy 534, a lunch tray may not be taken from a student who has no money in the lunch account, even though lunches are now all free. Under Policy 516, appendices involving naloxone, epinephrine

of packages coming and going each day needs special security.

AMAROK Ultimate Perimeter Security LLC, on behalf of three property owners on and near the FedEx Ground facility at 7 Long Lake Road and 3050 Echo Lake Avenue, requested two variances to install a battery-powered security system and electric fence inside the existing FedEx perimeter fence. Council unanimously approved both variances – one for the electric fence and the other to allow the security fence to be 10 feet high, where eight feet is the maximum allowable fence height. The four conditions for receiving the variance are that the AMAROK system must be installed as shown on the site plan at least 4 inches inside the existing perimeter fence. The electric fence must not be visible from outside the property and must not impact any other property.

• St. Jude of the Lake Discovery Center will build a new 4,761-squarefoot playground on the front of its campus at 700 Mahtomedi Avenue, after council unanimously approved its request for variances to allow the playground to be located in front of the principal structure and closer to the side lot line than the principal structure. The proposed playground will consist of several play structures, as well as a fencedin open area.

• Look for work on safer pathways to O. H. Anderson Elementary School to begin after school gets

procedure and the controlled substances form will each receive their own updates. The school nurse reviews the policies involving student medication to make sure the district’s practices match those of districts around the state.

• In her report, Superintendent Barb Duffrin recogized students and teachers in the news. She acknowledged Teacher of the Year Lisa Mathies, whose story recently appeared in the White Bear Press. Sriram Sureshkumar (Class of 2025) was named Scholar of Distinction in Environmental Leadership by the Minnesota Department of Education. SeSe Seidl (Class of 2024) was named 916 Student of the Month for her professional skills of leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, engagement and communication. Students in grades 9-12 submitted more than 70 art and writing pieces for the White Bear Center for the Visual Arts and WriteNow! exhibition. Eight Mahtomedi High School students took home awards.

• Jim Hansen, longtime physics teacher and founder of MAEF 35 years ago, presented a check for $86,000 to the district as part of the MAEF Fund-A-Need proceeds. He noted the popular Fab Lab as an opportunity it provides for middle school students.

• Gifted and Talented Coordinator Kathryn Marget recognized math competition parent volunteers Sam and Heather Cosby and Adam and Jill Wohl. The Cosbys coached the Mahtomedi Middle School MathCounts team, which was made up of 20 students from grades six through eight. The team took second place in regional competition and will move on to state competition. The Wohls coached the OHA Math Masters teams. Each year, more than 5,000 students

out. The project should be complete in time for students and bikers headed to school in the fall. The city received eight bids for the Safe Routes to School project. Staff recommended council award the contract to the low bidder in the amount of $523,197.95, as submitted by Northdale Construction Inc. The engineer’s estimate was $518,917.34 for the base bid. A sidewalk will be installed on Warner Avenue S. from the south entrance of the school to Bevins Lane and on 72nd Street, from Warner Avenue S. to Glenmar Avenue. A rapid flashing beacon will be installed at the south entrance of the elementary school for pedestrians and bikers to cross over to the sidewalk from the Pine Springs side. Preconstruction work will start during the last week of May. The city will receive additional funding for this project from $92,000 in surplus funds held by the state that weren’t used for other Safe Routes to School projects. “It’s great to see the Safe Routes to School project go through,” said Council Member Jeff Charlesworth. The Public Works Department will get a new wood chipper to replace its 1996 Morbark chipper. After city staff solicited quotes, the low bid of three came in from Tri-State Bobcat for the Bandit Intimidator 18xp in the amount of $70,170.80. Well-used and oft repaired, the old chipper would have cost between $18,000 and $22,000 to repair.

• The property owners at 63 Pine

from grades four through six gather at more than 60 sites throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin to compete as individuals and on teams.

• Fatimah Bah, who served as student representative at board meetings, received the ceremonial school bell for her hard work during the school year. Bah participated in the drawing up of the Strategic Plan as the only student voice on the Action Team, Duffrin said. “It’s remarkable for a student to be so engaged at that level. How well she served our board as a student voice. She was a great addition to the board,” she said. Bah will head off to Rutgers University to study neuroscience and plans to attend medical school after receiving her four-year degree.

• During the month of April, the district received and unanimously accepted $43,975.24 in gifts from a long list of donors from around the community. Highlights include: $10,000 from the Cossack Foundation for the girls’ golf fundraiser; $5,160 from the Mahtomedi First Down Foundation for the football fundraiser; $5,000 from the Cossack Foundation for the Celebration of Excellence.

• Many end-of-year activities fill the calendar. Most noteworthy are:

• June 5 : Passages graduation ceremony from 6-7 p.m. at the Chautauqua Fine Arts Center

• June 6: Last day of school for all schools

• June 8: Mahtomedi High School graduation at Aldrich Arena

The board next meets at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20, in the District Center Community Room, 1520 Mahtomedi Avenue. Loretta Harding

Street will be able to tear down their existing home and build a modern, efficient and functional home where they can live and age in place. But first they needed council to approve their request for four variances affecting lot area, impervious surface coverage requirements and lot width (two variances) to build their home. With the variance comes three conditions. A building permit must be submitted for review and approved prior to construction; a tree preservation and replacement plan is required when the building permit application is submitted; and construction must adhere to the site plan submitted with the application. The existing home at 63 Pine Street was built in 1903 and has undergone several additions and upgrades over the years.

• Based on commentary during the public forum portion of the meeting, council will direct city staff to go through the normal processes and address whether to keep or amend the city ordinance prohibiting storage tents on private property and suspend enforcement of that ordinance for the time being. The ordinance was first implemented in 2001.

• Council adjourned to closed session pursuant to Minn. Stat. Sec. 13D.05, subd. 3(b), attorney-client privilege, regarding the contested case concerning the city’s water appropriation permit.

Loretta Harding

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

CLERK’S CORNER – Greetings from the Township! What a difference a year makes, RAIN, RAIN, and more RAIN. With the help of Mother Nature, we are in a much better position to start of the summer growing season than we were last year. We continue to urge our residents to be respectful of the impact excessive water use has on our overall region. Remember that we are still involved in the ongoing saga of the White Bear Lake level lawsuit, and it is vitally important we all remain vigilant in the protection of our most vital natural resources.

We encourage you to review the lake level by visiting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website throughout the summer by typing the following into your internet browser: https://www.dnr.state.

mn.us/waters/csg/site.html?id=82016700. Have a terrific start to your season!

MATTRESS RECYCLING PROGRAM –

White Bear Township is partnering with Ramsey/Washington County & Second Chance Recycling to offer free curbside recycling of mattresses, box springs, & metal bed frames on Tuesdays & Thursdays for the month of June. Each household can recycle up to four mattresses. Please note that registration must be completed online. Mechanical beds, headboards, & footboards are not accepted. Traditionally, mattresses are disposed of & sent to the landfill. Once a mattress has been crushed, it is no longer recyclable. If recycled, approximately 82% of a mattress can be recycled. This opportunity is one way that you can help

the environment. The link to register for this program can be found on our website.

BELLAIRE BEACH LIFEGUARDS ARE ON DUTY NOW – Bellaire Beach is now staffed with lifeguards until Labor Day, September 2. Beach hours are 12:00 p.m. to 7 p.m., though lifeguards will use their discretion & provide services up to 30 minutes later if a significant group is at the waterfront. During periods of bad weather, the closing of the beach will be up to the YMCA & the lifeguards. Lifeguards will be provided seven days a week from June 10 through August 18. Lifeguards will be present on weekends only prior to June 10 and after August 18 through Labor Day.

POLAR LAKES PARK: MOVIES ARE BACK! FIRST SHOWING IS SATURDAY,

JUNE 8 – Bring your lawn chair or blanket & don’t forget bug spray for a FREE, fun, & family-friendly movie night at Polar Lakes Park. The Super Mario Bros. Movie will begin at dusk. The next movie, Wonka, will be showing July 13.

PEDDLERS & SOLICITORS – With summer around the corner, door-to-door peddling & soliciting will start to be more frequent. The Township regulates these activities as much as possible, but they cannot be prohibited entirely. All regulated solicitors are required to obtain & wear a license that is visible while going door-todoor. For your safety, do not let anybody into your home even if they have a visible license & report all suspicious persons to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office at 651767-0640.

whitebeartownship.org | 651.747.2750 |1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, Minnesota 55110

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

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: Work Boot Outlet

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

8870 Rendova St NE Circle Pines, MN 55014

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.

Chet’s Safety Sales, Inc.

8870 Rendova St NE Circle Pines, MN 55014

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: May 17, 2024

Signed: Chet Latawiec, President

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 29 and June 5, 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: Aloha Tattoo

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

413 Wacouta St., Suite 550 Saint Paul, MN 55101

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.

KLN Ventures LLC

413 Wacouta St., Suite 550 Saint Paul, MN 55101

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: May 23, 2024

Signed: Courtney Ernston

Published two times in the White Bear Press on June 5 and 12, 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:

V’s Barbershop

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 999 WILDWOOD RD WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55115

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.

Roccobella, LLC

11681 Loftman Trail North Branch, MN 55056

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: May 14, 2024

Signed: Matt Klein

Published two times in the White Bear Press on June 5 and 12, 2024.

CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR CHARTER COMMISSION

The White Bear Lake Charter Commission is seeking applications from White Bear Lake residents who are interested in being appointed to this commission. Interested residents may obtain an application by any of the following methods: request an application by mail by calling the Second Judicial District Court at 651-266-8253, download an application from the City’s website www.whitebearlake.org, or pick up an application from the Ramsey County Courthouse, located at 15 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102, Room 170, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Completed applications must be received by June 14, 2024 at the following address: Ramsey District Court, Attn: Leanne O’Brien, 15 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102. Caley Longendyke, City Clerk

Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 5, 2024.

CITY OF WILLERNIE

NOTICE OF A VARIANCE HEARING

There will be a public hearing to review the request of Suresh Balasubramanian, owner of 384 Warner Ave. S. pertaining to a rental license for the premises. The variance hearing will be held on June 19th, 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 8. Lots 8 and 9/ Glenmar Addition.

Victoria R. Keating, Clerk-Treasurer

Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 5, 2024.

CITY OF WILLERNIE

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE CHAPTER NO. 1300 AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

SUMMARY PUBLICATION. Copies of the proposed amendments are on file with the City Clerk for those interested in reviewing the proposed amendments prior to the hearing. The following summary is approved by the City Council and shall be published in lieu of publishing the entire ordinance: AN ORDINANCE ENACTING WILLERNIE CODE CHAPTER 1300, REGULATING CHARITABLE GAMBLING.

The City seeks to modify its existing Chapter 1300 to comprehensively cover its regulations regarding charitable gambling operations within the City.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the City Council of Willernie will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., at the regular City meeting place in the Willernie City Hall, 111 Wildwood Road, Willernie, MN, to consider adoption to the Willernie City Code of Ordinances. All interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at the hearing. Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the hearing. BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Vickie Keating, City Clerk

Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 5, 2024.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 832 MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115

MINUTES APRIL 25, 2024

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Mahtomedi Public Schools was held on April 25, 2024 beginning at 7:00 PM.- CALL TO ORDER- Meeting was called to order by Chair Stacey Stout at 7:20 p.m. ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE- Present: Ryan Domin; Paul Donna; Lucy Payne; Jenny Peterson; Kelly Reagan; and Stacey Stout. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA-Domin motioned, Reagan seconded; Approval of Agenda. Carried 6-0. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA-Donna motioned; Peterson seconded; Approval of Agenda. Carried 6-0. DISCUSSION-A.) Board Member Calendar of Events. The Board Calendar was reviewed. B.) Quarterly Report Tim Erickson, Director of Facilities and Finance, reviewed the quarterly report with the School Board. Erickson explained the budget sheet to the board and how it is broken down between expenses and revenues. The 24 revised budget is how much was received and spent through March 31st and compares them from last year during the same time. This year, revenues received are at 66% compared to the previous year at 71%, less than last year due to the State switching systems, meaning the Federal ESSER Dollars will be received in April. Expenditures are the same as the previous year; variances are related to the timing of payments. This year’s fund balance will be right around 11%.

ACTION ITEMS – A.) Approval of Donations/Grants from March 2024 Totaling $2511.83. Domin motioned, Donna seconded; Approval of Donations/Grants from March 2024 Totaling $2511.83. Carried 6-0. ADJOURNMENT Reagan motioned; Peterson seconded; Adjournment. Carried 6-0. Meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m. Submitted by Kelly Reagan, Clerk. A full version of the minutes are available at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us. Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 5, 2024. INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 832 MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115

STUDY SESSION MINUTES APRIL 25, 2024

A Study Session of the Board of Education of Mahtomedi Public Schools was held April 25, 2024, beginning at 5:30 PM.- CALL TO ORDER- Meeting was called to order by Vice Chair/Clerk Kelly Reagan at 5:31 p.m. ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE- Present: Present: Ryan Domin; Paul Donna; Lucy Payne; and; Kelly Reagan. Chair Stacey Stout and Director Jenny Peterson were absent. Also present: Barb Duffrin, Superintendent; Tim Erickson, Director of Business Services; Jodie Zesbaugh, Ehlers; Paul Aplikowski, Wold Architects & Engineers; Artemis Ettsen, Wold Architects & Engineers; Leslie Lovas, Executive Assistant to Superintendent & School Board. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA- Domin motioned, Donna seconded; Approval of Agenda. Carried 4-0. DISCUSSION/INFORMATION ITEMS – A.) Wold Facilities Discussion - Superintendent Barb Duffrin provided a follow-up to the school from the February 8, 2024 Study Session. The overview contains additional information requested, an election timeline and to seek additional information from the School Board. Duffrin recapped the prior meetings, community and demographic surveys. B.) Policy 808- Naming Policy - Barb Duffrin reviewed Policy 808 – Naming policy as the policy that provide guidance when bestowing names on significant district assets including namings, namings associated with gifts or sponsorships, and other namings of schools, buildings, or other structurer. ADJOURNMENT -Domin motioned, Stout seconded; Adjournment. Carried 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m. Submitted by Kelly Reagan, Clerk.

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

Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 5, 2024.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 832

MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115

STUDY SESSION MINUTES MAY 9, 2024

A Study Session of the Board of Education of Mahtomedi Public Schools was held May 9, 2024, beginning at 7:00 PM.- CALL TO ORDER- Meeting was called to order by Chair Stacey Stout at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE- Present: Ryan Domin; Paul Donna; Lucy Payne; Jenny Peterson;

Kelly Reagan; and Stacey Stout. Also present: Barb Duffrin, Superintendent; Kate Andersen, Director of Community Education; Dr. Jennifer Reichel, Director of Teaching and Learning; Alice Seuffert; Director of Communications; Leslie Lovas, Executive Assistant to School Board and Superintendent. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA- Peterson motioned, Domin seconded; Approval of Agenda. Carried 6-0. DISCUSSION /INFORMATION ITEMS– A.) Curriculum Grid - Jennifer Reichel, Director of Teaching and Learning, reviewed the School Board Curriculum Grid on the Mahtomedi Public Schools main website B.) FY24 Budget - Tim Erickson, Director of Business Services, presented the FY 2025 Preliminary Budget Overview to the school board C.) Facilities Use Fees Kate Andersen, Director of Community Education, presented to the School Board a facility uses fees update for 2024-2025. D.) 10-Minute Instructional Increase Superintendent Barb Duffrin updated the School Board regarding the 10- min Instructional increase. Duffrin reviewed the needs due to literacy time, secondary class period times, and teachers’ professional learning times. ADJOURNMENT - Domin motioned; Stout seconded; adjournment. Carried 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m. Submitted by Acting Clerk, Paul Donna. A full version of the minutes are available at www.mahtomedi.k12. mn.us.

Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 5, 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 6/19/2024 at 10:00 AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Deborah Busse; Tian Hu; Anthony Theis; Nicole Zellner; Yasmine Hunter; Stacey Ruona. 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 May 29 and June 5, 2024. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: QUIET TITLE COURT FILE NO.: 62-CV-24-3393 SUMMONS

Mire Properties LLC, a Minnesota Limited Liability Company, Plaintiff, v. James J. Kortas, Margaret A. Kortas, the unknown heirs of James J. Kortas, the unknown heirs of Margaret A. Kortas, and all other persons unknown claiming any right, title, or interest in the Property. Defendants.

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO JAMES J. KORTAS, MARGARET A. KORTAS, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JAMES J. KORTAS, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MARGARET A. KORTAS, AND ALL OTHER PERSON’S UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE OR LIEN IN THE REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED THE COMPLAINT HEREIN.

1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. ThePlaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons.

2.YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS Youmust give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Kelly & Lemmons, P.A. 2350 Wycliff Street, Suite 200 St. Paul, MN 55114

3.YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written responseto the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.

4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTENRESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint.

5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.

6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.

7. THIS LAWSUIT MAY AFFECT OR BRING INTO QUESTION TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY: This action is to quiet title of said real property situated in the County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota legally described as: Lot 3, Block 1, Silver Oak Estates No. 3

Chad D. Lemmons, Plaintiff’s attorney’ Dated May 24, 2024 Published three times in the White Bear Press on June 5, 12 and 19, 2024.

651-407-1250

(Earlier deadlines for Holidays)

Miscellaneous DONT LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for an yone who struggles on the stairs is co ncerned about a fall or wa nts to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 866/852-5506

Wanted to Buy WANTED: ALL 19 70 S MOTORCYCLES Ru nn ing or not Titled or not Will pick up. Ca sh in e xchang e. Sell now before prices fall. Call Da n at 612/720-2142

Wanted to Buy

DONATE YOUR CAR, truck, or SU V to assist the blind an d visually impaired. Ar range a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end ta x credit. Call Heritage for the Blin d Today at 844/220-9501

SAFE STEP North America's #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FR EE shower pa ckage and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call today! Finan cing available. Call Safe Step 833/966-3882

Dining Room Set Round table w/ 4

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited ta lk text and data for ju st $25/mo! The power of 3 5G networ ks, one low price! Call today and ge t the latest iPhone every year on us! 855/849-6621

GET DISH SATELLITE TV + IN TERNET! Free install, fr ee HDDVR upgrade, 80,000 on-demand movies plus limited time up to $600 In gift cards. Call today! 8 55/562-4309

free show in White Bear Lake on June 22 at https://www.pre sspubs.com/site/fo rms/contest/boat_sho w/ or call 651-4071200.

BASEBALL

White Bear Lake edged Woodbury 5-4 in eight innings in the first round of Section 4AAAA, then lost to Stillwater 5-2 and Roseville Area 7-4, ending their season with a 13-10 record. In the win over Woodbury, Blake Eckerle hit a solo homer in the second, then doubled home a run in the eighth and scored on Ty Allshouse’s single for a 5-3 lead. Eckerle was 3-for-5, Allshouse 4-for-5 and Isaiah Weber 3-for-4. Allhouse was the winning pitcher in relief (two runs, one earned, in three innings, four strikeouts). Roman Lachenmayer went five innings, allowing two runs.

BOYS LACROSSE

White Bear Lake defeated Roseville Area 17-3 in the first round of Section 4. The No. 2 seeded Bears (8-6) faced No. 3 Mounds View in the semifinals Monday. The winner advances to finals Wednesday against Mahtomedi or No. 1 Stillwater.

GIRLS LACROSSE

White Bear Lake rolled past Mounds View 17-8 in the first round of Section 4. The No. 2 seeded Bears (9-5) faced No. 3 Gentry Academy in the semifinals on Monday. The winner advances to the finals. The winner

CHURCH BRIEF

St. Jude of the Lake Church will celebrate a re-dedication of the church with Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda presiding at the 11 a.m. Mass Sunday, June 9. The special Mass will also honor the church’s 85th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of St. Jude of the Lake School.

advances to the finals Wednesday against Mahtomedi or No. 1 Stillwater.

GIRLS TRACK

White Bear Lake throwers sparkled as the Bears placed second in Section 4AAA. Bear senior Keira Windesh won discus with 121-6, a personal best by nine feet. Karen Enow placed second (110-1), also advancing, and Jinet Demanou fourth (98-7). Enow, a sophomore, reached state again in shot put with a second-place, personal best 37-8. Windesh was third (33-5 3/4) and Pearl Niemioja fifth (32-3 3/4). “They have worked extremely hard and those marks were well deserved,” coach Brianna Seibel said. “Our throws coach was telling me he knew they had some big throws coming.” Also qualifying for state was the 4x200 relay, placing second (1:45.28) with Autumn Maki, Madelyn Compton, Grace Bailey and Alyssa Hamlin. Stillwater had 269 points, the Bears 156.5 and Woodbury 146. The top two in each event advance. The Bears were third in five events — Lys-Aurele d’Almeida (100 dash, 12.68), Josie Mlejnek (high-jump, 4-10), 4x800 relay with Rosalie Sommars, Clara Blauer, Brynn Heinsohn and Grace Laszlo (10:18.72), the 4x100 with Maki, d’Almeida, Sophia Haley and

All parishioners, school alumni, and community members are invited. St. Jude of the Lake is located at 700 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi. For more information, call 651-426-3245 or visit stjudeofthelake.org.

Lyka Johnson (50.33), and the 4x400 with Bailey, Gabrielle Bohrer, Kate Bullis and d’Almeida (4:10.90). The state meet is Thursday and Saturday at St. Michael-Albertville. Placing fourth were Josie Mlejnek (pole vault, 8-5), Amelia Nachtsheim (100 hurdles, 17.22), Sommars (800 run, 2:24.5), Clara Kolstad (1600 run, 5:34), and Logan Bailey (3200 run,12:05).

SOFTBALL

After two straight years reaching the state semifinals, White Bear Lake was dethroned as Section 4AAAA champion when North St. Paul ousted the Bears 6-3 at McKnight Fields. The Bears, top-seeded, finished the season

15-8. “While we fell short of our goals this year, we still overall had a great season,” coach Jill Levity said. The Bears beat St. Paul Central before losing to Woodbury 3-1 and North. Gabrielle Martinez powered the Polars (16-5) with a three-run homer and a solo homer. She has seven homers and 33 RBI’s for the season. Bear pitcher Lily Martin gave up six hits and five walks while striking out 12. North’s Keely Routzahn held the Bears to four hits and two walks, striking out five. The Bears were down 6-1 before Heidi Barber doubled home two runs in the seventh.

Bruce Strand

Waiting Child

believes in God, is interested in the Bible, and enjoys going to church. Taj says that he “loves building relationships, but hates losing them”. He is a fun kid to be around with a great sense of humor. He enjoys trying different foods such as African and Chinese food but reports he would choose pizza as his favorite. Taj has a variety of interests including boxing, swimming, Pokemon, videogames, gardening, and going to Valleyfair! He is a very good writer and is very insightful! When Taj gets to spend quality time with the adults in his life, he feels very special and values these moments. He is sweet, helpful, and caring. Only Minnesota families are being considered at this time.

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

FOSTER PARENT JOURNEY: ‘Changes

them to the pool to swim and they just could not comprehend what a pool was … I took them to Shoreview Community Center, and their mind was just blown. They had never seen anything like that.”

As a single person who had never had any kids of her own, Vue said she was surprised by how much time was needed to navigate all the medical, dental and therapy appointments. “I have become extra organized,” she said.

She said it was also a challenge in the beginning to try to get the children used to a new routine and new schedule while not knowing what that looked like for them before.

Despite the challenges, it has been a rewarding “job.”

“You see the kids transform and change into a different person,” she said. “They adapt so quickly… I can’t even imagine being 6 years old and my whole life is different with a total stranger.”

She added, “I think it changes you in a way that you can’t even imagine.” In addition to developing a higher level of empathy for other people, especially

Step

Step

Step

Step

Step

Step

Step

children, Vue said it gives you perspective.

“I would say if you have the place in your heart to love children, then you should try it. It’s definitely not going to be a walk in the park, but just take small steps. In my experience, it does get better. There are going to be hard times, but it gets better,” she said.

Because she likes consistency and has developed a strong bond with the children, she is going through the process of adopting them. She expects the adoption process, which has been in the works for about two years, to be finalized sometime this year.

Although she has her hands full with three children on her own, she said fostering another child or another adoption is not out of the question. “I always tell myself that the door is never closed to foster care or adoption,” she said.

For more information about CHLSS, visit chlss. org or contact 651-646-7771. For more information about LSS, visit lssmn.org.

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

Submitting Public Notices

BY THE NUMBERS

• On any given day, 6,150 children experienced out-of-home care in 2023

• 11,235 children in Minnesota experienced foster care in 2022.

• 65% of children in foster care in 2023 were living in Greater Minnesota (outside seven-county metro area)

• 22% of children in foster care in 2023 were under 3 years old

• The majority of youth in foster care who are ready to be adopted are 12 (and up)

Julie Ann (Janzen) Hughes

Age 86, of White Bear Lake, formerly of St. Cloud, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2024 surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church. Private Entombment at Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud.

Julie was born on June 25, 1937 to Barney and Phronie Janzen. She grew up in Aitkin in a large loving family; including her parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was very proud of her family heritage. She attended Maryhill Academy, Aitkin High School and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Home Economics from the College of St. Benedict.

Julie spent 6 summers as a full-time nanny for the Julian Davis family on Cedar Lake. This relationship with the Davis family was an important factor in Julie completing her college education. The experiences were life shaping and she spoke fondly and often of those years. She married Keith F. Hughes of St. Cloud on August 27, 1960 at St. James Catholic Church in Aitkin. After a few years of teaching, she dedicated her life to her family and community. She was a faithful and active parishioner of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud.

Julie is survived by her children, Mary (Andy) Coulter, of Edina; Katherine (Joe) Cashman, of Little Canada; Mark (Megan) Hughes, of Roseville; Timothy (Ashely) Hughes, of Edina; Rachel (Brian) Bonin, of White Bear Lake; and Matthew (Heidi) Hughes, of White Bear Lake; 23 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and siblings, John (Shirley) Janzen, Hughie (Debbie) Janzen, Bob (Gayle) Janzen, Carroll (Joy) Janzen, Kathy (John) Kaiser, Monica (Mike) Beumer, and Jim (Linda) Janzen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith F. Hughes; her parents; and grandson, Peter Cashman. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Mueller Memorial-www.muellermemorial. com, 651-429-4944.

Carol J. (Venburg) McFarlane

Age 73 of White Bear Lake.

She is preceded in death by her father, Keith; uncle, Gerald Venburg; aunt Bona Faye Venburg; and cousin, Cindy Venburg. Survived by her loving husband of 52 ½ years, Pat; her mother, Irene of White Bear Lake; 3 children, Joel (Lelana) McFarlane of WA, Kevin (Jenn) McFarlane of Hugo, and Erin (Scott) Bohnen of White Bear Lake; 8 grandchildren, Carma, Anastasia, Ewan, Jarron, Kenley, Maira, Patrick, and Ryan; siblings, Keith (Gail) of Little Canada, Kendra (Tom) Bakken of Grant, and Kristine (Jeff Mack) Powell of Lindstrom; cousin Greg (Roseann) Venburg of Forest Lake.

Carol was a dedicated public servant including being a State Representative and advocate for all. A celebration of her life will be held at White Bear Country Inn, 4940 US Hwy 61 in White Bear on Sunday, June 9th from 4-7 p.m. Private interment at Ft. Snelling at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations are strongly encouraged to the SmithLemli-Opitz-RSH Foundation.

Philip Elwyn Nelson

Age 79, died May 23, 2024. Survived by wife, Karen and daughters Cheryl (Rick), Julie and Deanna (Barry) and nine grandchildren.

Celebration of Life Service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Majestic Pines Community Church, 930 Mahtomedi Ave, Mahtomedi, MN. Visitation at 1 PM.

Marlyce J. Lindeke

Age 93, of St. Andrew’s Village passed away peacefully on May 18, 2024 surrounded by her family. Preceded in death by husband, Richard; parents, Arthur and Lydia Johnson; brother, Wesley Johnson; sister, Geri Oman. She will be sadly missed by children, Dennis (Carol) Lindeke, and Debbie (Ed) Wildeman; grandchildren, Michelle, Jenna (Coulter), Nick (Kelly) and Curtis (Elyssa); great-grandchildren, Caelyn and Avery; other relatives and friends. A private family service will be held. Arrangements with Bradshaw Funeral and Cremation Services, 651-439-5511.

Lanna Kumara Mingo

AKA Judith (Judy) Mary Mingo. Born April 16, 1950 raised in White Bear Lake Minnesota, resided in Reno, Nevada.

Lanna is preceded in death by her mother, Margaret and father Phil. She is survived by 5 siblings; Don, Mary, Jerry, Rosie and Anne; her son, Brian DeCoster; daughter, Lucia Krain and her 6 grandchildren.

Lanna passed peacefully on May 18 after a brave battle with cancer. No funeral arrangements have been made at this time.

Richard Parker “Dick” Getchell

Age 90, passed away May 29, 2024. Dick was born June 7, 1933 in St. Paul and lived his life in the St. Paul/White Bear Lake area.

A celebration of life is being planned for July.

NAMES IN THE NEWS

White Bear Lake native and 1982 alumnus

General Paul Nakasone was recently tapped to be founding director and leader of Vanderbilt University’s new Institute for National Defense and Global Security, which will launch this fall. Nakasone retired earlier this year as commander, U.S. Cyber Command, and director, National Security Agency/ Chief, Central Security Service. He previously commanded U.S. Army Cyber Command from October 2016 to April 2018.

Daniel Diermeier, Chancellor of Vanderbilt University, noted Nakasone “is among the world’s foremost authorities on global security and cyber warfare ... he has been a critical figure in supporting our national defense — and has done so with unprecedented speed and efficiency.”

Constance “Coni” Elizabeth Nash

Age 69, born July 27, 1954, passed away suddenly on April 22, 2024 in Hugo, MN. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, partner, sister and friend. Coni loved music, gardening, photography and her chickens. She was a force to be reckoned with. Preceded in death by parents James and Eunice, Brother Ron and Daughter Sara Kaufman. Survived by her partner Kevin Peltier, daughter Daryl (Collin) Kivel, Grandchildren Kiley, Charlie and Lorelai, bonus sons Ryan, Kurt, Scott and Andrew and brother Jeff.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 26 at 2 p.m. at The White Bear Bar, 2135 4th St. Please come raise a glass to an amazing woman who will be missed by many and forgotten by none.

Olympe LaMotte

Went to be with the Lord on May 23, 2024, just four months after celebrating her 100th birthday.

Preceded in death by her husband James LaMotte and daughter Michelle Becker. She is survived by sister Julianne Schmitt and daughters Kathleen (Michael) Cherrier, Maureen (Gary) Carlson, Diane (Duane) Rocker. Twelve Grandchildren, Twenty-five Great Grandchildren, and one Great, Great Grandchild. Her active, caring, and giving life involved vegetable gardening, and canning of peaches and pears. Her raspberry jam was the best as was her famous apple pie squares. She won first place in Grandma’s Bakery pie contest with her delicious Lemon pie in 2016, and won second place with her Lemon Meringue Pie in 2017. We will all remember her warm smile and that twinkle in her eyes.

She gave so much of herself every day, in her kindness towards others. Olympe was a strong, faithful, and prayerful person who left inspiration to many family members and friends. She brought warmth and brightness to the people close to her.

A Celebration of Olympe’s Life will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Redeeming Love Church, 2425 White Bear Ave. N, Maplewood, MN., 55109. Service will be held at 11 a.m. Visitation at 10 a.m. Memorials preferred, delayed internment at Fort Snelling.

KATHLEEN RUSSELL

DEBORAH MILLER

SHERI PETERSON

SALLY BROWN

WENDY JENZ

KATHLEEN RUSSELL

DEBORAH MILLER

SHERI PETERSON

SALLY BROWN

WENDY JENZ

Local player helps Fighting Irish to 2nd NCAA Championship

Colin Hagstrom of Mahtomedi experienced his second NCAA championship as a member of the Notre Dame lacrosse team when the Irish capped a 16-1 season with a 15-5 rout of Maryland in the championship game in Philadelphia. The 2020 Mahtomedi graduate was the backup face-off specialist behind Will Lynch, as he was in 2023. Seeing action in

all 16 games, Hagstrom, a senior, won 50 of 107 face-offs. Hagstrom also scooped up 22 ground balls and scored one goal. At Mahtomedi, Hagstrom made all-state twice and helped the Zephyrs reach three state tournaments. He was also co-captain of the state champion hockey team and scored the overtime game-winner in the finals.

Bear runner makes state in all 3 sprints; Bears 2nd in section

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Caleb Anderson made Bear history in leading the White Bear Lake track team to a second-place finish in Section 4AAA at Stillwater.

The 5-foot-6, 148-pound senior won the 100 dash in 11.24 and the 200 in 22.41 while placing second in the 400 in 48.59. Top two advance to state.

“Caleb is the first sprinter from White Bear Lake to qualify in all three (sprints),” longtime coach Tom Paulson noted. “He is a great team leader and role model. Outstanding in academics. He does not like to lose.” Anderson said he was “extremely happy and grateful” to advance in all three. He went in the 200 and 4x100 relay last year. He has school records in the 100 (10.86) and 200 (21.97), events he’s run since 10th grade. Late this season, he added the grueling 400. “The 400 still scares me. That’s the one where I always throw up afterward,” he said.

Anderson doesn’t typically lead all the way. “I come from behind a lot,” he said. “I don’t have the greatest start, but once I reach my top-end speed, I feel I can outrun everyone.”

He is elated to pick up for his older brother Micah, who had an excellent sophomore year but missed his junior year due to the pandemic and pulled a hamstring his senior year. Micah is a U of M student and “will be at state rooting for me,” Caleb said.

Tomi Animasaun, sophomore, was also a three-event state qualifier. He won the 110 hurdles in 15.95 while placing second in the 300 hurdles (40.29) and long jump (22-

Zephyrs hire new girls hoops coach

Aneshia Fisher is the new Mahtomedi girls basketball coach, announced activities director Aaron Forsythe last week. Fisher played for DeLaSalle High School and had a collegiate career. She was head coach for Blake the last two seasons, and currently coaches in the Legacy Hoops AAU. “Her passion for the game, along with her ability to develop character through basketball will make for a great experience for our student-athletes and basketball community,” said Forsythe. Fisher will take over a team that was 20-9, won the Metro East, and has three allconference players returning.

10.75). “An exciting sophomore with a lot of potential,” Paulson said.

Stillwater was team champion with 299 points, followed by the Bears 181 and Woodbury with 143.5 in the seven-team meet.

Three other Bears advanced to the state meet slated for Thursday and Saturday at St. Michael-Albertville. Easton Miles, sophomore, was long jump champion with 23-1, a personal best by two feet. Femi Animasaun, senior, placed second behind his brother in the 110 hurdles with 16.28.

Vaughn Larson, a junior, was second in the 1600 in 4:24.47 after placing third in the 3200 (9:30).

Isaac Kolstad was third in the 800 (2:00.06). Matt Hunter placed third in discus (146-7). Keith Johnson was fourth in the 400 (50.32) and in the 200 (23.02).

Zephyr boys 4AA track champs

Mahtomedi captured the Section 4AA boys track championship and qualified for state in eight events at St. Anthony Village.

Top three teams among 13 were Mahtomedi with 186.5 points, DeLaSalle 141 and St. Paul Como Park 116.5.

Jonah McCormick, senior hurdler, won the 110 highs in 14.13 and the 300 intermediates in 38.76. He is 21-for22 this year while placing third in the Hamline Elite Meet in the 300.  William Newman, senior, won long jump (20-5).

Advancing with second-places were seniors Evan Carion in the 800 run (2:00.89), Andrew Russell in high jump (6-3) and Michael Barry in triple jump (41-11).

Two relays advance to state: the first-place 4x400 team (3:30.54)

with Barry, Evan Carion, William Lieberman, and McCormick; and the second-place 4x200 team (1:32.10) with Alec Mahoney, Barry, Nils Landes, and Gavin Kruse. Also in the top six were Lieberman, third, 1600 (4:36) and fourth, 3200 (10:03); Mahoney, third, 100 (11.50); Jacob Hauer, third, shot put (41-4.75); Chase Hallin (fourth, discus); Adam Voegele (fourth, shot); Brett Swystun

(fifth, discus, and sixth, shot); Nils Landes (fourth, 300 hurdles, and fifth, 200); Evan Miller (fifth, pole vault), Samuel Thein (fifth, high jump); Barry (fifth, 400); Tristian Taylor (sixth, 100); and the 4x100 relay, third, with Mahoney, Newman, Taylor and Kruse. The state Class 2A meet will be held Friday and Saturday at St. MichaelAlbertville.

4 Bear golfers reach state

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake golfers Ivory Drusch and Jack Stanius each placed second in Section 4AAA and will be joined by Bear teammates Bailey Eddicus and Easton Fiddle at the state meet June 11-12 at Bunker Hills.

Drusch, a senior, shot 80-79159 at Goodrich in St. Paul. She will close her prep career with her second state trip. Eddicus, a junior, placed seventh with 80-89-169.

“My putting was on point.” said Drusch. “Especially on the second hole when she sank a 30-footer downhill. “I made some good tips and putts to save for par.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Ivory Drusch

White Bear Lake Golf

Ivory Drusch, White Bear Lake senior golf captain, will close a strong career with her second trip to the state tournament June 11-12. Drusch placed second in Section 4AAA with 80-79-159. The 5-foot-9 right-hander is averaging 81 strokes and made the all-Suburban East team for the third time. Coach Craig Nasvik describes Drusch as a “fierce competitor” who “practices diligently and with a purpose, so she is not surprised on the course.” He added, “She ‘gets it’ and has been truly a pleasure to coach.” Drusch has golfed since age five, mentored by her father and grandfather.

“Your

Financial Partner”

Another highlight, Drusch said, was “playing with my teammates one last time as a senior.”

Stanius, a junior, shot 71-72143, one under par, at Bunker Hills. He will compete in his second state tourney this year, also going in hockey. Fiddle, an eighth-grader, shot 75-76-151 for eighth place. He also went to state as a seventh grader.

The Bear girls placed second, logging a 344-345-689 score.

Mahtomedi won (670) with Stillwater third (711). Cretin-Derham Hall’s Lily Vincelli medaled with 75-71-147.

Cami Bachmeier finished a solid three-sport Bear career with a crisp 84 Friday after a 95

Thursday to place 12th with 179. Finishing 14-15-16 were sophomore Maddy Vang (92-93-185), junior Elaine Eddicus (92-94-186) and junior Sydney Pfeil (96-93189).

The Bear boys placed fourth with 613. Cretin-Derham Hall was champion with 576, led by Sam Udovich, medalist with 67-65-132. Stillwater shot 606 and Mahtomedi 612.

Bear seniors Nolan Roed (8278-160) and Anders Samec (8080-160) tied for 15th place, with senior Wyatt Peterson 20th (8183-164) and sophomore Thomas Pederson 25th (84-88-172). Both golf teams are coached by Craig Nasvik.

Zephyr girl golfers are section champs

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Mahtomedi captured the Section 4AAA girls golf championship with five Zephyrs placing in the top 13.  Mahtomedi totaled 334-336-670 at Goodrich Golf Club in St. Paul, followed by White Bear Lake (689) and Stillwater (711). Lily Vincelli of Cretin-Derham Hall was medalist with 75-72-147.  Reagan Juhl, Zephyr freshman, placed fourth (79-85-164), and Lexi McGrane, a sophomore, was fifth (82-83165). Tying for ninth were sophomore Lily Carlson

(91-81-172) and senior Sadie Stembridge (8587-172). Audrey Carlson, junior, was 13th (88-92180). Alayna Bartylla, junior, shot 99-98-197.

The Zephyrs, coached by Matt Huss, advance to state Class 3A on June 11-12 at Bunker

The Zephyrs repeated as section champs and will try to improve on last year’s eight-place finish at state.

Ivory Drusch

Hills in Coon Rapids.

RON ENGH | CONTRIBUTED

Caleb Anderson showed his form during the section meet.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Jack Stanius, watching his opening drive, shot 143 for second place in Section 4AAA.

CONTRIBUTED

The victorious Zephyrs celebrate after the rainsplattered section meet.

CONTRIBUTED

Mahtomedi’s section champions, from left: Alayna Bartylla, Audrey Carlson, Sadie Stembridge, Lexie McGrane, Lily Carlson and Reagan Juhl.

BEAR BOATING:

serving on the front lines. “I’m pretty excited about it,” said Eugen of the White Bear Lake trip. Eugen also has been at Protez for 1 1/2 months and worked in construction before enlisting as a soldier. Similarly, During the war, Eugen learned how to

BEAR BOATING BY THE NUMBERS

4 trips a day

operate attack drones against invading Russian forces. He also lost both legs. Eugen said that if he were to ever return to Ukraine, he would want to continue his efforts.

“When I go back, I want to teach soldiers how to use them,” said Eugen. “I want to be able to operate from behind the scenes.”

• The Bear Boating pontoon makes 4 trips a day, 5 days a week

• Bear Boating will host 260 trips on White Bear Lake this season.

• 10 people can go on a trip.

• Each trip also includes 1 captain and 2 mates

• Bear Boating has 23 volunteer captains and 95 volunteer mates.

• Volunteers need to be 18 years old.

• Boating trips account for 2/3 and fishing trips are 1/3 of Bear Boating excursions.

• The boat uses approximately 60 gallons of gas each week.

• More than 2,000 people will have a free boat ride on White Bear Lake this year through Bear Boating.

• Bear Boating trips for the season are 100% full