White Bear Press

Zephyrs state-bound!

Zephyr pitcher Andrew Sokoll and catcher Austin Felling embrace in celebration after the final out of Mahtomedi’s 5-3 state semifinal win over Grand Rapids. See story on page 18. For the fifth time in nine years, Mahtomedi has reached the state finals in baseball. The Zephyrs will duel Totino-Grace for the Class 3A championship Friday, June 21 at 4:30 p.m. at Target Field. The four title games, originally to be played Monday, were rescheduled due to weather forecasts and availability of the stadium.

Sisters fight to keep pet pigs at White Bear Lake home

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

For the past 12 years, White Bear Lake residents and sisters Claudia Beckman and Colleen Jefferson have been the proud owners of two pigs, Ozzie and Harriet. Now, according to city regulations, they may have to give them up for good.

“They’ve never caused any damage or harm to anyone,” said Jefferson. “No neighbor has ever had a problem.”

The sisters initially rescued Ozzie and Harriet from an unnamed sanctuary in northern Minnesota. According to Jefferson, the sanctuary’s owner intended to fatten Harriet up to become dinner, prompting the sisters to take action. Because Harriet had bonded with Ozzie during their time together, the sisters rescued Ozzie to prevent separation anxiety. Both pigs currently reside at Jefferson’s home on Floral Drive.

According to Beckman, the city required her and Jefferson to seek permission from the neighbors before they could bring Ozzie and Harriet to Jefferson’s house.

“We had to get permission from the neighbors that it would be okay to have Ozzie and Harriet here,” said Beckman. “Those same neighbors are still willing to say that they approved it. Police knew they were here, because they often stopped by to take pictures and say ‘Hi.’ The city knew, because the inspectors who checked the house always saw them.”

SEE PIG DISPUTE, PAGE 7

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Pardon me, but would you like a pastry to go with that dark roast? This summer, Mahtomedi baked goods and coffee lovers will see a combination of both. The Wild Bean and 350 Degrees Bakery, owned by Maddie McMahon and Elouise Suoja, respectively, are currently undergoing a plan to connect their buildings. McMahon initially worked at The Wild Bean while attending Mahtomedi High School, from which she graduated in 2022. McMahon said she grew to

love working at the shop and eventually bought it from the owner.

“I decided to change it into more of a community place where everyone gathers,”

McMahon said. “It’s been a lot of work, but I enjoy it, and my employees are great.”

While still in middle school, Suoja began 350 Degrees Bakery as a stand in her driveway. There, Suoja sold homemade cupcakes to passersby for 50 cents each.

“It really fed my passion for baking,” said Suoja. “Of all my hobbies, this is the one that I feel most stuck with me.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Suoja said the idea of turning 350 Degrees Bakery into a commercial business began to form. “It happened when I was still in high school,” said Suoja, “but being in quarantine helped me brainstorm ideas and put more energy into it.”

Suoja, with help from her parents, converted their basement into a baking room. This allowed Suoja extra space to start making baked goods from the comfort of her home.

During this time, Suoja and SEE ENTREPRENEURS, PAGE 9

CONTRIBUTED

Maddie McMahon (left) and Elouise Suoja (right) will be connecting their respective businesses, Wild Bean Coffee and 350 Degrees Bakery, this summer.

BETH DONAHUE | CONTRIBUTED

Molding Community with the Queer Clay Club

On Wednesday evenings in the Joan May Vesel Studio at White Bear Center for the Arts, students gather weekly, not just to mold clay but to shape their identities in a space of acceptance and creativity.

The Queer Clay Club, as it’s known, offers more than just a space for artistic expression; it’s a haven for individuals of all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations to build community through clay. The appeal comes from

intentionally building space for the LGBTQ+ community. “It’s a calling,” Zawa Carney says. “You go to the club and you already have two things in common with every person there: you’re in some way, shape, or form a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and you like clay.” Zawa is a regular attendee and has gone to the Queer Clay Club almost every week for a year now. He found the club after being a part of WBCA’s High School Visual Arts and WriteNow!

Upcoming events

Competition since 2022. Ever since the club started a little over a year ago, a solid group of regulars have attended almost every week for two hours to work on personal or collaborative clay projects.

What keeps them coming back? For Ash Davis who has been involved at WBCA for over a decade, it’s the great sense of community he feels from being with other LGBTQ+ people where shared experiences can flow. It’s more than just a haven for personal exploration; Queer Clay Club has become a vibrant community where these experiences can foster bonds of solidarity. Ash says it feels comfortable to be in a place where people know and respect others’ identities and pronouns. “We have fun together, create art together, and celebrate pride together.” Inclusivity is integrated into almost every feature of the club. The club is open to everyone 13 years and older at any skill level. “If you want to learn something, there’s going to be someone in the room that probably

knows how to do it or will at least help you,” Zawa says. As a “Pay What You Can” program, students can attend at little to no cost thanks to generous funding from an anonymous White Bear Lake area donor, ensuring its doors are open to everyone. Allies and parents are also welcome to share the space; Zawa recounts a time when three moms attended with their three teenage kids and were greeted with open arms. With clay’s malleable nature, it seems to be the

fitting metaphor for the fluidity of identity and intentionality in shaping community. It’s different from just another clay class, Zawa says. “If you put a bunch of people who all

have one thing in common, which is that they’re different, in a room and give them art, it’s going to be a beautiful and energetic space. And it’s going to be different from anything that you’ve seen because all of these people are different.”

For many members, the Queer Clay Club has become a space of self-discovery, centering creativity, and embracing authenticity. When it comes to the best thing about the class, it’s hard to choose. “I don’t think I can pick a favorite thing…,” Zawa says. “My favorite thing about Queer Clay Club is its existence.” For Ash, it’s more than just an art class, “it’s a second family.” So, on Wednesday evenings at White Bear Center for the Arts, the members of the Queer Clay Club will continue to mold their own stories.

While all are welcome to attend, advance registration through WhiteBearArts.org/ queer-clay-club is required.

at WBCA’s West Parking Lot while shopping original work by local high schoolers and WBCA teaching artists

The Courtney Burton Trio Concert

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center Lawn

Bring your own chair and settle in for an afternoon jazz concert featuring The Courtney Burton Trio! It's a pay-what-

you-want event, but reservations are required.

Mitchell Hall in Concert

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center Lawn

July 14 - 1:00 PM

Bring your own chair and settle in for an afternoon concert featuring hits by Johnny Cash! It's a pay-what-you-want event, but advance reservations are required.

The following students were named to the Dean’s list or received academic honors at a college or university in Spring 2024:

Bemidji State University: Andrew Halbur, Cade

STRAWBERRIES

Kodytek, William Lemire, Simon Oslund, Brice Peters, and Matt Shedlov, all of White Bear Lake; Spencer Oxton of White Bear Township; Micah Lim of Dellwood.

Bradley University: Ellen Ring of White Bear Lake. Hamline University: Ava Cerney, Charlie Jacka, Christopher Marquez-Gutierrez, Jaycee Manchi, Laura Hardy, Tate Johanning, and Alex Reed, all of White Bear Lake; Allison Deery and Katey Lundberg, both of Vadnais Heights. Erika Broten of Mahtomedi.

Iowa State University: Ella Danenberg, Alan Fischer, Karen Miller, Sydney Plumb, Ava Post, and Anna Raney, all of White Bear Lake; Ty Decker, Megan Eberle, Lucas Monteiro, and Nicholas Otto, all of Mahtomedi.

Marquette University: Logan Swanson of White Bear Lake; Julia Bjork and Maggie McCarty, both of Mahtomedi.

Saint Mary’s College: Anna Bacchus of Mahtomedi.

Salve Regina University: Cecelia Bronson of Vadnais Heights.

South Dakota State University: Kayla Brisbois and Clara Cunningham, both of White Bear Lake; Abigail harper of Vadnais Heights.

University of Iowa: Nicole Olson and Megan Van Ostrand, Kathryn Vosikaof, and Emilia Wenzelof, all of White Bear Lake.

University of Maryland Global Campus: Savannah McPhillips of Vadnais Heights.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Abby Hemenway, Ava Johnson, and Lily Marchant, all of Mahtomedi; Evan Fischer, Abby Healy, Hannah Mudgett, and Annika Swanson of White Bear Lake; Annika Norman of White Bear Township.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: Lauren Lender and Jake Larson of Mahtomedi; Owen Affolter of Pine Springs; Natalie Andres, Aaron Barton, Rachel Chesley, and Abby Franta, all of White Bear Lake.

1974 Custom Deluxe K20

APublisher’s View

nnually in June, I have a guys weekend trip to South Dakota with college friends. This year we took a turn into the ditches and farmland to hunt for asparagus and old cars. Although we were skunked on the asparagus, we found a number of farm yards loaded with old vehicles. Some might call it a junk yard or graveyard, but we saw it as a treasure trove. For more than 20 years, we have connected in South Dakota, where we have done a variety of projects like cleaning up wind rows, pulling steel and scrap in a effort to cleanup the fields, pulling fencing, picking rocks, spraying and setting up deer stands all in prepare for the fall hunting season. We often do some trap and target shooting. This year our sights were set on a different target, a vintage Chevy pick-up truck in the neighboring field. We offered a price and when it was accepted we hooked it up with chains and started down the gravel road. Soon we were elbow-deep tearing into it. We drained the fuel, did an oil change and determined that it had a faulty part in the distributor. Anxious to hear the glass-pack exhaust rumble before morning, we robbed some parts off a working Chevy. After a few work-arounds and the challenge of pulling the oil filter, it was a celebration as the key turned. It popped off and someone yelled “it’s alive!’’ I loved to hear glass packs rumble. The next morning we drove it a few miles in light rain. There were no windshield wipers and the random backfire put us on the edge of the bench seat. I felt like we were in a movie scene as we pulled up to get gas at the co-op in the square body, long box 350. The store clerk came out to take photos which he sent to the truck’s previous owner. We came close to leaving it on the side of the road but eventually did make it home, with the four speed gears box grinding away. I could imagine what it was like when the truck was new.

It was a fun project to take our minds off the grind of our working lives. I think I am going to smell like old varnish and gas for weeks to come. Not knowing the full history of this pickup truck, we did learn it was sold at auction in South Dakota with the intent to be used as a farm truck. Apparently it sat for more than 10 years where we found it rigged with a large boom sprayer system. Now up and running, the truck is nearly ready for the next stage of its life. I was thinking it would look good with a topper pulling a classic boat.

I have had a lot of different adventures on these guys weekends. I have also appreciated the fishing and snowmobiling weekends with high school friends. When a group of guys get together you never know what might happen or what can be accomplished in a weekend, but I always come back home refreshed and re-energized.

With friends, vehicles and boats on my mind, I encourage our readers to gather family and friends to come out to the White Bear Lake Classic and Vintage Boat Show this weekend. It is held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22 on the lake side of the White Bear Shopping Mall and Kowalskis. Another fun event is the Back to the to the 50’s car show, also this weekend, Friday through Sunday at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

Succession planting and playing with our seasons

WMovers & Shakers

Michelle Bruhn

e all want to make the most of our summers, and while planting more seeds into your garden in the heat of summer might not be on the top of your list – a few minutes in the garden now will have huge payoffs come fall. Succession planting at its simplest is just replanting after you’ve harvested. You can replant the same fast maturing crop after harvesting, like radishes or spinach. You can also try interplanting which is growing multiple crops together that share resources and will mature at different times. This can look like low growing and quick maturing lettuces between slow growing cabbages.

The benefits of growing some of your own food are many, from higher nutrition to lowering ‘food miles’ and carbon footprints- for me it comes down to taste. And there’s nothing better than frost kissed carrots and kale that we can plant now.

Minnesotans know we’ve got a short growing season, and

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that ultimately, the weather is in control. Around White Bear Lake, we get roughly 140 frostfree growing days. Simple math says we can get two harvests from direct-sown crops that take 70 days to mature (like carrots, beets and beans).

Some plants, such as root crops, do best when direct sown. Getting these seeds to germinate in the heat of July may require our help with keeping the top layer of soil moist and cool enough. A layer of straw or burlap on top of freshly sown seeds helps to keep them damp. Or take back some control and start another round of seeds indoors; I usually start tender seedlings like broccoli, cauliflower and basil indoors or in a tray outside so that you can move in and out of harsh weather as needed.

By staggering your planting times and replanting spaces that have opened up after harvesting early season crops, you’ll be harvesting a wider variety all summer and may even us northern gardeners can get in at least two if not three rounds of crops in the same garden space.

Learning from your garden

Seeing your garden as an everevolving part of nature that you get to work with, while nurturing

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all the living plants, insects and animals in it will not only bring you larger harvests but bring you more in tune with nature itself. Practicing succession planting is a tangible way to grow into the place you live, which helps us take better care of this beautiful place we call home, Minnesota. What to plant now for midseason succession planting • June 15 - July 1

Direct Sow- Edamame, Pole Beans, Carrots Start Indoors- Basil, *Broccoli, *Cauliflower • July 1-15

Direct Sow- Beets, Carrots, Parsnips, Bush Beans, Start Indoors- *Broccoli, *Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, Pak Choi • July 15-July 30

Direct Sow- Sugar Snap + Snow Peas • August 1- August 15

Arugula, Cilantro, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Radish, Spinach *wide variation in days to maturity means start dates will depend on your exact seed packet.

More information on succession planting and eating local available at forksinthedirt.com

Michelle Bruhn is the Founder of Forks in the Dirt and Coauthor of Small Scale-Homesteading

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WHITE BEAR PRESS/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | ELECTION

Carter Johnson

PAID LETTER

Candidate learned past 2 years

When I heard there would be a primary race for House District 36B, I wanted to learn more. After numerous conversations with the candidates and with neighbors, I am excited to endorse Rep. Brion Curran, who has served our district for the past two years.

Rep. Curran’s experience certainly is one of their strengths. Serving in the Minnesota House comes with a steep learning curve, and capitalizing on what they have learned about getting things done will help our district get results faster. They have proven to be effective, getting legislation passed to fund public safety, public schools and disability services.

They have fought to protect our community’s precious water supply from harmful chemicals and to protect our LGBTQIA+ friends and neighbors from harmful discrimination. Their experience prior to their election to the Legislature has been critical, too: Rep. Curran is one of the few members of the Minnesota House with direct experience working with people with disabilities and the only currently serving member with law enforcement experience.

What impressed me most about Rep. Brion Curran in the conversations I had, though, was the authenticity and integrity they showed. Brion is a warm and genuine human who has

OBITUARIES

Died peacefully at home on Bald Eagle Lake, June 4, 2024, age 83, after an extended struggle with Alzheimer’s.

learned a tremendous amount over the past two years. Let’s put their experience to work and send them back to represent White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights and our neighboring communities for another term!

Cathy Crea White Bear Lake

Work together to protect lake

As summer unfolds and we soak up the warmth of sunlit days, it’s important to remember our shared responsibility in preserving the pristine beauty of our beloved lake. With this in mind, I urge fellow residents to take a proactive stance in maintaining the cleanliness of our neighborhood drains.

These drains serve as vital conduits, channeling rainwater away from our streets and into the lake. However, they often become clogged with debris, ranging from leaves to plastic waste, posing a significant threat to the health of our aquatic ecosystem.

By bringing gloves and a bag for debris on our next neighborhood walk, we can prevent pollutants from leaching into our lake, safeguarding its crystal-clear waters for generations to come. Moreover, this simple act of community stewardship fosters a sense of pride and camaraderie among us all.

Let’s join hands in this endeavor, embracing the responsibility to nurture and protect our natural heritage. Together, we can make sure

Mina Clare Ingersoll, LICSW

Beloved wife, Mother, Grandmother, Psychotherapist, Singer, Artist, Seamstress, Gardener, Animal lover, Activist, Supporter of those who care for animals and their environment, Trailblazer, Entrepreneur, Student and Mentor. She was a shining star to those

she met, counseled, worked with, or passed while dog-walking. Her final gift was ceding her body to the U of M Medical School. She is survived by her husband, Michael Hannan, Daughters, Michelle Cook (William), Melanie Driscoll (Todd Nissen), and Melinda Driscoll (Chris Pozzini).

She was blessed with a wonderfully blended mix of grand kids: Gavin, Gabe, Lauren, Bennett, Mites, Quinn, Meridith, Sam, Kimberly, and Matthew.

We will celebrate her life and her light on July 21, 2024, 2-4 p.m. at The White Bear UU Church, 328 Maple Street, Mahtomedi, MN. Memorials to Environmental or animal welfare or the Alzheimer’s Assoc.

Lonnie Bohnen

(nee Bohmert), age 66 of Willernie, MN. Beloved Mother and Grandmother. Oct. 23, 1957June 14, 2024. She is preceded in death by her son, Brett, parents Jack Bohmert (Virginia) and Bonnie Gunderson (Joe), and her twin sisters Teri Nix and Tami Sigstad. Lonnie will be fondly remembered

by her children Amie Van Den Boom (Ihsan), Scott Bohnen (Erin), Abby De Jong (Andrew); grandchildrenValentina, Patrick, Jamison, Ryan, Elliott, Youseph, Gideon and Baby De Jong on the way; former husband Mark Bohnen; brother, Todd Kendall (Nicole); and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, June 20 at 11 am at St. Jude of the Lake Church, 700 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi. Visitation starts at 10 a.m. - one hour prior to Mass at the Church. Burial at Lakeview Cemetery on Friday, June 21 at 10 a.m.

that the shimmering expanse of our lake remains a beacon of serenity and beauty for all to enjoy.

Connie DeMillo White Bear Lake

Educational value in books

Letter-writer Karen Anderson asks what might be the educational value of books having content that includes “gang rapes, prostitution involving minors with adults, child rape and abuse, explicit sexual activities including sexual assault and battery and drug abuse and violence.”

The educational value is that children, adolescents and teens who know about such things are better equipped to protect themselves.

Lori Hughes White Bear Lake

Thanks for lost dog help

I would like to thank the White Bear Lake community, Otter Lake Dog Park people, Lost K-9, Companion Animal Control, Ramsey County Sheriff, Carbone’s Pizzeria & Pub, WBL, and more people than I can name. My dog, Nora, was lost for two days in the area of Otter Lake Dog

Park. We received an overwhelming amount of love and support from friends and total strangers. It is terrifying to have your fur baby lost and alone. The past few years, I have lost a lot of faith in humanity, but it has been restored with more love than I could have imagined. If you lose your dog, your instinct is to follow and chase to find them. However, they go into survival mode, and it’s not the same dog you know and love. We would have continued to chase and follow, and the outcome would not have been the same had we not listened to the professionals. We had to let her come to us. It was hard to stay quiet and calm, but we did, and now she is home. If you see a stray dog, don’t chase it; take a photo and report the sighting. Stay calm, and do your research on what to do. Ask for help from professionals like Lost K-9 or The Retrievers, both professional volunteer organizations that will go above and beyond to save your fur baby. I don’t have the words to express the level of gratitude we have, but on behalf of my family and Nora, thank you!

At Good Samaritan Society – Heritage Place of Roseville, you can relax and enjoy life and we’ll take care of the rest.

Join our friendly independent living community and enjoy new reduced rates, plus your third month free. You’ll also receive $1,500 toward moving expenses.

Offer expires Sept. 30, 2024.

Kristine Riley White Bear Lake

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Lake Police Department reports the following selected incidents:

Officers responded to a report of an altercation between 2 drivers near the intersection of Third Street and Murray Avenue June 3.

• A vehicle was stolen in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road June 3. Officers respodned to a child custody dispute n the 3900 block of Hoffman Road June 3.

• A man stole a bottle of alcohol from a business in the 2600 block of County Road E June 3.

• Indecent exposure was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road June 3.

• A woman in the 3600 block Howard Avenue was issued a citation for a noise disturbance June 4.

• A juvenile male was cited for leaving the scene of an accident an adult female was cited for violating her instruction permit after officers responded to a report of a hit and run crash in the 1500 block of Highway 96 E.

• Minor injuries were reported in a 2 vehicle crash at the intersection of Highways 61 and 96 June 4, and a White Bear Township woman was cited for running a red light.

• A resident in the 3600 block of Glen Oaks Avenue was warned about speeding through the neighborhood June 4.

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

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3600 block of Howard Avenue June 6. Repeated complaints resulted in the arrest of a White Bear Lake woman disorderly conduct and causing excessive noise.

• Officers responseds to a noise disturbance in the 3600 block of East County Line Road June 6.

• Two drunk juveniles were apprehended in the 2200 block of 10th Street after stealing another juvenile’s property June 6.

• An Arden Hills man was arrested for DWI in the 3900 block of Van Dyke Street June 6.

• Officers responding to a report of a homeless camp along the shoreline of West Goose Lake June 7 discovered the area in question is an easement owned by Ramsey County. Ramsey County Public Works was notified and put it on their todo list.

• A White Bear Lake resident was arrested for violating a no contact order in the 3500 block of Century Avenue June 7.

• Officers responding to a report of a man wearing only a towel at Veteran’s Park June 5 found he was actually wearing a worn out pair of pants. A man was trespassed from the Tommy Wash on Highway 61 June 5 after refusing requestd to leave.

White Bear Lake Area

Church Directory

• A St. Paul woman, 27 was arrested on warrant May 16 at a store in the 800 block of County Road E and cited for shoplifting to boot.

• A Shoreview woman, 19, was arrested May 16 in the 1000 block of County Road D on a Hennepin County DUI warrant, after Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies encountered her at the scene of a domestic assault.

• A resident in the 700 block of County Road F reported that someone had driven into his mailbox and damaged it overnight May 16-17, before driving off without acknowledging the crash.

• Deputies were dispatched to the scene of a youth hockey tournament in the 14000 block of County Road E on May 17 to mediate a disagreement about checking on the ice. As part of the melee, a male who refused to leave on request of management was advised about the ramifications of being banned from the premises.

• A St. Paul woman in the 4300 block of White Bear Parkway reported that someone had broken into her vehicle May 17 while it was parked outside the Target store and had stolen several items.

• A Vadnais Heights man reported that someone had stolen a tire off his vehicle parked in the 1000 block of County Road D May 19.

• Residents in the 3500 block of Hoffman Road E on May 19 reported a determined turkey for pecking at their window and refusing to move on. Deputies arriving on scene took their lives in their hands

Worship

at 10:00am

4525 White Bear Pkwy WBL, MN 55110 faithtwincities.com

to chase the bird away.

• Clearly, mere shoplifting was not good enough, as deputies were dispatched to the Walmart store May 19, after a wellknown shoplifter in the store tried to use counterfeit bills to make purchases.

• A Savage woman, 31, was arrested May 19 after she assaulted her husband in the 800 block of Garceau Lane.

• Deputies, accompanied by firefighters, responded to the scene of illegal fireworks set off May 19 inside a residence in the 800 block of Bella Drive. After a short investigation as to why the fireworks were set off quite prematurely in advance of the July 4 holiday, deputies determined the fireworks were set off intentionally. After locating the stash of fireworks, deputies confiscated them.

• Deputies issued trespass notices to three males, all 17, on May 20 after they tried to steal several boxes of candy from a store in the 900 block of County Road E.

• A dog was “arrested” May 20, after biting a woman and girl in the 3100 block of Stoneridge Court. The victims were transported to a hospital for medical treatment and the dog was transported to the Woodbury Humane Society.

White Bear Township

• A White Bear Lake man, 39, was arrested for assault May 17 in the 4100 block of Hoffman Road, after deputies responded to the report of a fight.

• A male was arrested on multiple warrants May 17 in the 4200 block of Otter Lake Drive, after he fled on foot.

• A Shoreview man, 34, was arrested at 5:20 a.m. May 19 in the 5400 block of Prospect Avenue, after he assaulted a woman.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

TOUCH OF COLOR COMMUNITY

RECEPTION

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4871 Long Ave.

Details: Exhibit features the artwork of the Lake Country Pastel Society. Includes award ceremony with judge Lisa Fertig.

Contact: whitebeararts.org

SOUTH SHORE OPENING EVENT

When: 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20

Where: Bellaire Beach, Saputo Station, White Bear Township

Details: Celebrate the completion of the South Shore Blvd. Trail segment of the Lake Links Trail and visit with volunteers, elected officials, and local dignitaries.

Contact: lakelinks.net

MARKETFEST

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, June 20 and Thursdays through July 25

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

FRIDAYS WITH FIREFIGHTERS

When: 10 a.m.-noon Friday, June 21

Where: South Fire Station, 2240 County Road E, White Bear Lake

WHITE BEAR LAKE CLASSIC & VINTAGE BOAT SHOW

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Where: Lakefront of the White Bear Lake Shopping Center, 4391 Lake Avenue S.

Details: Display of classic and vintage boats-inboards, outboards, row boats and sailboats. Live fishing and “ask and expert” fisherman, vendors, nautical market, food, and vendors. Bear Boating hosts free boat rides 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Contact: facebook.com/WhiteBearPress

Details: Young children and parents can join the fire department for fun and afety education. Free.

FILLEBROWN FRIDAYS

When: 10 a.m.-noon Fridays, June 21 & 28

Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave.

Details: Self-guided tour of the 1879 Red Chalet Cottage on White Bear Lake and refreshements on the porch. Contact: whitebearhistory.org

PIG DISPUTE:

“No one has ever said they’ve been an issue,” added Jefferson. “That, and we’ve never hidden the fact that we own them. It’s never been a secret to anyone in the neighborhood.”

According to City Manager Lindy Crawford, the Floral Drive address is not zoned to allow the keeping of domestic

PUZZLING HISTORY

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

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

Details: Teams of 4 compete to put together a 500-piece puzzle of historic photos. See cost and guidelines online. Contact: whitebearhistory.org/ puzzling_rules

MANITOU TRIATHLON

When: 6:30 a.m. Sunday, June 23

Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Avenue

Details: 4 race options include swim, bike and run of various lengths. Community barbecue follows race. Details and registration information online.

Contact: mmraces.com/manitou-tri

BIRCHWOOD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 23

Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park

Details: Scottie Miller performs. See website for details. Contact: scottiemiller.com

WHITE BEAR HIGH SCHOOL: REUNITED! When: 6-7 p.m. June 24

Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 Second Street

MAHTOMEDI AREA FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, June 22 through Sept. 28

Where: Veterans Memorial Park

Details: Local growers, artisans, community resources. Contact: mahtomedimarket.wixsite. com/mahtmarket

Sisters vow to fight code violation

farm animals. Per standard code enforcement procedure, the city sent a letter to the property owner on May 21 notifying them of the code violation, with a timeline of 14 days to remedy the violation and remove any domestic farm animals from the property.

After that deadline passed without compliance, staff sent another letter on June 7 with an extended deadline to meet compliance by June 21. Crawford said failure to comply with the deadline will result in additional enforcement action, including a potential citation.

Jefferson expressed concern about where the city would send Ozzie and Harriet if they were sent away. Jefferson also noted that both pigs would not survive being removed due to their anxiety.

“There’s no place for them to go,” said Jefferson. “They’re both already 14 (years old) and won’t live much longer. If they get taken to another sanctuary, they’d die

from being scared around people they don’t recognize. That’s why I will fight tooth and nail against this.”

The sisters say they are taking legal action. According to Mary Wingfield, the sisters’ lawyer, the code in question has only been in force for the past few years. Wingfield further stated the code does not specify what kind of farm animals residents aren’t allowed to have.

“The pigs have been here far longer than the code has,” said Wingfield. “There’s also no provision that defines a farm animal, let alone what kind a resident can or can’t have. It’s a poorly drafted code if you’re saying you can’t have farm animals when these are pets, ones the city said was okay to own.”

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

Details: After 40 years the 2 high school campuses will be reunited in the fall of 2024. Program reflects on the past and what is changing. Contact: whitebearhistory.org

Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $16.32-$31.50 per month and business services are $36.37$62.57 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request.

CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/ month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify.

A household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs.

If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/ community/community-development/lifeline. html for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-201-4099 with questions.

CLAUDIA BECKMAN | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Sisters Colleen Jefferson and Claudia Beckman have been told by the city of White Bear Lake to surrender their pigs Ozzie (left) and Harriet (right).

Ozzie and Jefferson share a happy moment together. Jefferson and Beckman have owned Ozzie and Harriet for over 12 years.

Beckman reads to Harriet while the two wait for Harriet’s vet appointment.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

From slavery to freedom: How Adam Balcerzak found opportunity after World War II

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

When Adam Balcerzak died in October 2022, just before his 100th birthday, he made a simple request to Cerenity Senior Care staff: Old Glory should be flown at the center’s flagpole on Flag Day.

Balcerzak’s family finally got to see his wish come true.

“This is an exceptional Flag Day for our family,” said Balcerzak’s stepdaughter Brigetta. “He truly understood what Old Glory represented, not just for our country but for the entire world.”

On Flag Day, June 14, Cerenity Senior Care held a special celebration for Balcerzak that included raising

the American flag atop Cerenity’s brand-new flagpole. Many surviving family members attended, and the center provided snacks and music. The official flag-raising happened around 2 p.m. Balcerzak was also buried with a flag pin of Old Glory on his suit.

“That flag meant so much to him,” said Balcerzak’s other daughter, Barb. “It represented living in a country without fear of having anything taken away. It was the perfect place to raise his family.”

Balcerzak was born in Poland in 1923. During Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939, Balcerzk was taken prisoner by the Nazis. From there, Balcerzak was forced into slave labor on various farms, staying there to work until the war’s end. However,

this sense of freedom was short-lived. Upon writing to his parents, Balcerzak found they had lost everything in the war. They urged Balcerzak not to return to Poland, stating that nothing was left to return to.

Balcerzak then found an opportunity to work for the U.S. Army at the Dachau concentration camp. There, Balcerzak guarded the captured German soldiers who were imprisoned awaiting their fate.

Balcerzak then met his future wife, Elizabeth, who already had two children: Brigetta and her brother, Reinhardt. The family left for the United States in 1951, where they arrived in New York.

Once in the U.S., Balcerzak and his family found housing through sponsorship by the Catholic Church. Balcerzak himself found a job with U.S. Steel Company in Virginia, Minnesota.

However, despite quickly finding opportunities in this country, Balcerzak still faced many challenges. By this time, Balcerzak had three additional children: Nina, Barb and Richard. Balcerzak worked to feed them while attending night school to learn English.

Despite the struggle to maintain balance, Balcerzak soon found his efforts had paid off in June 1957. That year, Balcerzak’s family members attained U.S. citizenship, officially becoming part of the United States of America.

During the final years of his life, Balcerzak came to White Bear Lake to be closer to Barb. Balcerzak was admitted to Cerenity Senior Care, where Barb lived only a block away. Despite his passing, both Brigetta and Barb remain adamanant that their father’s memory will live on.

“I remember him as an extremely

COMMUNITY BRIEF

proud man,” said Brigetta. “He loved this country and loved the symbol of Old Glory.”

“He would have never had the opportunity to do what he did here back in Poland,” added Barb. “He was so proud to be a citizen of this country.”

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

Public feedback for park improvement project now open

The city of Vadnais Heights is looking for public feedback on its ongoing Parks and Trail System Improvement Plan. The project began with the removal of the picnic shelter at Community Park in

late 2023. The city cited deteroriating and unsafe conditions as its reason. Currently, the project is in Phase 2 of its plan, which will focus on community engagement.

Residents are encouraged to send feedback to the city on different park improvements, trail connections and programming recommendations. Engagement is open from June 12 through August 18 and can be done online at www.cityofvadnaisheights.com.

Micah,

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Adam Balcerzak was enslaved by the Nazis during World War II before finding freedom in the U.S. after the war’s end.

Friends and family gathered around Cerenity’s new flagpole for the flag raising in honor of Adam Balcerzak included daughter Brigetta (seated in white), friend Peter, and daughter Barb (right).

McMahon crossed paths with each other. From there, an idea for a new business opportunity began to bloom.

“It was from working at Wild Bean that I knew of her,” said McMahon of Suoja. “People wanted to know if I would ask her to start baking for me. I looked up her and her bakery about the same time the lease for the next-door building came up. I messaged her and asked if she wanted to see it as a way to grow

her business. The same day, she came over and looked at it, and it just took off from there.”

At the time, Suoja had just earned her bachelor’s degree in Baking and Pastries from Colorado Mesa University, where she graduated in 2023. “It definitely was not my plan to open a storefront at 20 years old,” Suoja joked. “But at the same time, I thought, ‘Why not?’”

The space in question that Suoja bought was a former massage parlor. Suoja said she intends to remodel her building to include a hallway connecting to The Wild Bean. From there, Suoja hopes to open 350 Degrees Bakery as an official business by July.

“There will be a doorway inside of each building that connects them,” said McMahon of the expansion plans. “Most of the time, it’ll be a space where people can pick up cakes on Elouise’s side and grab a coffee on mine. Hopefully, we can be open by mid-summer and have more seating. We’d also like to do more pop-up events on the patio. The biggest thing is getting the community together a bit more.”

The Wild Bean is located on Mahtomedi Avenue and is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

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

Thursday, June 20, 2024

6 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Rain or Shine! Downtown White Bear Lake www.marketfestwbl.com

Gazebo Stage

Power of 10 | 6-9 p.m.

Intermission

3rd Street Stage Pat McLaughlin | 6-9 p.m.

Intermission - IPAC

Marketfest runs Thursdays, June 13-July 25, ‘24

Featuring live music, children’s games and activities, pony rides, a classic car show, and 180+ vendors, FREE admission

Sponsors: Kowalski’s Markets, White Bear Mitsubishi, Timberline Roofing, City of White Bear Lake, White Bear Lake Main Street, Blossom Bridge Child Care

Suoja, a 2021 graduate of Mahtomedi High School, started 350 Degrees Bakery out of her basement before transitioning it to an unused building in Mahtomedi.

At 350 Degrees Bakery, Suoja specializes in making a variety of cakes and baked goods.

BUDGET TOWING

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICES

The following vehicle must be claimed by 7-03-2024 or they will be disposed of or sold:

Black 2014 Dodge Journey; VIN – 3C4PDCBG0ET189807 Budget Towing Inc, St.Paul, MN 55102, 651-771-8817

Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 19, 2024.

CITY OF DELLWOOD

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2024-02

AMENDING THE DANGEROUS DOG ORDINANCE

Section 1. The Dellwood City Code is hereby amended to include the following ordinance summarized below:

The City of Dellwood amended Chapter 91 of the City Code to clarify certain terms used in the ordinance and to improve the process for addressing dog bite and attacks. This includes additions to the ordinance to address bites and attacks inflicted upon persons as well as dogs and other domestic animals.

Section 2. The full ordinance will be in effect on the date of this summary publication.

Section 3. The full ordinance is available for review during regular office hours in the office of the City Clerk.

ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DELLWOOD THIS 9TH DAY OF APRIL, 2024.

APPROVED

Mike McGill, Mayor of Dellwood

Attest: Joel Holstad, City Clerk

Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 19, 2024.

CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

WHITE BEAR LAKE CITY HALL WINDOW REPLACEMENT CITY PROJECT NO. 24-09

Notice is hereby given that the City of White Bear Lake will receive and accept bids ONLY through QuestCDN.com via their electronic VirtuBid online bid service until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 for the furnishing of all labor and materials to complete the following project. A virtual bid opening will be held on Wednesday, July 10 at 11:00 a.m. utilizing an online viewing platform. Instructions for viewing the bid opening are available upon request.

The project scope shall include removal and replacement of the exterior windows at the White Bear Lake City Hall, located at 4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Bid alternates include removal and replacement of the existing window sills, safety film, and window treatments.

An exclusive electronic bidding process is being used for this project. Plans, specifications, bid forms and contract documents may be obtained through QUEST CDN at www.questcdn.com – Project No. 9178104 for a fee of $22.00. Bids must be submitted electronically using the QUEST CDN system, no paper bids will be considered.

A bid bond for five (5%) percent of the amount of the bid is required to submit a vBid online through the QuestCDN portal. The bid bond will be forfeited as liquidated damages if the bid is accepted and the bidder fails to promptly provide the required additional documents or enter into the contract.

The successful bidder must be a “responsible contractor.” The term “responsible contractor” means a contractor as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.285, subdivision 3. Any prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that does not meet the minimum criteria or fails to comply with the verification requirements is not a responsible contractor and is not eligible to be awarded a construction contract for the project or to perform work on the project. A prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that makes a false statement under oath verifying compliance with the minimum criteria will be ineligible to be awarded a construction contract on the project, and the submission of a false statement may result in termination of a contract awarded to a prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that submits the false statement. A prime contractor shall include in its verification of compliance a list of all of its first-tier subcontractors that it intends to retain for work on the project. Before execution of a construction contract, a prime contractor shall submit a supplemental verification under oath confirming that all subcontractors and motor carriers that the prime contractor intends to use to perform project work have verified to the prime contractor, through a signed statement under oath by an owner or officer, that they meet the minimum criteria for a responsible contractor.

The City Council reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein, and to award the contract in the best interest of the City. Bids submitted after the deadline will be rejected. No bidder may withdraw its bid within sixty (60) days after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of bids.

The City Council will consider such bids at its regular scheduled City Council meeting held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

PAUL KAUPPI, P.E.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA

Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 19, 2024.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624 WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

MINUTES MAY 13, 2024

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

A meeting of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 112 at District Center, 4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1) Chair Ellison called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2) Roll Call - Present: Arcand, Daniels, Ellison, Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Thompson. Absent: Beloyed. Ex-Officio: Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak. 3) Pledge of Allegiance. 4) Thompson moved and Daniels seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5) Daniels moved and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the consent agenda consisting of: a) Minutes for Board meetings on April 8, 2024, and April 22, 2024; b) Invoices based upon a random sample, all of which met the standards and guidelines as set by the School Board; c) Resolution regarding acceptance of gifts with thank you letters directed to the donors; d) Field trips; e) Resolution regarding personnel items. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried PUBLIC FORUM - Rebekah Bradfield. INFORMATION ITEMS 1) Student Recognition - Students participating in state and national competitions and events in the Scholastic Art Awards, Minnesota State History Day, and MAAP STARS were recognized

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP NOTES

• Curtis Akenson will be reappointed to a threeyear term on the economic development advisory board. His new term will expire April 30, 2027. The township is in the process of replacing street name signs to “meet the federal standard for size and reflectivity,” according to Peter Tholen, field maintenance supervisor, and Dale Reed, public works director. The low bid for the job came

and congratulated. 2) Recognition of Student Liaisons to the School Board - Arianna Vann-Cook and Lydia Kleinhans were recognized for their outstanding roles as the 2023-24 Student Representatives on the School Board. 3) Superintendent’s Report - Ari Vann-Cook spoke about the Prom on May 4, Senior Day on May 17, and graduation on June 7. Dr. Kazmierczak spoke about the 2024 White Bear Lake Area Educators Teacher of the Year, Michele Norcross, and the Willow Lane “takeover” of Donatelli’s. He also mentioned the school district sponsored Marketfest on June 27 where to show school spirit we hope all who attend will wear orange. He finished with information on the White Bear Lake Area High School Community Open House on Thursday, August 29 from 3-6 p.m., and this year’s end of the school year celebrations happening throughout the district. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1) Community Services & Recreation Summer Programming Report - Tim Maurer, Director of Community Services and Recreation was joined by Darcy Rodriguez, Early Childhood Coordinator, Nicole Oswald, Out of School Time Programs Coordinator, and Jon Anderson, Adult Programs & Facilities Coordinator to provide an update on summer learning programs and summer opportunities offered through Community Services & Recreation. 2) First Reading of School Board Policies: a. 517, Student Recruiting; b. 518, DNR-DNI Orders; c. 519, Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies; and d. 705, Investments. The policies listed above will be on the June 10, 2024 or subsequent agenda for a second reading. OPERATIONAL ITEMS 1) Arcand moved and Newmaster seconded to approve the action on Nutrition Services Prime Vendor to IFD Foodservice Distributor for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, at an estimated value of $1.8 million with an option to renew for up to three additional years. Roll call vote: Ayes, Arcand, Daniels, Ellison, Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Thompson. Nays, none. Motion carried. 2) Daniels moved and Streiff Oji seconded to accept the overall bid for the Sunrise Park Center Security Package as presented, to Systematic in the amount of $299,883. Roll call vote: Ayes, Arcand, Daniels, Ellison, Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Thompson. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3) Thompson moved and Newmaster seconded to approve the proposed 2023-2025 Bus Drivers and Bus Aides Teamsters Local 320 tentative agreement. Roll call vote: Ayes, Arcand, Daniels, Ellison, Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Thompson. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4) Streiff Oji moved and Thompson seconded to approve the proposed 2023-2025 International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 70 Custodial Unit tentative agreement. Roll call vote: Ayes, Arcand, Daniels, Ellison, Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Thompson. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5) Newmaster moved and Daniels seconded to approve the proposed 2023-2025 White Bear Lake School Nutrition Association tentative agreement. Roll call vote: Ayes, Arcand, Daniels, Ellison, Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Thompson. Nays, none. Motion carried. 6) Streiff Oji moved and Daniels seconded to approve the action on School Board policies a. 403, Discipline, Suspension and Dismissal of School District Employees; b. 498, Respectful Workplace; c. 502, Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions and Student’s Person; d. 606.5, Library Materials; e. 801, Equal Access to Facilities of Secondary Schools; and f. 910, Awarding of Honorary Diploma. Voice vote: Ayes, Arcand, Daniels, Ellison, Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Thompson. Nays, none. Motion carried. BOARD FORUM. ADJOURNMENT

- Arcand moved and Thompson seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:29 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, Arcand, Daniels, Ellison, Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Thompson. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Scott Arcand, clerk. Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 19, 2024.

INDEPENDENT

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

WORK SESSION MINUTES MAY 20, 2024

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

A work session of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 112 at District Center, 4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1) Call to Order - Acting Chair Thompson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2) Roll Call - Present: Daniels, Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Beloyed. Absent: Ellison. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1) Review of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Preliminary Budget - An overview of the preliminary budget and variables used to develop the budget for fiscal year 2024-25 and projected budget for fiscal year 2025-26 was presented for discussion. The preliminary budget will return to the board on June 10, 2024 for action. 2) Birch Lake Elementary MultiTiered Systems of Support Update - Cynthia Mueller, District Literacy Specialist, Julian Stanke, Principal of Birch Lake Elementary, and Kelly Pylkas-Bock, Instructional Coach at Birch Lake and Willow Lane Elementaries presented an update on the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Program at Birch Lake Elementary. ADJOURNMENT - Arcand moved and Daniels seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:11 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Scott Arcand, clerk.

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

WHITE BEAR CITY COUNCIL NOTES

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. 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: Wolfe Fine Art

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2318 Lakeaires Blvd. White Bear Lake, MN 55110

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

Ann Wolfe 2318 Lakeaires Blvd.

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

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

Dated: May 3, 2024

Signed: Ann Wolfe Published two times in the White Bear Press on June 19 and 26, 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: Org Devas

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 225 Stewart Avenue St Paul, MN 55116

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.

Paul Marc Schwartz 225 Stewart Avenue St Paul, MN 55116

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: June 5

Signed: Paul Marc Schwartz Published two times in the White Bear Press on June 19 and 26, 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: Forest Floor Felts

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2054 GIESMANN ST ROSEVILLE MN 55113

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

from Safety Signs at a cost of $27,610. Funding will be provided by the road and bridge fund. The project has an estimated completion date of 2027. Precision Landscape and Tree will remove more than 100 ash trees infected with emerald ash borer from Four Seasons Park on Hugo Road. The project cost is $16,289; the parks fund will pay the balance.

Logan Gion

• The city will enter a joint powers agreement with White Bear Township for a watermain interconnection on Park Street. Currently, the city has emergency water interconnections with White Bear Township, Mahtomedi and Vadnais Heights. These connections allow each city to supply the other with water should the other systems experience a mechanical failure. The proposed interconnection on Park Street would

benefit communities by providing backup service to an area of the city and township where redundancy does not exist. White Bear Township has agreed to bear all costs for this interconnection.

• The council will adopt two agreements with BNSF Railway Company regarding the installation of a traffic signal at Eighth Street and Highway 61. The first agreement will cover construction and

maintenance for the signal, while the second agreement will cover necessary easements. The city had previously performed a traffic study for the ISD 624 North Campus construction project. The study identified traffic patterns and off-site roadway improvements to reduce traffic congestion. All of the improvements around North Campus must be completed before the high school opens in fall 2024.

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

Birchwood

• A large tree was reported blocking the road on Wildwood Avenue at 3:44 a.m. May 18, after it fell during a storm. As the tree had also damaged a power pole.

Dellwood

A motorist was arrested May 12 on Dellwood Avenue at Peninsula Road for a whole host of offenses, after deputies pulled the vehicle over for expired registration. During the traffic stop, deputies found out the driver was revoked with numerous failures to appear in court. In addition, the driver had no proof of current insurance and five previous instances of that violation. The subject was booked for gross misdemeanor failure to provide proof of insurance, driving after revocation and expired registration.

• Theft from a motor vehicle, followed quickly by financial fraud was reported May 13 from Dellwood Road.

• A firearm reported on the shoulder of Apple Orchard Road and Dellwood Road May 13 turned

out to be a pellet gun. When the owner called in to report the gun missing, deputies verified its ownership and returned the gun.

A suspicious crew putting up a camera near the roadway on Dellwood Road N. and Ideal Avenue N. on May 15 turned out to be the City of Dellwood installing the much publicized automatic license plate readers.

• Deputies conducted two traffic stops on Dellwood Road N. during the wee hours of May 18 to issue citations – the first at 12:47 a.m. in the 100 block and the second at 1:17 a.m. in the 20 block.

Grant

• A Minnesota motorist was cited May 14 near Jamaca Avenue N. and Dellwood Road for violating the hands-free law, after deputies described being on patrol in their “fully marked squad” and seeing the northbound subject driving right past them. As the vehicle sped past, southbound deputies observed the young male driver looking down at the phone in his hand, possibly explaining why the driver didn’t seem to notice the squad. As deputies monitored the vehicle in their driver’s side mirror, they observed the vehicle straddling the fog line.

Deputies conducted a traffic stop, during which the driver admitted to using SnapChat while driving.

• Deputies reported being involved in an accident in the 9000 block of Manning Avenue N. on May 15.

• A liquor seller in the 11000 block of of 60th Street N. phoned to ask whether it was legal to sell alcohol to individuals with an interlock system driver’s license. Deputies informed the caller they could sell alcohol to individuals with that restriction.

Mahtomedi

• A power line was reported down in the middle of Kale Street on May 9.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 12:02 a.m. May 11 on Century Avenue at Long Lake Road for high beam headlights and issued a citation for speeding and failure to present a valid driver’s license.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop May 12 on Warner Avenue S. and Bevins Lane and cited the motorist for driving after revocation. A 911 call from Edith Avenue on May13 turned out to have been initiated by an Apple watch malfunction.

• A grandson was arrested on warrant May 13 at the Piccadilly Square apartments, after deputies located him in his grandmother’s unit.

advantage of the current robust opportunity to sell your home. The housing market goes in cyclical cycles; many have been predicting we are coming to the end of this one. The higher interest rates have been putting downward pressure on the markets. Things should stay status quo through the election; things may change thereafter.

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Wanted to Buy WANTED:

• Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak reminded the board that at the June 27 Marketfest at 6:30 p.m., there will be an “Orange Out” photo.

• Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations

Tim Wald and Director of Finance Andi Johnson brought the preliminary budget forward to the board for approval. The preliminary budget expects expenditures of $141,524,484. After showing a pie chart of the preliminary budget, Wald pointed out that “we are a heavy human resources industry— education—so it makes sense that…79% of our budget is spent in the area of our people.” Board member Kathleen Daniels praised the finance team for their hard work, commenting, “Many districts, because there isn’t any COVID funding left, have fallen into some very big deficit funding for upcoming years. That isn’t the case for our district, and I think we’ve been well managed.” The board approved the budget. The board reviewed numerous policies for their first reading, including polices for chemical use and abuse, bullying prevention, and student discipline.

• Wald also brought the

worker’s compensation agreement for 2024-2025.

The insurance broker the district uses to prepare this agreement, Gallagher, labeled ISD 624 as being .24 times higher in claims than the industry average.

“There are a couple reasons for this,” Wald explained. “They use a three-year average of your claims. We had an outlier year fall off—an outlier low year, which was 2019-2020. Then we had an outlier high year roll in. ’22-

’23 was an unusually high year; we had one very large claim that year. That will be with us for two more years.” Wald also stated that the weighting of claims experience versus employee payroll changed this year as well. As such, the 2024-2025 workers compensation insurance premium is $511,590. The motion to approve this premium passed.

• Director of Community Services and Recreation

Tim Mauer brought forward action on school district population adjustment.

“State funding for community ed… is provided based off total population. As we get updated numbers from the census, we have the ability to approve population increase that will directly impact additional revenue that will come into our department based off those numbers,” Mauer explained, “The recent census has shown that

our population in White Bear Lake [school district] has increased from 65,587 to 66,764.”

• “The period of filing affidavits for candidacy for the office of school board member will

be July 20 to Aug. 13, 2024,” Kazmierczak announced. Those who file within these dates will be eligible for the Nov. 2024 school board election. Logan Gion

White Bear Lake Youth Hockey

BETH DONAHUE PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Carter Schmidtz leaps to throw out a batter against Grand Rapids while Josh Donna leaps out of the way of a baserunner.

The team celebrates their win over Grand Rapids.

Zephyrs’ Wilson places 3rd at state golf

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Jacob Wilson found himself in very distinguished company last Wednesday morning: in the leader group at the state Class 3A golf tournament.

“It was so much fun to compete with and compare myself to the top guys,” said Wilson, who had earned that spot with a 70 on Tuesday for fourth place at Bunker Hills.

The lanky Mahtomedi junior showed that he belonged, reeling off another 70 on Wednesday to move up to a final third-place tie with a four-under-par 140.

“Definitely the number one highlight of my career so far,” said Wilson, who placed 11th at state as a sophomore with

146 and 61st in ninth grade. The 70’s were not his best rounds at Bunker Hills; he had a 68 in the section there last year.

Edina’s Torger Ohe was champion with 67-68-135, followed by Centennial’s Cooper Daikawa (138), Wilson and Cretin-Derham Hall’s Sam Udovich with 140’s and Spring Lake Park senior Jake Birdwell (143).

Wilson’s gallery included his parents, grandparents, an aunt and uncle, and three sisters, along with coach Jeff Poeschl. Wilson especially enjoyed having “Coach Poesch” walk the course with him all the way, offering calming encouragement.

“Jacob hit a lot of fairways and he hit a lot of greens,” assessed Poeschl. “Over 36

holes, there were only a couple where he had to scramble out of trouble.”

Wilson’s final 18 started badly as he three-putted on West No. 1 for a bogey. “Never a great confidence booster,” he said. But he was able to shake it off. “I told myself there were still 17 holes to go.”

On No. 7, par three, he got “a good momentum shift” with a well-placed five iron shot and a birdie putt. On No. 9, par four, after his tee shot landed in the rough on the right, he recovered with a nice six-iron to the green and sank a 12-foot birdie putt.

Wilson’s mid- to long-range irons were solid all the way. He needed 18 putts on the first nine but dropped that to 13 on the second nine for a 31 total, and continued to sink putts

Bears’ Drusch 20th, Fiddle 31st in state golf

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake senior Ivory Drusch placed 20th in the state golf tournament, leading a contingent of four Bears state entrants.

Drusch shot 79 and 80 for a 159 total to place 20th of 87 golfers. In her second state tourney, she moved up 29 places from 49th last year with 171.

“I’m happy with my ending,” said Drusch, adding that it was “bittersweet” to be done with prep golf after five varsity seasons. She will move to Long Island, New York in the fall to play for Adelphi University, a Division II team.   Bailey Eddicus, a junior, was 68th in the girls tourney with 93-88-181. Easton Fiddle, Bears eighthgrader, in his second state tournament, shot 78-76-154 for 31st place among 88 boys. He was 28th with 152 last year. Jack Stanius, a junior, placed 58th with 79-81-160. Highlights for Drusch, who averaged 78.86 this season, were birdies on the par three East No. 3 hole both days, and another birdie on East No. 4, a long par five, after she landed a chip shot two feet from the cup. She has found Bunker Hills

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Evelyn Cegielski

Mahtomedi Lacrosse

Evelyn Cegielski, a two-year captain for Mahtomedi lacrosse, collected her third all-conference award while notching 43 goals in 73 attempts, and 13 assists, for the Zephyrs (9-6). She also made the all-section list. The 5-foot-5 midfielder pumped in 123 goals and made 27 assists in her three seasons. “Evi has an incredibly high lacrosse IQ,” coach Ann Burns said. “She is always able to get her hands free, even when face-guarded, which she was in most games.” Cegielski also held her ground defensively against the best attackers, Burns said, and was strong on draws in the circle until injuring her wrist. “If the ball is anywhere near her stick, she will come up with it,” Burns said.

“Your Financial Partner”

Wednesday with a 29 total. “I had been struggling with my putting the last couple weeks,” he said, “and I was working hard on that with my dad.”

Poeschl said he hoped that the high finish will be good

GIRLS GOLF

The Mahtomedi girls placed eighth in the state Class 3A golf tournament for the second straight year. The young Zephyr squad shot 365 and 350 for a 705 total at Bunker Hills. Zephyr freshman Reagan Juhl placed 48th with 82-85167, sophomore Lexie McGrane 50th with 86-82-168, junior Audrey Carlson 71st with 95-90-195 and senior Sadie Stembirdge 73rd with 92-94-186.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi had four players named to the All-Metro East team: Evi Cegielski, senior midfielder; Addie Demars, junior goalie; Kimmy Ryan, junior defender; and Annie Tanner, junior midfielder. The Zephyrs were 9-6 overall and 4-1 in the Metro East. The top four scorers (goalsassists-points) were Tanner (42-16-58), Cegielski (43-13-56), Brooklyn Kragness (20-16-36) and Reese Saenger (11-8-19). DeMars posted a .529 save percentage.

BOYS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi players named to the All-Metro East team were senior defender Sean Crothers and three juniors: midfielders Gunnar Sellman and Ned Whitney and defender Hank Roelofs. Sam Churchill, junior face-off specialist, was named to the Star Tribune All-Metro team, winning 168 of 201 faceoffs. The Zephyrs were 4-1 in the conference and 6-9 overall. Top scorers (goals-assists-points) were Sellman (19-6-25), Oskar Magnusson (9-16-25), Landon Kruse (10-12-22) and Max Hohn (17-3-20). Alex Lavalle, goalkeeper, had a .481 save percentage.

exposure for Wilson, “He’s been kind of under the radar so far. There are a lot of colleges he could play for,” he said.

Wilson, 6’2”, also lettered in basketball this winter.

SOFTBALL

Victoria Nelson was the most productive hitter and the lone allMetro East pick on the Zephyr softball team. The senior catcher and infielder batted .395 and led with 25 hits, four home runs, eight doubles, two triples, and 21 runs-batted-in. She made allconference twice each in softball and hockey, and got the school’s Athena Award as top girl athlete. The Zephyrs were 7-17 overall, 3-11 in conference and 2-2 in the section. Julia Ruzynski edged Nelson by one point for the batting title with .386 on 17 hits. Malia Erickson had 12 hits and a .324 average. Sophia Metcalf hit .295, Calista Kerr .288 and Rylee Bogren .286. Leaders in runs were Metcalf with 18, and Bogren and Nelson with 17 each. Erickson was the main pitcher with 86.7 innings and a 4.60 ERA.

Bruce Strand

ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS

Evelyn Cegielski

BRUCE STRAND

Jacob Wilson shot consecutive 70’s at Bunker Hills and tied for third place.

Ivory Drusch capped five years on varsity with a strong state tournament.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED Reagan Juhl scanned the fairway on the first tee at Bunker Hills.

andArts Culture

EMERGING ARTIST: CC KRAMER

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Most children spend their summers relaxing. Most children are not CC Kramer.

This July, Kramer will play Ashti Freeborn, the title character in “Ashti’s Journey to Jazz,” at Children’s Performing Arts (CPA) in White Bear Lake. “Ashti” is also CPA’s first “Bridging Communities Production,” an initiative designed to promote stories that highlight underrepresented communities.

“Well, a lot of times when I do plays, there’s not a lot of roles where black people can

get a main character,” Kramer relays, “I think it’s special for some kids to see this play, because then they can feel like maybe there’s a play they want to get interested in…”

This new opportunity highlights something in which Kramer deeply believes. “I think theater is for everybody,” she states, “If you wanna do a play, and you’re passionate, I think you could talk to the director and say, ‘Do you think I could just try it out?’”

Inviting, however, doesn’t necessarily mean easy. “Ashti’s Journey to Jazz” has tested Kramer and helped her grow, especially in a musical sense.

“Scattin’—I never knew what that was before,” Kramer admits, “…In, like, ‘Finding Nemo’ or ‘Annie,’ they do a lot of dancin’ that people are used to. But for scattin’, we do snaps and claps, and we’re just really big and loud.”

Being big and loud will also help Kramer in a different way: She’s singing the national anthem on July 13 at the ERX Motor Park in Elk River, Minnesota, for the Off-Road National Tournament. Over 10,000 people will be there! “My dad and my mom told me that it was gonna be scary,” Kramer says, “but being scared is preparation for other things.

CARMEN’S JOURNEY TO THEATRE

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“Ashti’s Journey to Jazz,” debuting at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center on July 11th, is a play of many firsts. It’s Children’s Performing Arts’ (CPA) first play to have both adults and children in its cast. It’s CPA’s first “Bridging Communities Production,” and it’s children’s author Carmen Rubin’s first play, one she adapted and expanded from her 2008 debut story “Ashti Meets Birdman Al,” about a girl and her mother who

team up with a jazz musician to save a local elementaryschool music program.

“It would not let me go,” Rubin explains when asked why she returned to the material, “I’ve done four books since, and it wouldn’t let me go… Then my friend suggested it should be a stage play. I was like, ‘Oh, you should write one.’ She said, ‘No, you have it in you to write it.’” Initially, Rubin was hesitant, but she muted her fears with her mantra: “You can do hard things.”

Rubin has done hard things before. While searching for a publisher for her book, she noticed that “nobody was looking in 2007,” so she founded her own publishing company. After that, she went on a nationwide tour with the book, promoting literacy in elementary schools across the country. “I did a lot of free work first,”

Rubin recounts, “You know, convince the principal that we’re not ‘Fight the power! Fist in hand.’ We’re not a threat to your space.” The effort was worth it. “I’d get calls with schools saying,

‘As soon as you left, they started writing!’ Or several photos of girls wanting to be Ashti for Halloween. Or one girl saying, ‘My ponytails are that big!’” Former First Lady Michelle Obama even formally recognized Rubin’s efforts.

One of the most notable fans of the book, however, was jazz legend Al Jarreau, upon whom the character of Birdman Al is based. “I literally willed him into my life,” Rubin tells, “At 12 years old, I had all his albums. I was fascinated by how he made me feel the music.”

Rubin finds the connection between music and feelings vital. “Jazz makes me feel at home… One sound takes us back,” Carmen Rubin notes, “I was raised in the church, singing in my youth. I saw [jazz guitarist] Earl Klugh at 11 years old—I did not wanna leave because of what it made me feel. It was my first concert, Salt Lake City. My dad would play saxophone for me… My uncle’s got a doctorate, but I hear fried chicken frying, and I think of him. If you chase the sounds, we’re

Today, I have improved a lot, and Mrs. Riley [Kramer’s vocal coach] has helped me learn my technique…using our voice and our breath.’”

Kramer also credits the church she attends, Maranatha Assembly of God, for her stage presence. “Whenever I sing, I focus on God mostly. I move that towards the play, and I just pretend like I’m at church,” Kramer describes.

Finally, Kramer credits her peers for helping her grow. “I love the people I work with…” Kramer smiles before listing every production member, “And I really like doing interviews too!”

gonna have music.” Imparting these feelings is what Rubin prayed for when working on the play. “I said, ‘Look, God, we need to write it together. I want kids to learn, laugh, and dance,’” Rubin remembers. As such, she feels “Ashti’s Journey to Jazz” is a perfect fit for the “Bridging Communities Production.” “Communities are all made up of people— gay, straight, Black, white, old, young, Native, people with disabilities— everyone…” Rubin imparts, “Once this show is done, I want all different walks of people to feel like we just left a good family dinner. You were home for one-and-ahalf hours… You’re gonna know what it sounds like at our kitchen table.”

“Ashti’s Journey to Jazz” makes its national debut on July 11 at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center. It runs through July 20 and has a special VIP performance on July 19. Tickets and information are available at childrensperformingartsmn. org.

FREAKY FRIDAY OPENS THURSDAY

BY LOGAN GION

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Midsummer’s Eve—from Shakespeare to Tolkien—has traditionally been full of magic and mischief. This year promises to be no different, as body-swapping hijinks ensue with “Freaky Friday: The Musical,” now showing at Children’s Performing Arts (CPA)!

Director Amanda Weis has long been under the material’s spell. “The 1976 film was frequently watched in my house as a child, so of course, the musical piqued my interest,” Weis recalls. She assures, however, that no matter which version an audience member remembers, “it’s a heartfelt story between mother and daughter recognizing that each have their valid struggles and accomplishments.”

Lilliana Rindal, who plays Ellie Blake, the daughter, has found that the passage of time has let her make the character her own. “Although its hard to believe, the movie was made 21 years ago and things have definitely changed since then,” 14-year-old Rindal comments, “I believe I provide a firsthand experience of how teenagers interact and communicate these days.” Though Ellie Blake’s situation in the musical is a nightmare, Rindal reports that staging the production has been a dream: “I have learned so much from the incredible cast and production team. I noticed that a good energy within the team helps actors develop their characters and their stage interactions better as they are more comfortable with each other.”

Speaking of dream logic, Taylor Mindestrom, who plays Ellie Blake’s

mother, Katherine, is younger than Rindal! Not to worry—Mindestrom has plenty of sources of inspiration for her character. “I love the movies, so I was watching them from the start to try and make something out of them that was my own. It wasn’t all that tricky at first, because I just had to act like my mom,” says Mindestrom. She also is not worried about comparisons to the movie versions of Katherine. “I am not the same actress they are. I’m myself, and I think every day I just try to…be the me that everyone knows I can be,” Mindestrom explains.

Thankfully, the cast members seem comfortable in their own skin—even if their characters are not.

“Freaky Friday: The Musical” runs from June 20 to June 23. Tickets and information can be found at childrensperformingartsmn.org

JUNE EVENTS

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

FREAKY FRIDAY THE MUSICAL

Location: Hanifl Performing Arts Center

Date: June 20 & 21 at 7 p.m.; June 22 & 23 at 2 p.m.

Details: When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. By spending a day in each other’s shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another’s struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.

CREATING AN ITALIAN MICRO MOSAIC PEDANT

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts Date: June 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Details: Create a pendant with glass from Venice, Italy that you will be proud to wear. Learn many new terms such as millefiori, filati, stringers, nippers, and more. Explore how to cut glass, mix Apoxie Sculpt, and insert the glass into a silver-plated, 1.5 inch round bezel. Bring a lunch. WHAT IS IT? HOW DO WE MAKE MEANING FROM ART

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts

Date: June 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Details: This 2-hour discussion-format seminar asks the questions: “What is art?” “What do I want to make and why?” and “What does it matter anyway?” Together, we seek to unpack how and why art creates meaning and how you can discover new avenues for creative exploration. We will look at a variety of art forms to uncover what they might mean, asking ourselves, “What do I want to make?”

INTRO TO MACRAWEAVE

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts Date: June 29 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Details: Intro to Macraweave teaches four basic macramé knots; larks head, spiral knot, square knot, and double half hitch, and basic weaving techniques. You will have options when it comes to customizing your piece with color and design variations to make your piece one-of-a-kind. The goal is for you to leave with a completed tapestry and the confidence and inspiration to make a piece of your own.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED