Annual ‘Night to Unite’ to take place in August
Night to Unite, also known as National Night Out, takes place the first Tuesday in August throughout local communities and statewide.
This year, Night to Unite will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at various parties and events in the White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights, Mahtomedi and surrounding communities. National Night Out is a statewide event that builds and fosters community bonds between citizens, businesses and public safety organizations, such as the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. Neighborhoods and public safety personnel get
Night to Unite Goals:
• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness. Generate support and participation in crime prevention and community policing programs.
• Strengthen neighborhood spirits and public safetycommunity partnerships.
• Let criminals know that you are committed to keeping your neighborhood safe.
Activity Ideas:
• Simple refreshment: Bring your favorite snack, minidonut stand, watermelon, lemonade and cookies.
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
For the first time ever, Gem Lake Hills Golf Course will get its own miniature golf course.
Neighborhood residents gather outside during a Night to Unite gathering in White Bear Township, hosted by Liz Tauer and Deb Hruby last August. The event featured food, games, live music and visits from area law enforcement officials.
• Group conversations and mixers: “Neighbor of the year” award, have an icebreaker, skill swap, photo contest and scavenger/ medallion hunt.
• Activities for youth: Bicycle parade, chalk art, face painting or a coloring contest.
• All-ages Activities: Book exchange, parade, singalong/karaoke, talent show and garden tour on the block.
Although the addition is part of a broad remodeling project, General Manager Matt Greer believes the proposed miniature course will be its most unique feature.
“We’re going to set it apart from most traditional miniature golf courses,” said Greer. “We’re building a miniature course that is more of an actual golf course, shrunken down into putting only. We hope this will reach golfers of all abilities and age levels.”
According to Operations Manager Steve Nasvik, the idea of building a miniature golf course at Gem Lake first came in 2022. At the time, Nasvik and Greer saw that one of the course’s pre-existing areas, the Cage, was deteriorating.
The Cage, built in the 1980s, was initially used as a driving range. In the 1990s, Gem Lake converted it into a golf cart parking and storage area. While the Cage has been used for several purposes since then, its now-weakened state prompted Nasvik and Greer to act.
• Contribute to your community: Collect for a food shelf, plan a fall clean up or volunteer at an animal shelter. SEE COACH, PAGE 17 SEE MINI
First woman to coach Bear boys team Miniature golf course coming to Gem Lake
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Taking over the White Bear Lake boys soccer team this year is Taelynn Gittins, a Mahtomedi native who was a goalkeeper in college for St. Scholastica.
It’s a unique hire in a couple of respects. Gittins never played a varsity game in high school. And she is a woman coaching a boys team.
Gittins, 24, a teacher in the district, has spent two years on the boys soccer staff, as the goalie coach for
PHOTOS BY PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS
CONTRIBUTED
Taelynn Gittins never made the Mahtomedi varsity soccer team but was a starting goalie in college at St. Scholastica.
LET’S DO MEDICARE TOGETHER
Get the Medicare answers you need and learn about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota plans that can help fill gaps in coverage at a free, no obligation workshop. Reserve your spot today.
For additional workshop dates and locations, visit bluecrossmn.com/2024Workshops
Boatworks Commons Community Room
4495 Lave Avenue S White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Wednesday, August 7, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. Maplewood Community Center 2100 White Bear Ave Maplewood, MN 55109 Monday, August 12, 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.
Revea Baker (651) 395-4888, TTY 711 revea.baker@bluecrossmn.com bluecrossmn.com/Revea
Blue Cross offers PPO, Cost and PDP plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in these Blue Cross plans depends on contract renewal. Plans are available to residents of the service area. A salesperson will be present with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call (651) 395-4888, TTY 711. Y0138_062024_P02_M
FUTURE CITY FEST
Washington, Ramsey counties take over 1-mile stretch of Century Avenue
A one-mile segment of Century Avenue N. will transfer from the state of Minnesota to Washington and Ramsey counties in the spring of 2025.
The counties will take over jurisdiction of Trunk Highway 120 (Century Avenue) from Interstate 694 to County State Aid Highway 12, also known as Wildwood Road. The transfer has been planned for over 20 years.
The state will pay the counties $10.5 million for future capital improvements and operating costs.
Colorado here I come
WMadeline’s Mail
Madeline Dolby
hen I was 13, my family and I flew to Denver, Colorado for my cousin’s wedding. After the festivities were over, we climbed into our car and drove two hours out of the city to Breckenridge. We stayed in a house in the mountains that had a large porch and was surrounded by woods. I think the closest neighbor was well over a mile away and phone service was limited unless we were in town. Since the trip was 10 years ago. I do not remember a lot except for brief moments. I remember we went hiking on the trails by the house almost every day and went white-water rafting one morning. One day, we drove to Breckenridge Resort and took a guided hike up one of the Rocky peaks. I also remember taking a tumble during that hike. We had just finished the guided portion of the hike. My dad, sister and I decided to continue the hike up to the top of Peak No. 8. When we reached the top of the summit, we grabbed a few photos before deciding to head back down. Also, the altitude made us all a little breathless. My sister and dad proceeded down the side of the steep mountain side with caution, while I did not. My feet got caught up underneath me and I fell, hard. I slid down the side of the mountain and got numerous scratches on the back of my legs.
When I reached the bottom of the mountain side, I was directed to the medical hut to get the small cuts cleaned. My mom came with me, while my dad and sister waited outside. I still can remember how embarrassed I was when we walked into the small building with the hiking guide. They told the medic I fell and needed medical attention. The medic looked at us a bit confused because I appeared fine until they saw the cuts on the back of my legs and the various pieces of gravel stuck in them. In the moment, I remember telling myself that I would never hike Peak No. 8 again.
Well, I am going to break that promise to my 13-year-old self very soon. This August, my family and I are headed back to Breckenridge. This time around my sister’s boyfriend will be joining us. It will be the first time he has joined us on a family vacation.
The five of us will be staying at the same house from 10 years ago. My dad has already booked the white-water rafting trip and we are planning to hike the same trails. I think we might even try to fit in a round or two of golf at the local course. I do not know if we will return to Peak No. 8. The only time the hike has come up is in passing conversation. Even then, the only thing that is mentioned was my tumble down the mountain. If we do decide to climb the peak, I will be a bit smarter about it and proceed with caution.
Madeline Dolby is an editor at Press Publications. She can be reached at 651431-1226 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
Beware: Bad actors want to steal from veterans
Thieves are working aggressively to steal from veterans, veteran service organizations, veteran nonprofits and government agencies that work with veterans. It’s a numbers game. If they get one success out of 100 attempts, that’s worth their efforts.
Movers & Shakers
Kristy Janigo & Ray Kane
A veteran service organization received a text from someone claiming to be a Hennepin County veteran service officer and asking for $200. In another case, people sat in front of a home in their car for a long time, then knocked on the door and sought knowledge of a veteran who was related to the homeowner. In yet another, a husband-wife duo at a post’s bar late at night kept asking veterans for their middle names. The husband claimed to be an Army veteran. When asked where he took AIT, he said Korea. Clearly, he was a fake.
People who work as veteran service officers at the federal, state and county levels, as well as veteran service organization are quite familiar with calls from masked numbers seeking knowledge of
personnel information, especially DD-214s. Some go so far as to claim being nurses, medical staff or first responders, or they claim to be investigators of medical malpractice or negligence.
The American Legion Department of Minnesota is working with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office to fight claim sharks and fraudulent attempts at personal information of veterans.
• Be smart. Check the email address or phone number, not merely the name of the sender, to see if it is real. Many scammers claim to be from an organization you know or trust.
• Protect the personal information of your loved ones, fellow veterans and their spouses.
• Do not pay for VA claims when veteran service organizations and county veteran service officers provide claim services for no charge. Contact The American Legion or your CVSO to take advantage of benefits you have earned. You will have a trusted veteran on your side.
• Resist any pressure to act immediately. You always have time to think and gain reflection on any topic.
Here is a list of the types of common scammer tactics:
• Spoofing: Disguising an email address, social media profile, sender name, phone number or website to
convince you that you are interacting with a trusted source.
• Phishing: Email sent with the intention of deceiving you to act. Example: You see emails from the department commander, telling you to reply, but you realize it isn’t his true email address.
• Smishing: This is phishing via text message. Facebook Messenger is full of this problem. We regularly see it tell us Facebook will cancel our Facebook Page if we don’t act within 24 hours.
• Vishing: This is phishing via phone. The caller usually makes recipients believe they will be fined or miss out on an opportunity.
• Tell Me About Yourself: During a phone call, the scammer may ask you to verify who you are by asking you to confirm your personal information. Sometimes, they act like they are loan officers or some other trusted position. To report fraud, visit the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office at www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumber/ Scams, or call 651-296-3353. The VA has a toll-free Veteran Identity Theft Helpline at 855-578-5492. The VA also provides further tips for fraud prevention at www.va.gov/initiatives/ protecting-veterans-from-fraud/.
Kristy Janigo is the 10th District Commander; Ray Kane is the Department Service Officer of American Legion Department of Minnesota
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WHITE BEAR PRESS/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES
Town Hall meeting needs polishing
I was glad that our White Bear Lake district 36 state elected officials took the initiative to hold a Town Hall meeting. My feeling is that this is truly a grass roots effort for the public to know meet our local elected officials face to face to discuss current issues.
I was disappointed as I entered the community room about fifteen minutes early the elected officials were not yet present and I was greeted by a friendly legislative aide. I then learned that to be part of the Q&A portion we should fill out a note card with our name and question/topic we wanted to discuss.
I immediately filled out a card and was the first one to deposit a card in the basket. The aide started the meeting asking the elected officials to introduce themselves and make their opening statements. This lasted for about twenty minutes and now the meeting is half over as the senator announced she couldn’t stay past 7 p.m. as she had cat-sitting responsibilities elsewhere. They then started the Q&A portion as they collected the last of the note cards the aide stated they are running late and may not get to all the questions. My frustration was now the meeting being half over and my note card having been first is now last as they stacked the cards as people showed up on top so the last were selected first and the first were on the bottom. Needless to say, they never got to mine. Now at 6:50 the aide stated sorry we are out
of time as the elected officials need to make their closing remarks. The Town hall was a great opportunity but there wasn’t enough time for elected officials to interact with the folks who showed up. I hope they hold more in the future and allow more time to answer questions.
Dennis Larson White Bear Lake City needs board of ethics
On July 23 I addressed the Vadnais Heights Planning Commission regarding the proposed apartment at 3400 Arcade Street that would be built in a Low Density Residential neighborhood. This is what I said:
“Since this is a publicly owned property and a business subsidy will be requested, I believe I have the right to speak. In addition, the citywide density amendment that is attached to this project, and is currently being considered by the Metropolitan Council, will affect all residents.
During the Bluebird Grove PUD, copies of the letters that residents wrote were posted online and included as part of the packet material. I am requesting that you recommend this be done for this proposed conditional use permit PUD as well.
As you saw from the letter that I sent, this parcel is less than 5 acres and does not qualify for a Conditional Use Permit, since the proposed land use is not the same as the underlying district of R1.
If this were a PUD of over 5 acres, it could be rezoned to an overlay district
of R3, with the proper hearings.
But the fact is, this is a conditional use permit PUD of less than 5 acres, and there is no option for an overlay district of R3.
Therefore, the city-wide Comprehensive Plan Amendment to increase the density for R3 to 45 units per acre, which I believe did not have a proper hearing, would not apply to this project.
Therefore, for all these reasons, I believe the Planning Commision should recommend this project be Denied. Thank you for your consideration.”
One Commissioner asked city staff if what I said was true. City staff appeared to tell the Commissioner that what I said was essentially false. Therefore, I wrote to the City Council and asked them to create a Resident Board of Ethics and Accountability to work with the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office to investigate the truth before this project moves forward and possibly put ALL Vadnais Heights residents at risk.
Troy Kunze Vadnais Heights
PAID LETTER Commissioner endorses replacement
It has been an honor to serve the people of White Bear Lake, North Saint Paul and Maplewood on the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners over the last many
NIGHT TO UNITE: Get together with neighbors Aug. 6
OBITUARIES
Carlton G. Bakken
years. Many of you know that I made the decision to not seek reelection this year. That decision was made easier when Kelly Miller let me know that she was interested in running for the District 7 seat.
I have seen the passion and commitment Kelly brings to her work through her leadership at the Department of Indian Work at Interfaith Action. She has made a difference in the lives of Ramsey County families by delivering health, food security and employment services. Kelly understands the need to use our tax dollars wisely and effectively to provide County services, including public health and safety, roads and infrastructure, libraries, the environment, and health and human services.
Kelly is a strong environmental advocate, noting that as a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe she was taught to thoughtfully plan actions which will impact seven generations into the future. Kelly and Terrence are raising their family in Maplewood. She would be the first Native American to serve on the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. Kelly is a young, energetic leader that understands the issues facing Ramsey County. I wholeheartedly endorse Kelly Miller for Ramsey County Commissioner, District 7. Please vote for Kelly Miller in the Primary Election on Tuesday, August 13th!
together for an evening to promote safe communities.
Residents might get a visit from elected officials as well as deputies from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and Washington County Sheriff’s Office, officers from the White Bear Lake Police Department, and firefighters from the Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake Fire Departments. For more information or to register a party, residents of White Bear Lake and Gem Lake can contact whitebearlake.org/publicsafety/ page/night-unite; residents of White Bear Township and Vadnais Heights should contact ramseycounty.us/yourgovernment/leadership/sheriffs-office/ sheriffs-office-divisions/public-safetyservices-2; and Mahtomedi, Birchwood, Dellwood, Willernie, Pine Springs and Grant residents can contact co.washington.mn.us/3647/NationalNight-Out.
Madeline Dolby
Last chance to vote
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From Best Bloody Mary to Best Golf Course, you can take part in recognizing
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Darold H. Engstran
White Bear Lake, passed away July 13, 2024 at 94. He was proceeded in death by Lila Jean Bakken, his wife of 73 years. Survived by sons Dale (Karen) of White Bear, Tom (Kendra) of Stillwater, Scott (Cheryl) of Lindstrom, Ron of White Bear, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Carl and Lila met roller skating near Willmar where he grew up. They married in 1949 and in 1955 moved into their new house in White Bear Lake and raised their four boys. Carl worked at 3M in Cottage Grove until his retirement, then as a realtor and other part time jobs as he enjoyed new challenges. He enjoyed spending time at their lake homes, traveling, fishing, hunting, square dancing and gardening. A huge dog lover, shorthairs and Golden
Retrievers were raised for hunting and as family pets. He loved taking his sons fishing, hunting ducks, pheasants, and deer as an archer. Carl’s love for Christ started at an early age, singing in church choirs his entire life and raising their family in faith, grateful for life’s blessings. Carl loved his family and was always there when needed for help or advice. His smile and presence will be sincerely missed.
Special thanks to the caring staff at St. Andrews Village.
Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am on August 2, Visitation at 10:00 at St. Andrews Church, 900 Stillwater Rd, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 (651.426.3261).
Judith Ann (Armstrong) Hall
Eldest of Mona and Wayne Armstrong’s 12 children. She also lived in White Bear Lake, MN, and Colorado Springs, CO. The family will have a small, private memorial.
In honor of Judy’s generosity and heart for animals, please consider donating to your local humane society.
Age 81, of White Bear Lake passed away July 23, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. Preceded in death by his brother Rex. Survived by his loving wife of 60 years Claudia, sons Paul (Karri), Thomas, Steven (Christina), grandchildren Meghan (Andrew), Emily (Jesse), Kaitlyn, Marcus, Bethany, great-grandson Carter, sister Angie Gustad and many nieces and nephews
Gathering of family and friends Thursday, August 8, 2024, 4-7 PM at HONSA FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2460 East County Road E, White Bear Lake. Private family interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. No Flowers Please. Memorials preferred to American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home.
Victoria Reinhardt Ramsey County Commissioner, District 7
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Ramsey County Deputy Kyle Jansen is given a friendly greeting during a visit to a Night to Unite gathering in White Bear Township hosted by Liz Tauer and Deb Hruby last August.
2024
White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights WINNER Best of the Press
COPS&COURTS
College student in critical condition after stabbing
White Bear Lake resident and Saint John’s University student, Mason Fike, 20, is recovering after being stabbed while on a walk with a friend near his home around 1 a.m. Saturday, July 27. According to White Bear Lake Police Chief Dale Hager, a White Bear Lake man, 18, has been arrested for first-degree assault in the incident, which occurred in the 2100 block of Southwood Drive. It is unknown whether the suspect and the victim knew each other.
Fike was taken to Regions Hospital and is reported to be in critical, but stable condition following surgery on Sunday. Chief
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights:
Vadnais Heights
• A White Bear Lake man reported that someone had come into a store in the 1500 bock of Buerkle Road where he was working June 24, became upset and pointed a handgun at him. The case is under investigation.
• A Vadnais Heights man, 18, was arrested at 7:30 a.m. June 25 at the intersection of Belland Avenue and Libby Lane, after deputies responded to the report of a fight on a school bus and found out that the subject shoved a juvenile student and used a stun gun on his face.
• A Little Canada woman, 27, was formally banned from an apartment complex in the 800 block of County Road D June 25, after she broke into the swimming pool at her former residence and took a prohibited dip in the water.
• The owner of an insurance agency in the 1600 block of County Road E and his next
Hager said there is no danger or risk to the public, and no further information will be released at this time.
Fike is a 2021 graduate of White Bear Lake High School, where he played football. A GoFundMe site has been organized to help with Fike’s medical expenses. Those wishing to donate can go to www. gofundme.com/f/support-masonfike-and-his-family.
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Grant and Mahtomedi: Grant
• Residents in the 10000 block of 67th Lane N. reported someone knocking on their door at 6:17 a.m. June 23, but found no one there when they checked.
• A person was reported for walking down the street June 24 near 75th Street N. and Keats Avenue N. When deputies drove by the scene, they discovered a man pushing a cart with a dog in it. On June 25, deputies fielded a report that involved a woman toting luggage down Manning Avenue N. and 97th Street N. with people yelling at her. To complete the summary of suspicious people walking around, a man was reported at 8:47 p.m. June 29 for walking around the 9000 block of 71st Street N. and looking into windows. Deputies found the man and dismissed him from the area.
• Deputies continued to distribute citations June 23, starting with a failure to yield ticket at 6:16 p.m. on Highway 244 and Old Birchwood Road and followed by another to a male motorist on Century Avenue at 7:23 p.m. for talking on his cell phone, while pretending it was in speaker mode. The driver requested only a warning, but received the full ticket treatment instead.
• At 7:43 p.m. June 23, deputies conducted another cell phone usage stop in the 4000 block of Wildwood Road, and an expired registration stop at 8:25 p.m. on Wildwood Road and cited that driver for expired registration and failure to provide proof of insurance. A driver cited for driving after revocation at 10:04 p.m. on Wildwood Road and Wedgewood Drive was pulled over for license plate lights not working.
door neighbor, the manager of a Subway sandwich shop, reported burglaries to their businesses overnight June 25-26.
A bank on June 28 notified deputies of a fraud case involving a vulnerable adult in the 4400 block of Foothill Trail whose account was drained of $40,000.
• A Vadnais Heights woman, 39, was arrested June 28 in the 700 block of Parkside Drive after she assaulted her significant other.
• A Maplewood man reported being bitten by a cat June 28 in the 1000 block of County Road D. The cat’s owner told deputies that “Fluffy” bit the man because it was frightened.
• A Vadnais Heights woman on June 28 reported that her boyfriend hit her over the head with a broom stick during a fight in the 1100 block of County Road D.
White Bear Township
• License plates were reported stolen off several vehicles in the 5000 block of Centerville Road on June 28.
• Residents in the 6000 block of Ideal Avenue reported forced entry and damage to their home on June 27.
• Suspicious people reported for trying to steal construction equipment on 75th Street and Jamaca Avenue June 29 turned out to be people working on the walking path.
• A Keep Our Police Safe (KOPS) alert was issued June 29 for a misdemeanor Domestic Abuse No Contact Order violation in the 6000 block of Inwood Court N.
Mahtomedi
• A Hanson Road resident reported that someone opened his front door at 6:52 a.m. June 23, but ran off when they realized he was home.
• Deputies cited three motorists in the 11000 block of Neville Avenue between 4:19 p.m. and 4:31 p.m. June 23 for driving the wrong way and parking on private property and also on the side of the street where signs clearly indicted that parking wasn’t allowed. Deputies noted that the drivers would have seen the obvious signs had they been driving on the correct side of the street.
MINI GOLF: Aims to bring new life after “the cage”
“We started wondering, ‘What does life look like after the cage?’” said Nasvik. “Every time, we kept thinking back to miniature golf because that idea already ties in with what we do. At Gem Lake, we aim to offer a fun experience to bring people together and have fun.”
Gem Lake will collaborate with Greenspan Projects Ltd, a U.K.-based company, to build the course. The company specializes in constructing miniature golf courses, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and outdoor adventure parks. Gem Lake signed on to work with Greenspan in late 2023. The Cage was officially demolished in spring of this year.
Greer stated that Gem Lake chose to work with Greenspan because of their professionalism. “When we were introduced to Greenspan, we got exposed to their wide array of projects,” said Greer. “All of them have great attention to detail and quality. Many companies take a traditional approach to building miniature golf courses, which is not what we aim to achieve. With Greenspan’s portfolio, we feel confident they will get us what we want to accomplish.”
According to Greer, adding the miniature golf course will require slight changes to Gem Lake. The course will be built in place of the Cage. Due to its 19,000-square foot size, Gem Lake will construct a new chipping and putting green away from the course. Greer noted the main 18-hole course will not be affected by these modifications.
“There’ll be a couple of hidden features inside of
it,” said Nasvik of the course’s proposed layout.
“Instead of a standard mini golf layout, golfers can take a few hidden tunnels. There’ll also be 19 holes instead of 18. The last one will be a bonus challenge that will be difficult to navigate. We’re considering setting it up so you have one shot at it. If you ace it, then you get a prize. We’re not quite sure how it will look, though.”
There is currently no official start date for the course’s construction. Nasvik and Greer hope the course will be open by next spring.
Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications.
The driver of a dark sedan was arrested for driving after revocation at 9:33 p.m. on Highway 120 at Century College, after being pulled over for displaying expired registration tabs. The tardy tab violation became part of the arrest criteria.
The driver of an older older silver sedan was cited at 10:40 p.m. June 23 on Highway 120 at Century College for driving after revocation, failure to provide proof of insurance and expired registration. The driver, who presented a foreign passport as identification, admitted to not having a driver’s license or insurance on the vehicle. He was allowed to park the vehicle on private property and await a ride from a valid driver.
Deputies stood by to arrest a motorist immediately upon his release from Lakeview Hospital for being in possession of a stolen vehicle and for driving while impaired, after they located the vehicle he was driving in the middle of the road on Juniper and Griffin on June 28 and later confirmed its status as stolen out of St. Paul.
• The driver of a vehicle stuck in the volleyball court sand at a park on Lincolntown Avenue was cited at 10:26 p.m. June 29 for driving the vehicle into the park after hours.
July 30-August 4 vs. Iowa Cubs August 6-11 vs. Columbus Clippers
MATT GREER | CONTRIBUTED
The new miniature golf course at Gem Lake Hills Golf Course will partially be built on the spot where the area’s Cage structure used to stand.
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
CONTRIBUTED Mason Fike
FLOATS WITH THE FUZZ
WHAT’S HAPPENING
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1
Where: Tally’s Dockside, 4441 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake
Details: Free root beet floats with White Bear Lake police officers. Contact: whitebearlake.org
GUIDED FILLEBROWN HOUSE TOUR
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Avenue
Details: Tour the 1879 lakeside cottage and learn about life during the resort era. Registration required.
Contact: 651-407-5327 or whitebearhistory.org
9TH ANNUAL FREE CONCERT FROM THE PORCH
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: 4671 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a cappella music by Vocality at a private home.
Contact: vocalityquartet.com
FUTURE CITY FEST
When: noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4
Where: West Park, 2350 11th St., White Bear Lake
Details: Neighborhood festival with food trucks, live music, prizes, bounce house, face painting, balloon artist and more.
Contact: futurecitychurch.com
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
When: Tuesday, Aug. 6
Where: Local neighborhoods
Details: Neighborhoods host block parties to gather and promote awareness of safety and crime prevention. Register to have visit from law enforcement and fire department personnel Contact whitebearlake.org/
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights, Mahtomedi
Details: Bicycle ride around White Bear Lake with stops at more than a dozen establishments.
Contact: Facebook: Tour de Bar
publicsafety/page/night-unite; ramseycounty.us/your-government/ leadership/sheriffs-office/sheriffsoffice-divisions/public-safetyservices-2; co.washington.mn.us/3647/ National-Night-Out
NIGHT TO UNITE COMMUNITY EVENT
When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug 6
Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 E. County Road E, White Bear Lake Details: Join neighbors for food, music by the Liechtenstein Nein Band,
Church of Christ, Scientist
4:
games, and neighborhood trivia. Outside on north lawn or inside if rain. Pet-friendly. Contact: 651-777-1107
NEIGHBORHOOD PLANT AND RAINGARDEN TOUR
When: 6-7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6
Where: Vadnais-Sucker Lakes Regional Park, 4500 Rice St., Vadnais Heights Details: Tour the native plant restoration at the Sucker Channel in the park and hear from a guest
speaker from Natural Shores Technologies.
Contact: 651-204-6070 or vlawmo.org/ events/neighborhood-tour3
POPS ON THE PORCH
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8
Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Avenue
Details: Enjoy the Big Band sounds of the Moonlight Serenaders on the lawn of the Fillebrown House. Free; bring blankets, chairs and picnic. Contact: 651-407-5327 or whitebearhistory.org
AUTHOR VISIT
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9
Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square
Details: Visit and book signing with acclaimed White Bear Lakebased children’s book author David LaRochelle. Contact: facebook.com/people/LakeCountry-Booksellers
MOVIE IN THE PARK
When: Dusk, Aug. 10
Where: Polar Lakes Park,1280
Hammond Rd., White Bear Township
Details: Bring a lawn chair or banket and bug spray and watch a free family-friendly movie outdoors. “Trolls Band Together” shows on Aug. 10. See weather updates on facebook. Contact: facebook.com/ WhiteBearTownshipMNOfficialSite
CORRECTION
In last week’s issue of the White Bear Press, the article “Fishing ban weighed in light of swan deaths” contained an error. Kristopher Lencowski is the director of park operations. We apologize for the error.
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
36TH ANNUAL TOUR DE BAR BICYCLE BENEFIT RIDE
County provides update on Highway 61 visioning study
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Motorists and pedestrians who use Highway 61 in Washington County and would like an update on the ongoing visioning study should plan to attend an open house next month.
The study is a collaboration between the county, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the city of Hugo. The study encompasses that portion of Highway 61 lying between 120th Street N., Hugo’s southern border, to 180th Street N., its northern border with Forest Lake.
The study kicked off in January and is scheduled to be complete this January. Currently, the parties are in the second phase of the study, or the “evaluate” stage, which is focused on developing and evaluating corridor improvement alternatives.
Study background
• 1994 -Washington County Regional Rail (RRA) purchased parallel freight rail corridor to support future transit.
1996 - Memorandum of Understanding was drafted with the intent to transfer jurisdiction of Highway 61 from MnDOT to Washington County.
• 2007 – City of Hugo developed its downtown plan and design guidelines.
• 2008 – A four-lane corridor
“The study included data collection both quantitative and qualitative and evaluation of potential improvements,” explained Senior Planner Madeline Dahlheimer.
So far through community engagement, Dahlheimer says they have heard several key themes for the long-term vision of the corridor including keeping the corridor safe for all users, maintaining the smalltown feel, supporting economic development and supporting multiple modes of transportation.
Although there isn’t much change when it comes to accesses along the corridor, a big change this time around comes down to right-of-way.
“Throughout this process we were able to significantly reduce right of way dedication needs throughout the corridor,” Dahlheimer said.
City Administrator Bryan Bear said
layout was developed by the city in collaboration with MnDOT. Study said 200 to 250-feet or right of way would be needed for future expansion.
• 2014 – RRA purchased parallel freight rail corridor to support future transit.
• 2017 – Locally Preferred Alternative Report identified connector bus service from White Bear Lake to Forest Lake.
there was a “wrench” thrown into the middle of the process when it was determined that the corridor could be looked at as a singular transportation corridor rather than needing right of way for the railroad and right of way for the highway.
“That’s the way it has always been, and it really caused the need for the process to slow down, but the county really showed some flexibility and understanding and willingness to look at this as a bigger picture,” Bear said. “The result of that can’t be overstated. If you go down the corridor and compare the right of way needs for these two plans (2008 and 2024), what you find in the previous version is a complete demolition of every business on the east side of Highway 61 to accommodate a future highway expansion.”
He added, “The outcome of this plan is much softer than that. It maintains those right of way lines much closer to where they are now.”
Dahlheimer said another update is the addition of trail on both sides of the corridor.
The county will next move into the “define” portion of the process to further define a preferred corridor vision, compile the study report and
IF YOU GO
What: Highway 61 visioning study open house
When: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15
Where: Hugo City Hall
Details: The public is invited to hear an update on the Highway 61 visioning study. For more information, visit www. co.washington.mn.us/Highway61. Contact: Madeline Dahlheimer madeline.dahlheimer@ co.washington.mn.us or 651-4304338
outline the jurisdictional transfer plan for turning the corridor in its entirety in Washington County from MnDOT over to the county.
Those interested in receiving project updates can sign up for email alerts on the project website.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
From costume to stage: A Q&A with Children’s Theatre’s Emily Jannusch
Q: How did your interest in being a costume designer originate?
A: I first discovered theater when I was at Century College. I’m a pretty artistic person and have always been into musicals. I took set design classes for the college theater backstage and worked a little in the costume shop. I didn’t have any sewing experience before and didn’t realize it could be a job in itself. But it became a passion and hobby of mine, and I did it for a few cabaret performances. Those were the shows that stood out the most to me.
with my bachelor’s in Theatre Arts in 2013. In late 2014, I applied to work at the Children’s Theatre as a stitcher, although they had the position filled. However, they asked if I wanted to work as a wardrobe swing, who is an understudy for wardrobe assistants. I eventually got to move up and become a wardrobe assistant myself!
Q: How does being a wardrobe assistant speak to you personally?
All the world’s a stage, and the men and women are the players. However, some of the more overlooked players are those who help actors switch outfits between taking the stage. That is where players like Emily Jannusch earn the spotlight, showing the skill to help these actors switch costumes between plays. Press Publications spoke to the former White Bear Lake grad about her job at Children’s Theatre Company and what she loves about her work most.
Q: Talk about the experience you gained after Century and how you landed working at Children’s Theatre.
A: After Century, I applied to the Bachelor of Arts program at the University of Minnesota in 2010. I studied in the Theatre Arts & Dance Department, where students go for set and costume design instead of the Bachelor of Fine Arts. I worked in both the costume and scene shops on several plays. In between, I also worked at the box office at Lakeshore Players Theatre. I graduated
A: The fun part of being a wardrobe assistant is getting the actors in and out of their clothes really fast during the play. It excites me personally because it involves a lot of puzzle-solving, like how do I get these actors from one outfit to the next in 30 seconds? I really puts my brain to work.
Q: What does a wardrobe assistant need to know ahead of time before a play?
A: First, you must familiarize yourself with the play. When reading the script, note the number of actors and the types of characters they play. Look at their age, background,
and time period. You then talk with the director and get the vibe for what they want the show to be. Do they want it to be in the period the play is meant to be in? Do they want to be experimental with it? Sometimes, it involves a lot of time on Pinterest.
Q: What can go wrong when maintaining an actor’s wardrobe, and how do you correct it when something happens?
A: During a quick change between scenes, the outfit can rip. In that case, you have 10 minutes to run down and quickly patch it up. If you have less time, you can use safety pins and tape them over. Either way, you must do what you can to get them back on stage.
Q: Have you ever wanted to be an actor?
A: Unfortunately, I don’t because I have stage fright. I did a little bit of acting at the U of M as part of my prerequisites in studying theater. I did get through it, though. Suffice it to say, I did my time, and I’m good.
Compiled by Erik Suchy
The above graphic compares the roadway design established in a 2008-study, the county’s comprehensive plan and the most recent study layout.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The study encompasses that portion of Highway 61 lying between 120th Street N., Hugo’s southern border, to 180th Street N., its northern border with Forest Lake.
The right of way needs for the corridor have changed dramatically from what was proposed in 2008.
CONTRIBUTED
Emily Jannusch, a 2006 White Bear High graduate, has been a wardrobe assistant at Lakeshore Players Theatre for ten years
Minnesota’s election system ‘is secure, accurate and fair’
BY BILL STICKELS III ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR
When people talk about “Election integrity” images of stuffing of ballot boxes, manipulating results, or other underhanded methods of fixing the elections comes to mind.
Minnesota voters, however, should feel confident of accurate election results, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office.
“Minnesotans should have confidence in the system because of the many checks in the system,” said Minnesota Secretary of State Deputy Elections Director Paul Linnell. Testing, testing and more testing
Besides trusting the integrity of local public officials who assist with elections, Linnell says the state requires stringent oversight of the ballot counting machines.
“Before any electronic voting system is used in the state, it must be tested and certified by a lab accredited by the Federal Elections Assistance Commission,” Linnell said. “That testing is a rigorous process that includes examination all the way down to the source code and a tabulation process that requires no more than one error in every 500,000 ballots.”
After a machine is certified federally, the state needs to certify it. This process includes reviewing the federal testing, plus another round of testing by the Minnesota Secretary of
State’s Office.
The state creates test elections from all levels of government using predetermined test results to ensure the machines are 100% accurate.
Then, each precinct must perform test ballots on all precinct voting machines using actual ballots filled out with predetermined test results just prior to each election day. That test also must be 100% accurate. These tests are open to the public to observe.
After the election is concluded, each county’s canvassing board is required to randomly select a certain number of precincts for a hand-count audit of the results in the Presidential or Governor’s race, US Senator, and US Representative.
The difference between the hand count and the machine count must be less than one-quarter of one percent. If it is greater, additional precincts, and possibly all of them, must be hand-counted.
“Since this post-election audit was passed into law in 2006, there has only been two instances of needing to escalate the post-election review,” Linnell said, adding both cases involved human error causing the machines to miscount.
Races with extremely close margins of victory trigger a publicly funded automatic recount, plus any recounts requested by a losing candidate. Linnell noted in almost all these recounts, the results are changed by only a few votes.
“Recounts that happen every
election year have consistently demonstrated that the voting equipment is counting ballots correctly,” Linnell concluded.
A paper trail as backup
As accurate as the machines may be, Linnell says the state has always, and will probably continue to, rely on paper ballots to double-check vote counts, especially when it comes to close election results.
“A lot of states have moved to touchscreen voting equipment,” Linnell said. “Minnesota has always required a paper ballot. That ballot serves as the official record of the votes cast.”
Then why not just do hand counting like “the good old days” before electronic ballot counters? He noted studies show electronic counters are far more accurate than hand counting.
“Case studies and tests have repeatedly demonstrated that humans, counting ballots by hand, are less reliable than the tested and certified voting equipment,” Linnell said.
He added the costs and the time it would take to hand-count every race would be extremely high.
Hacking the machines
Some people have voiced concerns machines may be hacked to alter the outcome of an election.
Linnell responds that besides the previously mentioned paper trail and post-election audits and recounts, the
machines are not hooked up to the internet like a common computer. Therefore, there isn’t a need for antivirus or other security programs.
Even when counties are transmitting data to the Secretary of State’s election website, hacking wouldn’t do any good since that information is unofficial. Only the canvassing board’s results are final.
Ineligible voters
Others are concerned people ineligible to vote could decrease election integrity, claiming the lack of voter ID requirements allows for ineligible ballots to be cast.
Linnell admits it is impossible to determine which ballots might have been cast by an ineligible voter, but he insists the punishment for voter fraud is a severe enough deterrent. That punishment can include felony charges, fines eclipsing $100,000, and in the case of a non-US citizen voting, deportation.
As proof, Linnell brought up a study conducted by a University of St. Thomas professor that revealed only three instances of non-citizens voting over the last several decades.
Bill Stickels III is the editor of the Isanti-Chisago County Star, a sister publication to Press Publications.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
CITY OF GEM LAKE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
FOR THE GEM LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION
July 25, 2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That the Planning Commission of Gem Lake, Ramsey County, Minnesota shall consider an application request from Phillips Architects, on behalf of Barnett Properties, for an amendment to City Ordinance 131 (Consolidated Land Use Ordinance), a Zoning Compliance Permit, and a Lot Line Adjustment between 3610 and 3700 Highway 61 North. There will be a public hearing on August 14, 2024, during the Planning Commission Meeting. The Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at 4200 Otter Lake Rd, Gem Lake. A copy of the application and staff report will be available from the City Clerk approximately one week prior to the hearing. Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 31, 2024.
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that on August 14, 2024, 6:30 p.m. the Mahtomedi Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to solicit public response to several proposed Ordinance amendments. A complete list of the sections to be amended include:
• Section 11.01, Subd. 7.0: Definitions
• Section 11.01, Subd. 9.6, A: Accessory Buildings
• Section 11.01 Subd. 11.2: A – Agricultural District
• Section 11.01, Subd. 11.3: RR – Rural Residential District
The Planning Commission will make a recommendation regarding the proposed request to the City Council for their meeting to be held on August 20, 2024, 7:00 p.m. Those persons having an interest in said meetings are encouraged to attend.
If you have questions about this notice or if you would like further information regarding the project described above, please contact Hannah Rybak, Mahtomedi City Planner, at 612-269-3684. Written comments may be submitted to City Hall, or via email at hrybak@wsbeng.com. Scott Neilson, City Administrator
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 31, 2024.
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that on August 14, 2024, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, the Mahtomedi Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to solicit public response to a request from Anthony Brown at 113X Summit Ave., PID: 20.030.21.31.0067, for variances from the minimum lot area and width requirements, and maximum allowable building height, to facilitate the construction of a new single-family home on the undeveloped parcel. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation regarding the proposed request to the City Council, for their meeting to be held on August 20, 2024, 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Those persons having an interest in said meetings are encouraged to attend.
If you have questions about this notice or if you would like further information regarding the project described above, please contact Hannah Rybak, Mahtomedi City Planner, at 612-269-3684. Written comments may be submitted to City Hall, or via email at hrybak@wsbeng.com.
Scott Neilson, City Administrator
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 31, 2024.
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that on August 14, 2024, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, the Mahtomedi Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to solicit public response to a request from Phil Dommer, on behalf of Prelude Holdings LLC, at 650 Wildwood Rd., & 199 Wedgewood Dr., for a rezoning, creation of a planned unit development district, preliminary and final plat, site plan review and a comprehensive plan amendment. The purpose of the requests is to facilitate the development of a 20-unit senior living community. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation regarding the proposed request to the City Council, for their meeting to be held on August 20, 2024, 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Those persons having an interest in said meetings are encouraged to attend.
If you have questions about this notice or if you would like further
information regarding the project described above, please contact Hannah Rybak, Mahtomedi City Planner, at 612-269-3684. Written comments may be submitted to City Hall, or via email at hrybak@wsbeng.com. Scott Neilson, City Administrator Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 31, 2024.
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of White Bear Lake will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, which is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall located at 4701 Highway 61. The purpose of the public hearing is to hear from the public, discuss, and potentially act on an interim ordinance amending Ordinance No. 23-07-2063 regarding cannabis-related businesses within the City of White Bear Lake. The proposed ordinance invokes the City’s authority to enact a moratorium under Minnesota Statutes, section 462.355, subdivision 4 and is intended to clarify that Ordinance No. 23-07-2063 (“Cannabis Business Moratorium”) applies to license preapprovals, early cultivation, and medical cannabis businesses notwithstanding recent legislative amendments. The intent of the proposed ordinance is to supplement the Cannabis Business Moratorium and provide clarity to businesses and to ensure the City’s planning process is protected while the Office of Cannabis Management continues to develop the regulatory framework around cannabis in Minnesota. Any person wishing to express an opinion on the proposed ordinance during the public hearing will be heard, and thereafter the White Bear Lake City Council might formally approve said ordinance. Written comment may be submitted to clerk@whitebearlake.org.
Caley Longendyke, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 31, 2024.
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
RESOLUTION NO. 13383
DESIGNATING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON 8TH STREET FROM BLOOM AVENUE TO TRUNK HIGHWAY 61
IN THE CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
WHEREAS, the White Bear Lake City Council approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for White Bear Lake Area Schools (the District) North Campus expansion project via Resolution No. 12750; and WHEREAS, a condition of that CUP approval required the District to complete roadway improvements to Division Avenue and 8th Street to be completed prior to the campus opening in the fall of 2024; and WHEREAS, the street improvements include the addition of a sidewalk on the south side of the street from Bloom Avenue to Trunk Highway 61 as well as the addition of an eastbound right turn lane at Trunk Highway 61; and WHEREAS, this improvement does not provide adequate width for parking on both sides of the street, and must therefore be conditioned upon certain parking restrictions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of White Bear Lake, Minnesota that:
1. The City hereby prohibits the parking of motor vehicles on the north side of 8th Street from Bloom Avenue to Trunk Highway 61 at all times.
2. The City Manager shall direct the Public Works Department to install “No Parking” signs on said segments of 8th Street.
The foregoing resolution, offered by Councilmember Engstran and supported by Councilmember West, was carried unanimously on July 9, 2024. Dan Louismet, Mayor
ATTEST: Caley Longendyke, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 31, 2024
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The White Bear Lake City Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, MN, to consider a petition to vacate the City’s interest in the following public ways:
• White Bear Avenue (now Bloom Avenue), as dedicated in the plat of Murray’s Second Addition, adjoining Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4, Block 8, Ramsey County, Minnesota, lying north of the north line of Eighth Street extended westerly. Together with the west 15.00 feet of said Block 8 as opened per Document numbers 356354 and 356355; and • An easement for public roadway on the South 66 feet of the Southwest
Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 11, Township 30, Range 22 (as described in Ramsey County Document No. 1498415)
The petition, along with details and depictions of the specific segments proposed to be vacated by the City, are available for inspection at City Hall during regular business hours or by contacting Community Development Director, Jason Lindahl, at (651) 429-8562 or jlindahl@whitebearlake.org. Any person wishing to express an opinion on the vacation petition to be considered at the public hearing will be heard, and thereafter the White Bear Lake City Council might formally act on said vacation. Published two times in the White Bear Press on July 31 and August 7, 2024.
RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET, LEVY AND WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT CHARGES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE That the Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers has scheduled a public hearing to present and receive comments on the District’s 2025 proposed budget and levy, which include Water Management District (WMD) local charges for the Ramsey County Ditch (RCD) 4 WMD, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the City of Shoreview, 4600 North Victoria Street, Shoreview, Minnesota. Public participation using interactive technology will also be possible using Zoom. Please contact Theresa at tstasica@ricecreek.org for instructions. In addition, by a declaration under Minnesota Open Meeting Law Section 13D.021, all meetings of the RCWD Board of Managers are in person and public while recognizing that a Manager may, based on advice from a health care professional, have a legitimate reason for not attending a meeting in a public place in person, such as COVID-19 exposure or infection, and in such circumstances may participate in the meeting remotely.
The proposed 2025 budget is $9,332,614. The proposed total levy for the District is $6,140,782. The Ramsey County Ditch 4 WMD proposes to collect charges of $94,538. RCWD, 4325 Pheasant Ridge Drive, Suite 611, Blaine, MN 55449. 763-398-3070.
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 31, 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 8/21/2024 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Deborah Busse; James Vogel; Stacey Ruona; Amy Dudeck; Yasmine Hunter; Sergio Delima. All property is being stored at the above selfstorage 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 July 31 and August 7, 2024.
WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS ISD #624 4855 BLOOM AVE, WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110
ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS
The Board of Education, White Bear Lake Area Schools ISD #624, will receive sealed proposals on the following: Group Ancillary Benefits, Including Life, LTD, Vision and Dental: until 12:00 P.M. on August 27, 2024, at White Bear Lake Area Schools ISD #624. Copies of
Environmental resources exchange
Technician
Lauren Sampedro poses
Retired White Bear Lake resident finds hobby in cigar painting
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
White Bear Lake native Bob Dickhaus enjoys a few post-retirement activities, such as golfing and smoking a good cigar. But he never guessed that painting cigars would soon become one of them.
“I just have fun at it,” admits Dickhaus. “I’m happy with my style and don’t feel pressured to finish it by a certain time.”
Dickhaus’ artistic nature began while a student at the University of Minnesota in the late 1960s. While there, Dickhaus studied landscape architecture and developed a talent for watercolor paintings. “I used to do many of my presentations with watercolors,” said Dickhaus. “It was easy to do quickly and with a little flair.”
Dickhaus also did stock photography for a photography class, often taking shots of sailboat races in Bayfield,
Wisconsin. However, even after completing these classes, Dickhaus found himself unable to pursue photography.
“With the cost of film back then, I couldn’t keep doing it, especially with the upgrade of digital photography,” said Dickhaus. “As a student, there were things I needed to spend my money on other than photography.”
After graduating, Dickhaus began working as a bottler for Schmidt Brewery in St. Paul, later moving into management. For a short while, Dickhaus also found part-time work as a capacity planner for a Minneapolisbased company. Dickhaus occasionally painted as a hobby, concentrating on portraits and small objects. After working at Schmidt for 18 years, Dickhaus worked at the Health Partners corporate office in Bloomington for ten years.
However, before retirement, Dickhaus discovered his love for painting something new.
COACH: Up for the next challenge
all levels both years, and assistant varsity coach last year. Brian Peloquin, Activities Director, liked what he saw and made the hire in January.
“I am extremely excited to take on this new role. Mostly I am feeling thankful for the opportunity,” Gittins said, acknowledging that she’s young for a varsity coach at a big school. She is also thankful “that the district looked past gender when hiring me.”
The gender subject came up.
“As far as Brian and I know, I am the first female coach of a male sport at White Bear,” she said.
Gittins taught social studies at South Campus the last two years. She will teach AP History and Ethnic Studies World History at the high school this year.
The Hugo native will be the Bears’ third coach in three years. Karl Jende finished an eight-year tenure with winning seasons in 2021 and 2022 after six seasons below .500. Mike Knutson was an interim coach last year when the
Bears offense struggled in a 1-7-5 season. At Mahtomedi, which has one of the strongest girls soccer programs in the state, Gittins was a junior varsity player through 11th grade, and sat out her senior season after having a bone tumor removed. “So I never actually made the varsity,” she said.
However, she got noticed on her summer club team.
“I was on one of the top six teams in the state for my age, so I was getting a lot of attention from D1 though D3 schools,” Gittins said.
“I knew I always wanted to play college soccer whether I played varsity or not. I also think it sends a message that no matter what team you make in high school, you can always push yourself. I never played varsity and had a successful college career.”
At St. Scholastica in Duluth, she saw no action for two seasons but became a starter as a junior and posted seven shutouts in a Covidshortened 9-0 season by the Saints. As a senior, she split time with another goalie on a team
“My college friends and I like to smoke cigars,” said Dickhaus. “We also started a tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts, but it got to where I didn’t know what I should get them each year. So I said, ‘We all like to smoke cigars, so maybe I can start doing some cigar art.’”
Since his newfound interest, Dickhaus has concentrated on doing watercolor paintings of cigars in various forms. Some work features a traditional, still-life image of cigars amongst a few bottles of wine. Others, however, are more absurdist, such as fish lying on the beach, each one with a cigar in their mouth. Of these styles, Dickhaus says his pleasure from painting is one he gets out of fun rather than being a fantastic artist.
Dickhaus said he is drawn to watercolor over other mediums, mainly because the former is easier to use. “I don’t have the patience to wait for everything to dry,” said Dickhaus. “With watercolors, it’s easier to paint on. If you make a mistake, you can cover it up slightly. To me, they’re simpler and easier to do. That’s why I enjoy them.”
While Dickhaus has given several of his paintings away to family and friends, he has declined to sell them. Dickhaus has cited disinterest in making money and wanting to feel free to paint consistently. “I’m happy with my style,” said Dichaus. “I never want to be a starving artist, and I know I’ll never be good to where I make a lot of money. I have fun doing it.”
Dickhaus’s work has also received praise from a few long-time friends. One is Perry Olsen, with whom Dickhaus was a roommate while still at the U of M. “He does a great job, I think,” said Olsen. “Whatever inspiration he gets, he just goes with
it. The paintings with cigars from the fish’s mouth are so funny, too.”
Dickhaus has remained retired for the past twelve years. Outside of painting, Dickhaus golfs as a hobby, a sport he participates in with Olsen. In September, Dickhaus will travel to Nova Scotia for a three-week vacation, focusing on painting landscapes during his trip.
Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, please contact him at 651-407-1229 or email him at www.whitebearnews@ presspubs.com
that went 4-10-5 after moving into a stronger conference, the MIAC, replacing St. Thomas, which had gone Division I.
“Our last regular season game, I played, and we had a major upset at St. Mary’s,” she said, savoring the memory.
“That got us into the playoffs our first year in the MIAC, which is a big accomplishment.”
Gittins will be assisted by Dylan Mason and John Bros on varsity. Bros will coach the JV, Aaron Tucker the B squad and Owen Parker the freshmen.
The staff has been working with the Bears in summer practices, which are done now, and will get back together Aug. 12 when fall practices start. She used the summer to start putting her stamp on the program.
“I had a pretty good relationship with many players because I coached them for two years. I think also this summer period has allowed them to adjust and see me as the head coach.”
ERIK SUCHY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
For the last 20 years, White Bear Lake resident Bob Dickahus has pursued a postretirement hobby in creating cigar paintings.
Bob’s fascination with painting cigars is one he admits to have gotten from his friends.
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Legion team ends season going 1-2 in sub-state at home
White Bear Lake lost two of three games in the Sub-State 7 tournament last week and finished the season with an 11-15 record. The Bears hosted the eight-team tournament held Tuesday through Saturday. Forest Lake was champion. The Bears lost to Rosetown (Roseville Area) 9-1. Jace Lombardi, Bear starter, took the loss. Williams was 2-for-3 at the plate and Isaiah Weber hit a triple.
The Bears defeated Chisago Lakes 12-2 in five innings, led by Matt Anderson with a bases-loaded home run, double and single, knocking in six runs. Johnny Wong was 3-for-4 and Lombardi 2-for-3 with three RBI’s. Tyler Hilderman pitched all five innings, striking out six. They were ousted by Bayport (Stillwater) 5-0 with Roman Lachenmeyer taking the loss.
Willernie post office employee honored by USPS
The United States Postal Service is honoring Jaclyn Tennyson, who has served as a retail associate at the Willernie Post Office for 30 years. The USPS’ ‘For the Long Haul’ initiative honors the dedication of long-serving employees who have become integral parts of their communities.
Tennyson began her career with USPS in 1994, establishing herself as a reliable and friendly presence at the Willernie Post Office. Her deep knowledge of postal operations and her genuine care for the community have made her indispensable at the location.
“Jaclyn is the best there is. There is no one better,” remarked regular customer Bob Holly. “This is the best Post Office around with a historic feel. I love coming here!”
“I love the small town feel that Willernie has and enjoy getting to know the customers,” said Jaclyn. “I have seen babies grow up that are now customers and parents themselves.”
“Jaclyn exemplifies the dedication and community spirit that the Postal Service strives to embody,” said Daniel Pittman, Willernie Postmaster.
“We are proud to honor her as part of our ‘For the Long Haul’ initiative and celebrate the positive impact she has made in Willernie.”
Contributed, USPS
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Preston Peloquin of the Bears steals second base during
loss to Rosetown.
CONTRIBUTED
Jaclyn Tennyson
Challenge race resurfaces on White Bear Lake
An old rivalry will be on display once again on White Bear Lake when A-boat sailors from Lake Minnetonka Yacht Club race against the home fleet in an Aug. 3-4 regatta.
Up for grabs is the resurrected Challenge trophy, first awarded to Minnetonka sailor Willie Crear in 1973, that made its last appearance in 2008. Low lake levels after that year made it difficult to sail the large scows and the regatta was suspended. Crear shared some history of the Challenge race, noting it used to be a sanctioned event by the Inland Lakes Yachting Association.
That first race more than 50 years ago was held on Pewaukee Lake in Wisconsin and drew 15 A-boats. Long story short, Crear donated the “monstrous silver tray” to the Minnetonka Yacht Club in 2000 while decluttering his trophy case. “I told them they could rededicate it to any class they wanted to,” he said.
“When (the late) Fletcher Driscoll decided White Bear needed its own A-fleet and bought one, the challenge was issued to Minnetonka to race once again,” continued Crear, who is Minnetonka’s club historian. “White Bear hadn’t had an A-fleet for 70 years. The trophy was put in the middle of it.”
Lake Minnetonka.
Owned by both clubs, the vintage trophy is perpetual, meaning it moves to each year’s winner.
White Bear plans to put up nine scows in the regatta; Minnetonka is sending six. “Thanks to Fletcher’s largesse, White Bear’s fleet is the biggest anywhere,” added Crear, who is 75 and no longer sails. Minnetonka, he said, had the largest fleet back in 1950.
In the four years that the regatta was reinstated (2005 to 2008), White Bear sailors won the Challenge tray only once, in 2007.
Crear is predicting Minnetonka takes it again. He name dropped a homegrown sailor named Tom Burton who will be skippering Instigator (M8), a fast boat owned by Jud Dayton of the department store family. “They don’t come any better than him,” Crear stated.
The regatta starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 and 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 4. There will be a maximum of five races for the weekend; the lowest score wins the trophy. Spectators are welcome.
Watershed boundary adjusted
The White Bear Lake City Council authorized City Manager Lindy Crawford to submit a letter of agreement to the Rice Creek Watershed District supporting the watershed district’s petition to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for boundary changes. The district had previously identified discrepancies in the boundary between the RCWD, the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization, and the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District. These discrepancies are due to differences between state order established and hydrologic boundaries based on mapping information. The RCWD identified recommended changes to their legal boundary that most closely match updated hydrologic boundaries within statutory and practical limitations. City staff accepted the adjusted boundary changes. The RCWD will initiate the boundary changes under Minnesota statute which will update Ramsey County’s tax assignments to reflect the changes.
County seeks to fill vacancies on advisory board
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is currently seeking residents to serve on the Ramsey County Charter Commission. There are eight vacancies for the Commission, a 17-member body responsible for maintaining Ramsey County’s Home Rule Charter. Ramsey County is the only county in Minnesota governed by home rule - all others are governed by state laws. The commission’s duty is to periodically review the charter and propose necessary amendments and recommends proposals from the public. The commission has the authority to submit proposed amendments to an election. Charter commission members meet quarterly and serve for a term of four years.
The deadline to apply is Monday, Aug. 19. To learn more, go to https://www.ramseycounty.us/ your-government/leadership/charter-commission.
The League of Minnesota Cities has recognized Sen. Heather Gustafson, District 36, as a 2024 Legislator of Distinction. Gustafson was among 25 Minnesota lawmakers who were honored for actions that aided efforts of Minnesota cities during the past year’s state legislative session. The list of recipients can be found at lmc.org.
Debra Neutkens
CONTRIBUTED
The old Challenge trophy, a silver-plated tray, has been refurbished and will once again be awarded to the winner of an invitational A-boat regatta between White Bear Lake and
MIKE WURM| CONTRIBUTED
Crew members of Snitch, skippered by Michael Stone, hike out to gain speed during a recent race.
NAMES IN THE NEWS
Vadnais Heights City Administrator Kevin Watson has been reappointed by Gov. Walz to the Metropolitan Area Water Supply Policy Advisory Committee, which oversees water supply planning and implementation for metro area communities. His term ends Jan. 4, 2027.
Republicans host journalist Liz Collin
The Senate District 36 Republican organization announced an upcoming Republican event with journalist Liz Collin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6 at Kellerman’s Event Center in White Bear Lake. Collin will speak on the topic “How Progressive Policies Betray
Minnesota’s Law Enforcement” in observance of Night to Unite. Collin is an investigative journalist (formerly with WCCO-TV) and author. She will be joined by elected officials, candidates, neighbors and event emcee, Rep. Walter Hudson (R-Albertville).
Booster seats included in new transportation policy law
Parents of young children who use booster seats may need to do some reading and make some changes before Aug. 1.
A new law updates and clarifies various transportation policies and procedures, including around child restraint systems. The law spells out best practices for child passengers and it takes effect Aug. 1.
The law modifies child restraint requirements when a child is transported in a motor vehicle:
• a child who is younger than age 2 must be properly restrained in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system with an internal harness, until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child passenger restraint system; a child who is at least age 2 who exceeds the rear-facing weight or height limit of the child passenger restraint system must be properly restrained in a forward-facing child passenger restraint system with an internal harness, until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child passenger restraint system; a child who is at age 4 and exceeds the weight or height limit of the
forward-facing child passenger restraint system must be properly restrained in a booster seat and secured with a safety belt;
• a child who is at least age 9 or exceeds the weight or height limit of the child passenger restraint system or the booster seat must be secured with a safety belt adjusted and fastened around the child’s body to fit correctly; and a child younger than age 13 must be transported in the rear seat of a motor vehicle, when available, and must be properly restrained in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat or secured with a safety belt.
A child younger than age 6 or weighs less than 60 pounds must be transported in a rear seat if the vehicle has a passenger side air bag supplemental restraint system, the system is activated, and a rear seat is available. Additionally, if the number of children under age 13 exceeds the number of age- or size-appropriate child passenger restraint systems and safety belts available in the motor vehicle, the unrestrained children must be seated in a rear seat, if rear seats are available.
PRODUCE MARKETS
COMMUNITY OF GRACE
4000 Linden Street, White Bear Lake
3rd Thursdays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Aug. 15, Sept. 19
PODVIN PARK
1700 9th Street, White Bear Lake 4th Thursdays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Aug. 22, Sept. 26
3375 Willow Ave, White Bear Lake 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Aug. 1, Aug. 29
ANDREW’S 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi 2nd Thursdays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Aug. 8, Sept. 12
