Back To School
Behind the scenes
As local school districts gear up for the 2023-2024 school year, district staff members reflect on the preparation necessary to host students once again
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As local school districts gear up for the 2023-2024 school year, district staff members reflect on the preparation necessary to host students once again
White Bear’s own Jeff Loeks, founder of Special Teams Charities, will be recognized by the St. Paul Police Department with an Award for Valor commendation.
A Sept. 14 ceremony will recognize Loeks, who works security at Region’s Hospital, for heroic actions that went “above and beyond.”
Jeff LoeksIn a letter to Loeks, St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry commended the former Army Ranger and firefighter for helping a police officer who was working contractual overtime at the hospital. After a report of a person flashing a gun at people inside the hospital last March, the officer identified and approached the suspect. Almost immediately, the officer met resistance and a fight ensued. That’s when Loeks “unselfishly jumped onto the suspect without hesitation to help the officer and pinned him to the ground until backup arrived.”
Due to Loeks’ quick actions, officers were able to successfully control and safely retrieve the firearm from the suspect.
BY SEBASTIAN STUDIER PRESS INTERNAt White Bear Lake High School, Don Bosch will remain principal at South Campus, with students in grades 11 and 12, before he retires at the end of the 2023-24 school year.
Carrie Barth, who is a long-serving associate principal at South Campus, will serve a one-year appointment as North Campus principal with students in grades nine and 10 for 2023-24. Principal
Russ Reetz, who began in the district this summer, will serve
as the external-facing principal of the unified grades 9-12 at White Bear Lake Area High School.
At White Bear, school teams are working to update staff and student handbooks and prepare welcome-back communications to stakeholders.
At North Campus, the site of the future unified high school, the construction of the second phase continues with the renovation of the existing building and the addition of an 850-seat auditorium
and art spaces. Staff continues to plan the school day around the ongoing construction, which will be completed when the school opens as a unified high school serving grades 9-12 in the fall of 2024.
Some “behindthe-scenes” tasks underway at White Bear include scheduling school picture days, planning for distribution of Chromebooks, facilitating parking
SEE BACK TO SCHOOL, PAGE 3A
The chief recognized Loeks for his “quick and unselfish actions” that not only prevented a potential officer-involved shooting, but “courageously jeopardized your own safety for the safety of others.”
His heroic actions are deserving of the Chief’s Award for Valor, Henry said.
The humble Army veteran emailed the Press, noting the St. Paul department encouraged him to contact his local newspaper, telling him it was something to be proud of. “I hope it doesn’t seem ostentatious,” Loeks wrote in the email. “The only reason I c are is because I get to support my friends in law enforcement who are a big part of our charity.”
The township resident founded Special Teams Charities more than a decade ago to support workers in health care, law enforcement, fire EMS and the military. The charitable causes have been many, and are often featured on the pages of the Press. Most recently, the charity collected cash donations for wounded White Bear Lake Police Officer Ryan Sheak and his family, filling requests to buy flowers and gift cards and providing meals for officers keeping vigil at the hospital or working long hours at the station.
Press Publications is hosting its annual senior health fair from 12-2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the White Bear Senior Center, 2484 East County Road F in White Bear Lake.
The health fair will offer a variety of resources geared toward seniors and caretakers of seniors.
“If you’re a senior or a child of a senior parent and looking for resources, this is a great venue for you,” Press Publications General Manager Patty Steele said. Steele sees the health fair as an easy way to collect information about senior care.
“By having everything seniors need under one roof, seniors and their caregivers don’t have to spend time making long phone calls or trying to navigate a website,” Steele said. “With every vendor ready to answer questions, seniors can have a face-to-face interaction and get their personalized questions answered.”
The health fair lunch is provided by
Pizza Man, Donatelli’s, Jimmy Johns and Pine Tree Orchard.
The Press health fair stands out because it covers health in a broader sense than just one’s physical health. With vendors from real estate companies and financial planning services, seniors can take care of all aspects of their health.
While at the fair, anyone can get their flu shot provided by Walgreens. To get a booster, attendees must have their vaccination cards with them. Immunizations don’t require an appointment, and seniors can walk up to the booth and take care of their needed vaccinations.
Gary LaRue will emcee the event, singing some of his well-known songs and announcing vendors at the fair.
“It’s great to have Gary there,” Steele said. “Some people come here just to hear him sing.”
Irecently spoke with a resident who reported seeing something unusual - a group of young kids playing a pick up game of baseball at Yost Park. He said there didn’t even seem to be any adults present. He wondered if they just watched the movie “Sandlot.”
In this age of organized sports, I don’t often see kids playing pickup games of any kind. My father-in-law talks about his childhood when all the neighborhood kids would ride their bikes to the ballfield and play from sun up to sundown all summer long. Any issues that came up between the kids were worked out amongst themselves. I think it is difficult for many parents to imagine this kind of unsupervised play happening today.
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This summer it has been encouraging to see middle school and high school-age kids out walking or running along the trails, riding bikes, skateboarding, and fishing. It would be great to see more kids put down their cell phones and video game controllers and take advantage of the outdoor ballfields, basketball courts, tennis courts and hockey rinks our community has to offer.
As Fall approaches we see teams out practicing for football, soccer, cross country, tennis and more. Locker rooms, weight rooms and pools have been getting a workout as athletes build endurance and bulk up for the season. Here at the Press we are thankful for the parents, coaches and others who have supported our readers by providing stats, photographs and write ups. You will find our fall sports previews in this week’s edition. We hope parents, grandparents and other fans remember the rules of conduct in the stands. It’s been my observation that young kids love watching older kids play, and they see role models on the bench as well as on the sidelines or in the stands. Bring out your family and friends and fill the stands with energy and good vibes for the fall sports season.
Our communities are loaded with unique trails and paths used by walkers, horseback riders, ATV riders, runners and cyclists. Remember when you’re out walking a dog or taking a hike that many trails are surrounded by private property. We continue to hear from friends and neighbors who live in these areas about how many trespassers come onto their property, with damage sometimes occurring. Most of it is innocent, where people stumble onto private property to observe wildlife without even realizing it. But it can be menacing for landowners. I hear stories all the time about people walking on private property to get a good photo of a deer, having their property torn up by an ATV or dirt bike, or even tripping while walking down a dock without permission.
I just heard a story of a Lake Avenue/Mark Sather Trail walker who went off the path to feed geese on private property. I love wildlife, but they can become a nuisance and you can disrupt their natural feeding patterns. The walker was trespassing and feeding wildlife is banned in most cities. It is not much different than putting a bag of cat food on someone’s doorstep, which most people wouldn’t dream of doing.
As you are out and about enjoying the fall colors, remember to be considerate of private property.
Every year I suggest our readers get prepared for the start of the school year by watching out for kids at bus stops, those who are walking or riding bikes to school, and those who are out on the roads as firsttime drivers. These next few weeks be sure to give yourself a little extra time to get to work or wherever you need to go, as you may be held up by school buses and extra traffic. Fill up a to-go mug of coffee and consider it pure joy as you’re waiting behind a school bus to think about how kids are off to learn in our highly-ranked local schools.
Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
There are 4,000 AM radio stations across the country – and over 300 of those stations are right here in Minnesota. Listeners turn to AM radio for everything from high school scores to crop reports to news and weather. In fact, during a weather emergency like a wildfire or a tornado, AM radio can serve as a lifeline, sharing critical and sometimes life saving information.
Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations have spoken out about the safety risks of eliminating AM radio from cars. They explained that the National Public Warning System relies on AM radio to deliver emergency messages to the entire country at once. In times of emergency or severe climate conditions, the car is sometimes the only source of power and news for many. Phasing AM radio out of cars would mean this public safety system will no longer function as intended.
Despite this, AM radio is on the chopping block. Auto executives have threatened to pull AM radio out of newer models of some of their vehicles. Maybe from their headquarters it doesn’t seem like people care about AM radio anymore, but I bet if they took a drive through rural Minnesota, they would take a different view.
I was at Farmfest in Redwood County earlier this month, and the people I talked to agreed: AM radio is critical for rural communities.
AM radio is also critical for public safety. Seven former FEMA administrators from the
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Across Minnesota we see just how vital this system is. Stations from KASM in Albany to KWAD in Wadena regularly broadcast tornado alerts, snow alerts, information about power outages, and more to their communities.
And when there was flooding in Crookston in 2021 and 2022, KROX radio was there to help - working in partnership with the city’s Emergency Operations Center to share the latest about the flooding, including information about road closures and the opening of a storm shelter where residents could turn for assistance.
This is what AM radio does day in and day out for its communities, and it is why I am fighting to pass the bipartisan AM for Every Vehicle Act. This legislation would ensure that AM radio
continues to be available in vehicles at no extra charge for those who want it during their daily commutes or their longdistance drives. We have a broad, bipartisan group of senators backing this bill that includes everyone from Ted Cruz to Bernie Sanders and it is also endorsed by the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, and several members of the Federal Communications Commission. This is the kind of coalition that gets results, and the good news is that this bill already easily passed through the Senate Commerce Committee.
I am committed to working across the aisle to ensure that drivers can tune in to AM radio for the sports and entertainment they like as well as the traffic, weather, and safety updates they need. This benefits truckers, farmers, and commuters while offering stability to the thousands of AM radio stations we don’t want to live without. We shouldn’t have to sacrifice safety, news and a way of life simply because some car manufacturers want to make more profits. Let’s get this passed.
Amy Klobuchar is a United States Senator from Minnesota.
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Like many in the White Bear Lake area, I was surprised and saddened to learn of Lyle Helke’s recent passing (Aug. 23 White Bear Press). Lyle was a consummate teacher, coach and mentor who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He had a unique way of bringing out the best in all who were fortunate enough to have passed his way. Both our girls ran cross country in the 1990s under Lyle and he had an important part in helping them become the women they are today. Long after Lyle retired from the White Bear Lake school system, we enjoyed our annual fall trip to Connie and Lyle’s place in Marine on St. Croix for Connie’s pottery sales. Lyle and their boys were often there to help. It seemed like Lyle remembered every kid he ever taught or coached and had something positive to say about each of them. Lyle, we’ll miss you. You ran a good race.
Earlier this spring the Vadnais Heights City Council voted to participate in “Green Step City” programs on a limited basis. Concerned citizens objected to this program as it would be a difficult and costly process for the city. Other cities reported that their “Green Step” programs were a nightmare of paperwork and became too costly to continue. The City Council said that they would get volunteers to complete one of the new trial programs so that we could get a plaque for the city. The volunteers never materialized in any numbers that could get the tasks done in time. Now I see it reported in the August 23 Vadnais Heights Press that the city is looking to hire a Natural Resource Specialist to help with our environmental and sustainable goals. For the life of me, I cannot think of anything that Vadnais Heights citizens are doing in their homes or in their everyday lives that a Natural Resource Specialist can help us with. When the City Council said that our participation in the Green Step program would not cost us anything, was that the truth? This new Natural Resource Specialist, as reported, will cost us $41,787 plus benefits which is only the beginning of our costs. The Council does not have the money for hiring this person in this year’s budget, so they are taking money from the Water Department’s fund balance. Those funds come from the citizen’s sewer and water billing. Our state is already full of environmental departments that are planning on taking away our gas cars, our gas stoves and maybe now even our electric ceiling fans. Do we need an extra layer of bureaucrats at our city level in perpetuity? Hiring additional staff to our city should be part of the annual budgeting process so that it is transparent to all citizens. We should know what we are paying our taxes for. More than 75% of all government and city budgets are a result of salaries and benefits. Hiring more staff should not be hidden by the council in our water bills.
Craig Johnson Vadnais HeightsThe construction of a second county environmental center is planned near Highway 61 and Headwaters Parkway in Forest Lake. The project is set to begin in September and has an anticipated opening date in late 2024.
The new center will provide more equitable disposal options for residents in the northern part of the county. Residents can dispose of household chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs, electronics, used oil, batteries and other items that do not belong in the trash. There will be self-serving recycling of cardboard, scrap metal, mixed recycling and food scraps also to be offered at the new site.
Additionally, the Washington County Northern Yard Waste site, which is currently located in Hugo, will move next to the new environmental center in Forest Lake.
The League of Women Voters – White Bear Lake Area invites the public to its Sept. 14 meeting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Mahtomedi District Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.
Two speakers will present about the 2023 legislative accomplishments and progress in implementation. Lilly Sasse, Campaign Director of “We Choose Us,” will discuss voter rights, voter access and election law changes. Sam Streukens, the civic engagement director of LMVMN, will present about recent legislative accomplishments in climate change, firearm safety, civic education and more. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions.
More information on the event can be found at at lwv-wbla.org.
O’Connor proposed the 2024-25 biennial budget to the board of commissioners. The budget was developed with a residentcentric focus by incorporating key learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic and including extensive community feedback.
The county’s proposed budget for 2024 totals $813,395,192 which represents a 3.48% overall budget increase from 2023. The proposed budget would see a levy increase of 6.7%, driven by a shift away from federal and state onetime resources that were available during the emergency pandemic. The proposed budget for 2025 totals $841,793,172, with an 3.49% budget increase from 2024 and a maximum 4.75% levy increase that is proposed to be reduced once estimates for future marijuana sales tax revenue can be incorporated.
The 2024 proposed budget was mitigated by a $6 million increase in county program aid from the state of Minnesota. This increased state aid provided a 1.76% levy decrease from initial budget planning targets and helped keep the county’s long term levy growth at a more moderate level. Looking at the period of 20152025, the annual average levy growth to Ramsey County taxpayers was 3.3% and from 2021-2025 (COVID era), the annual average levy growth was 3.5%.
During the pandemic, the county intentionally kept its property tax growth low by leveraging one-time federal relief dollars, making more than $20 million in operational cuts, and managing minimal operating budget increases. All of this was done while transforming service delivery
to meet evolving community needs during a moment of historical significance. While not meant to be long-term budget solutions, the county made these strategic decisions during unprecedented economic times to offer additional support and relief to residents.
“We all know an enormous pressure was placed on communities and counties during the COVID-19 emergency response,” said Ryan O’Connor, Ramsey County manager. “The 2024-25 budget moves us beyond the pandemic. It reflects an inflection point for our community and the county as we take our learnings from the last several extremely challenging years and turn them into investments in people, partnerships and service delivery that will create a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future.”
The 2024-25 biennial budget invests in both those served by the county and those providing services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Ramsey County. This includes making key investments in attracting and retaining top talent to work at the county to provide stellar service to residents. This also means investing in residents and businesses to meet the needs of the community and engaging and building trusting relationships with community to support healthy and safe communities for all.
This budget reflects the need to modernize systems to improve client access and service and deepen partnerships and collaborations with other agencies, organizations, and community. Continued investments are being made in power sharing and co-creation including work on bail reform, non-
public safety traffic stops and the Appropriate Responses Initiative to name a few. This budget also focuses on continuing to enhance service delivery and particularly finding the gaps and overlaps in how services are provided and increasing accessibility. Investments are focused on how the county rethinks its usage of space and technology and opportunities to collaborate with community.
County service teams will present more details from their respective budgets Sept. 5-19 to the county board. Budget presentations will highlight major changes to programs and services, financial information, racial equity analyses and the influence of community engagement on the proposed budget. Presentations will be held in the Ramsey County Courthouse and available by livestream online.
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners will adopt a maximum tax levy on Sept. 26. The board is scheduled to vote on the final budget on Dec. 12. Throughout the budget process, residents, businesses and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback via the chief clerk’s office or at a public hearing.
• P ublic Hearing 1 — 4:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Saint Paul City Hall – Ramsey County Courthouse or online.
• P ublic Hearing 2 — To be scheduled late November/ early December. Location to be held in community and online.
August 29-September 3 vs. Columbus Clippers
September 19-24 vs. Toldedo Mud Hens
The White Bear Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
O fficers responded to a burglary Aug. 18 in the 3500 block of Hoffman Road.
• A t raffic stop near the intersection of 9th Street and Johnson Avenue Aug. 20 found an impaired female driver of White Bear Lake. She was arrested and booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center on gross misdemeanor 3rd degree DWI charges.
• O fficers responded to a theft from auto report Aug. 20 in the 4900 block of Highway 61. Several vehicles were broken into and items stolen. Approximate total loss of $330 and damages over $1,000.
A t heft of a catalytic converter was reported Aug. 21 in the block of Linden Avenue.
• O fficers responded to a hit and run Aug. 21 in the 1600 block of
Goose Lake Road.
• A storage shed was broken into Aug. 21 in the 4100 block of Hoffman Road. $1,000 loss.
• O fficers assisted another agency with an assault call involving multiple adult males in the 1400 block of Highway 96 on Aug. 21. A BB gun was used during the assault and two non life-threatening injuries were reported. A White Bear Lake man was located and arrested for probable cause of 2nd degree assault (dangerous weapon).
• A n officer responded to a theft report Aug. 22 regarding a historic lost item from a business on Buerkle Road.
• O fficers responded to a report of a bat in a house in the block of 6th Street Aug. 22. The caller declined the officer’s offer to chase it out. Decided to await husband’s return to determine plan of action.
• A t heft of a catalytic converter was reported Aug. 21 in the block of Linden Avenue.
In June, Holmgren pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree attempted murder and three counts of first-degree assault and use of deadly force against a peace officer in exchange for his sentence.
Birchwood
• Cash was reported found July 24 on the roadway near Hall Avenue and Wildwood Avenue.
• M ail theft was reported July 26 on Birchwood Lane, resulting in check forgery.
• A sailboat was reported washed up on a Wildwood Avenue property July 28. After deputies provided the complainant the boat owner’s contact information, the complainant promised to contact the owner.
Dellwood
• Suspicious arguing persons parked in front of a Glen Edge Road residence at 10:03 p.m. July 20 turned out to be two juveniles just having a conversation. Deputies advised them to move along.
• A n Echo Street resident reported an intoxicated male arriving at the residence at 5:16 a.m. July 28 and knocking on the complainant’s door. Medics arrived on scene to provide care for the male, who appeared to be on some substance.
• A boat owner on Peninsula Road reported her boat stolen July 29. Records management search showed the boat had been found across the lake the day prior. Soon after deputies advised the complainant of the good news, she retrieved her boat. D eputies issued a citation July 29 near Dellwood Avenue and Peninsula to a motorist displaying expired registration.
Grant
• A suspicious person entering the complainant’s property in the 11000 block of Julianne Avenue N. July 23 turned out to be Amazon delivery personnel, after deputies conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle said they were delivery people, and packages in the back confirmed their statement, as did a phone listing of all their drop-off addresses.
• A resident in the 7000 block of Leeward Avenue reported identity theft July 27. The complainant said she worked for her financial institution and had already taken the necessary steps to prevent more
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reports the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township:
Vadnais
A resident in the 200 block of Woodridge Drive reported being stiffed out of $20 July 25, after she sold an item via Facebook Marketplace and left the item on her front porch for pick up. Per mutual agreement, the buyer was to leave money in a cash box. However, two hours later, the item was gone and the cash box remained empty.
• A Waterloo, Iowa woman, 19, and a juvenile face charges for leaving the scene of an accident July 25 on Edgerton Street and Centerville Road. After their Honda Civic collided with a commercial vehicle and fled, their vehicle was located and was discovered to have been driven by two unlicensed drivers teaching each other how to drive. Their vehicle was towed due to lack of auto insurance.
• A Rochester man, 40, and Oakdale woman, 29, were arrested July 26 at the Kwik Trip in the 3000 block of Highway 61 for motor vehicle theft, after Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the scene of a female breaking into storage units on Highway 61 and Buerkle Road. Deputies located the vehicle at the gas station and performed blocking maneuvers to prevent the vehicle from fleeing. Inside the vehicle, deputies found suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia, as well as a folder containing documents in the name of multiple individuals other than the suspects. The vehicle had been stolen out of Minneapolis after its owner discovered she had lost her keys right before she
went out of town and her vehicle was no longer where she had parked it.
• A St. Paul woman, 39, was arrested July 26 in the 1200 block of Willow Lake Blvd. for violating an Order For Protection (OFP) by making terroristic threats that involved her sending the victim a picture of a pistol and saying it had the victim’s name on it. She also send the victim a picture of her vehicle saying she would shoot it up. The suspect has been charged in Ramsey County Court.
• A resident in the 4100 block of Centerville Road reported being defrauded out of $13,000 on July 27, after her Apple desktop was locked and included a message for her to call “headquarters.” When the victim called, she was told her information had been hacked. Over a several hour process, the victim was persuaded to go to her bank and withdraw cash, which she was to deposit into a bitcoin ATM. She was then persuaded to go to a second bank and repeat the process.
• A Blaine woman reported being involved in a hit and run accident in a parking lot in the 800 block of County Road E on July 28. The complainant took a photo of the woman in her tan Jeep, who left the area without stopping. A Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert was issued after the vehicle turned out to belong to a deceased person.
• A resident in the 600 block of County Road D on July 28 reported a large fishbowl full of change missing from her apartment while she was in the hospital.
• A resident in the 1100 block of County Road D on July 29 reported a fake Facebook accounted created using a photo of her identification and
damage. The complainant had suffered no financial loss at the time of the report.
• D eputies at 4:06 a.m. July 29 assisted another agency in a vehicle pursuit that was eventually terminated by searching the area of Liberty Avenue and Manning Avenue N.
Mahtomedi
• Vehicles were reported keyed July 17 in the 1000 block of Mahtomedi Avenue.
• D eputies cited a motorist July 17 on Century Avenue and Wildwood Road for failure to display current registration.
• A n unidentified male was arrested at 9:25 p.m. July 17 on Century Avenue and Long Lake Road for undisclosed violations.
• A vehicle was reported damaged July 17 on Shamrock Way, after fireworks were placed inside a watermelon, which then exploded near the vehicle.
• T he July 19 thunderstorm was reported at 8:13 p.m. on Robert Court for knocking a tree into the roadway. The public works department was notified.
• A motorist was cited July 22 on Long Lake Road for failure to carry a driver’s license, following a traffic stop for a covered up license plate. At 9:15 p.m. that evening, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a different motorist on Wildwood Road for expired registration.
• A n unidentified motorist was arrested on a Washington County warrant at 2:46 a.m. July 23 on Century Avenue and Long Lake Road.
• F raud and identity theft were reported July 23 on Warner Way.
• A resident just having moved in to an address on Hanson Road at 8:10 p.m. July 25 reported being concerned about who actually owned the house he just bought after someone entered it to winterize the plumbing. Notes were left on faucets and toilet indicating the work had been done at the direction of the mortgage company. After deputies advised the complainant about the civil nature of the incident, he said he planned to call the mortgage company first thing the next morning.
used to solicit money from her friends.
• A Vadnais Heights woman reported credit cards taken from her unlocked vehicle parked at Sucker Lake July 29 and used at the Roseville Target. The thief left the victim’s wallet and $11 in cash behind.
• A Vadnais Heights woman reported her blue motorbike stolen from a parking area in the 800 block of County Road E July 29 while she was inside the store shopping. Her vehicle was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
• A n e-bike locked with a chain to a bench outside a hotel in the 1100 block of County Road E was reported stolen overnight July 29-30.
White Bear Township
A Stacy man, 58, was mailed a citation for misdemeanor theft July 28 from the Cub Foods in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive, after he was successfully identified from a previous incident where he had shoplifted from the store. He was mailed the citation because he was gone from the store when deputies arrived to deal with his most recent spree.
• A Hugo man reported criminal damage to his vehicle July 29, after he returned from walking his dog at Otter Lake Dog Park in the 5700 block of Otter Lake Road and found the driver side door handle and lock assembly damaged in an unsuccessful attempt to enter the vehicle
Loretta Harding22ND
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9
Where: Ramsey County Beach, 5050 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Ten or 20-mile course options around White Bear Lake. Event benefits the White Bear Lake Lion’s Club programs. See details and registration information online. Contact: whitebearlions.org/bear-water-run
STARWATCH
When: 8:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1
Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N.
Details: Learn about constellations and watch the celestial show in the skies through a giant telescope. Registration required. Contact: co.washington.mn.us; search “StarWatch”
AUTHOR VISIT
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1
Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake
Details: Ken Kohler will sign copies of his children’s book ‘Benji and Iggie’, and White Bear native Katie Aune will sign ‘Finding Katya’.
Contact: 651-426-0918
CRUISIN’ ON THE CROIX HOT ROD & VINTAGE CAR SHOW
When: 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 & 20
Where: Lowell Park, downtown Stillwater
Details: Admire vintage and hot rod cars, food vendors, live music, free family-friendly festivities. Contact: cruisinonthecroix.com
FREE PRODUCE MARKET
When: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Sept. 7
Where: Willow Lane Elementary, 3375 Willow Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: All are welcome to pick up free produce. Bring your own bag. Contact: 651-407-5310 or whitebearfoodshelf.org
GRAPE STOMP
When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10
Where: Saint Croix Vineyards,6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater
Details: Grape stomps, tours, live music, food trucks, mini massages. Free.
Contact: 651-430-3310 or scvwines.com
WASHINGTON COUNTY BLUEGRASS
FESTIVAL
When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9
Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, south pavilion, 1515 Keats Ave. N. Details: Free family-friendly festival includes concert performances by Blue Hazard, The Pale Ales, Chicken Wire Empire, and Barley Jacks. Bring lawn chairs and blankets; food trucks on site.
Contact: co.washington.mn.us
TASTE OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
When: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9
Where: Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Rd
Details: Sample food and beverages from local establishments while supporting White Bear Rotary programs. Also music, silent auction, games, and more. Ticket information
online Contact: tasteofwhitebearlake.com
CORNFEST
When: 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9
Where: St. Jude of the Lake Church, 700 Mahtomedi Ave.
Details: Community event with kids activities, teen zone, live music by Coyote Wild, raffles, Cornhole Tournament, food and beverages. Contact: stjudeofthelake.org
MUSIC ON THE LAWN
When: 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10
Where: White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch St.
Details: Steve Clarke and The
Working Stiffs perform songs from the Great American Songbook, jazz standards, jump blues and R&B. Open to the public.
Contact: 651-429-9026 or wblumc.org
RIVER VALLEY RIDERS OPEN HOUSE
When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10
Where: River Valley Riders, 2007 Neal Ave. S., Afton
Details: Learn about therapuetic horseback riding programs for children and adults with special needs. Tour of new facility, meet therapy horses, refreshments, games, face painting and door prizes.
Contact: 651-439-2558 or rivervalleyriders.org
WHITE BEAR FARMERS MARKET
When: 8 a.m.-noon Friday, June 30 through Oct.
Where: Clark Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets
Details: More than 50 vendors and growers each week.
Contact: whitebearlake.org
MAHTOMEDI AREA FARMERS MARKET
When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, through Sept. 30
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 109 Mahtomedi Ave.
Details: Local growers, artisans, community resources.
Contact: ci.mahtomedi.mn.us
SEPTEMBER 16th,
$35 (tax deductible) Gives you the privilege to impress your friends, to take it off your bucket list, and to aid a good cause.
T-shirts, White Castles, water and other treats will be included for registered participants in the marathon.
8A WHITE BEAR PRESS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., the Brown’s Creek Watershed District (BCWD) Board of Managers will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the District’s proposed Brown’s Creek Restoration Project in Stillwater.
Brown’s Creek Watershed District has identified a project that will improve the trout stream habitat in Brown’s Creek in Stillwater, which is currently listed as impaired for lack of cold water fish and macroinvertebrates. A feasibility study shows restoring the existing 2,000 linear feet of Brown’s Creek from McKusick Road just upstream of Brown’s Creek Park to just downstream of the Brown’s Creek State Trail would reduce erosion, enhance native habitat in stream and along banks, improve habitat in stream for both fish and macroinvertebrates. This project is proposed to begin with tree and shrub removal in late 2023, stream restoration summer 2024, continued invasive species management fall 2024, replanting spring 2025. This timing takes into account the limitations for working in a trout stream and avoiding impacts to the Northern long-eared bat.
The project will be funded through a district-wide ad valorem levy as authorized by Minnesota Statutes chapter 103B in the amount of $213,800, and federal 319 grant funds in the amount of $320,700. The estimated total cost for the project is $534,500. Of the total project cost $430,100 is for construction and $104,400 for planning, design, engineering, permitting, and construction oversight.
The public hearing will be held at Family Means, 1875 Northwestern Ave, Stillwater, Minnesota.
Chuck LeRoux, Secretary, Browns Creek Watershed District
Published two times in the White Bear Press on August 30 and September, 6, 2023.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that on September 13, 2023, 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 John Rent & Elisabeth Haen at 892 Deer Oak Run, for a variance from the rear yard setback requirement to allow the construction of a screen porch off the back of their home. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation regarding the proposed request to the City Council, for their meeting to be held on September 19, 2023, 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.
Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 30, 2023.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that on September 13, 2023, 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 David & Jessica Thompson at 43 Neptune St., for variances from the rear yard setback and impervious surface coverage requirements to allow the construction of an attached garage. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation regarding the proposed request to the City Council, for their meeting to be held on September 19, 2023, 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 August 30, 2023.
OF ASSESSMENT HEARING
SANITARY SEWER EXTENISON PROJECT CITY PROJECT NO.: 22-08
To Whom It May Concern:
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of White Bear Lake will hold a public hearing in the Council Chambers, 4701 Highway 61, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, to consider, and possibly act to adopt, the proposed assessment for Improvement Number 22-08, the improvement of South Shore Boulevard between McKnight Road and the East City Limits by extending municipal sanitary sewer.
The total amount of the proposed assessment roll for City Project 22-08 is $143,000. The estimated cost of the improvement is $170,644. Owners may contact the City to review the proposed assessment roll, which is on file with the City Clerk. The amount to be specially assessed against a particular lot, piece, or parcel of land will be mailed to the affected property owner prior to the hearing. Adoption by the Council on the proposed assessments may occur at the hearing.
At the time and place fixed for the public hearing, the City Council will give all persons who appear at the hearing an opportunity to express their views regarding the proposed assessments and the City Council will consider all written or oral objections raised before or at the hearing. In addition, interested persons may direct any questions or file written comments respecting the proposed assessments with the City Engineer, at or prior to the public hearing. Please find detailed meeting information on the City’s website at www.whitebearlake.org or call the City Clerk at 651-762-4821 to learn how to attend the public hearing.
An owner may appeal an assessment to District Court pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 429.081, by serving notice of the appeal upon the Mayor or Clerk of the City within thirty (30) days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such notice with the District Court within ten (10) days after service upon the Mayor or Clerk. However, please note that no appeal may be taken as to the amount of any individual assessment unless a written objection signed by the affected property owner is filed with the City Clerk prior to the assessment hearing or presented to the presiding officer at the hearing. The City Council may consider any such objection at the hearing or may continue the hearing and request additional information from the staff before acting on the objection.
Pursuant to the authority granted by Minnesota Statutes, Section 435.193 and City Ordinance No. 612, any person 65 years of age or older or retired by virtue of a permanent and total disability owning and homesteading property, and which person meets the qualifications of hardship as defined herein, may apply for and receive deferred payment of special assessment so levied by applying to the City of White Bear Lake, Minnesota in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 435.194. A hardship shall be deemed to exist when the average annual payment for all assessments levied against the subjects’ property exceeds one percent (1%) of the adjusted gross income of the appli-
cant as evidenced by the applicant’s most recent Federal Income Tax return. Deferred assessments shall be subject to interest at the rate of 5.72% per annum of the remaining unpaid balance. The option to defer payment of special assessments shall terminate and all amounts accumulated, including accrued interest, shall become due upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
a.The death of the owner, provided that the spouse is otherwise not eligible for the benefits hereunder;
b.The sale, transfer or subdivision of the property or any part thereof; or
c.If the property should, for any reason, lose its homestead status.
Paul Kauppi, P.E.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 30, 2023.
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 Tuesday, September 12, which is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the City Hall located at 4701 Highway 61 N. The purpose of the public hearing is to take public comment in consideration of a proposed ordinance amending the Municipal Code to prohibit the use of cannabis products in public places. All persons who desire to be heard on the matter will be given the opportunity at this meeting, or people may submit written comment to clerk@whitebearlake.org
Caley Longendyke, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 30, 2023.
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 Tuesday, September 12, which is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the City Hall located at 4701 Highway 61 N. The purpose of the public hearing is to take public comment in consideration of a proposed ordinance amending the Fee Schedule as it relates to edible cannabinoid products. All persons who desire to be heard on the matter will be given the opportunity at this meeting, or people may submit written comment to clerk@whitebearlake.org
Caley Longendyke, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 30, 2023.
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE TITLE AND SUMMARY APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 23-08-2066
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE REGARDING TOBACCO AND RELATED PRODUCTS
WHEREAS, the City of White Bear Lake City Council may, pursuant to Ordinance No. 83-6-666, adopt a title and summary of a proposed ordinance to be published in lieu of lengthy entire ordinances, and WHEREAS, in addition to adopting a title and ordinance summary, the Council shall direct the City Clerk to:
1.Have available for inspection during regular office hours a copy of the entire ordinance.
2.Post a copy of the entire ordinance at the Public Library
3.Receive an affidavit of publication of the title and summary from the official newspaper.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of White Bear Lake City Council hereby adopts the aforementioned title and summary for approved Ordinance No. 23-08-2066 as listed below:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE REGARDING TOBACCO AND RELATED PRODUCTS
A text amendment refining definitions, updating regulations to align with federal and state laws, granting authority to the City Council to impose administrative penalties for violations and limiting the number of tobacco products shops in the City of White Bear Lake.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of White Bear Lake City Council hereby directs the City Clerk to provide the inspection and publication requirements as listed above.
The foregoing resolution, offered by Councilmember Engstran and supported by Councilmember Walsh, was carried unanimously on August 22, 2023.
Dan Louismet, Mayor
ATTEST: Caley Longendyke, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 30, 2023.
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE TITLE AND SUMMARY APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 23-08-2067
AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING A LICENSE AND IMPOSING REGULATIONS ON THE RETAIL SALE OF EDIBLE CANNABINOID PRODUCTS
WHEREAS, the City of White Bear Lake City Council may, pursuant to Ordinance No. 83-6-666, adopt a title and summary of a proposed ordinance to be published in lieu of lengthy entire ordinances, and WHEREAS, in addition to adopting a title and ordinance summary, the Council shall direct the City Clerk to:
1.Have available for inspection during regular office hours a copy of the entire ordinance.
2.Post a copy of the entire ordinance at the Public Library
3.Receive an affidavit of publication of the title and summary from the official newspaper.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of White Bear Lake City Council hereby adopts the aforementioned title and summary for approved Ordinance No. 23-08-2067 as listed below:
AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING A LICENSE AND IMPOSING REGULATIONS ON THE RETAIL SALE OF EDIBLE CANNABINOID PRODUCTS
The ordinance establishes licensing and regulations on the retail sale of edible cannabinoid products derived from hemp as provided in Minnesota Statutes, Section 151.72.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of White Bear Lake City Council hereby directs the City Clerk to provide the inspection and publication requirements as listed above.
The foregoing resolution, offered by Councilmember Engstran and supported by Councilmember Walsh, was carried unanimously on August 22, 2023.
Dan Louismet, Mayor
ATTEST: Caley Longendyke, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 30, 2023.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the City Council of Willernie will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 7:00p.m., at the regular City meeting place in the Willernie City Hall, Ill Wildwood Road, Willernie, MN, to
consider adoption to the Willernie City Code of Ordinances. The following sections of the Code include proposed addition:
1) Chapter 1004.016 (imposing an interim moratorium on cannabis business).
Copies of the proposed amendments are on file with the City Clerk for those interested in reviewing the proposed amendments prior to the hearing. All interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at the hearing. Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the hearing.
Dated: August 16, 2023
BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Vickie Keating, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 30, 2023.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the City Council of Willernie will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 7:00p.m., at the regular City meeting place in the Willernie City Hall, 111 Wildwood Road, Willernie, MN, to consider adoption to the Willernie City Code of Ordinances. The following sections ofthe Code include proposed additions:
1) Chapter 601.030, Section E (prohibiting Cannabis, Tobacco, and Nicotine use within certain public places).
Copies of the proposed amendments are on file with the City Clerk for those interested in reviewing the proposed amendments prior to the hearing. All interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at the hearing.
Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the hearing.
Dated: August 16, 2023
BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Vickie Keating, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 30, 2023.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the City Council of Willernie will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 7:00p.m., at the regular City meeting place in the Willernie City Hall, 111 Wildwood Road, Willernie, MN, to consider adoption to the Willernie City Code of Ordinances. The following sections of the Code include proposed revisions:
1) Chapter 602.030 (regulating presence of inoperable motor vehicles).
Copies of the proposed amendments are on file with the City Clerk for those interested in reviewing the proposed amendments prior to the hearing. All interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at the hearing.
Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the hearing.
Dated: August 16, 2023
BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Vickie Keating, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 30, 2023.
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 9/20/2023 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings. Paula Schintgen; Katie Podewils; Joseph Jean. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.
Published two times in the White Bear Press on August 30 and September 6, 2023.
WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN
NOTICE OF BID
Independent School District No. 624, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, is presently soliciting competitive “Prime Contract Bids” for the White Bear Lake Area School South Campus 2023 System Improvements. Sealed bids will be received electronically through Bid Express using the following link: https://www. bidexpress.com/businesses/39702/home, free of charge to Contractors. No other agent is authorized to receive bids. Bids will be received until 2:00PM local time, on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 at which time they will be publicly tabulated for review, please join us for a WebEx/Zoom at the following link: https://krausanderson.zoom.us/j/82452278454? Bidders are also invited to review the results online at https://www.krausanderson.com/subcontractors/bid-tabulations/
All bids shall be on a lump sum basis. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days after bid receipt without consent of the Owner. Each bidder shall accompany the Bid Form with a bid security as described in the Instructions to Bidders. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any irregularities in bids.
This project is a multiphase and multi-year project that starts in summer 2024 and is to be complete by end of summer 2025. Project consists of Mechanical, Electrical and Architectural improvements at WBL South Campus.
Direct communications regarding this Project to the office of the Construction Manager: Kent Henry (kent.henry@krausanderson.com) Kraus-Anderson Construction, 501 South 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404 Tel: 612-7191026.
Obtain Bidding Documents, including the online bidding instructions, as well as Drawings and Specifications, via free electronic download by visiting www.buildingconnected.com. Contact with any planroom downloading or ordering questions at Joy.stark@krausanderson.com to receive an invite. Kraus-Anderson will not be responsible for notifying individual parties who obtained documents without utilizing the Building Connected process through KA, when Addenda are issued. Bidding Documents will be available for inspection at the office of the Construction Manager and the office of the Architect: Wold Architects; as well as several Builder’s Exchanges: MHC, Minneapolis Builder’s Exchange, St. Paul Builders Exchange, Building Connected, and Franz Reprographics.
Bidding Documents will be available for inspection at the office of the Construction Manager and the office of the Architect: Wold Architects as well as several Builder’s Exchanges: MHC Dodge Plans, MEDA, St. Cloud, Mid-Minnesota, Brainerd Lakes, Rochester, Duluth, and MBEX.
Pre-Bid conferences will be held at the following location and time: South Campus 3551 McKnight Rd N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110: Thursday September 14, 2023 @ 7:30 AM. Meet in main lobby.
Independent School District No. 624
White Bear Lake, Minnesota Published two times in the White Bear Press on August 30 and September, 6, 2023.
The Mahtomedi City Council has passed an interim ordinance by a vote of 3-1 (Council Member Luke Schlegel opposed) authorizing a study and imposing a moratorium on the operation of any cannabis business within the city.
As required, the city opened a public hearing, during which no member of the public offered comment.
Under legislation passed in 2022 that made marijuana legal, municipalities will not be allowed to require a license to sell cannabinoid products. That prerogative will belong solely to the statewide Office of Cannabis Management.
However, cities can adopt reasonable restrictions regarding the time, place or manner of operations. Cities can require a licensed business to register, and can limit the number of licensed cannabis retailers based on the number of active registrations within the county, which is one active registration for every 12,500 residents. Cities may also conduct compliance checks and may
T he FedEx facility on Long Lake Road has acquired more property to the east (3052 Echo Lake Avenue) and will expand its small package delivery operations, now that council has approved two conditional use permits (CUP), two variances and a site plan for 3050 Echo Lake Avenue. In approving the request from Trisha Sieh of Kimley Horn on behalf of Echo Lake LLC, FedEx received CUP approval for barbed wire to be installed on top of the proposed security fence. FedEx also received a variance to allow its chain link fence height to be increased to 10 feet, where the maximum allowable height is 8 feet. Another variance will permit FedEx to store vehicles on a nonstriped gravel surface. The Planning Commission recommended approval of both CUPs, the two variances
suspend registrations if needed. Cities may collect registration fees, and are provided 10% of the tax revenue.
Having an interim ordinance in place puts the community on notice that the city could regulate, said City Attorney Bridget Nason. In the end, Mahtomedi might not regulate, Nason said, but passing an interim ordinance gives the city stronger legal standing, she said.
Imposing a moratorium on the operation of any of the 14 types of cannabis businesses within the city will prohibit those businesses until January 2025.
All Minnesota cities are in the same boat and in uncharted waters, Nason said. Everyone is trying to observe and learn as they go, she said. A moratorium on cannabis sales allows municipalities to hit the pause button as the Office of Cannabis Management gets organized and the dispensary infrastructure is formed.
As cities study what other cities are doing, a city can always repeal its interim ordinance, Nason said. January 2025 is the deadline to make a decision.
Following adoption of the interim ordinance and
and the site plan, subject to nine conditions.
• Visitors to St. Jude of the Lake Church campus, 700 Mahtomedi Avenue, will now have help finding which door to go in, after council approved a variance to increase the maximum allowable sign size the church can use for directional signs at the property. The three directional signs are 5, 15 and 15 square feet, where 3 square feet is the maximum allowable size. The three signs are for the school, church, parish office, Ark and food shelf.
• Since 1998, the city of White Bear Lake has provided inspection and code enforcement services to the city of Mahtomedi. After representatives from both cities met earlier this year, they agreed to update their current agreement. Council
authorization of a study during the moratorium, city staff will take a look at what’s going around the state and conduct a study, Mayor Richard Brainerd said. “There’s no direction from the state yet, and we don’t know what the state will tell us that we can or cannot do,” he said. Passing the interim ordinance gives the city time to come up with a plan. “It tells the citizens of Mahtomedi that we’re on top of (cannabis issues) and are looking into it. And the city will come up with reasonable restrictions,” he said.
In opposing the interim ordinance, Schegel said that the moratorium wouldn’t make any difference. “We don’t know what the state will do — it has no model,” he said. “Until it does, what are we studying?” Mahtomedi is close to other cities who might not ban cannabis sales, Schlegel added. “By not passing the interim ordinance, Mahtomedi would signal that we are open to having stores in our city where we have control. We have the staff to regulate.”
The interim ordinance becomes effective upon publication in this edition of the White Bear Press.
approved a new building and rental housing inspection services agreement and code enforcement services agreement renewal with the city of White Bear Lake.
• For years, the city has been studying drainage issues in front of 1496 Hallam Ave. Much of the local drainage, including roadway runoff, collects at the end of the driveway and in the boulevard area at that address. Council approved WSB’s proposal to build an infiltration facility in the boulevard area of 1496 Hallam Ave. for $28,700.
• T he city now receives regular updates from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy T. Jarrett attended the meeting to talk about WCSO activities around Mahtomedi during the past month. Besides keeping busy with routine calls, deputies are seeing more
vehicle tampering issues around town and advised the public to call the office even if thieves are unsuccessful. “We like to know what’s going on, and we educate the public about what to do and what not to do,” Jarrett said. He also advised the public that with school starting soon, to watch speeds, especially on Warner Avenue S. near O.H. Anderson Elementary School. “People cruise down there, so our extra presence there will be huge,” Jarrett said.
The council next meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road.
Loretta B. Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.
WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP —More diesel pumps will be coming to the Holiday Station at 5970 Hwy. 61. Store owners received the go-ahead from the Town Board to add an island on the east side, or behind, the convenience store.
The proposal required an amendment to permitted use originally granted in 1996 that requested three more diesel pumps under canopy with underground storage tanks. The tanks will be located beneath an easement that provides access to an adjoining business, Farmhouse Style Furniture.
Chair Ed Prudhon hoped Holiday owners have cameras in the back, the blind side of the building, to nab drive-offs (people who don’t pay). “We get a lot of calls for drive-offs with gas prices so high,” he commented.
It was noted that the new island will make it easier for school buses to access the added diesel pumps. Parking will be reconfigured to the north. The car wash will remain.
In other business at the Aug. 21 meeting, supervisors approved:
• A st andard use permit for a project on White Bear Parkway. A request by Jim French, Pine Ridge Hillside LLC, will result in five warehousetype buildings constructed on a vacant parcel near Otter Lake Road. The buildings will be used for “flex” storage, primarily for business/ commercial/industrial customers. Each unit is 1,000 square feet, so larger than the typical mini-storage building. Prudhon made it clear the township requires siding be horizontal and not vertical so buildings “don’t look like a pole barn.” There will be
no outside storage. If there is a monument sign, the board requested it carry the town logo and that exterior lighting be directed down.
• A setback variance for a replacement deck at 5210 E. Bald Eagle Blvd. The request by property owner Michael Timm is for a 23.5foot setback. A practical difficulty exists due to the unique layout of the property.
• Awarded bid for mill and overlay of public works storage yard to T.A. Schifsky & Sons for $56,800.
Funding provided by the capital building fund.
• Change order No. 1 to the Hammond Road street project, adding a trail section along White Bear Parkway from Township Drive to Birch Lake Boulevard. The change adds $77,400 to the contract.
• Heard an update from County Commissioner Nicole Frethem.
The commissioner told the board she is excited about a new food scraps pickup program rolling out throughout Ramsey and Washington counties. Once implemented,
residents simply order a free supply of food scrap bags, which are thrown in the garbage when full. The bags are sorted at the counties’ Newport facility and food scraps are composted.
Stakeholders are working with a company building an anaerobic digestion facility that will eventually handle all organic waste, a first of its kind in the country, according to the commissioner. The waste will be made into clean natural gas.
A city in Sweden uses a similar digester that turns waste into biodiesel fuel for garbage trucks and half its bus fleet, she told the board.
“It’s really cool,” said Frethem, who was part of a group that toured England and Sweden recently to learn more about organics recovery. The organic pickup program is being piloted in about a half dozen cities and will be expanded as capacity builds. “Our team is working with haulers and municipalities to determine in what order we move forward,” Frethem said. Robots will be used to sort food bags, she added, in what will be one of the largest municipal organics recovery endeavors in the country. Anyone who wishes to learn more can visit foodscrapspickup.com or call 651-661-9393.
• Due to the Labor Day holiday, the next Town Board meeting has been rescheduled to Sept. 6.
Debra NeutkensCLASSES AT THE WB SENIOR CENTER REGISTRATION REQUIRED
55+ Defensive Driving Classes
4-Hr Refresher ($35): 9/7, 9am-1pm SrCenter; 9/19, 5:30-930pm
Online; 9/26 9am-1pm Sr Center
8-Hr Class($45): 9/27&28, 1:30-5:30pm Online; 10/11 & 12, 1:305:30pm Online
Bingo: Fri, 9/22, 1-3pm/ $5
Nordic Pole Walking: Mon, 9/25, 5:30-6:45pm, $30 call for details
Healthy Feet Happy Feet: Thu, 9/28, 10-11am, $5
History Class: Secret Service with Kathy Simmer: Fri, Sept 29, 10am12pm, $18
Flea Market: Sat, 9/30, 9am-2pm, Food truck on site, Want to sell?
18’x18’ for $20
WB Senior Center Open House: Fri, Oct 6, 10am-12pm, Free
Meals on Wheels: Monday-Friday, hot or frozen meal delivery. If you are interested, know of someone who may need meals, or have questions, please call 651-653-3123.
For more information or to receive “The Voice” newsletter, call us at 651-653-3121.
LYNGBLOMSTEN COMMUNITY SERVICES
Creative Space: Sharing Our Stories
Mondays, October 9–November 13, 10 AM–Noon. St. John in the This creative opportunity is for people who are experiencing early to mid-stage memory loss and are living at home with a family caregiver. Join us for two hours of creative fun as we share stories and make music together with award-winning teaching artist Diane Jarvi. She’ll lead you through a variety of activities that will have you smiling and laughing. Family caregivers are encouraged to use this Participants are asked to pay a suggested amount based on income, but no one will be denied participation due to inability to pay. To register, contact Lisa Brown at (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@
lyngblomsten.org. Register by October 2.
Living Well with Chronic Conditions
Virtual Class, Wednesdays, October 4–November 15, 1–3:30 PM Participants in this class make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help one another solve issues that may arise as they carry out their plans.
Voluntary contributions accepted. To register, contact Lyngblomsten Community Services at (651) 632-5330 or communityservices@ lyngblomsten.org.
Lyngblomsten Community Services is supported, in part, by gifts made to the Lyngblomsten Foundation and is funded under an award with Trellis as part of the Older Americans Act.
MAHTOMEDI COMMUNITY EDUCATION
ADULT ACTIVITIES AT THE MAHTOMEDI DISTRICT EDUCATION CENTER (DEC) 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.
All activities are held at the DEC unless otherwise noted.
MONDAYS: Stitchers 1-3:00 PM, 2nd/4th Monday of Month
TUESDAYS: Cribbage 1-3:00 PM
WEDNESDAYS: Bridge, 1-4:00 PM
THURSDAYS: 500 Cards, 12:30-3 PM
FRIDAYS: Games, 12:30-3 PM; Bridge, 1-4 PM; Book Club, 2nd Friday, 10-11:30 AM
Mahtomedi Evening Star Quilters - FREE
Sew Day: Tuesday, September 19, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Meeting: Tuesday, September 26; 5:30-8:00 PM
Bingo: FREE! Monday, Sept. 25, 1:30-3:00 PM. Please bring items to donate to the prize table!
The following requires registration: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com
Painting with Deb - FREE
Wednesdays, September 6-27, 10:00-11:30 AM
History with Kathy Simmer: The Tall, Tough Texan: Lyndon Johnson- $18
Wednesday, September 6, 10:00 AM-Noon
Strength & Balance - $110
Phone: 651-232-1818
Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 12-Oct. 19; 2:00-2:45 PM
Every step of the way.
• Speech Pathology
Call
Learn to Play Mah Jongg - $49
Tuesday, September 12 & Thursday, September 14, 9:00 AM-Noon
Day Trip to Lindstrom- $25
Thursday, September 14, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Using Snapchat Safely - $25
Thursday, September 14, Noon-1:00 PM, online via Zoom
Zumba - $65
Friday mornings, Sept. 15-Oct. 27, 9:00-9:45 AM
Write Your Own Will - $60
Tuesday, September 19, 6:30-9:00 PM
A Parent’s Guide to TikTok - $25
Tuesday, September 19, Noon-1:00 PM, online via Zoom
Social Security: Timing is Everything - $10
Tuesday, September. 19, Noon - 2:00 PM, online via Zoom
Easy Partner Dancing - $65
Tuesday evenings, Sept. 19-Oct. 10, 6:30-8:00 PM in White Bear Lake, or
Wednesday evenings Sept. 20-Oct. 11, 7:00-8:30 PM in Woodbury
Why is Marijuana Harmful for Youth? Legal Does Not Equal Safe. -
FREE Wednesday, September 20, 6:30-7:30 PM, District Education Center
How to Use Uber for Transportation Independence - $25
Thursday, September 21, Noon-1:00 PM
East Indian Instant Pot: Butter Chicken, Coconut Curried Lentils & Homemade Naan - $35
Saturday, September 23, 4:00-6:00 PM, online via Zoom
Therapy services at Cerenity White Bear Lake help you return to what you do best. Our combination of highly trained compassionate staff and the most innovative care in the area make our community your best choice for professional therapy services.
Mandala Art on Canvas- $40
Monday, September 25, 6:00-8:00 PM, Mahtomedi Middle School
• Aquatic Therapy
Shake It Off Line Dance - $20
• Occupational Therapy
Wednesday, September 27, 6:00-7:00 PM, White Bear Lake High School
Latin Dance Workshop - $40/couple
• Physical Therapy
Wednesday, September 27, 7:00-8:00 PM, White Bear Lake High School
Alzheimer’s Association: Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal & Financial Planning - FREE
• Speech Pathology
Wednesday, September 27, 7:00-8:00 PM
Call today to schedule a tour: 651-232-1818
Call today to schedule a tour: 651-232-1847
If you have any questions, please call 651-407-2024..
1900 Webber Street White Bear Lake, MN 55110
CerenitySeniorCare.org
A raffle prize valued at $1,000 was stolen during the night Aug. 19, putting a sour note on the otherwise successful Tour de Bar benefit.
An electric bike donated for the 35th annual benefit was being stored in an outside shed on Cabin 61 property, 4150 Hoffman Road, until it could be auctioned. Both the shed and bike were locked and secured at the time of the theft, but employees discovered locks were cut Sunday morning and the bicycle was gone.
Benefit organizer Michael Shearen said the police were called and a report was filed.
The bike was a raffle prize won by a Georgia man visiting relatives in White Bear Lake. When he learned he had won the bike, he told Shearen to sell it and give the money to the beneficiary, a 7-month-old girl
diagnosed with congenital pulmonary airway malformation. The Tour committee was planning a silent auction when the bike was stolen.
Shearen noted there was live music at the restaurant that Saturday night and the shed was converted into an outdoor bar. He speculated that someone saw the bike and returned after closing time to steal it. A sign, “win this bike,” was still attached.
Shearen hopes people will step up to help recover at least some of the bike’s value for the family. Anyone wishing to make a donation in replacement of the stolen bike can send a check payable to Tour de Bar Bicycle Benefit, c/o Mike and Linda Shearen, 2181 Southwood Drive, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Anyone with information on the stolen bicycle should contact Officer Jon Sanders at WBLPD, 651-429-8511.
Age 90, of White Bear Lake. Dorene was born March 10, 1933 in St. Paul and passed peacefully on Aug. 21, 2023. Survived by daughter Diane (Tony) Sjolander; grandchildren Sam and Emily; brother Ronald (Dianne) Goette; sister-in-law Donna Goette and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her husband Donald; son Michael; brother Donald Goette and sister Elaine Nickolaus. Dorene was sweet, loving, thoughtful and kind to everyone she met. Her Christian faith was strong, and her family was her world. Dorene loved gardening, raising monarch butterflies and watching birds. She was proud of her work at 3M in the early years of computers. Known as Nook to her lifelong friends, she resided in the White Bear area for her entire life. Funeral Services were held 11 AM Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023 at WHITE BEAR LAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 1851 Birch Street, WBL. Visitation was held one hour before the service. Interment Lakeview Cemetery, Mahtomedi. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172.
Grandma Johnny - (94) passed peacefully into heaven on Aug. 7, 2023. JoAnn was born to Lewis R. and Myra C. (Peterson) Bouma on June 24, 1929. She was raised in St Paul, Minnesota and moved to Wyoming 4 years ago to be near family. JoAnn attended nursing school at the University of Minnesota (class of 1952). She married Robert B. Williams in 1952. She worked as a school nurse for 25 years, in the White Bear school system. She was very active in Parkview United Church of Christ (UCC) in White
Mayor elected to board of Better Business Bureau
Dan Louismet, mayor of White Bear Lake and general counsel at Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association, was elected to his first term on the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota.
“I look forward to collaborating with like-minded business leaders to advance BBB’s mission of promoting a fair and ethical marketplace across all industries,” Louismet said in a statement.
Bear Lake. JoAnn lived a life of service to others, raising 4 daughters and caring for multiple other relatives. Through many ‘Johnny’s Gang’ trips, she created a close family and many great memories.
JoAnn is survived by her Sister Ruth Kolveried (Ed), her four daughters; Susan Howard (John), Sandi Dennis (Larry), Sally Suchor (Paul) and Diane Williams. Also, many grandchildren and their spouses, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be Sept. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, Minnesota. There will be a Celebration of Life Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. at Parkview United Church of Christ.
Age 19, of Vadnais Heights, Minnesota. Our brave, beautiful girl took her last peaceful breath with her family on August 16, 2023 after an 8-year battle with brain cancer. Sophie was diagnosed with an anaplastic ependymoma brain tumor in August 2015. She fought hard every single day for eight years. Sophie was fierce, strong, and brave in her cancer battle. She never gave up, she never slowed down, she never wavered in her belief for a cure. She battled through recurring tumors with 9+ brain surgeries, several courses of radiation, and endless chemotherapies. She traveled the country from Seattle to Chicago to Pittsburgh for experimental trials. She never gave up, she never lost hope. She
County commissioner named to national organization’s membership, air quality groups
Washington County Commissioner Stan Karwoski, District 2, has been named vice chair of the Membership Committee and the chair of the Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee Air Quality Subcommittee for the National Association of Counties. NACo serves nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees, advocating for county priorities in federal policymaking,
was a brave, relentless fighter right to the very end. In addition to being the bravest warrior, she had an incredible sense of humor. Sophie’s one-liners and quick wit was unmatched. Sophie was a fun, sweet girl with the perfect amount of a feistiness and sass.
Sophie is survived by her parents, John Richardson and Bridget Gulner, younger brother, Sam; Grandmas Dolly Richardson and Joyce Gulner; Many, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, and most importantly her dog, Stella Grace, and her 2 cats, Finn & Munch. Sophie attended Saint John the Evangelist in Little Canada from preschool through 8th grade. This is where she met her group of forever friends. Sophie was an excellent volleyball player. She played for St. John’s, Roseville’s JO club league, and Cretin Derham Hall. She graduated from Cretin Derham High School in 2022.
Special thanks to Sophie’s relentless and compassionate medical team at Children’s Hospital of Minnesota, especially her oncologist, Dr. Anne Bendel, and neurosurgeon, Dr. Maysem Kebreai, and the Hospice Team. Please consider a donation/ memorial to Children’s Hospital of Minnesota.
In her final act of selflessness, Sophie donated her brain to Children’s Hospital of Chicago for ependymoma brain tumor research. They will do a case study of her tumors in hopes of finding effective treatments for ependymoma brain tumors. Even after the failed trials, Sophie was content in knowing she participated in research to help other cancer patients.
Rest in pain-free, cancer-free peace, Sophie Grace. We know you are in heaven putting hats on cats and dressing up dogs. We love you. Mom…Dad…Sam
Per Sophie’s wishes, she was cremated
Age 97. Proceeded in death by loving wife Patricia. Survived by children John (Lori), Paul, Mark (Chris), James (Mary), Anne, Mary (Chris), Angie (Tony). Services were held on August 26th; interment Fort Snelling. Please donate to a veteran organization of your choice. Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home.
nurturing leadership skills and expanding knowledge networks, and enriching the public’s understanding of county government.
Longtime nonprofit director announces retirement Solid Ground, a White Bear Lake-based organization that helps prevent and end homelessness for families, has announces the retirement of Executive Director Trisha Kauffman.
“Working for Solid Ground has been such an important part of my life for the past 26 years,” says Trisha. “It’s given me the opportunity to pursue my passion
The candidate filing period has closed, and voters now know who will run for local offices this November. In Mahtomedi, Mayor Richard Brainerd will run for reelection unopposed, along with City Council Members Jeff Charlesworth and Jane Schneeweis.
In White Bear Lake, Council Member Bill Walsh (Ward 1) and Steve Engstran (Ward 5) will run for reelection. John Ficcadenti and Andrea West will run for City Council (Ward 3).
There are no local elections in Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake, White Bear Township or the Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake School Districts.
Lewis Shields from San Diego was visiting his grandparents, Pat & Sue of Vadnais Heights. While visiting, he caught several “huge” bass on White Bear Lake on his first fishing trip. When it was over, he exclaimed, “This was the most fun day of my life ever!”
The Office of the Secretary of State is requesting comments on possible rules governing election administration, voter registration, petitions, absentee ballots, presidential nomination primary, voting system testing, optical scan voting systems, recounts, election
for ensuring that children and families have a safe place to call home. I certainly never thought that I would be at Solid Ground for such a long time, but when you ‘re fortunate enough to ’find your people,’ you stay.”
Solid Ground’s Board of Directors has launched a search for a new director. Kauffman will continue in the role until her successor is named.
judge training program, ballot preparation and redistricting.
Submit any suggestions you or your organization may have before 4:30 p.m. Oct. 20. While not part of the official rulemaking record, suggestions will be considered by the office as the office decides what to include in any proposed amendments to the rules.
Written comments, questions and requests for more information on the possible rulemaking should be emailed to nicole.freeman@state. mn.us or mailed to: Government Relations Director Nicole Freeman, Office of the Secretary of State, 180 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55155.
Comments, questions and requests for more information may also be called in at 651-201-1334. Please indicate you are commenting on Rulemaking R-04824.
Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State
For 46 years, the White Bear Area Food Shelf has served the community of White Bear Lake and the communities within The White Bear Area School dicstrict. It will now open at a second location.
Executive Director Perry Petersen said the former public works building that houses the food shelf, located at 1884 Whitaker St., doesn’t provide enough room for the food shelf to meet the growing needs of the community. The leased space is used for offices, warehousing, and preparation and distribution of food through a curbside pickup program.
“We have doubled the number of people that we’ve served in a year,” Petersen said. “In the last couple of months, we’ve seen a 21% increase in visits to the food shelf. This is due to inflation and to pre-pandemic levels of SNAP benefits, which is a traditional food stamp program for people.”
According to Rick Juba, assistant city manager, the second location will be at 2446 County Road F East. The city owns the property, which
currently houses the White Bear Dance Center, Suburban Community Channels and a Comcast Fiber hub. There are currently two vacant spaces that were formerly occupied by White Bear Drapery, Garden of Hope Montessori School and the White Bear Lake Area School District. The food shelf plans to lease the two vacant spaces for food distribution to serve area neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity.
“We’re ready to step up to the challenge,” Petersen said. “One of the innovative steps that we’re taking is a community market at this location. The community market will look and feel like a neighborhood market with low barriers, expanded culturally connected foods, and offices to host nonprofits that partner with us to specialize in wraparound services such as rental assistance, utility systems, access to programs for young families and seniors … just to name a few.”
Juba noted the food shelf will be responsible for all operating costs. Part of the remodeling will require a significant upgrade to the HVAC system. While this
upgrade is being triggered by the food shelf’s needs, the current system is nearing the end of its useful life and the new system will be owned by the city. Juba said the food shelf will pay for the HVAC upgrade up front, but the associated costs are being credited against the monthly lease amount over the threeyear term of the lease.
“The proposed lease is a three-year agreement, and it’s for about 3,040 square feet,” Juba said. “The proposed rate has been reduced from the market rate for that building to reflect improvements that the food shelf is making that the city would have otherwise had to make involving the rooftop units.”
The lease will be effective Sept. 1 and end Aug. 31, 2026. The new facility will have 45 parking spots compared to 13 at the Whitaker location. It will also have expanded hours.
“This market will really focus on fresh items,” Petersen said. “Forty percent of our food that we distribute is food that we rescue from local grocery stores. So a lot of what we do as a redistribution within our community is just making sure that food doesn’t
go to waste. The food shelf doesn’t serve nameless people. It makes a real difference in the lives of our neighbors and our community.”
Mayor Dan Louismet said he is thankful for the work the food shelf does for the community.
“I wish we weren’t sitting here saying that there’s a need for expansion,” Louismet said. “I’m grateful that you
have the resources and the community has the appetite to make the donations to allow this and make this possible. I had an opportunity to tour the food shelf, and it’s a fantastically well-run organization filled with very dedicated volunteers and staff.”
For more information, visit whitebearfoodshelf.org.
Service times are subject to change during the coronavirus crisis. Contact your local church or check church web sites for service time and online service information.
The White Bear Lake Rotary Club will host the Taste of White Bear Lake event from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Jacobson’s Pine Tree Apple Orchard.
The Taste of White Bear Lake celebrates White Bear’s food and beverage vendors while raising money for Rotary projects.
“We have 120 members, and this is our way of raising the money that supports these programs,” said Rotarian Kevin Donovan. “We have a number of different avenues of service and a number of different things that we do in the community.”
Donovan noted the goal this year is to have 30 different local restaurants, specialty shops, breweries and distilleries. So far, 20 vendors have signed up.
Back this year is the traditional cork pull fundraiser and live music by country singer Ben Nelson.
“The Taste is a casual event in September and brings the community together,” Donavan said. “People can also walk through the orchard to celebrate the outdoors.”
“This year, the Taste of White Bear returns to just a one-day event,” Donavan said. “We are not doing our passport that was done in the past.”
Last year, the September event generated approximately $50,000 for Rotary.
Purchase tickets online at tasteofwhitebearlake. com/ or ask someone from Rotary if you can purchase tickets from them.
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Above: A handmade book Erica Spitzer Rasmussen created in the shape of a ceramic teapot contains quotes from her late stepfather Warren MacKenzie, who was internationally acclaimed for the simple, wheel-thrown, functional pottery he produced.
At right: Rasmussen used fibers from overalls Warren MacKenzie wore in his studio to make paper for the tribute series of pottery shaped books.
Above: Warren Mackenzie at work in the studio he maintained in Grant until his death in 2018 at the age of 94. Along with his tenure as a professor at the University of Minnesota, he was also involved locally as a founding member of the arts council which later evolved into what is now the White Bear Center for the Arts.
At left: The books feature quotes that illustrate the underlying philosophy of continued learning and discovery that inspired MacKenzie to keep working at the craft he loved for most of his life. The books are currently on display at Grand Hand gallery in St. Paul. Find more information about the artist at ericaspitzerrasmussen.com.
condition garage kept, spent winters in Florida. Serviced by Maplewood Toyota all records available.
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599-1729
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75
If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.
651-407-1200 presspubs.com
AN NANDALE SCHOOLS ARE HIRING!
• Special ed par ap rofessionals ma ke a difference in a student's life! 6.5-hour days during the school year, excellent pay, three open positions
• PT Custodian, excellent pay and more, 4-9 pm M-F, year-round. • Superb subs and he lpers teachers, par as, custod ians and more, excellent pay, pick your availability. See all our openings at www.isd8 76 .org, human resources page.
Administrative Assistant
Part Time, Mon. & Tues., 7:55am-4:00pm
Press Publications publishes 6 community newspapers, magazines and coupon books, serving White Bear Lake and surrounding communities. Our publications brings news of school events, government, business, politics, and social events to local residents.
Desired Skills & Experience: High school diploma required.
Ability to interact well with a broad base of internal and external clients, both in person, telephone and written communication. Reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations.Strong attention to detail and the ability to organize, prioritize, and multi task effectively. User of Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as Microsoft Office.
Please send resume to: 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or email resume to: ppinfo@presspubs.com
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651-653-9845
4687 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL 55110
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Press Publications is looking for an entry level, motivated graphic designer for a part-time position with the possiblity of full-time. As part of the production-design team, you'll have a vital role in making sure the weekly and biweekly papers get out the door.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Comfortable in Adobe InDesign Mac based and cloud, with the minor use of Photoshop and Illustrator
- Build ads to customer specs, and assist the sales team with new ads for potential clients - Follow a strict schedule with overlapping deadlines -Work with editors to produce a vibrant product.
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- 12-25 hours per week
- M-F 7:55 - 5:30 varies by season
Email resume to: artmanager@presspubs.com
Toro Power Broom Used for clearing sidewalks, ice rink & driveway. Toro professional series $2,950
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Recently, a popular topic of conversation has been the expanded indoor and outdoor spaces for student and community activities. The White Bear Lake Area High School Field House has seen its share of action: the indoor walking track was opened to community members last spring, the boys’ and girls’ track teams are hosting season-opening indoor track and field meets, and a variety of camps and activities are taking place at the five-court indoor space. The stadium and turf fields surrounding the current North Campus have seen practices and contests, along with community use when the spaces are not reserved for activities. The new courts on Bald Eagle Avenue, which are painted and lined for both tennis and pickleball, were completed in mid-August to be used for the fall sports season. They are available for community use.
Welcome Wednesdays
Drop in any Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Magnuson Christian School to see the educational opportunities that could be the place for your child or children. Magnuson Christian School is a faith-based school offering a strong curriculum, small class sizes and leadership opportunities for students in grades K-8. Prospective families can also coordinate a private tour by calling 651478-7317 or sending an email to hello@ magnusonschool.org. Magnuson Christian School is located at 4000 Linden Street, White Bear Lake, inside the Community of Grace Building.
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“Idon’t think I would have a sliver of the confidence I do today without the arts, especially speech,” says 2024 senior Sanyu Mwassa. These are bold words, yet they are backed by a groundbreaking achievement: Sanyu Mwassa is the first person from White Bear Lake to reach the last round in the National Speech and Debate Association tournament, the United States’ premiere interscholastic speech meet.
Mwassa’s category, Dramatic Interpretation (DI), involves performing a 10-minute-or-less excerpt of a publicly available play, novel, or short story. Sanyu made the final cut, placing fourth in the country! In order to reach that level, Mwassa had to be intimately familiar with the sound of her own voice.
“My voice is on the more lyrical side but is mixed with a fuller sound,” Sanyu explains, “My inspirations… are definitely a lot of the sopranos that have been on Broadway, such as Laura Benati and Cynthia Erivo.” Mwassa’s musical approach to her voice stems from her participation in choir and musical theatre, which “have helped me grow immensely.” “I think [they’ve] also helped me see the world
through the same lens as the characters I have portrayed. Helping me better understand the complexity of life…” Sanyu adds.
While extracurriculars have played a major part in Sanyu’s success, Mwassa also credits her
sister, Nambi, for inspiration strength. “Seeing my sister perform on the stage inspired me to pursue music…” Sanyu recalls, “…She has constantly been one of my main supporters, and she is now one of my coaches for Speech!”
One look at Sanyu’s upcoming senior Speech season explains the need for multiple coaches. Not only is Mwassa once again participating in DI, but she is also double entering in Original Oratory as well. Additionally, Sanyu is looking forward to this year’s fall musical at White Bear Lake.
Beyond high school, Mwassa sees herself continuing her craft. Says Sanyu, “I plan on doing Speech in college competitively. I would like to incorporate the arts into my post college life and try coaching speech students myself!” Mwassa also has impressive ambition on where she wants to compete. “I plan to attend a university on the East Coast and hopefully major in journalism or communications in order to become a Creative Director,” Sanyu reports.
To achieve these goals, Mwassa intends on following simple-yet-profound advice: “Don’t think; just do.” Faith in her performing abilities will help Sanyu apply that advice. “Performing has taught me how to wear my heart on my sleeve and above all be vulnerable…”
Mwassa concludes, “Performing is an extension of oneself, and it allows me to convey and express myself in ways I never thought were possible.”
Explore upcoming Avenue of the Arts events with CPA, LPT and WBCA
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts
When: Saturday, September 9, 1-3 p.m.
Join WBCA for the official launch of this year’s NEA Big Read which will include plant-themed makeand-takes, a concert by Peter Widin, and an augmented reality exhibit by Marlena Myles. This is a free family event that celebrates the book “Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude” by Ross Gay.
THE ART OF THE BOOK PROPOSAL
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts
When: Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m.-Noon
You’ve finished your book—or you’ve got one in the works—but how do you position that work for agents or publishers? In this class you’ll go through step-by-step the elements of a book proposal.
INSPIRED BY NATURE COMMUNITY RECEPTION
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts
When: Thursday, September 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Come and enjoy the Inspired by Nature exhibit, in which artists from the Great River Chapter of Botanical Artists depict the plants around us with scientific accuracy and aesthetic sensitivity.
The Three Musketeers Comic books and stage theatre may seem an odd pairing at first glance, but Lakeshore Players’ upcoming production smelts the two concepts together with The Three Musketeers, their 71st season’s inaugural play running September 15th to October 1st.
“We’re used to reading The Three Musketeers as one book,” explains Megan Pence, Lakeshore Players’ executive director, “but Alexandre Dumas originally published it as a serial adventure in a newspaper.” This gave show director Eric Morris the idea to “Marvel”-ize the show.
“It’ll feel like a comic book come to life!” Pence exclaims. Such a distinct take on the material makes sense because of the timing. Kids will be firmly back in school, and families will be back from their summer trips.
“We wanted a really fun show to kick off the year,” Pence states, “It’s very family friendly.” Longtime theatre fans will also delight in a script written by fan favorite Ken Ludwig.
“When Ludwig writes a show, you know it’s gonna be fun, funny, and energetic,” grins Pence.
Of course, no adventure comic-book is complete without fight scenes. Here, Megan Pence’s eyes gleam in excitement. “There’s very stylized stage combat. Everyone’s gonna pick up a sword at some point!”
What the Constitution Means to Me
September 17th is National Constitution Day, so Lakeshore Players will be performing one of their most ambitious shows yet—What the Constitution Means to Me. Appropriately, the executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the American Civil Liberty Union will give a preshow talk an hour before curtains go up.
“This show is not safe in any way,” Megan Pence, executive director of Lakeshore Players advises, “It’s intended for 14 plus. There are heavy topics and heavy language.” With such a discretionary warning, Pence’s
summation of the show is surprising.
“It’s humorous,” Pence shrugs, “Yes, it’s upfront and honest, but just because this show has a ‘trigger warning’ doesn’t mean people should automatically be against it.” According to Pence, the show also take pains to familiarize the audience with complex governmental concepts. The ninth amendment and its vague uses, for instance, receive verbal jabs from the play’s characters.
Pence also stresses that the show is not motivated by a political agenda, but does have a defined viewpoint. “That’s what makes the show so engaging and accessible,” Pence explains, “It’s one woman’s perspective in her own life.”
In the next breath, Pence points out that the show is not one person preaching her viewpoints. “The second act is really fun because it’s a debate with perspectives of different generations. Because of that, each character gives unexpected generational views. Certain audience members even get to vote for the winner of the debate at the end!”
“Magical Attire is something to which we aspire but not something which we require,” Sharon HaniflLee says of this year’s Masque—Children’s Performing Arts’ (CPA) annual fundraiser.
Though the event takes place October 14th, registration is open throughout September with an RSVP of October 1st.
VIP tickets come with special early access, an all-night open bar, reserved seating, and an afterparty complete with goodie bag. The regular admission includes drink tickets, heavy appetizers, and late-night snacks.
All ticket holders are treated to an evening program and entertainment. Should one miss the RSVP date, they can still register to attend the evening program through October 14th dependent upon availability.
Everyone in attendance will also have access to silent-auction viewing 30 minutes before the program begins.
The aim of the fundraiser is twofold: to provide scholarships for CPA camps and to keep tickets affordable for the community. “The scholarships are so important,” HaniflLee remarks, “We have kids that want to take our classes and learn these skills, but their parents maybe can’t afford it. We can
say, ‘Hey, come anyway. We want you here.’”
The other feature CPA offers is “Pay What You Can” performances. “Families are still not fully going out yet after COVID,” HaniflLee explains, “So many say to themselves, ‘Why should we? Let’s just watch a movie or a streaming service at home with the kids.
Let’s stay in.’” Pay-What-You-Can pricing, then, allows members of the community to remove cost as a factor when considering which shows to attend.
While Pay-What-You-Can performances solves an audience problem, it creates a pricing issue backstage. “[Artists] cost more these days,” Hanifl-Lee points out, “and they
should! Look at the price of gas—general cost of living. If you’re traveling to our center to help these kids put on a show, you deserve to be fairly compensated.” The Masque fundraiser’s enchanting touch, therefore, is needed to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be transported by the magic of theatre.
“The arts should be accessible to everyone,” Hanifl-Lee states emphatically, “not just those who aren’t concerned about inflation.”
To register, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org/support/ masque-gala
Coach — Dan Kovacich (21st year)
Assistants — Shawn Gritzmacher, Gary Wilson
Last year — 4th in conference, 3rd in section
Captains: Luke Williams, Tanner Hoel, Isaac Kolstad, Vaughn Larson
Returning letterwinners — Seniors: Luke Williams, Tanner Hoel, Ryley Murphy, Rodrigo Rubio; Juniors: Andrew Klier, Andrew Greene, Vaughn Larson, Isaac Kolstad; Sophomores: Max Popp, Noah Blaisdell, Joseph Wolfe, Joseph Rogers, Cooper Hoel
In the mix — Seniors: Ryley Murphy, Rodrigo Rubio; Juniors: Andrew Greene; Sophomores: Max Popp, Noah Blaisdell, Joseph Wolfe, Joseph Rogers, Copper Hoel; Freshmen: Graham Newlander Fast facts — Williams was all-state (25th place), was section champion, and placed 3rd in conference; Kolstad and Larson also ran in the state meet; Williams and Larson were all-conference; Kovacich has taken 13 teams to state since 2007; the Bears’ section (4AAA) added East Ridge and Two Rivers.
Coach says — “Our one-two-three are pretty well set with Williams, Larson and Kolstad. Our goal is always to make it to state. We will have perennial powerhouse Stillwater, Two Rivers, East Ridge and Woodbury in our way to a state meet appearance. It all comes down to how healthy we are at the end of the season.”
Coach — Ryan Barlett (12th year)
Assistants — Dustin Holman (defensive coordinator), Adam Holman (middle linebackers), Cory Hazard (quarterbacks), Will Jackson (defensive line), Sean Murphy (linebackers, special teams), Dane Bates (safeties), Jeremy Post (cornerbacks), Nick Devet (offensive line), Jesse Reynolds (running backs), Mark Domschot (wide receivers); Bartlett is offensive coordinator
Last year — 7-3 overall
Captains — Seniors: Devin Mueller, Dom Anderson, Evan Chang, Kesean Lipscomb, Sam Ganyaw, Aiden Akins
Coach — Marla Menne
Assistants — Molly Franta, Paul Kolenich, Cole
Pottinger
Last year — 14-8 overall, 7-2 conference
Captains — Tally Domschot, Ellia Groneberg
Returning starters — Juniors: Domschot, Groneberg
Also in the lineup — Junior: Isabel St. John; other positions not yet determined
Fast facts — Domschot and Groneberg were all-conference; Nine players graduated from last year’s team
Coach says — “Lots of new players this year with three middle schoolers making varsity/junior varsity. Ellia will play number one singles. We will most likely have many different options for doubles and singles this year.”
Coach — Mackenzie Leverty
Assistants — Emily Horkey, Laura Schmid, Savannah
Shea, Alison Wynn, Tim Larson, Ashley Völler
Last year — 14-15 overall, 1-8 conference
Returning starters — Senior: Kylie Gustafson (outside hitter); Sophomore: Kailey Geiske (defense/libero)
Coach — Audrey Kirschling (1st year)
Assistants — Shawn Gritzmacher, Ben Lattimore
Last year — 6th in conference, 3rd in section
Captains — Rosie Sommers, Ally Mattson, Annika Schroeder
Returning starters — Seniors: Sommers, Mattson; Junior: Amelia Nachtscheim; Sophomore: Irene Bakke; Freshman: Clara Kolstad
Also in the lineup — Senior: Annika Schroeder
Fast facts — Sommers and Kolstad were state qualifiers and made all-conference in 2022
New coach — Kirschling ran for the Bears in high school and was assistant coach last year
Coach says — “We have a young and eager team. Our girls have been working hard in the off-season and show a lot of passion for competition and cheering each other on. I’m very excited to be working with this group of young women and developing the next generation of strong and capable women. Go Bears!”
Returning starters — Seniors: Akins (linebacker), Lipscomb (running back), Austin Gibson (receiver)
Offensive players — Quarterback: Alex Doroff (senior), Heidi Barber (senior); Running backs: Lipscomb, Cole Sather (senior), Anderson; Wide receivers: Vinny Villela (senior), Mueller, Isaac Kibagendi (senior), Anderson, Carter Wippler (senior), Joe Hulla (senior); Tight ends: Nick Watson (senior), Akins, Gibson; Line: Jack Peterson (senior), Zach Carnes (senior), Cam Oxton (junior), Matt Hunter (junior), Ganyaw; Kicker: Ben Watson (junior)
Defensive players — Line: Chang, Ty Behnken (junior), Ricky Deutsch (senior), Charlie Woodcock (junior); Linebackers: Akins, Gibson, Levi Arvig (junior), Malik Doumbia (junior); Backs: Anderson, Mueller, Kibagendi, Donovan Morris (junior), Anthony Turner (senior); Punter: Mueller
Fast facts — Aikins made 23 tackles for loss and was all-Metro Maroon in 2022; Lipscomb rushed for 443 yards and 3 touchdowns; the schedule is returned to playing section opponents rather than the Gold and Maroon format of the past two years.
Coach says — “We have a very strong team with some good size. Our kids are very easy to coach and compete hard. I like the returners we have and we got some new faces who have a chance to be good. Our schedule is very challenging and it will be fun to play regional teams again.”
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Also on the roster — Seniors: Lily Glendenning (outside hitter), Lauren Westerhaus (middle blocker), Ally Munger (setter); Juniors: Brady Keeling (outside hitter), Mallory Moore (defensive specialist), Ella Stadtherr (middle blocker), Adina Klawiter (right side), Larissa Komarec (middle blocker); Sophomore: Reagan Farmer (outside hitter), Maddie Pearson (outside hitter/defensive specialist) Fast facts — Gustafson led with 224 kills, and Geiske led with 178 digs, in 2022.
Coach — Tia Quirk
Assistants — Adam O’Neil (swimming), Annette Crews (diving)
Captains — Lucy Borofka, Ava Heimbach, Ella Maas
Returning starters — Seniors: Borofka (freestyle, backstroke), Maas (breaststroke); Juniors: Lily Jenkins (freestyle), Claire Whitcomb (breaststroke), Elisa Weiner (backstroke); Sophomores: Addie Johnson (freestyle), Leyla Chu (breaststroke), Stella Otto (diving); Freshman: Sophie Collins (backstroke); 8th grade: Brigid McVeigh (butterfly), Anna Zarambo (diving)
Also in the lineup — Juniors: Kate Dery; Freshmen: Madison Hanscom, Sophie Griefenhagen, Audrey Borofka; 8th grade: Sophie Moen, Charlotte McIntyre; 7th grade: Eva Hoefer
Fast facts — Borofka and Jenkins were all-conference and Maas got honorable mention; Roster has 33 girls including 20 in grades 7-8-9
Coach says — “We are at a very optimistic point. Our roster is the largest since Covid with 33 swimmers and divers. Fourteen of those are new members to our team, which is incredible. We have six divers, which is truly remarkable. Everyone has the potential to score points and push themselves to out-touch the person in the next lane. Several of my swimmers are looking toward breaking a few school records. I see a lot of potential in our new team members. The program continues to grow and I'm excited to see where we go as a team.”
Coaches — John Dierkhising, Dave Ashley (11th year for each)
Assistants — Nina Abrahamson (JV), Brielle Meister (JV), Mike Witt (B), Marie Cox (9th)
Last year — 13-5 overall, 7-2 conference
Captains — Gabby Hofeld, Autumn Maki, Anna Marie Millard
Returning starters — Seniors: Cami Bachmeier (forward), Millard (defender), Hofeld (midfielder), Elizabeth Wallek (midfielder), Kendall Craigan (defender), Paige Swanson (defender), Maki (goalie); Juniors: Jenna Maloy (forward), Becca Smith (midfield), Abby O’Brien (defense)
Also in the lineup — Senior: Kate Bullis (defender); Junior: Giada Marino (midfielder); Sophomore: Marin Peterson (defender) Fast facts — Maloy led with 14 goals and Smith led with 13 assists, each making all-conference and coaches all-state second team; Bachmeier and O’Brien had six goals each; the schedule was toughened-up adding Edina, Andover and Champlin Park Coach Dierkhising says — “We are excited for this season after graduating only two seniors from last year's second-place conference finish. We are returning 10 starters and have a large senior class and a very experienced and skilled junior class that should help us compete for a conference title and ultimately a section title. The conference and section will be as tough as it was last year and we have a very challenging schedule this year.”
Coach — Karl Jende
Assistants — Mike Knutson, Stephan Jende, Mike Bickel, Gannon Youakim, Tallinn Gittens
Captains — Kyle Christensen, Caleb Anderson, Eli Simanek
Last year — 8-6-2 overall, 4-4-1 conference
Returning starters — Seniors: Kyle Christensen (goalie), Ian Cran (defense), Karolis Kairys (forward), Isaac Vang (midfield), Caleb Anderson (forward), Eli Simanek (midfield), Augustus Bloomquist (defense), Evan Boxrud (forward), Cooper Peschman (forward);
Juniors: Benjamin Watson (midfield), Colby Petersen (midfield);
Sophomore: Gionni Pescosolido (midfield)
Fast facts — Christensen posed an .845 save percentage, 1.16 goalsagainst-average; Kairys is top returning scorer (four goals)
Coach — Jim Driscoll (35th year)
Assistants — Lisa Irsfeld
Last year — 3rd in conference, 3rd in section
Captains — Will Lieberman, Hudson Otto and Charlie Wirka
Returning starters — Seniors: Lieberman, Wirka; Junior: Evan Carion; Sophomore: Matt Studensky
Also in the lineup — Seniors: Otto; Juniors: Luke Roettger, Dan Gibbens, John Aufderhar
Fast facts — Lieberman placed 9th in conference, 12th in the section; three of top four graduated Coach says — “We should be competitive in both the conference and section meets this year. We will have competition for varsity spots which will help.”
Coach — Jim Driscoll (35th year)
Assistants — Lisa Irsfeld
Last year — 2nd in conference, 2nd in section, 16th at state
Captains — Becca Anderson, Gabby Fox, Addison Briske
Returning starters — Junior: Fox; Sophomore: Sylvie Lavigne; 8thgraders: Vanessa Rogosheske, Brooklyn Erickson
Also in the lineup — Seniors: Anderson; Juniors: Ruby Grinstead, Briske; Sophomores: Anna Cosby, Julia Clayton, Grace McCarthy
Fast facts — Last year, Rogosheske placed 9th in conference, 6th in section; Fox 6th in conference, 7th in section; Erickson 17th in conference, 13th in section
Coach says — “Our top three should be very competitive in conference and section. I'm hoping that the others will develop to make us a good team.”
Coach — Tia Schlundt
Last year — 25-7 overall, 7-0 conference, section champion, state participant
Returning starters —
Juniors: Silvie Graetzer (MH), Kaili Malvey (OH); Graetzer had 135 kills and Malvey 85 last year. New coach — Schlundt, former Concordia-St. Paul All-American, has coached in the youth association for several years.
Coach — Mike Goldman
Assistants — Tim Baden (divers), Micah Goldman, Dan Kizaur
Last year — 2nd in conference, 2nd in section, 12th at state
Captains — Emmerson Buckley, Audrey Carlson, Talia Collins, Alixandra Fox, Tea Tuttle
Returning starters — Seniors: Buckley, Fox; Juniors: Carlson, Sidney Leciejewski; Sophomores: Maddie Ruppel; Freshmen: Delaney Dumermuth, Abigail Wright
Also in the lineup — Isabelle Befidi, Janeea Chlebeck, Talia Collins, Adalyn Miller, Riley Parizek, Grace Tronrud, Abby Wiebe
Fast facts — Wright placed fourth in both 50 and 100 free at state last year and holds school records in both; Buckley and Wright swam on the 400 relay that placed fifth at state.
Coach says — “We are in the process of rebuilding with a younger core of swimmers. We are ranked in the Top 8 in the state in pre-season poll. We have the potential to qualify more individuals for the state meet, along with all three relays placing in the finals.”
Coach — Dominic Isaac
Assistants — Joe Voeller, Josh Bates, Timothy Bruner, Adam Harding
Last year — 8-6-3 overall, 3-2-3 conference
Returning starters — Seniors: Nils Landes (midfield), Caden Hallin (forward, midfield), Cairo Douville (forward, midfield); Juniors: Riley Burke (midfield), Nicholas Clark (forward, midfield), Joseph Nelson (defense), Mason Kipp (defense), Gavin Maas (defense); Sophomores: Kaden Gagnelius (midfield), Sam Beulke (midfield)
Coach — Nate Tretsven
Assistants — Dave Wareham, Christine Leach (JV), Ann Gabrielli (JV)
Last year — 6-1 conference (tied for first), 13-7 overall
Captains — Kate Hoffman, Olivia Bengtson
Returning players — Seniors: Olivia Bengtson, Kate Hoffman, Hanna Meslow; Juniors: Molly Moffitt, Alayna Bartylla, Greta Munson; Sophomores: Katherine Smith, Lily Carlson, Mallory Langer
Also on varsity — Stella Schroeder, Amber Schaefer, Berkley Blaisdell, Annika Winke, Ellis Krause
Fast facts — Kate Hoffman was a state doubles qualifier in 2022 with partner Campbell Albers
New coach — Tretsven, a teaching pro, and former No. 1 at Hamline, takes over for Aaron Freer, who resigned
Coach says — “We have a great group of girls, with a mix of veterans who have years of varsity experience, and some new to varsity. Our goal is to grow each practice and match, and be very competitive in the conference and section.”
Coach — Dave Muetzel
Assistants — Robert Garry, Matt Oswald, Kenneth Stevens, John Arlandson, Robert Merthan, Joe Koscianski, Paul McGibbon, Jeff Sansgaard, Mike Isola, Thad Tumbleson, David Donahoe, Dan Destache
Last year — 10-2 overall, section champion, semifinalist
Returning starters — Seniors: Charlie Brandt (quarterback), Cole Saenger (linebacker, halfback), Eric Buttke (linebacker), Michael Barry (receiver), Tyler Gunderson (offensive line, linebacker), Brett Swystun (lineman), Cole Potvin (defensive end), Mason Hughes (defensive back), Alex Mahoney (running back, defensive back).
Fast facts — Brandt has passed for 2,117 yards and 16 touchdowns in two seasons; Barry caught 24 passes for 581 yards and six TD’s last year; Saenger is the only one of eight all-district picks who returns in 2023; Top rushers back are Saenger (366 yards, three TD’s) and Alex Mahoney (222 yards, one TD)
Coach — David Wald
Assistants — Brad Gudenkauf, Glenn Lisowy, Allison Eitel, Mariah Adams, Leroy Andrle
Last year — 18-3, state Class 2A runner-up, conference and section champion
Captains — Stella Grabow, Savannah Stockness, Claire Faulkner, Lauren Coy
Returning starters — Seniors: Stockness (defense), Kaila Och (defender), Faulkner (defender), Moltzan (forward), Coy (forward); Juniors: Sophia Peer (midfielder), Emily Muetzel (defender), Aynslea Ulschmid (midfielder)
Also in the lineup — Seniors: Victoria Nelson (defender); Juniors: Presley Albers (defender), Allison McCleery (defender), Cece Emery (midfielder), Faith Peper (midfielder), Kayla Poirier (midfielder), Ingrid Lienke (midfielder), Allie Rippentrop (striker), Olivia Thiele (striker), Maddie McCoy (striker); Sophomores: Harlow Berger (goalie), Jackie Worden (goalie)
Fast facts — Moltzan was second-leading scorer with 15 goals; Stockness and Peer were all-metro and coaches all state second team picks; Ulschmid, Moltzan and Muetzel made the all-state tourney team; Mahtomedi has 10 state titles and 17 state appearances
Coach says — “The team has three capable goalies that will be competing for the starting spot at the beginning of the season. The strength of the team will be that most of the defense and midfield has returned from last year's state runner up team.”
On Sept. 16, four Minnesota children will put on their “robot legs,” all in an effort to build awareness around accessibility and inclusion while raising money so that another child can have the experience of walking on their own.
The Kourageous Karter Foundation will host the second annual fun run/ walk, but this year closer to home in Hugo rather than in St. Paul.
“It just made sense to do it at Lions Park. It is the one playground that we go to frequently, we were involved in the design of the project, and it represents access and inclusion, which is the main point of the foundation that we created,” said Kourageous Karter founder Tiffany Goodchild. “We want to showcase the (inclusive) playground … it is one of the best ones.”
Goodchild, a Hugo resident, launched a nonprofit, the Kourageous Karter Foundation, back in 2020 right before the pandemic hit. The organization’s mission is to raise money for causes that directly affect families like hers as well as to offer them resources.
mother experienced a spontaneous fetal maternal hemorrhage. Karter suffered a massive hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy injury (HIE). At first, the family was told Karter wouldn’t survive, then it turned into “he might not live to see his first birthday” … and then, “You can probably make a five-year plan.”
Goodchild describes Karter, 7, as a “medically complex child.” As a result of the brain injury, he has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and a feediAng tube; he is also nonverbal. One technology Goodchild and her family will be forever grateful for is the Trexo Robotics Gait Trainer or, more simply, “robot legs.” Karter was the first child in the state of Minnesota to get one back in January 2020.
A man from Canada created the robot legs for his nephew, who had cerebral palsy and was told he would never be able to walk. The family continues to see progress and many benefits from using the device.
right.”
CONTRIBUTED
Christopher was not gaining weight the way he should have, and he had low muscle tone. At the age of 9 months old, a bunch of tests revealed he had PMM2. Christopher is more severely affected than many of his peers who have PMM2. He is nonverbal and struggles with gross motor skills.
Melissa is happy that she decided to make the investment in robot legs for Christopher, as she has seen some improvement. “The therapists have said using it on a consistent basis has improved his endurance; he is able to go longer hours in therapy and he is not as tired out. It has improved his trunk control/strength and his head control,” she said.
because they are expensive. Families can lease a set of robot legs for $1,000 a month. After three years, if the child is still experiencing benefits from the technology, they will own the device for $36,000.
Goodchild says some good news is that Minnesota’s medical assistance program is beginning to cover the technology with waivers; however, many families are forced to choose between robot legs or other necessities like home modifications or nursing staff.
The Kourageous Karter Foundation hopes to raise $25,000 this year, which will be used to provide a scholarship for at least one child. Last year’s event raised just over $20,000. Thirty-eight applicants applied for the scholarship, but the foundation was only able to fund one.
Although some children with robot legs may eventually be able to walk independently, many of them never will. “For Karter, that (walking independently) is not a reality,” Goodchild explained. “We use this technology because it allows him to get that experience and the medical benefits of walking.”
For more information on the event or the foundation, or to register for the event, visit kourageouskarter.org.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or citizennews@presspubs.com
CONTRIBUTED
Christopher Schlemmer, 10, of Forest Lake has had his robot legs for a year. Christopher’s mother, Melissa Schlemmer, explained that he has congenital disorder of glycosylation, also known as PMM2.
“When he was born, we were under the impression that he was typically healthy. We had no idea that he had this underlying condition,” she said. “It wasn’t until (he was) a few months old that we thought something wasn’t
Mitchell Starken, 4, of Woodbury, had an in-utero stroke attributed to an extremely rare genetic disorder called Gould syndrome, which led to cerebral palsy. Among other diagnoses, he has epilepsy. He got his robot legs in December 2022.
Cole Carlson, 6, of Hastings, has a similar story to Karter in that he was not expected to survive when he was born. He suffered a brain injury at birth, resulting in HIE, cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. He received his robot legs in October 2022.
Although some specialized clinics and hospitals have a set of robot legs, it is rare for children to have them at home and in their communities
What: Second annual Kourageous Karter Fun Run
When: Saturday, Sept. 16. Kids’ run at 8:30 a.m.; 5K fun run at 9 a.m.
Where: Lions Volunteer Park, 5524 Upper 146th St. N., Hugo
Details: The second annual run will feature a kids’ fun run/walk, 5K fun run/walk, silent auction, face painting, food trucks, bubble station and more. To register, visit https://kourageouskarter. org/kkf-fun-run-2023.
Contact: kourageouskarterfoundation@ gmail.com
For the last four years, Mike Schlosser of White Bear Lake has made fishing lures to give out to his friends and family.
Around 10 years ago, Schlosser saw some handmade muskie lures at an art fair. He did not purchase one at the time, because he thought it was too expensive. He looked around later to see if he could buy one, but he never really found one.
“I figured when I retired, I could start making them as something to do in the wintertime,” Schlosser said. He begins to make them at the end of December and the beginning of January, because it is a slower time of year.
In the first year, he made about eight to 10 lures. Last year, he managed to create 109 of them. It takes about four hours to make a single lure. His designs change every year based on what is on the market. When he first started, he made them out of broom
handles and hockey sticks. Now, he uses Bockler wood because it is harder and the hardware to attach the hooks to stays in better.
“No two lures are alike,” Schlosser added.
Schlosser makes muskie, northern bass and walleye lures. They range anywhere from 2 to 10 inches, but he finds that lures around 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches work the best when used out on the water.
“It is more of a hobby,” Schlosser said. “And truthfully, I don’t think I’ve gotten to the quality where I feel good about selling them.”
But his brother does flea markets, and Schlosser is considering giving him a handful and seeing how they sell.
Schlosser mainly likes to give his lures away. If he sees a kid fishing he will hand them one; he also likes to give them to friends and family members.
“I know I am going to do them again next year,” he added. There are new designs he wants to try out.
CD 8/18/2023.
*Annual Percentage Yield. A minimum of $10,000 is required to open. New Money only. APY is accurate as of 8/18/2023. APY shown is subject to change without notice. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. This is a limited time offer for consumer customers only.
FOOTBALL
7 p.m.
7
•
Aug. 31 — at Minnetonka
Sept. 7 — Mounds View
BOYS SOCCER
Wednesday, Aug. 30 — at Eagan
• 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 — Minneapolis Southwest
7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 — at Irondale
GIRLS SOCCER
• 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30 — at Eagan
• 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5 — at Andover
5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 — at Irondale
TENNIS
• 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 — at Duluth East
• 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept 5 — Woodbury
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTORWhite Bear Lake salvaged a 1-1 tie with Centennial in their opening match, and they will gladly take it.
“We were looking up how we’ve done against them, and we were one and eight since 2014,” said cocoach Dave Ashley. “We’ve been playing every year except the Covid year.”
That is a surprising imbalance since both schools are strong in
girls soccer.
In the opening event of the fall season, the Bears appeared headed for a 1-0 loss, frustrated by some great saves by Cougar goalie Jordan Metz. But they got on the board in the 75th minute when Gabby Hofeld, senior midfielder, buried a closerange shot off a perfect crossing pass from Jenna Maloy.
Centennial had taken a 1-0 lead in the 54th minute when junior defender Nora
White Bear Lake will open the season with a tough test at Minnetonka Thursday evening. The Skippers, 5-4 last year, return 15 starters including Milos Spasojevic, who passed for 1,307 yards and 10 touchdowns, and several key backups.
“Minnetonka will be really strong,” Bears coach Ryan Bartlett said. “Their QB has some D1 offers and preferred walkon (offers) to the Gophers and Badgers. It will be a really tough test, but we are excited. We’ll see where we are truly at.”
The Bears are coming off a 7-3 season. Competing for the quarterback position are seniors Alex Doroff and Heidi Barber, who shared the junior varsity duties last year.
Halvig, moving to her right, grounded the ball briskly inside the right post just ahead of diving Bear goalie Autumn Maki, who also h ad some nice saves in the game.
Metz made two leaping saves in the first h alf against the Bears, and deflected a pair of vicious point-blank shots with her quick hands in the second half, one of those by Hofeld.
“That goalie was really good,” commented Hofeld.
White Bear Lake won its opening match over Minneapolis Roosevelt 25-19, 25-18, 25-20 at home.
White Bear Lake lost to Pine City 5-2 and Princeton 4-3 in their opener at Pine City. Winning against Princeton were Elia Groneberg at 1-singles, Elara Kruse at 4-singles, and Sophie Meniek/Ava Johnson at 3-doubles. Princeton beat Vera Zach, Addison Medin, Tally Domschot/Isabel St. John at 1-doubles and Mallory Peltier/ Josie Guidinger. Winning against Pine City were Groneberg at 1-singles and Peltier at 3-singles. Pine City beat Domschot, Kruse, Zach/St. John, Guidinger/Meniek and Maddie Belisle/Johnson.
Local athlete signs with Minnesota United team
White Bear Lake Area High School 2023 graduate and adapted athlete Arianna Haines recently signed with the Minnesota United Football Club’s Unified Soccer Team. She will travel to San Jose at the end of the month with the team to play there and then will play again at Allianz Field on Sept. 16 after the MNUFC’s home game.
In 2013, Major League Soccer partnered with Special Olympics to bring soccer to athletes with intellectual disabilities. MNUFC added the Unified Team when it entered the league in 2017. Unified
SWIMMING
Mahtomedi won four of nine races and captured the team championship in the Metro East Conference relays to open their season. Hastings took second. The Zephyrs won the 200 freestyle with Isabelle Befidi, Adalyn Miller, Delaney Dumermuth and Abigail Wright in 1:45.67; the 200 butterfly with Dumermuth, Maddie Ruppel, Emmerson Buckley and Abigail Wright in 1:57.14; the 200 backstroke with Buckley, Miller, Riley Parizek and Sidney Leciejewski; and the 200 breaststroke with Dumermuth, Befidi, Wright and Audrey Carlson in 2:01.33. Mahtomedi was second in the 400 individual medley, 400 freestyle and divers relays.
Mahtomedi will open Friday evening at home against Brainerd at 7 p.m. A new entry on the Zephyr schedule, Brainerd is coming off a 5-4 season and graduated their top rusher and quarterback. Mahtomedi, 10-2 and section champion last season, has nine returning starters including third-year quarterback Charlie Brandt.
TENNIS
Mahtomedi is 3-2 after the first week.
Team players include athletes with and without intellectual diabilities. They sign two-game contracts to play games at home and on the road.
Local sailor wins E Scow championship
Eddie Cox of White Bear Lake won the Inland Lake Yachting Association E Scow Championship Regatta held on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Cox grew up sailing X Boats on White Bear Lake and sailed for White Bear Lake High School.
The ILYA trophy has been awarded since 1920, and Cox is the 4th White Bear Lake sailor to win the award.
FOOTBALL
7
Thursday, Aug. 31 — Irondale
• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5 — at Orono
• 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 — South St. Paul
GIRLS SOCCER
• 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 — at Woodbury
• 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5 — at Orono
• 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 — South St. Paul
TENNIS
4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 — at Eden Prairie
• 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 — at Hill Murray
CROSS COUNTRY
8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1 — Irish Invitational, Rosemount High School
SWIMMING
• 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 — North St. Paul, John Glenn Junior High School
At Stillwater the Zephyrs lost to the hosts 6-1, beat Apple Valley 7-0, and beat Rochester Century 6-1. The Zephyrs blanked Centennial 7-0. They lost to Roseville Area 5-2 with the Raiders sweeping singles. Mallory Langer, sophomore at 1-singles, lost against Stillwater and Roseville and won her other three matches. At 1-doubles, seniors Kate Hoffman and Olivia Bengtson lost to Stillwater and won their next four. Lily Carlson at 3-singles had the lone point against Stillwater. She’s 2-1 in singles and 2-0 at 3-doubles with Katherine Smith. Going 3-2 were Alayna Bartylla and Stella Schroeder in singles, and Hannah Meslow/Molly Moffitt at 2-doubles.
Mahtomedi cruised 9-0 in its season opener at Duluth Denfeld, then lost to Mounds View 3-1, with Mason Kipp scoring the goal.
Mahtomedi opened the season with two games at Rochester, losing to Rochester Century 1-0 and defeating Rochester Mayo 4-1.
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Ongoing Wine Club membership. See website for info. Two Silo Winery
Ongoing Winey Tour every Sat & Sun 4-5 pm Two Silo Winery
Ongoing Open to public Th-Su unless closed for private event. Belle Ame Vineyard
Sept. 3 Wine and Canvas Painting Party 3-6 pm St. Croix