White Bear Press

NATIONAL CHAMPION:

Redevelopment has begun at the corner of County Road E and Bellaire Avenue on the south end of White Bear Lake. What remained of the old Petro gas station has been demolished to make way for a community of townhomes. Nine townhomes housed in two buildings will feature modern architecture, rear entry garages, multiple shared outdoor living spaces and added public sidewalk connections. The project went

Bald Eagle Lake Art Crawl debuts

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

A fun-filled day of socializing and artistic bonding is coming to neighborhoods around Bald Eagle Lake.

A first-of-its-kind art crawl will be held around the lake this Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The crawl will not only allow residents to look at and purchase different works by participating artists but also allow the latter to expose their work to a broad, local audience. “Art is a language of all sizes,” said Planning Committee Member Carly Ogata. “This is an opportunity for everyone who speaks it to come together and connect.”

The crawl is the brainchild of resident and fellow artist Cathlin McKenzie Larsen, who has lived in White Bear Township since 2018. Larsen said that the idea for the crawl came to her after participating in a member’s exhibition at the White Bear Center for the Arts in 2022. “I was blown away by the depth of talent on display there,” said Larsen, who, as an artist, primarily concentrates on mixing photography with acrylic painting. “I was also inspired by an artist that I knew in the Toronto area who puts on an art crawl there. With that in mind, I wanted to find people around here who might want to do the same thing.”

According to Ogata, the crawl will feature a list of artistic mediums she describes as “everything,” including sculptures, paintings and photographs. The crawl will feature 53 individual artists, 20 of whom are from White Bear Lake. Others will be from surrounding towns, such as Vadnais Heights, Hugo, Shoreview and Lino Lakes, with one out-of-

High school students spread engagement on importance of voting

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Two White Bear Lake and two Mahtomedi High School students are working to make a difference during this year’s election season ... and it all starts at school.

Those students are Matthew Davis and Jodie Sams from White Bear Lake and Ella Kraai and Florence Lorinser from Mahtomedi. All four will volunteer at the League of Women Voters White Bear Lake Area this year and teach both fellow students and those outside of their schools about the importance of democracy and voting rights.

“All of them are committed to the idea of rights, registration and combatting indifference,” said Jackie Reis, who serves as board president for the League of Women Voters White Bear Lake Area. “Each of them is interested in civic rights, voting and democracy overall.”

Some students, like Sams, have been interested in learning about voters’

rights for several years. “During COVID, when I was still in middle school, I started to mature and see the direct effects of voting,” said Sams. “The subject became very important to me during that time. From what I see, most people don’t vote for various reasons, such as lack of interest or opportunity, or not thinking it’ll have any impact. I’m focused on telling

those who might not think they have a chance to vote or that their vote even matters. I also want to ensure that people passionate about these issues know how to vote.” Both Sams and Davis are also part of their school’s history club, which Sams has been involved in since her freshman year.

Lorinser, a senior, said her interest in volunteering with the league stemmed from her longstanding interest in women’s and voter’s rights. “I’ve been in my school’s Youth and Government Club since my sophomore year,” she said.

Century College seeks funding for dental program expansion

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Century College is seeking funding to expand its dental program beyond its current capacity.

Shannon Zurbey, the head of the college’s dental hygiene program, said that the expansion plans have been years in the making, but little has come of it in those years. Zurbey has specifically cited a lack of different funding sources as one of the primary reasons for the delay.

“An expansion of this magnitude requires resources and investment,” said Zurbey. “The college has been actively seeking to use multiple funding sources, but we just don’t have that within our institution.”

The college’s dental clinic shares its space with the dental hygiene program, which includes 12 chairs. Zurbey said that part of the expansion would involve increasing this amount from 12 to 20. Zurbey said that because the dental hygiene program does radiography, part of the expansion would also include finding a new space to expose radiographs safely. “We have to strategically schedule our students in that space for that reason,” said Zurbey.

Zurbey stated that one possible

option to expand the current dental space would be to use the nearby simulation labs. These labs are similar in design to the space but instead have mannequins attached to poles and rods for student use, meant to imitate a dental exam. However, Zurbey said this option could still be a challenge, as she considers the current dental space to have better infrastructure. “We would like to stay in our existing space due to its plumbing and electrical systems,” said Zurbey. “We would need to find a space with the same infrastructure where the program is currently housed.”

Zurbey also noted that several of the chairs in question need to be replaced, as each has a life expectancy of only 15 years. Last year, the clinic replaced seven of its 12 chairs without operational costs becoming too expensive. “We were able to keep our operational costs as far as keeping everything updated,” said Zurbey. “We have worked on replacing these items as things stand within our current budget.”

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

Olympian returns home

ERIK SUCHY | PRESS

Century College is trying to get funding to expand its dental program.

Nuni Omot, former Mahtomedi High School basketball player who recently played for the South Sudan Olympic team, was recognized during halftime at the Zephyrs first home football game. He took photos with student fans including (l-r) Kellen Johnson, Hank Roelofs, Willie Roelofs, Omot, Finn Olson, and Brody Schrankler

CHURCH BRIEFS

Rally Day at St. Stephen

All are invited to enjoy food, entertainment, and family-friendly fun at St. Stephen Lutheran Church on Sunday, Sept. 15. Rally Day events begin with a worship service at 9:30 a.m. followed by a community picnic, live music, and games from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. RallyDay is also an opportunity to sign up for youth and Sunday school programs. St. Stephen is located at 1965 County Road E, White Bear Lake. For more information, call 651777-1107 or go to ststephenwbl.org.

St. Mary’s hosts 8th Annual Walk for Peace

The Justice, Peace and Outreach Commission of St. Mary of the Lake Parish will sponsor the 8th Annual Walk for Peace on Saturday, Sept. 21 starting at 9:30 a.m. The event is intended to coincide with the International Day of Peace. Participants are invited to meet at the Peace Pole on the east side of the church, located at 4741 Bald Eagle Ave. A short prayer service will be followed by a 2 mile walk with prayer stations to stop at for reflection and prayer. Maps are available the morning of the walk.

The event is open to all members of faith communities in the area. Participants are asked not to bring any signs, banners or wear t-shirts advocating a specific cause or issue.

Questions can be directed to 651-216-9507 or michael.lien09@gmail.com.

Understand the issues

In a few months we are going to elect a president and vice president of our country, as well as many senators and congressional representatives. In many ways this will be historic for our nation. I for one would like to see a nation more unified with less hate, more civilized campaigning and candidates making the issues clearer. We will also be electing senators and representatives in local elections. There are a lot of concerns on people’s minds.

Broadcast media has been remiss in not giving us all the facts, but rather political rhetoric. Many Americans have turned to social media for their information, which we must remember has nothing to hold it accountable and no ethical standards.

Big issues are at stake. here are a few, and the order I have listed them in has come from conversations from coffee table meetings, from friends in and out of politics, and my own observations as a senior.

Inflation continues to be on top as the prices have soared for groceries, gasoline, housing, insurance, interest rates and the list goes on.

Number two is border control. We have thousands of illegal immigrants who have come into this country over the last ten years. This nation has always welcomed immigrants in a legal way, but this is out of control and results in increased crime, housing shortages and unnecessary costs to government, which are paid for by our tax money.

The attempt to eliminate fossil fuels, reduced drilling and the government pushing electric cars has put an excess burden on our electrical grid. This has significantly increased the cost of electricity. The most economical way to generate electricity is by water, followed by nuclear. Coal generating comes next. Solar has limitations as wind generators deteriorate prematurely. For the present time in these experiments for electrical energy, the cost comes back to the consumer. If you move in any direction too fast, you pay the price. Putting up thousands of charging stations across the country makes no sense to me when electric cars were not intended for long distance travel. They are really for close-to-home transportation. Hybrids are doing much better in fuel economy.

We can be an independent petroleum producer and reduce costs. We can also export petroleum instead of importing. We have enough natural gas in this country in several states that would take care of us for the next couple hundred years.

Nuclear provides a very clean energy source, but we are not harvesting all of the power that we can get from nuclear because government has placed limits, and storage is an issue.

Lithium ion batteries have limits as to what can be mined. Ukraine has the largest lithium deposits in the world. Is there any wonder why Russia wants to control Ukraine?

There is more to the list and you could add or subtract. We have a growing debt of $35 trillion as a nation. We have a foreign policy of helping nations with humanitarian aid as well as military equipment and arms, which is costly. We also have other nations preparing to replace the dollar. That would impact bond sales. It’s not immediate, but don’t ignore it.

Leadership is important. Understand it. Research it. Debate it. Discuss it. And then be sure to vote.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of

Press Publications.

Practical steps to support pollinators

As the vibrant colors of summer fade and the crisp air of autumn settles in, it’s time to prepare your garden and yard for the upcoming winter months. It’s important to consider the needs of pollinators when deciding what to cut back and what to leave. Here are some practical steps to guide you through the process:

1. Cut back diseased or pestinfested plants

Remove diseased or pestinfested plants, including annuals that have finished their life cycle and affected perennials, to prevent disease and pest spread.

2. Leave seed heads and stems for pollinators

Consider leaving some perennials standing until spring. Plants like asters, goldenrod, and milkweed provide essential habitats for overwintering pollinators. Leave the seed heads of plants like coneflowers, blackeyed Susans, and sunflowers intact. Many pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, rely on plant stems and seed heads for shelter and food during the winter months. Additionally, hollow or pithy stems of plants like wild bergamot, elderberry, and Joe-Pye weed can serve as nesting sites

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for solitary bees. According to the Xerces Society, cut the stems to varying heights from 8”-24.”

3. Prune trees and shrubs sparingly

Pruning trees and shrubs in the fall helps maintain their shape and health. However, be cautious not to over-prune, as this can stress the plants and remove potential habitats for pollinators. Focus on removing only dead, damaged, or diseased branches to promote healthy growth while preserving habitats. Many trees and shrubs are best pruned in late winter or early spring when dormant.

4. Mulch garden beds with care

Applying a layer of mulch to your garden beds provides insulation and protects plant roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. Mulch retains moisture and suppresses weeds. Use organic mulch, such as shredded leaves, straw, or wood chips, and spread it evenly around your plants. Be mindful not to cover the base of plants too thickly, as this can create a barrier for pollinators. Also, leave some bare patches without mulch since some ground-nesting bees would have difficulty going through thick layers of mulch.

5. Prepare the lawn with pollinators in mind

The U of M Extension recommends mowing the grass to a height of 3 inches and leaving the clippings on the yard. As the clippings decompose, they will

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minimize runoff and improve soil quality. Aerate the lawn to improve soil drainage and reduce compaction. Use grass and clover to overseed any bare or thin areas in the lawn. The clover will attract beneficial pollinators and improve soil health by fixing nitrogen in the soil. Over 300 of Minnesota native bees are ground-nesters, so leaving a few bare patches in the lawn would be helpful to them.

6. Plan for spring with pollinators in mind As you complete your fall cleanup, take some time to plan for the next gardening season. Make notes of what worked well and what didn’t in your garden. Consider new plants or design ideas that support pollinators, such as planting native flowers and creating habitats. Proper planning ensures a successful and enjoyable gardening experience. By following these practical steps, you can ensure that your garden and yard are wellprepared for the winter months while also supporting pollinators. Fall cleanup not only promotes the health and beauty of your yard and garden but also sets the stage for a vibrant and flourishing landscape in the spring.

Email questions to the Master Gardeners at: wcmg@umn.edu

Kim Ury is a volunteer with the UM Extension Washington County Master Gardener Volunteer Program.

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WHITE BEAR PRESS/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES

Garden Talk Kim Ury

About the Town

Gene Johnson

Highway 96 weeds, debris

Over the past 10 years, the medians on Highway 96 in Vadnais Heights have become rundown and neglected. Neighbors joke that it should be renamed “The Highway of Weeds and Debris.”

When Ramsey County assumed the responsibility to rebuild and improve its portion of Highway 96, it entered into agreements with Arden Hills, Shoreview and Vadnais Heights that each respective city would be responsible for maintaining the medians and plant beds. For Vadnais, that meant maintaining five plant beds.

Arden Hills (a smaller city with a similar tax rate) and Shoreview have done a wonderful job planting natural grasses and flowers, not only on Highway 96, but also on Lexington Avenue. Vadnais Heights, not so much. Prior to 2014, Vadnais did a great job maintaining the medians. Today it’s noticeable for 4-foot weeds and debris. As the northern gateway to our city, one would think the city administrator and City Council would care about the appearance of this major thoroughfare. Unfortunately, they don’t.

Over the last 10 years there have been plenty of excuses why this section of Highway 96 has become blighted. The excuses are disingenuous and stale, including one excuse that the cost to redesign and rebuild the medians would be well over a million dollars. An extravagant and unnecessary expenditure. Maybe, instead of spending that kind of money, our city administrator and City Council should schedule three to five days of labor a year to (1) pull and remove the 4-foot weeds in five plant beds; (2) plant sustainable natural grasses and flowers; (3) and enact some semblance of a maintenance

plan. Arden Hills and Shoreview could provide some good pointers.

We have a wonderful city and we, as residents who live here, care about it. Our city administrator and City Council should make an effort to show that they also care.

Gene Hoff Vadnais Heights

relationships with other legislators and is ready to continue the work when the next session begins.

I trust that Brion will continue to serve our Senate District well. I encourage people to vote for Brion Curran in the general election on or before Nov. 5. Go to the Secretary of State website to find everything you need to know about voting. www.sos. state.mn.us

Cost comparison

Dr.”K”, it’s “Old Whitie” again.

The $3.6 million in energy cost savings over the 40 years from the solar-paneled roof (if the panels last that long) caught my eye. I’m going to go out on a limb, but I’m pretty sure that if the position of White Bear Lake Area Schools Superintendent were eliminated, the savings over the same period would be substantially higher.

Gregg “Whitie” Johnson White Bear Lake

PAID LETTER

Impressed by candidate

The Minnesota primary on Aug. 13 confirmed for me that Brion Curran was the right choice for the Senate District 36B endorsement. Now, she is the right choice for the general election on Nov. 5. Life can get busy, so I will choose to vote early to re-elect my 36B state representative, Brion Curran.

I have known Brion Curran since they were first running in 2022. I was impressed then by their commitment to public safety, disabilities services, water quality and mental health services. At the Legislature, Brion has followed through by turning these concerns into legislative action. Brion has quickly learned how the Legislature works, has built

PAID LETTER

Dianne Sandberg White Bear Lake

100% clean energy by 2040

The DFL Trifecta Team (Gov. Walz and the Minnesota Legislature) has been able in the present legislative biennium to pass a bill mandating carbon-free electricity (clean energy) by 2040. While nuclear and hydroelectric generation are given lip service, the emphasis lies with solar and wind energy sourcing. And the focus is merely on usage within the boundaries of the state.

Which prompts the question: is clean energy really clean if we expand the parameters of the discussion?

First, there is the question of the cleanliness of the mining required to obtain the raw materials for the “clean energy” sources. To date, this is all done with fossil-fuel-powered machinery. And at least some of the mining processes are not at all environmentally friendly. And there is additional mining for ore and materials to expand the electrical grid to handle the additional load. More dirty business, just to get “clean” energy.

Second, international shipping is dependent upon fossil fuel. And ores and refined materials can be shipped multiple times. Is this carbon footprint

added to the final product?

Third, much of the ore is processed in China, whose energy is not the cleanest. They’re expanding their use of coal in generating power. So our clean energy products have coal dust on their hands?

Beyond these considerations are the geopolitical ramifications of our energy sourcing being dependent upon multilateral accord. With tensions still on the rise internationally, might our dream of the lion lying down with the lamb be a bit premature, perhaps even naive? Stretched-out supply lines create an unnecessary vulnerability.

And it does strike me as also naive to be placing all our energy eggs in one basket. My own solar output one February amounted to less than $2. Extrapolated statewide, there is no battery power on earth that can compensate.

The DFL Trifecta Team and its card-carrying members might wish to explain why we as citizens should all be herded out onto a weak branch while Mother Nature, rogue states and radical ideologues are all carrying well-oiled saws.

CLARIFICATION

In the article, “Bar owners, workers speak out against proposed liquor ordinance” in last week’s edition, Mayor Dan Louismet’s quote should have stated, “When we started these original conversations, my thought then, as it is today is …”

White Bear Lake Area Church Directory

Sunday Worship Service at 10:00am Charleston Event Center 4525 White Bear Pkwy WBL, MN 55110 faithtwincities.com

James Nash White Bear Lake

COPS&COURTS

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

• A rented storage unit in the 3200 block of Highway 61 was reported broken into Aug. 4 and several items stolen.

• A restaurant in the 1100 block of County Road E reported two patrons dining and dashing without paying Aug. 4.

• A Somerset Wis. woman on Aug. 4 in the 3200 block of Highway 61 reported being contacted by her estranged husband, 44, against whom she has a protection order.

• A Vadnais Heights man, 42, was arrested Aug. 5 in the 1400 block of County Road E, after he fraudulently purchased a motorcycle.

• A Perham man, 27, was cited Aug. 5 in the 3500 block of Vadnais Center Drive, after he drove into a light pole, damaged it and drove away. He was later located and identified.

A resident cleaning her home in the 4200 block of Elizabeth Lane on Aug. 6 discovered some ammunition and turned it over to Ramsey County Sheriff's Office deputies.

• The manager of the Subway restaurant in the 1600 block of County Road E reported a burglary overnight Aug. 6-7, after arriving at work in the morning and finding the store had been broken into.

• A resident in the 3900 block of Elmwood Street on Aug. 7 reported being scammed out of thousands of dollars by someone he met on a dating app.

• A Blaine man, 36, was arrested on an outstanding warrant at 2:02 a.m. Aug. 7 in the 3200 block of Highway 61.

• A resident in the 4300 block of Buckingham Court on at 2:14 a.m. Aug. 7 reported that two people contacted him on the Telegram app claiming to be from the U. S.

Army and demanding $1,000 in Apple gift cards. The complainant complied and sent the money.

• Medics were summoned Aug. 7, after a resident in the 3200 block of Meadow Brook Court confronted his neighbor about his leafblowing and got into a dust-up. As a result, the complainant got debris in his eye.

• A Maple Grove man on Aug. 8 reported his work truck broken into while it was parked in the 1100 block of County Road E, and construction equipment and tools were stolen.

• An Illinois woman, 56, was cited for theft at 8:48 p.m. Aug. 8, after she ordered food from a hotel restaurant to be delivered to her room in the 1100 block of County Road E. When room service arrived, she quickly opened the door, grabbed the food and slammed the door shut without paying.

• A resident in the 900 block of Heritage Court W. on Aug. 9 reported fraudulent activity on her bank account.

White Bear Township

• A resident in the 1200 block of Bridle Path Court on Aug. 4 reported that someone he met online threatened to release naked images of him if he did not pay a certain amount of money.

• A resident in the 1700 block of County Road H2 on Aug. 5 reported being swindled out of more than $1,000 by someone claiming to be a representative of U. S. Bank.

• A neighbor dispute in the 1200 block of Otter Ridge Road over loud music and boundaries was reported Aug.7.

• A Chevy Avalanche parked in the 5200 block of Otter Lake Road was reported broken into Aug. 8, and an $8,000 purse, $500 in cosmetics and $10 in cash stolen.

• A male and female were each mailed citations Aug. 9, after they were seen shoplifting several items from Cub Foods and leaving the scene.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office report Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi and Willernie:

Dellwood

• A Minnesota motorist was cited for speeding 44 mph in a 35 mph zone at 9:58 p.m. Aug. 9 on Dellwood Road, after northbound deputies clocked his vehicle on radar at 42 mph. The amount on the speeding ticket increased when the motorist increased his speed as soon as deputies activated their flashing lights. Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies’ onboard printer wasn’t working, so the citation had to be mailed. The driver also received a written warning for no working license plate lights. Deputies computer was working, however, because when the motorist told them he was not familiar with the area and never drives on Dellwood Road, a quick computer check revealed this motorist was cited for speeding on this same stretch of road on June 1.

Grant

A motorist reported road rage Aug. 5 when a green Jeep Gladiator passed him at more than 90 mph on Manning Avenue and Dellwood Road and immediately brake checked him.

• A resident in the 6000 block of Jasmine Avenue N. on Aug. 5 reported receiving a phone call stating he had won a car. Deputies advised the man the whole thing sounded like a scam and not to give money or information. Meanwhile, a resident in the 10000 block of Lansing Avenue on Aug. 6 reported a scammer having access to her Amazon account information, from which the scammer ordered items using her credit card.

Mahtomedi

• A suspicious vehicle reported in the middle of the road on Ash Street at 1:58 a.m. Aug. 4 with its lights on and engine being revved, did indeed turn out to be a suspicious vehicle, after deputies spoke with the distraught driver. The suspicious male said he

knew the occupants of the house, and the residents said there had been previous stalking behavior from the male.

A solicitor roaming the neighborhood in the 8000 block of Kimbro Lane Aug. 7 was reported for refusing to leave the property when asked.

• Two co-workers were reported Aug. 4 in the 1000 block of Wildwood Road for taking their workplace dispute home.

• A male was arrested for DWI at 9:09 p.m. Aug. 5 on Mahtomedi Avenue, following a complaint of a driver slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle and blocking the garage door to the apartment complex.

• A suspicious vehicle that followed the complainant home at 2:12 a.m. Aug. 7 in the 1000 block of Hillswick Place turned out to be a local newspaper delivery service.

• A suspicious boat reported on Wildwood Beach Road Aug. 7 turned out to have been stolen out of Ramsey County. The owner was notified to come retrieve his boat.

• Juveniles were reported Aug. 8 for continuously ding-dong-ditching a Pineview Court home. The juveniles were still on scene and identified. Due to the ongoing issue, their parents were notified. However, multiple phone calls to one of the parents went unanswered, and a visit to the home was unsuccessful.

• License plates were reported stolen Aug. 9 from the 1000 block of Wildwood Road.

• A verbal domestic reported at 11:44 p.m. Aug. 9 on Wildwood Road turned out to be loud children in the apartment building having a birthday party.

Willernie

• A 2014 Chevrolet truck was reported stolen Aug. 4 from a Warner Avenue address.

• Deputies cited a motorist for driving after cancellation Aug. 7 on Stillwater Road and Forest Avenue.

• Juveniles playing ding-dong-ditch on Kindross Road were reported at 10:04 p.m. Aug. 7.

Alexandra House addresses ‘critical miss’ with pet-friendly rooms

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Press Publications shared survivor Candice Amundson’s story about domestic violence a couple of years ago

(See “Domestic Violence Awareness Month: First step is talking about it,” Oct. 12, 2022.), but there is one story that has yet to be told — the story of an English bulldog named Linus. “We always talk about the humans and the people, but we never really think about the animals,” Amundson said.

Amundson adopted Linus in 2016 as a puppy at the time her son was around 3 1/2 years old. “He did everything with us. We took him everywhere,” she recalled.

Amundson wasn’t the only one who spent eight years of her life living in constant fear. The incident that ended it all was when her then-partner not only tried to strangle her, but also their child.

“(Linus) was there with us when it happened and didn’t stand by my side and protect me; he ran away and he was hiding under a table,” Amundson recalled. Linus, who had experienced abuse himself before, was afraid. After that incident, if there was ever a loud noise, Linus would run and hide in the bathroom or under a table.

“I saw firsthand how domestic violence can affect an animal,” she said. “Being in an environment where it’s unknown and people are yelling or people are hurting people, it’s really scary for them.”

Amundson never sought shelter because she didn’t want to leave Linus behind.

“I believe that if we would have left and left the dog behind, something could have happened to him,” she said.

One day, Amundson went to Alexandra House’s campus in Blaine and had a vision of making the shelter pet-friendly. She did some research and stumbled across the Greater Good Charities on RedRover. She took a six-hour course on how to make the domestic violence shelter pet-friendly and then pitched the idea to Alexandra House.

Tina Bronson, director of mission advancement at Alexandra House, said it has long been a dream of the organization to do something like that, but it has been difficult to secure the necessary funding.

“We have been talking about this for years. We were trying to do a capital campaign to do this back in 2017 when we lost our United Way funding,” she recalled. Ultimately, Alexandra House will need approximately $15 million to renovate and expand its

CONTRIBUTED

Blaine campus to create a shelter with individual residential units.

Alexandra House continues to look for funding and grant options, but it has successfully secured nearly $100,000 and will break ground on Linus’ Pet Haven on Sept. 9.

Linus’ Pet Haven will be a fullservice pet refuge that can house six

pets (cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, etc.) while the family seeks housing for themselves or other temporary care for pets. In partnership with the Animal Humane Society, Linus’ Pet Haven will provide co-sheltering, routine veterinary care, enrichment areas for families and pets to interact, and outdoor runs for exercise and relief. Alexandra House is seeking additional rescue and low-cost veterinary partners to support the initiative.

Bronson says Alexandra House typically gets about three to five requests each month from survivors who are looking to leave their abusers but have a pet they would like to bring with them. “We have had to tell them that we are not set up for that … and we never hear from them again, and that is devastating,” she said.

Linus’ Pet Haven will be the first of its kind in the Twin Cities. There are many options when it comes to housing pets, but most of those require people to be separated from their pets. “We know that having animals with us is healing and therapeutic … they can heal better together than alone,” Bronson explained.

Linus’ Pet Shelter is anticipated to open in January 2025. For information, visit alexandrahouse.org.

Candice Amundson’s dog Linus in the inspiration behind Alexandra House’s new project, Linus’ Pet Haven.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

NORTH SUBURBAN NEIGHBORS CLUB COOKIES AND CONVERSATION

When: 10-11:55 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12

Where: Shoreview Community Center Fireside Lounge, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Non-profit friendship group for older women in the suburbs invites prospective members to learn about activities. Contact: 612-616-6142 or 651-500-7793 (text only)

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTER’S MEEITNG: “LOCAL NEWS AND IT’S IMPACT ON DEMOCRACY”

When: 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12

Where: Maplewood Library Community Room, 3025 Southlawn Dr.

Details: Presentation on a study done in Washington state about the impact of community newspapers and community engagement in elections, and the consequences for democracy. Contact: lwv-wbla.org

23RD ANNUAL BEAR WATER RUN

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14

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/bearwater-run

BALD EAGLE LAKE ART CRAWL

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14

Where: Locations around Bald Eagle Lake Details: Visit with a variety of artists, crafters, and musicians around the lake. Free. Contact: belartcrawl.com

RURAL SCHOOL REUNION

When: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14

Where: Hay Lake School Museum, 14020 195th St. N., Marine on St. Croix

Details: Reunion for anyone who attended a one or two-room school in Washington County. Participants will share stories, memorieds and photos. Cake and lemonade served. Contact: susan.stepka@wchsmn.org

TRIAD ANNUAL SENIOR PICNIC

When: 11:30 a.m.-1p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14

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

Details: Free picnic lunch and short program on senior safety. Meet city officials, law enforcement and fire department staff. Contact: sharon6582@aol.com

A

NIGHT OF MAGIC

When: 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14

Where: Pedersen Pavilion, 5524 Upper 146th St., Hugo

Details: First fundraiser for the Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center. Ticket includes socialhour, entertainment by Karl AchillesMarvels of Magic, dinner, wine and beer, and raffle. Contact: hopkinsschoolhouse.org

FROM BARRY: THE PERFECT POP SONGS OF BARRY GIBB AND THE BEE GEES

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.

Details: Mick Sterling presents the early work of the Gibb brothers in a tribute concert. Ticket information online.

Local establishments host Oktoberfestthemed celebrations

Oktoberfest is back at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter for two weekends – Sept. 13-15 and Sept. 20-22. Gates are open from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays for guests 21+; and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays for all ages.

Guests will have a choice of beers imported from Munich, Germany, along with a variety of traditional German food items. Live music is also on tap Friday and Saturday evenings, while Sundays are geared to family-friendly activities and entertainment.

Gasthaus is located at 8390 Lofton Ave., Stillwater. For more information about Oktoberfest and other upcoming events, go to gasthausbavarianhunter. com.

Big Wood Brewery is hosting Oktimberfest 2024 the last weekend of September. The 3-day event includes German-style craft brews, live beer hall music, and food. Festivities will take place from noon to 11:55 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29. Multiple ticket options are availble; a commemorative stein is also available for purchase. Ticket information can be found at bigwoodbrewery.com.

Big Wood Brewery is located at 3429 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights.

Amy Johnson

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

AUTUMN ARTS FESTIVAL

When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14

Where: Casey Lake Park, 2101 17th Ave. E., North St. Paul

Details: Artisan vendors, food trucks, bounce house, live entertainment, community craft project. Contact: 651-775-2495 or northstpaul. org

MOVIE IN THE PARK

When: Dusk, Sept. 14

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

Details: Bring a lawn chair or banket and bug spray and watch a free family-friendly movie outdoors. “Migration” shows on Sept. 14. See weather updates on facebook.

Contact: facebook.com/ WhiteBearTownshipMNOfficialSite

ONE LAST TRI

When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 15

Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave.

Details: Four race options include shortened swim, longer bike through horse country, and run along the lake. Barbecue follows race. Ages 10+. Details and registration information online.

Contact: mmraces.com/one-last-tri

MINNESOTA CELEBRATES FLICKA

When: 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16

Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 4th St. N., Stillwater

Details: Opera superstar Frederica von Stade (Flicka) ad pianist Donna Stoering, perform a concert to benefit Valley Outreach, followed by a Q&A session. Tickets online. Contact: https://secure.qgiv.com/ for/2fvsfc/

MATA ORTIZ POTTERY SALE

When: Sept. 18-21

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts,

Details: Shop hundreds of one of a kind pieces of pottery from Mata Ortiz, Mexico. Get first dibs at presale event Sept. 17, tickets required. Contact: whitebeararts.org

BALD EAGLE YACHT CLUB

QUASQUICENTENNIAL

When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18

Where: St. Croix Boar and Packet, 525 S. Main St., Stillwater

Details: Celebrate 125 years of the Bald Eagle Yacht Club community with live music by Vinnie Franco, hors d’ouvres, dessert, and cash bar. Contact: beycmn.org

REDEEMER PRIME TIME

When: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19

Where: Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3770 Bellaire Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Presentation by Tetiana Babych, a greaduate of Century College’s prosthetics program. Sign up by Sept. 15. Contact: 651-429-5411

Upcoming Games

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

After 25 years of ownership, Eric and Kelly Hendrickson have handed over the Liquor Barrel to new owners. The new faces of the Mahtomedi

New owners, but Liquor Barrel stays in the ‘family’

business, however, are familiar ones. Matt Gamnis, Shelby Berres, Shane Kurpis and KaLynn Kurpis are long-term employees

MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL NOTES

• Property owners who put up a plastic greenhouse or canvas shed in the residential district prior to 2008 will be “grandfathered in,” after council (by a vote of 4-1 with Schlegel opposed) approved an ordinance amendment, Section 11.01, Subd. 9.6: Accessory Buildings, to allow these structures only in rural residential or agricultural zoning districts. Earlier this year, law enforcement conducted a sweep of illegal structures around town and sent violation letters to 13 property owners with plastic or canvas accessory structures. Some of these property owners appeared before council to request a zoning change to allow them in the rural residential zones. The new ordinance amendment now allows structures of up to 250 square feet in the permitted zones.

• After a Pine Springs resident appeared before council at the July 16 meeting to inquire about improving Lincolntown Road south of Long Lake Road (Oakdale Drive), council directed city staff to investigate other roadways in that area that may be in need of repair. Those roadways include 60th Street from Echo Lake Avenue to Lincolntown Avenue and Long Lake Road from Lincolntown Avenue to the dead end. The city’s engineering firm, WSB, will prepare a feasibility report at a cost of approximately $18,000 to study possible road improvements in that southeast corner of the city. “I’ve heard so many complaints about the road behind the ball fields,” Schneeweis said.

• It cannot have escaped anyone’s notice that infrastructure improvements have been going on all summer long throughout the city. In his roadwork report, City Engineer John Sachi updated council on how things are going. Work on the 2024 Street and Utility Project is virtually done, and was expected to be completed by the end of August. The water tower by the football fields is virtually complete, and sanitary sewer work by the Dairy Queen will begin in October. On the other hand, work on CSAH 12 is not going smoothly due to cost overruns he said were caused by design, constructability and rain issues. The road will not be open for two-way traffic before

who purchased Liquor Barrel from the Hendrickson’s on Sept. 1. Gamnis has worked at Liquor Barrel for 18 years; his mom and stepdad, KaLynn and Shane Kurpis, have been with the business for 30 years. Berres has been involved for about 16 years. Matt’s brother and KaLynn’s son, Brandon Gamnis, also works at the store. A third brother/son, Alex Kurpis, plans to be involved part-time.

Berres, who along with Gamnis graduated from White Bear Lake High School in 2008 and lives in the community, said customers won’t see any changes to the family-run, locallyowned business. “We considered it a family (business) before, because we considered Eric our ‘work dad,’” she said. “Our customers can expect the same great service. They are

school, and that is going to get ugly, he said. The recommended route to school will be to take Lake Elmo Avenue (County Road 17) from Highway 36.

• Meanwhile, the city is paying and paying for the work done, after approving pay voucher No. 1 to OMG Midwest Inc. in the amount of $54,825.16 for the 2024 Street and Utility Project. The work has been certified to date through July 11 with a 5% retainage applied. The city also approved pay voucher No. 2 to North Dale Construction Company Inc. in the amount of $225,883.83 for the Warner Avenue Safe Routes to School Project. This amount reflects work certified through Aug. 5 with a 5% retainage applied. Other construction bills paid were pay voucher No. 2 to OMG Midwest Inc. in the amount of $629,257.25 for the 2024 Street and Utility Project; No. 4 and final to Miller Excavating Inc. in the amount of $3,657.45 for Juniper Street Reconstruction; No. 2 to BRZ Coatings in the amount of $464,060 for Water Tower No. 1 Rehabilitation; and Change Order No. 1 to BRZ Coatings Inc. in the amount of $16,000 for Water Tower No. 1 Rehabilitation. This change order adds $16,000 to the contract for re-sandblasting the piping and valves in the valve pit adjacent to the water tower, as well as the delay of time to complete the work. The additional sandblasting was required because the valve vault piping was not sufficiently drained of water at the time of the original sandblasting and the outer surface of the piping was unacceptable for the application of paint.

• Council approved a new liquor license for Matthew Gamnis, new owner of the Liquor Barrel at 3124 Century Avenue N. Currently, the establishment holds a $200 off-sale intoxicating liquor license.

• Council awarded work on the Wildwood Park Shoreline Restoration Project to Davey Resource Group in the amount of $42,520. Recently, the Washington Conservation District approached the city to gauge interest in a shoreline restoration project in Wildwood Park, along the shore of Lost Lake. The city received a grant that covers 75% of the construction costs of that project, or $33,000. The city will cover the

always number one.”

The new and previous owners had been discussing the transition as Eric Hendrickson contemplated retirement. He plans to stick around as a mentor and will continue to be involved in the community.

Customers and community members can stop by to congratulate the Hendrickson’s and visit with the new owners at an in-store retirement party and wine tasting from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. Liquor Barrel is located at 3124 Century Ave. N., Mahtomedi. For more information, call 651-770-0692 or go to mahtomediliquorbarrel. com.

Amy Johnson

remainder of the costs, or 25%. The amount has been budgeted in the 2024 Parks Capital Improvement Plan Fund. As part of the grant agreement, the city agreed to a specific maintenance plan, which will be performed by city staff. Work is expected to start in the second week of September and be finished in three weeks.

• Further restoration of the city continues, after council awarded work for the Mahtomedi Beach Parking Lot and Trail Rehabilitation to Bituminous Roadways Inc. in the amount of $43,570. The parking lot and trail at the beach have been in dire need of replacement and considered a safety hazard for beachgoers. The city budgeted $70,000 in the 2024 parks capital improvement fund to replace the dock, parking lot and trail. The city has already fixed the dock at a cost of $24,845, leaving an additional $45,155 to spend. City staff said that by awarding the contract to low bidder, Bituminous Roadways, the city would stay within budget.

• Residences with the SMART Irrigation Controller system won’t be the houses you see with their irrigation systems spraying forth while it is raining. Not only will smart homeowners conserve water, the city has approved a rebate program for those who install one. Schlegel said that the web-based system tracks weather in the area and won’t irrigate if it has just rained. The city approved an enhanced program to help conserve water by issuing a $250 rebate to homeowners who install it. This irrigation system can result in up to a 30% reduction in water consumption. In the approved 2024 budget, $5,000 has been budgeted for the implementation of a rebate program.

• Residents at 317 Wedgewood Drive received an extended variance approval until June 21, 2025 to construct an addition to the principal structure on their property. Council approved the original variances on June 21, 2022. Mahtomedi’s zoning code provides that if no building permit has been issued or substantial work performed on a project within one year of variance approval, that variance becomes null and void, unless the city grants an extension.

The owners received an extension in 2023 and now have their second extension of that variance.

• Deer are back in the news, after the city of Birchwood Village asked whether Mahtomedi would be interested in supporting that city’s fall deer bow hunt. Mayor Richard Brainerd noted that deer are chewing up everything all night and all day and getting hit by cars. The city has participated with Birchwood in the past, and the majority of council members said they would support the Birchwood bow hunt to cull the deer herd. “And rabbits too,” Council Member Jeff Charlesworth added.

• The moratorium on cannabis sales is set to expire at the end of the year, and cities are now preparing their model ordinances, said City Attorney Bridget Nason. She sent council members a memo guiding them in thinking about shaping the city’s upcoming cannabis ordinance.

• The city’s longtime fire chief, Scott Fischer, is set to retire on Sept. 20, and the city now faces the challenge of replacing him. To that end, council unanimously approved a job description and position profile drawn up by David Drown Associates, which will conduct the candidate search.

• In its monthly report, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies noted the high number of incidents of people pulling on car doors and advised all vehicle owners to lock their vehicles. Another recent concern has been the large number of motorists driving the wrong way in the CSAH 12 construction zone near the Holiday station on East Avenue and the fire station on Hallam Avenue.

• Council passed a resolution accepting a gift from the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation in the amount of $3,006 for a memorial bench to honor late City Council Member Steve Wolgamot.

• Finance Director Scott Schaefer presented city employee Amy LaBelle with the five-year service award.

Loretta Harding

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Shane and KaLynn Kurpis are 30-year employees of Liquor Barrel who purchased the business Sept. 1. KaLynn is a 1989 graduate of White Bear Lake High School.

Matt Gamnis and Shelby Berres, with their children (from left) Jameson, Liam, Evelyn and Brielle, live in White Bear Lake.

VOTING: Students involve others through volunteer work

“Through that, I’ve learned a lot of things about women’s rights and voting rights issues. I saw this as a way to get involved.”

The students said they would try to engage fellow students in their schools. “A lot of it will be me and Ella talking to others who can vote and giving them reasons why they should,” said Lorinser. “We’re also going to have a table at lunchtime where they can find out how to register to vote. We’re also considering giving presentations in our government class to explain why voting is generally important. The youth vote is often one of the least represented on Election Day.”

Sams said that she and Davis would take a similar approach.

“In school, Matthew and I plan on putting together some slideshows on the importance of voting,” said Sams. “We’re also going to be setting up a booth at lunch. The primary focus will be to get as many students registered to vote as possible. Normally, it’s a quick process. We’ll keep that booth there for a few lunch periods and see how many we can get signed up.”

Sams also said she will try to be involved with league events

outside of school. “I will be volunteering with the league’s regular programs in the coming weeks,” said Sams. “That includes hosting forums, going to their booths and meetings, and becoming more active group members.”

Florence Lorinser Mahtomedi student volunteer

According to Board Member Patricia Schlagel, there will be other opportunities for the students to engage with others outside of school. “We will have some further outreach events and community organizations where we will be there with a table and give out information leading up to the election,” Schlaegel said. She also noted that the league is engaging with the White Bear Lake Rotary Club to expand its outreach efforts toward different businesses.

The league will host an upcoming event centered on the importance of newspapers to democracy during election season. Entitled “The Decline of Local News and Its Impact on Democracy,” it will be held at Maplewood Library at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12.

Braver Angels of Minnesota will present another event in partnership with the league called “Ballots and Beliefs: A Cross-Ideological Discussion on Absentee and Mail Voting,” which will focus on the benefits and challenges of absentee voting and mailed ballots. The event will be hosted by the Twin Cities East Metro Alliance and take place at Jerry’s Foods in Woodbury at 7 p.m. Sept. 23. To register for these events, visit the league website at www. lwv-wbla.org and the Braver Angels of Minnesota website at mn.braverangels.org.

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, please contact him at 651-4071229 or email at whitebearnews@ presspubs.com.

The Real Dogs of White Bear Lake

BY RICKA MCNAUGHTON SPECIAL TO THE PRESS

They can be wickedly colorful characters. They tend to stick their noses anywhere they like, hang the consequences. Some of them will do anything for attention. You can get addicted to watching them just do what they do. They’re the Real Dogs of White Bear Lake and I’ll be bringing you some quick takes on their everyday stories of love, loss, conniving, redemption and aspiration, one “tail” at a time. There are no unimportant dog stories – or dogs.

Meet Echo and Athena

Meet Echo and Athena, a pair of Pomskies. What are Pomskies? Imagine that you accidentally shrunk two of your best, furriest sled dogs in the dryer, and then made the best of your ruined chances for winning the Iditarod by declaring them a new designer dog breed. In reality, Echo and Athena are a union of Husky and Pomeranian genes. The term Pomsky does have an apt, diminutive ring to it. And, it’s more appealing than, say, Huskeranian, which sounds like a foreign language that only a few remaining populations in remote Huskerania still speak, so they can privately make fun of tourists who come halfway around the globe to experience their ancient culture and then spend all their time taking selfies

and falling off cliffs.

Now a year-and-a-half old, the pups’ social inclinations differ somewhat. Echo is biased toward other dogs for play time, while Athena is the people pup. She’ll love you up all day long, or any amount of time you so choose. The dogs can’t believe the term spoiled could ever have a negative connotation, as they understand it to accurately describe the adoration and perks they receive from their humans Ariana Mannie and Chris Patrin.

Not too long ago, at a downtown Thursday Night Marketfest, all four were representing Arianna and Chris’ auto glass business located in White Bear Lake. At their booth, the dogs skillfully participated as marketing assistants by not doing much of anything. The pups’ superb floofiness and arresting blue eyes served to draw in passers-by to hear about their mobile, locally-owned, affordable auto glass repair and replacement. I can’t say the company name here because, you know. Free advertising. But oh look – they have on company shirts and hats in the photo.

Perhaps one day the pups could advance to mobile customer care specialists. When’s the last time you got a complimentary nose-boop from someone who came to fix your windshield?

Meet Archie

Meet Archie - a very Great Dane indeed. Often seen taking in the shore breezes with his human Christopher Hughes along Lake Avenue, Archie is an elder statesman known to many for his extremely gentle but dignified bearing. He accepts the curiosity, pats and strokes of friends and strangers with patient aplomb, as though to rebuff them would be a failure of station and good character. That he

enjoys the attention does not mean he intends to grovel for it by pawing at you or leaning his massive self into your side for hugs and caresses. He feels this is best for all concerned.     Christopher and spouse Loire acquired Archie, now eight-years-old, from a rescue organization six years ago. Apart from his strolls, there’s something else this giant pupper simply lives for. It’s his one-potatochip-a-day allowance. He knows this quantity is non-negotiable. It’s a fact that raises the deliciousness factor of the chip to sublime heights – a kind of mindful approach to treats we might all take a cue from.

Some have supposed Archie could be elected to public office on the basis of popularity polls alone, should any be conducted. Let’s examine his other electability factors: Research says that in the case of male candidates, tallness favors their

selection as leaders. Check that box for Archie. Also, he has the word “Great” in his breed name. His campaign runners could make much of that. And he wouldn’t be the first to break the canine glass ceiling in Minnesota.  A Great Pyrenees once served with distinction as the mayor of the town of Cormorant.  Which only goes to show: To whom “Great-ness” is given, much greatness is expected in return. But a spirit of community service can come down to very small, everyday acts, as in Archie’s case: Be kind to all you meet in passing. Be great by being who you were born to be. Does your dog have a story to tell? Or just want to say, “Hey, look at me!” for no particular reason? You can get in touch through this paper at news@ presspubs.com. Please put Real Dogs in the subject line and provide a few key details and your contact info.

$35 (tax

RICKA MCNAUGHTON PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED Echo and Athena at their Marketfest booth, with owners Ariana and Chris Mannie.

Archie, with Christopher Hughes.

National champ relishes throwing the

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

During the Covid shutdown year of 2020, Angela Vick had a revelation: this would be a good time to return to her favorite sport after nearly 30 years.

While fishing and golf zoomed in popularity that summer as rare safe havens for people wanting to get active, Vick ventured over to the track-andfield facility at the White Bear Lake High School stadium. She had just turned 50.

“I decided to go back to throwing,” said Vick, who starred in discus and shot put in high school and college. “It was something I could do by myself, at a time when we were not allowed to be with others.”

Vick has kept at it for four years now —  and captured gold medals in discus at two national seniors meets this year along with fourth-places in shot put. She has competed around the country several times a year since 2021. Her most recent meet was the Minnesota Senior Games in St. Cloud where she won both shot put and discus and earned a trip to 2025 nationals.

The educator, now 54, had kept her equipment all these years, and it was easy enough to find a place to throw. “I was able to practice at the south campus,” she said. “White Bear Lake is good about letting people use the facilities.”

In July, Vick won discus at the Masters Pan Am

Games in Cleveland with a throw of 27.38 meters (8910 in feet and inches) and again at Masters Nationals in Sacramento, a USA Track and Field event, with a throw of 30.13 meters (95-10), competing in the age 50-54 increment with fields of 16 throwers. She placed fourth in shot put at both, with throws of about 8.5 meters (27-10).

“Those were my biggest meets — the first time I could say I was national champion,” Vick said. “Even in college, there was always someone ahead of me.”

Her first meet was the National Senior Games in May 2021 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she competed only in discus and placed second.

She was Angela White when she threw for Irondale High School and Gustavus Adolphus.

She placed third in the state high school meet in discus as a senior (held at White Bear Lake that year, 1988) and sixth as a junior. Her personal best as a Knight was 136-9.

Her college career was exceptional as she placed third in Division III nationals as freshman and again as a senior and was eventually named to the Gusties Hall of Fame. Her college PR was 152-2. She also threw shot put, with more moderate success.

As a senior thrower, Vick is pinching herself sometimes to be competing with former Division I athletes who’ve been to the Olympics trials. “For me, from little Gustavus Adolphus, to go against Texas A&M and Michigan and Ohio State, and do well, it blows my mind.”

Some of the meets have a weights pentathlon with discus, shot put, hammer throw, weight throw and javelin. Vick is game for that, too. She already had her shot and disc in storage, so she just had to buy a hammer throw and a practice turbo javelin. “I use the house javelins at meets,” she said. Last year, Vick placed second in a national throwers meet in Chicago. This year’s meet will be held in September “so I can’t make it because of school.”

Vick works at Magnuson Christian School. She taught first grade for several years but took a new position, Student Support, this year. Her husband, Darrin, is Senior Pastor at Community of Grace Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake. Their three grown children went to high school in Iowa when Darrin was called to a congregation there. There are always risks, of course, in sports, especially for the middle-aged. In 2021, she suffered a detached meniscus, resulting in surgery, two months off her feet, and a knee brace she still wears. She’s not even sure how it happened, but the mishap taught her this: “You have to be cognizant

of injury management. Get it out of your head the notion that you can still do what you used to be able to.”

That setback didn’t stop her. She greatly appreciates the opportunities these senior events give to people her age. “The real purpose, they say, is to help seniors stay active and stay healthy,” Vick said. “What I say to people is, find what you love and just be consistent with it. For me, throwing things is what I love.”

Foreclosures, Certificates of Assumed Name, Liens, Probates and all other

BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTED

Angela Vick practiced recently at the Bears’ south campus track-and-field facility, her home base since 2020.

Angela Vick

Riverway educator pens guide to St. Croix Valley

Residents and visitors alike know that the St. Croix Valley is chock-full of natural wonders and hidden gems. Readers will now get a closer look at the many highlights of the riverway with the publication of “Exploring the St. Croix Valley,” a comprehensive guidebook to the scenic St. Croix Riverway and its nearly 8,000-squaremile watershed.

Author Angie Hong is a Stillwater resident who has spent years doing just what her book title describes. Since 2006, she has worked as an education specialist for the Washington Conservation District and coordinator for the East Metro Water Resource Education Program.

Hong is also a frequent contributor of guest columns that have been published in the Press newspapers. The Press recently spoke with her about her new book.

Q: How long have you lived and worked in the St. Croix Valley?

A: I started my current job in 2006, fell in love with the area, and moved to Stillwater in 2011. A lot of people assume I’m a lifelong Minnesotan, but I actually lived in North Dakota, Minnesota, California and Wisconsin as a child.

Q: What was the research and writing process like?

A: I’ve been writing a weekly column about water and conservation issues since 2006, so I’ve collected a

lot a stories over the years. Once I had a rough outline for the book, I cherry-picked content from some of my favorite pieces and then continued building out from there. I also thought it was important to include other people’s stories and perspectives in the book, so I interviewed numerous people who live and work in the St. Croix Valley.

Q: What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what was the most fun?

A: The best part about writing the book was exploring “new to me” destinations. I had a running list of places I wanted to visit and, for the most part, I just hoped that a story would somehow unfold once I got there. Usually, it did! For example, one Saturday, my son and I drove over to the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Preserve in East Bethel in the hopes of seeing bison. We didn’t, but instead stumbled upon a northern prairie skink in the outhouse, which was equally exciting. A few weeks later, I told my husband I wasn’t sure when I’d be able to get up to Balsam Lake. He looked at his phone and said, “Well, it’s Friday night and it looks like there are a couple of supper clubs there, why don’t we drive there for dinner?” We ended up having the best night — sunset, deer, cheese curds, lake view — the whole package.

The hard part was stitching everything together so that the book is functional but also tells a story. I want people to be able to pick it up as a reference when they’re looking for a new place to hike or kayak, but the book also has a strong underlying theme of change and transition. The St. Croix watershed is a beautiful place, full of natural wonders, but is also very different than it was 150 years ago. So, environmentally, there is a story of destruction and renewal that will hopefully continue into the future.

Q: What kinds of discoveries did you get to make along the way? Do you have a fun fact or two you can share?

A: You might be surprised to learn that there is an elk herd in

northern Wisconsin — I was! I also think people will be blown away when they canoe or kayak the Namekagon River for the first time. The water is crystal clear, and the whole river changes so much from one mile to the next.

Q: What might readers be surprised to learn from this book?

A: I think people might be surprised to learn how large the St. Croix watershed actually is. You think about the St. Croix Valley and popular river towns like Hudson and Stillwater, but the watershed actually extends north almost as far as Lake Superior and includes 8,000 square miles of forests, prairies, wetlands and lakes as well.

Q: What is your approach to connecting people with nature and with conservation?

A: I like to highlight conservation success stories, because there really are a lot of them! I also think people forget how super awesome and cool nature can be, even if you’re only exploring an hour away from home.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES •

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

Dated: February 1, 2024

Signed: Elaine Iola Villela

Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 4 and 11, 2024.

BROWN’S CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 6:00 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 2025 Budget and Levy. The District’s proposed total budget for 2025 is $2,088,911, including grants, fees and levy funding sources. The proposed tax levy is $228,889 for the General Fund and $978,642 for the Management Plan Project Fund for a total proposed levy of $1,207,531, which is 2.3% increase from 2024.

The public hearing will be held at Family Means, 1875 Northwestern Ave, Stillwater, Minnesota. Chuck LeRoux, Secretary, Browns Creek Watershed District

Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 4 and 11, 2024.

CITY OF PINE SPRINGS

ORDINANCE NO. 31

ORDINANCE TO ADMINISTER AND REGULATE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE AND REGULATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY PERMITS

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

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

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: ELAINE IOLA VILLELA

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

601 Carrol Avenue Lufkin TX [75904] USA

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

Elaine Iola Villela

601 Carrol Avenue Lufkin tx [75904] USA

Elaine- Iola :Villela

601 Carrol Avenue Lufkin tx [75904] USA

Elaine -Iola Villela: Beneficiary

On September 3, 2024, the City of Pine Springs adopted an ordinance for the purpose of more effectively manage the public rights-of-way. The intent of the Ordinance is to manage the public right-of-way pursuant to and in accordance with the authority given to it under state and federal statutory, administrative, and common law. The Ordinance provides the definition of certain words and incorporates definitions adopted by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in state rules. The principal City official responsible for the administration of the City right-of-way Ordinance is the City Commissioner of Streets and Public Works. The Ordinance requires those using and occupying the public rights-of-way to register with the City and provide basic essential information. It also defines some minimum reporting obligations for utilities planning to do work in the public rights-of-way. Requirements for obtaining a permit and paying appropriate permit fees before excavating or in any way obstructing the public rightsof- way are provided in addition to grounds for denial and installation. It also contains the requirements for restoring the public rights-of-way after excavation, and adopts the restoration standards contained in Minnesota Public Utilities Commission rules. The Ordinance provides for the grounds and procedures for revoking right-of-way permits. The City adopts rules of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission describing the mapping information that must be provided by those placing utility facilities in the public rights-of-way. The requirements regarding location

There are mushrooms that look like stars, underwater insects that turn into dragonflies, and colonies of bryozoans that look like giant boogers in the water. When people start tuning into the details around them, they usually get excited and want to learn more.

Q: What do you most hope people will take away from reading this guide to the St. Croix Valley?

A: First, I hope they’ll be inspired to get outside and start exploring new destinations in the St. Croix region. But also, I hope they’ll walk away feeling like they’ve built a connection with this place. Almost like, “Hey—I know the St. Croix Valley. That’s a friend of mine!”

Q: What projects are you most excited for in the St. Croix Valley’s future?

A: I’m very interested to know what will become of the Allen S. King plant in Oak Park Heights after it gets decommissioned in 2028. There are also dam removal projects happening on the Kinnickinnic River, Kettle River and other tributaries that are making it possible for sturgeon, freshwater mussels and other wildlife species to reestablish. Off the water, there is a lot of land protection and habitat restoration work happening — it’s really exciting. I see places that were cornfields 20 years ago, and now they’ve been reclaimed as prairies where you can hike or go bird-watching. And, with so many new multiuse trail systems, it’s also easier get around on bikes. Plus, I’m very inspired by how much positive change I’ve seen just in the short time I’ve been working here. We’ve delisted several lakes in Washington and Chisago counties in the past two years, and I see more and more people rewilding their yards. Yes, there are plenty of challenges, but mostly I feel excited to watch the restoration and renewal continue.

“Exploring the St. Croix Valley” is available through the University of Minnesota Press. Go to upress.umn. edu/book-division/books/exploringthe-st-croix-river-valley to learn more.

Compiled by Madeline Dolby

of utilities are included and further the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission rules are adopted regarding the circumstances when utilities can be forced to relocate their facilities. Pre-Excavation facilities location, damage to other facilities, and Right-of-Way vacation are regulated. The Ordinance specifies the circumstances in which those placing facilities in the public rights-of-way will be required to defend and indemnify the City for actions brought against the City. Abandoned and unusable facilities are addressed. The Ordinance also provides the process for challenging a City’s decision involving application of this Ordinance. The City reserves regulatory and police powers and provides for severability.

A printed copy of the Ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at the office of the City Administrator or by standard or electronic mail. Published one time in the White Bear Press on September 11, 2024 CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of White Bear Lake will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 4701 Highway 61 N. The purpose of the public hearing is to take public comment into consideration of proposed amendments to the City’s liquor ordinance. 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 September 11, 2024

VADNAIS LAKE AREA WATER MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION (VLAWMO) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES September 3, 2024

ENGINEERING SERVICES. The Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) seeks proposals from qualified engineering firms to provide professional engineering

scope of services listed here: stormwater management, feasibility studies, design assistance, technical assistance with grant applications, stormwater management review and comment of development applications, as requested. A full copy of the RFP is available on the VLAWMO website: www.vlawmo.org.

ANGIE HONG | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

“Exploring the St. Croix Valley,” from the University of Minnesota Press, will launch this July.

Educator and author Angie Hong at the St. Croix Boom Site.

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

CLERK’S CORNER – Greetings from the Township! A quick check of your calendar will indicate that, in addition to the shortening days, the cooling nights & the beginning stages of tree leaves changing color, fall is upon us! It seems that the summer has departed quite quickly, & your Township staff will be undergoing a variety of tasks to prepare for winter. You will also start to see some of our road projects wrapping up in the coming week. Be careful around the new White Bear Lake school as traffic patterns will be impacted, so allow for extra time the first couple of weeks. Lastly, don’t forget the annual Township Day Celebration coming up on Saturday, September 21, at Polar Lakes Park!

We encourage you to review the lake level by visiting the Minnesota Department of

Natural Resources website throughout the summer by typing the following into your internet browser: https://www.dnr.state. mn.us/waters/csg/site.html?id=82016700.

WATER EFFICIENCY

REBATE PROGRAM

UPDATE

– Since the Water Efficiency Rebate Program started in 2015, it has saved an estimated 5,921,200 gallons of water annually in the Township. Over that time, 989 toilets, clothes washers, dishwashers, & irrigation controllers have been replaced with water efficient devices. This rebate program serves to remind staff & residents that when small changes are made, great things can happen.

The Township will continue to be providing status reports of the rebate

program throughout the grant funding program, which we have been a recipient of funds for a fourth time. This is a great opportunity for residents to be able to make efficient upgrades to their homes. This round of water rebates has added on WaterSense showerheads to the list of products that qualify. Consider updating your showerheads to take advantage of this money-saving program. Be sure to check if your item qualifies before purchasing. For information regarding the Water Efficiency Rebate program, as well as a list of qualifying items please visit:  https:// www.whitebeartownship.org/165/WaterEfficiency-Rebate-Program.

OUTSIDE BURNING REGULATIONS

– Bonfire season is soon approaching! Small, recreational fires are allowed in the Township. The fire may not exceed two

feet in diameter or three feet in height. No yard waste (leaves, grass clippings), refuse, oil, rubber or similar smoke producing materials may be burned. If smoke becomes a nuisance to nearby properties, it must be extinguished immediately. Open fires for recreational purposes shall not occur between midnight & 6:00 a.m. FINAL MOVIES IN THE PARK! COME JOIN US FOR THE MOVIE “MIGRATION” – Bring your lawn chair or blanket & don’t forget bug spray for the last FREE, fun, & family-friendly movie night at Polar Lakes Park. Migration will be showing September 14. Thank you everyone who attended & helped make this another successful season.

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

ART CRAWL: First-time event to feature 53 artists from surrounding communities

state participant from River Falls, Wisconsin. Of these 53 artists, seven homes will be included in the crawl as host sites for those participating. “It’s going to be a nice little cluster,” noted Larsen.

Two featured artists will

be Susan and Wayne Parks from Buffalo, who have a unique creative approach: they build Adirondack chairs from vintage water skis. “We make our chairs primarily from White Bear Lake water skis,” said Wayne. “We like to think of White Bear and Bald

Eagle Lake as the water ski capitals of the world.”

According to Ogata, recruiting artists to sign up was one she deemed a broad, open approach. “Because this is the first time we’ve ever done this, we opened it up to everyone,” said Ogata. “We went to local art fairs and spoke to artists there to see if they would be interested in being involved. It’s all a matter of them going to our website and filling out the artist form online.”

While the crawl is still in its first year, Larsen hopes that if successful, more features could be added in the future. “Adding in more host sites will be great,” she said. “I think some live music would be fun, too, or having some food served at the boat launch.” Larsen also hopes potential future crawls will persuade more reclusive artists to engage with others. “Artists can be a little introverted about what they create,” she said. “This

event can help them get out there and know it’s a safe space to engage with other artists.”

Larsen also thanked planning committee members Alyssa Boldischar, Sharon Neylon and Ogata for helping her put the crawl together. “Having the idea for the event was the easy part,” said Larsen. “This whole thing would have never gotten off the ground without them.”

Visit the event website at www.belartcrawl.com for more information on the Bald Eagle Art Crawl, as well as a map showing the host sites and areas for parking.

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

Mahtomedi home values up, city taxes down

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Home values might be up in Mahtomedi, but the city tax portion of property taxes will either stay the same or go down for homeowners.

Finance Director Scott Schaefer shared this and other details as the Mahtomedi City Council approved several components of the 2025 preliminary budget and levy in one motion.

The general fund tax levy proposed for 2025 is $4.6 million, a 7.52% increase from 2024.

The special levy proposed for 2025 is $1.4 million, a 19.20% decrease from 2024. The special levy is made up of debt service, which amounts to $1.38 million, and PERA contribution increases of $34,085. The 2024 special levy was $1.75 million.

The proposed total 2025 city levy (made up of the general fund tax levy of $4.6 million and the special levy of $1.4 million) is $6 million, a decrease of a quarter of a percent from 2024. General fund revenues and expenditures for 2025 are proposed to increase to $8.3 million, a 4.99% increase from 2024.

The proposed local tax rate for 2025 is 33.607%, compared with the 2024 final local tax rate of 33.939%. As a

result, most property owners will see their city tax rates go down, even if their home values go up. The medianvalued home, valued at $447,800 with a net city tax of $1,520 in 2024, is now valued at $453,800 in 2025 with a net city tax of $1,506, a decrease of $14, or 0.92%.

Expenditures drive the budget, while revenues are calculated to balance the budget. For 2025, expenditures will increase by 4.99% to $8.3 million. Notable expenditure increases for 2025 include $96,740 for tree removal due to emerald ash borer infestation; an increase of $170,950 in the reserves department, primarily for potential future fire and ambulance staffing model changes; and an increase in the communications department of $29,675 to formulate a community survey in 2025. These increased expenses are offset by a debt service decrease of $338,430 due to debt service transfers. Revenues will also increase accordingly, by 5.55%, for a budget revenue at $8.1 million. The top two revenue streams include taxes, at 74%, and services at 13.5%. One revenue stream the city does not get to enjoy is local government aid, as the city will receive $0 for 2025.

The 2025 proposed preliminary levy of $6 million must be certified to Washington County by Sept. 30.

Council may lower, but not increase, the amount of the levy when it adopts the final 2025 general fund budget and establishes the final certified levy in December.

Before approving the final budget and levy, council must hold a truth in taxation hearing in early December. That has been formally scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at City Hall.

Council has also scheduled a public hearing to discuss the city’s 2025-29 capital improvement plan during the regular council meeting to be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4.

Other action from the Mahtomedi City Council meeting:

The past two weeks have been rather quiet, said Washington County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ryan Corneia in his report. His agency handled 61 traffic stops, two person-in-crisis reports, two theft reports and one DWI. “I’m glad not to come here tonight with a whole long list,” he said.

Fire Chief Terry Fischer fulfilled the duties of swearing in new firefighter/EMT Brad Nidersson.

City Administrator Scott Neilson noted some progress with the vacant BP station on Century Avenue and Long Lake Road. The site’s owner, who is out of state, is in the process of finalizing a contract with a third

party to demolish the site. By the end of the month, the property may be placed on the real estate market, Neilson said.

The council approved a Public Works Department request to dispose of the 2007 Chevrolet 2500 pickup and snow plow and the 2010 Ford F550 service truck. The trucks are no longer usable or needed. Recently, the city bought a new pickup truck and service truck to replace Truck No. 68. The city will receive an unknown amount of revenue from the sale of auctioned materials that can be allocated to the equipment and building replacement fund.

Neilson said no bowhunting to cull the deer herd would take place in Mahtomedi this year, as bowhunters have not been approved to hunt in Mahtomedi.

City Attorney Bridget Nason met with Neilson to discuss options for cannabis regulation in town. There will be a work session on this subject prior to the Oct. 1 regular council meeting. Council adjourned to closed executive session to determine the asking price for real property to be sold by the city located on Glenmar Avenue.

SUSAN AND WAYNE PARKS | CONTRIBUTED Featured artists include Susan and Wayne Parks from Buffalo, who create Adirondack chairs from water skis.

Early autumn White Bear Lake loop

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Above: Cindy Rasmussen greets riders crossing the Depot Creek Covered Bridge near Streetcar Park in Mahtomedi. She offered information about the planting

beautification project she

other volunteers, including Lindsay Buck (Landscape Architect, Tree and Table LLC), Heidi Bennett, Katie Macke and Ian Harding (Lake Links), are currently working on. Find

photos online at presspubs.com.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Public invited to comment on VFW’s proposed dock expansion

VFW Post 1792, located at 4496 Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake, working with the White Bear Lake Conservation District (WBLCD), has released an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the proposed expansion of its current marina operation. The expansion will increase its docks area, including navigation area, from .53 acres to .74 acres, and extend its dock from 247 ft. to 300 ft. This will create an additional 12 slips to better serve the needs of VFW members.

Copies of the EAW, which documents the purpose and need of the project along with anticipated social, economic, and environmental impacts, are available for public viewing at the WBLCD office located in the lower level of White Bear Lake City Hall, 4701 Highway 61 North. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. A copy of the EAW is also posted at wblcd.org.

Comments can be e-mailed to wblcd@msn.com prior to the close of the public comment period, Oct. 10, 2024.

More

communities

to be included in Food Scraps Program

Starting this fall, several towns in Ramsey and Washington counties will be eligible to sign up for the Food Scraps Pickup Program. These towns will include Afton, Bayport, Baytown Township, Birchwood, Dellwood, Denmark Township, Grant, Lake Elmo, Lake St. Croix Beach, Lakeland Township, Lakeland Shores, Mahtomedi, Oak Park Heights, Pine Springs, St. Mary’s Point, Stillwater, Stillwater Township, West Lakeland Township and Willernie. Residents from these towns inquiring about their eligibility can sign up to receive email notifications at www. foodscrapspickup.com.

Household recycling event coming to Mahtomedi

A household recycling event will be held at Wildwood Park from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. The event is a joint sponsorship between the city and Walter’s Recycling & Refuse Inc. Residents are encouraged to drop off used appliances such as refrigerators, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. The event is free for all Mahtomedi residents and is for residential recycling only; businesses will not be included. Residents also must provide proof of residency to participate.

Community Foundation enters into partnership

The Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation is partnering with CommunityGiving, a philanthropic support organizations that works with 16 community foundations throughout Minnesota. The collaboration is intended to provide greater infrastructure and expertise to support donors,

volunteers, and grantees; offer a greater variety of investment pools; and provide access to more online tools and reporting. The GWBLCF board and CommunityGiving staff are working to complete the transition by Dec. 31. For questions about the partnership, call 320-253-4380 or e-mail gwblcf@communitygiving.org. Input sought for Highway 96 study

Washington and Ramsey Counties, in partnership with MnDOT, are leading a corridor study for the 10+ mile segment of Highway 96 between Highway 61 in White Bear Lake and Highway 95 in Stillwater. An open house to gather public input will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter, 8390 Lofton Avenue N., Stillwater. Attendees can learn about the study and share input about existing issues to be considered in long-term planning for improvements. Learn more at washingtoncountymn.gov/ Highway96study.

Elizabeth “Betty” Brown

Elizabeth “Betty” Brown died June 28 at the age of 105 in Oak Park Heights, MN.

Betty was born in New Brunswick, Canada to Brunswick and Georgina (nee Rodgers) Thompson in 1918. Though she spent most of her life in New York and Danbury, Connecticut, when she referred to “home” she meant Canada. There wasn’t a lot to do in rural Barnesville during the Depression, so she and her six sisters made their own fun, which was often mischievous and sometimes naughty.

Attending a one-room schoolhouse where there was an emphasis on literature, Betty developed a love of poetry. She and her sisters wrote poems they sent-anonymously-for publication in the local newspaper. Her rendition of “The Skunk Pole Cat” recited with a French accent was hysterical. She recited poems she remembered from her youth and others she had written herself well past her 100th birthday.

As a young adult she left her small town to attend nursing school in Montreal. Her favorite stories were of delivering babies in rural areas with few resources (such as a doctor.) She had a caregiver’s heart and always took care of others, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – all whom she helped care for as babies and stayed close to as they became young adults. For many years Betty was a nurse to Manny, a Portugeuse immigrant who had been paralyzed. She even drove him across 3 states so he could visit his family one last time.

When most people her age were slowing down, Betty took up golf, which brought out her competitive side. She and Grampa Carl also enjoyed square dancing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and an occasional trip to the casino. They bought a travel van and went on many adventures with friends and family. Betty was a master Scrabble player who came up with obscure words that were often challenged, but rarely opposed successfully. A gifted cook, her pies (especially lemon meringue) were always in demand at church suppers, dinners with friends, and holidays with family.

Betty is remembered by all who knew her for having compassion, a sharp intellect and sense of humor. “A lot of fun” is how she is remembered by her grandchildren and great-granchildren. Perhaps her greatest legacy is that she was kind. Even as her mind began to fail, she never said a mean or harsh word to anyone. She was truly amazing!

Betty will be greatly missed by her sister Winnie Cooper of Quispamsis, N.B., Canada; daughters Betty Ann (Pete) Bickford of Cary, NC, and Mary (Jim) Spiegelhalter of Stillwater, MN; grandchildren Debby (Henry) Rolka of Atlanta, GA, Linda (Chris) Pelnik of Cary, NC, Nancy Romer of Morrisville, NC, and Amy (Carter) Johnson of White Bear Lake, MN; great grandchildren Emily, Hank, Charlie, Katie, Tim, Peter, Eric, Abigail, and Kellen; great-great grandchild Marvin; and many nieces and nephews. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, 6 siblings, and husbands Rev. Frederick Vincent and Carl Brown.

The family is very thankful to her caregivers at Oak Park Senior Living and St. Croix Hospice. A private memorial service will be held.

REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• A phone scam was reported in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Aug. 28.

• Two bicycles were reported stolen in the 3500 block of McKnight Road Aug. 28.

• An electric bike was stolen overnight Aug. 28 in the 4800 block of Banning Avenue. Officers responsed to a domestic situation in the 4600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue Aug. 29.

Travis Patrick Carlson

Thomas (Tom) A. Thoresen

Age 36 of White Bear Lake passed away unexpectedly at Regions Hospital on August 27, 2024 surrounded by family and close friends. Travis was born on September 10, 1987, in Maplewood, MN. He will be deeply missed by his parents Gary and Maureen Carlson, his daughter Isabella, her mother Ashley Bedell, his very special friend Jessica Brobeck, sister Leah Matson (Steve), brother Matthew Pennig (Jade), and bonus grandmother Linda Rohda Carlson along with 2 aunts and uncles, 3 nieces and 3 nephews, many cousins and numerous friends.

He is preceded in death by grandparents Norman Carlson (Frances) and Jim LaMotte (Olympe), Aunt Michelle Becker and Uncle Denny Carlson. Travis loved his family and friends and was intensely loyal to them. He was a kind and grateful person for the things he had and the people he loved. His genuine sense of humor and smile will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. He enjoyed taking pictures of sunrises, sunsets, and clouds.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Friday, September 13, at Eagle Brook Church, 2401 Buffalo Street, White Bear Lake. Visitation at 10 a.m., Service at 11 a.m.

Kevin Alan Hines

Age 75 of Fort Myers, FL and Dellwood, MN

Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather Passed away on September 2, 2024. Disabled Vietnam Veteran, served in U.S. Army receiving a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal. Kevin married his wife Janice on March 1, 1969 at Sacred Heart Church in St. Paul, MN. He is preceded in death by parents, George P. Hines & Zerita Hendricks; and brother, Patrick S. Hines. He is survived by wife of 55 years, Janice Hines; daughter, Julie Marko; grandsons, Jackson & Dylan Marko; sisters, Margaret Koperski, Maureen Hines, Jane Kloss, and Jenifer (Scott) Anfang; many nieces, nephews, & cousins; and longtime friends and travel partners, Luther Hochradel, Geri Grape, and John & Kitty Considine. VISITATION Wednesday, September 11 from 4-8 p.m. at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, with a toast celebrating his life at 7:30 p.m. FUNERAL MASS Thursday, September 12 at 11am at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 4690 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake, with visitation starting at 10am at the church. INTERMENT Monday, September 16 at 9 a.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, with military honors. Special thanks Dr. DeMartino and the ICU staff at St. Mary’s Mayo Clinic Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to CollierLee Honor Flight www.collierhonorflight.com or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Mueller Memorial, 651-429-4944 www.muellermemorial.com

• Criminal damage to proerty was reported in the 2300 block of 11th Street Aug. 30.

• Theft and damage to property was reported in the 1900 block of Garden Lane Aug. 30.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 1400 block of Park Street Aug. 30.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested following a domestic situation in the 3200 block of Century Avenue Aug. 30.

• A garage in the 4000 block of Bellaire Avenue was burglarized

overnight Aug. 30.

1933 - 2024, age 91, entered the presence of the Lord in heaven on August 27, 2024. Tom was born on August 9, 1933, in St. Paul, MN, to Thomas O. Thoresen and Agnes (Johansen) Thoresen. After spending his childhood in St. Paul, Tom settled in White Bear Lake, MN, to raise his family. In his early years, Tom worked for Northern Pacific Railroad. Later, he found his true passion when he worked for Convention Exhibit Services. Tom was a talented craftsman who knew how to bring out the beauty in wood.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Agnes Thoresen; sister, Helen Rutz; and his beloved wife of 27 years, Ramona (Mona) Thoresen.

Tom is survived by his children, Craig (Theresa) Thoresen and Richard (Julie) Thoresen; and his step-children, Michael (Diana) McCollum, Julie (Guy) Nelson, and Lisa (Don) Thill; grandchildren, Kelly (Brett) Isselhardt, Jay (Melissa) Thoresen, Kyle (Kim) Thoresen, Bradley (Kristine) Thoresen, Ryan Nelson, Jessica (Dane) Sortland, Randy (Charlotte) Thill, Josh (Meghan) McCollum, Derek (Kayla) Thill, and Justin (Kristina) Thill; along with 21 great-grandchildren.

Tom believed that the Bible is the Word of God. He rested in the promise that his eternal salvation was provided by God’s grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

A celebration of Tom’s life will be 11-2 p.m. Friday, September 27, with a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m. and a lunch to follow. The event will be held at Shoreview Community Center (Shoreview Room), Shoreview, MN.

unique lives Submit an obit by emailing obits@presspubs.com or contact 651-407-1250 or visiting us at 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lakes

SCHOOL BRIEF

District receives grant

White Bear Lake Area Schools District 624 is one of 22 districts and charter schools in Minnesota to receive a grant from the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The funding will help the district provide assistance and access to educational services to students experiencing housing instability and homelessness.

• Counterfeit currency was passed in the 2600 block of County Road E Aug. 31. Disorderly conduct was reported in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue Aug. 31.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 4600 block of Clark Avenue Aug. 31.

• A Mankato man was arrested following a traffic stop in the 2600 block of County Road E Aug. 31.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for fifth degree assault and

first degree burglary in the 2000 block of Spruce Place Sept. 1.

• A St. Paul man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near the intersection of Second Street and Highway 61 Sept. 1.

• A St. Paul Park resident was arrested for DWI in the 4800 block of Wood Avenue following a report of disorderly conduct Sept. 2.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the area of White Bear Avenue and County Road E and the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Sept. 2.

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE

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OPPORTUNITY all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or 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

the

Township sees illegal parking on County Road H2, Otter Lake Road

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The township is experiencing frequent illegal parking along County Road H2 and Otter Lake Road. “The board is concerned by possible injury or even death from people running in and out or between the cars,” Town Administrator Patrick Christopherson said. While Christopherson noted that an electronic billboard discouraging the behavior has

helped, Town Attorney Chad Lemmons cautioned that this responsibility fell to Ramsey County, explaining, “Once you take responsibility for something, liability follows.”

Town Supervisor Steve Ruzek agreed. “I think it’s dangerous for the township to step in and say, ‘You can’t park here.’ That’s not our role and responsibility. It’s not our road,” he noted.

Town Supervisor Chair Ed Prudhon suggested that either stricter ticketing or more

detailed consequences on the No Parking signs would deter possible offenders.

The board and Lemmons agreed to draft official requests to the county and sheriff’s office asking for greater assistance with the issue.

Christopherson emphasized that this was just one specific issue with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, and that the township was pleased with the overall services the Sheriff’s Office provides.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP NOTES

• Michael DeMars will fill a vacant seat on the Planning Commission. He will serve until April 30, 2025.

• The board has approved a tobacco license application and an edible cannabinoid product license application for the BP gas station on Highway 61 near 120th Street. The licenses are good through the end of 2024.

• The board is renewing a water systems interconnection joint powers agreement

between White Bear Township and White Bear Lake. The contract exists because both parties agree the interconnection would prove useful under certain emergencies, including water main breaks, reconstruction or system contamination, as well as fire emergencies.

Logan Gion

White Bear Lake resident takes kayaking beyond local waters

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Renee Sonka likes to think she follows in her parents’ footsteps. The daughter of former canoe racers Dave and Nancy Olsen, she frequently finds herself bringing her love of the outdoors out onto the open water.

“My dad has a deep love of it,” said Sonka. “He was also a hobby photographer as I was growing up, which led him to start canoeing. That common love of the outdoors is just as much a driving force for me.”

Born in Owatonna, Sonka has lived in White Bear Lake for 18 years. Of those 18, Sonka has devoted the past six to putting her love of nature toward a new hobby: kayaking. Here, Sonka once more highlighted her parents as inspiration for welcoming the open waters with open arms. “I still have one of their old canoes, which originally sparked my interest

in getting on the water,” Sonka said. “I started renting one in White Bear Lake about every other week, which became every week because I started loving it. After my second summer of being on the water, I realized I could own my own kayak for the same money I was spending to go on the lake.”

Each summer since 2021, Sonka has made it her goal to kayak as much as possible. However, when discussing how many lakes she has gone to since then, she dismisses numbers when describing her competitive edge.

“I guess I’m a little competitive to check things off a list,” she said. Additionally, Sonka said she seeks to visit as many new lakes as possible.

“I’ll never get as many as my first summer, because my radius has expanded, so I’m not trying to outdo each one.”

Sonka’s first summer took her to local waters such as White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake. That same summer, she expanded her scope to Arden Hills’ Lake Johanna, New Brighton’s Long Lake, and even the self-described “oceanic” waters of Lake Superior.

“That one I did because a friend of mine lives up there,” Sonka said. “I had to trust her to navigate through many of the rip currents. That’s one lake I would never go out alone (on) to sit and enjoy nature.”

Other lakes Sonka has visited since include Forest Lake’s Big Marine Lake and Forest Lake, Centerville Lake in Centerville, and Hugo’s Oneka Lake. While on the water, Sonka said she tries to adhere to specific, self-made trip guidelines.

“I usually paddle around the lake’s perimeter, unless it’s too large to make it around in a couple of hours,” she

said. “If it’s a chain of lakes, I may go straight through the chain instead of around each one. Regarding paddling, I feel comfortable doing so in 10 mph winds and 15 to 20 mph gusts. If it’s higher than that, it gets too intense and is no longer relaxing. I also stick to lakes and not rivers because I normally kayak alone, and navigating currents takes more experience and is safer in company.”

However, Sonka feels the best takeaway from each trip is the beauty of nature itself. “The main word that pops in my head is ‘serenity,’” she said. “Sometimes it’s the water, clouds or even noticing a heron or the lilies I pass through. I feel 100% dedicated to being in the moment because the water demands my attention.”

For future kayaking plans, Sonka looks forward to treading over old and new ground. “I’d like to return to Forest Lake,” she said. “I only spent a couple hours on the lake’s west side, so I’d like to explore it more. I also want to take a day trip to explore Lake Minnetonka. The more I travel, the more I appreciate Minnesota’s incredible variety of lakes, whether up north, out of town, or right here in the metro and almost every community statewide.”

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

RENEE SONKA | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Sonka has kayaked on a variety of lakes in the White Bear Lake area, which are indicated with pins on map.

Renee Sonka of White Bear Lake has been adhering to a new favorite summer activity since 2021 — kayaking on as many Minnesota lakes as she can.

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Zephyrs rout SP Central after loss to Brainerd

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Mahtomedi scored defensive touchdowns on two consecutive plays to wrap up a victory over St. Paul Central, 40-13.

The Zephyrs (1-1) squared their record after losing their opener at Brainerd 42-13.

The Zephyrs led Central (0-2) at halftime 20-0 as quarterback Connor Finn ran for touchdowns of three and nine yards and threw to Alex Haase for a 77-yard touchdown. Wyatt Herschbach added a five-yard TD in the third quarter.

Mark Graff swiped a pass and returned it 61 years for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. On the following kickoff, Owen Eigen and Henry Johnson shook loose a fumble from the returner with Luke Torgrude picking up the ball and running 25 yards for a TD.

Brainerd (1-1) rushed for 304 yards and passed for 133 against the Zephyrs and opened a 35-0 lead. For the Zephyrs, Jake Reubish rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, and Finn threw a TD pass to Joey Pipes.

Bear netters nab 3 wins in 3 days

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake tennis racked up victories in three straight days last week, improving to 7-3 overall and 2-1 in the conference. The Bears beat Park 6-1, Centennial 5-2 and Woodbury 7-0. “Great week for the Bears,” acknowledged coach Marla Menne. They are led by senior

Movie in the Park

Bring

co-captains Ellia Groneberg, 8-2 at 1-singles, and Tally Domschot, 9-1 at 2-singles and 1-doubles. Elara Kruse is 7-3 in singles and Josie Guidinger/Sophie Menier 7-3 in doubles. The lineup got “a great addition” last week, Menne said, when Martina Chocarro, an exchange student from Spain, was cleared by the MSHSL and won three matches.

New York Times spotlights Mahtomedi

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Mike Baumann, major league pitcher from Mahtomedi, was the subject of a New York Times feature last week. “Meet the guy who has pitched for five MLB teams in 2024,” read the headline of the Sept. 6 article by Tyler Kepner.

Baumann is currently pitching for the Florida Marlins, following stints with the Orioles, Mariners, Giants, and Angels. Playing for five teams in one season ties a major league record held by another relief pitcher, Oliver

Drake in 2018.

The 28-year-old right-hander, claimed by the Marlins on Aug. 25, has appeared in five games, allowing six runs in 5 2/3 innings.

Baumann’s career took a sharp reversal of fortune this year. The middle reliever had a 10-1 record and 3.76 ERA in 60 games last year for a first-place team. Since being cut by the Orioles in May, he has a 7.26 ERA with the other four teams.

The Times article quoted Baumann: “My expectation was to take a step forward with the Orioles and be a part of the

bullpen. I was really excited. I was really looking forward to it. I didn’t perform like I wanted to, things just didn’t go my way, and that’s the nature of the business.”

Baumann acknowledged that it’s been a “roller coaster” season but added, “every time I’ve been claimed, I’ve been grateful.”

Signing with Florida was a big break in one respect, though, the Times noted. Baumann and wife Nicole live in Jacksonville, where he played college ball, and are expecting their first child this month. He had been worried about being on the West Coast and missing the birth.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Mason Kipp

Mahtomedi Xxx

Centennial Lacrosse

Mason Kipp is the offensive leader and “the soul of the team” for the Mahtomedi Zephyrs, according to his coach, Adolfo Berrara Gonzalez. The Zephyrs have won their first five matches in boys soccer. Kipp has twice achieved the hat trick (three goals in a match) and has eight goals in all. “He looks to be unstoppable in the box. Mason has placed this team on his back,” Berrara Gonzalez added. Kipp logged 11 goals last season including the game-winner in the section finals.

Brol Scherman, Centennial junior lacrosse standout, has netted 22 goals and provided seven assists for the Cougars (4-2) while notching 17 ground balls (a change of possession statistic). Scherman was all-conference as a sophomore with 36 goals and 28 assists. The recruiting website ILMCA said of him: “Endto-end playmaking machine with striking confidence both on and off the field. Versatile offensive threat with strong outside shooting and crease finishing skills. Magnetic team leader and positive influencer.”

Mason Kipp

MARY ROLLINGER | CONTRIBUTED

Owen Eigen (22) and Henry Johnson forced a fumble by Central kick returner Ademola Adedigba which a teammate recovered to score a touchdown.

MARY ROLLINGER | CONTRIBUTED

Ellia Groneberg leads the White Bear Lake lineup.

SPORTS

Several Zephyr squads impressive early Bears girls soccer now number 1 in state

Mahtomedi is enjoying a strong start in volleyball, soccer and swimming.

The Zephyr volleyball team, state qualifiers the last two years, is 4-0 after a five-game win over White Bear Lake, 18-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-27, 15-6. Silvie Graetzer rattled off 19 kills, Kaili Malvey 17 and Sahar Ramaley 13, with Katie Hergenrader providing 32 assists. Claire Crothers led with 18 digs and a 2.09 serve receive rating.

The boys soccer team is 5-0, allowing just one goal. The Zephyrs clipped Chisago Lakes 7-0, South St. Paul 5-1 and Northfield 1-0. Finn Hemenway has been in goal for four shutouts. The stout defensive corps includes Gavin Mass and Shey Sorenson at center back and Kaden Gagnelius in the middle. Mason Kipp is the top scorer and Sam Beulke leads in assists.

The girls soccer team, ranked No. 4 in Class 2A, is 3-1-1 after pulling out backto-back 1-0 wins over CretinDerham Hall (0-3-1) and South St. Paul (2-1-2). In both games, Mahtomedi scored in the 78th minute — Olivia Thiele against CDH and Elise Aflapki against SSP, each assisted by Allie Rippentrop — while Jacque Worden made six saves in each shutout.

The swimmers, defending

Olivia Thiele scored late to beat Cretin-Derham Hall 1-0.

Metro East champs, are 2-0 after beating Simley 98-68, and placed third behind two strong Class 2A teams in the Blaine Invitational. Abigail Wright was second in the 200 free and butterfly, and anchored a 200 freestyle relay win with

Maddie Ruppel, Delaney Dumermuth, and Adalyn Miller, at Blaine. Other top scorers were Sidney Leciejewski, Audrey Carlson, Shaela Murphy (diving), Aria Armstrong and Riley Parizek.

This Week In SPORTS

ZEPHYRS SCOREBOARD

CROSS COUNTRY

• Results last week:

Boys 13th of 28 teams, girls 14th of 25 teams, at Montgomery-Lonsdale

Coming up:

Tuesday, Sept. 17: at Chisago Lakes

FOOTBALL

• Results last week:

Zephyrs 42, St. Paul Central 13

• Record: 1-1 overall, 0-0 conference

• Coming up: Friday: Hastings at home, 7 p.m.

SOCCER, BOYS

• Results last week:

Zephyrs 7, Chisago Lakes 0

Zephyrs 5, South St. Paul 1

Zephyrs 1, Northfield 0

Record:

5-0 overall, 1-0 conference

Coming up:

Wednesday: at Hill-Murray, 5 p.m.

Saturday: at Blake, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 17: Hastings at home, 5 p.m.

SOCCER, GIRLS

• Results last week:

Zephyrs 1, Cretin-Derham Hall 0

Zephyrs 1, South St. Paul 0

• Record:

4-1-1 overall, 1-0 conference

• Coming up:

Wednesday: at Hill-Murray, 7 p.m.

Saturday: at Shakopee, noon

Tuesday, Sept. 17; Hastings at home, 7 p.m.

SWIMMING

• Results last week: Zephyrs 98, Simley 68 Placed 3rd of 9 teams at Blaine Invitational

• Record: 2-0 overall, 2-0 conference

• Coming up: Thursday: at Hill-Murray, 7 p.m.

TENNIS

• Results last week: Zephyrs 7. North St. Paul 0 Zephyrs 6, Duluth East 1 Elk River 7, Mahtomedi 0

Record: 5-5 overall, 1-0 conference

• Coming up: Wednesday: at White Bear Lake, 4 p.m.

Thursday: Hill-Murray at home, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 17: at Two Rivers 3:30 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL

• Results last week: Mahtomedi beat Bears 1825, 25-21, 25-23, 25-27, 15-6

• Record: 4-0 overall, 0-0 conference

• Coming up: Thursday: North St. Paul, 6:30 p.m.

BEARS SCOREBOARD

CROSS COUNTRY

• Results last week: No meets

• Coming up: Saturday: Metro Twilight meet at Eden Prairie, girls 9 p.m., boys 9:20 p.m.

FOOTBALL

• Results last week: Mounds View 28, Bears 6 Record: 0-2 overall, 0-1 conference Coming up: Friday: Woodbury at home, 7 p.m.

SOCCER, BOYS

Results last week: Bears 2, Irondale 1 Bears 2, North St. Paul 1

• Record: 3-1-2 overall, 1-0 conference

• Coming up: Thursday: Roseville, 7 p.m. Saturday: South St. Paul, 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17: at East Ridge, 5 p.m.

SOCCER, GIRLS

• Results last week: Bears 5, Andover 0 Bears 10, Irondale 0 Bears 2, Edina 2

• Record: 6-0-1 overall, 1-0 conference

• Coming up: Thursday: Roseville at home, 5 p.m.

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The White Bear Lake girls soccer team found themselves in an unprecedented position last week — ranked number one in the state by the coaches association.

“We have never been ranked No. 1 previously, not even back in 2012,” said co-coach John Dierkhising, referring to their state runner-up season. “So the girls feel great to have accomplished that. We already know we’re going to get teams’ best efforts, and we already have high expectations this season.”

The Bears, now 6-0-1, will probably remain No. 1 after battling from behind

to deadlock No. 5 Edina 2-2. They crushed Irondale 10-0. The Bears reached state last year and were upset by Maple Grove in the first round. Much of their firepower returned, led by Jenna Maloy, who has scored 14 of their 31 goals.

Maloy delivered two second-half goals against Edina, assisted by Kelsey Wolfe (corner kick) and Grace Weierke. Mikaela Caverly had both goals for Edina (3-1-3). Bear goalie Chloe Tocko made a seasonhigh 10 saves.

Against Irondale, Maloy notched three goals, Katie Koller two, and Alyssa Hamlin, Madeline Thompson, Abby O’Brien, Maya Greenbaum and Piper Heinsohn one each.

Bear gridders fall to Mustangs

Horrible field position on two straight possessions sent White Bear Lake to a 28-6 loss at Mounds View. The Bears are 0-2.

The Bears were pinned on the one-foot line after a Mustang punt late in the first half, and again on the threeyard line after the secondhalf kickoff, each with the ball bounced over the Bears return men.

Tuesday, Sept. 17: at East Ridge, 7 p.m.

SWIMMING

• Results last week: East Ridge 101, Bears 74

• Record: 0-1 overall, 0-1 conference

• Coming up: Thursday: at Roseville, 6 p.m.

TENNIS

• Results last week: Bears 6, Park 1 Bears 5, Cougars 2 Bears 7, Woodbury 0

• Record: 7-3 overall, 2-2 conference

• Coming up: Wednesday: Mahtomedi at home, 4 p.m.

Thursday: at East Ridge, 4 p.m, Tuesday, Sept. 17: Irondale at home, 4 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL

• Results last week: Mahtomedi def. Bears 18-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-27, 15-6

• Record: 3-1 overall, 0-0 conference

• Coming up: Thursday: at East Ridge, 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16: at Nova Classical Academy, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17: at Park, 7 p.m.

Throwing from the end zone, quarterback Tomi Animasaun was intercepted both times. Ben Mugisa’s pickoff set up a one-yard touchdown by Jacob Sampson. Charlie Eggert dashed five yards

to the end zone after his pickoff. The two quick TD’s opened a 21-6 Mustang lead. The Bears’ points came on field goals by Ernest Goodwin from 33 yards and 26 yards, the first set up by Brian White’s 27-yard run and a penalty, and the second by Andrew Kolenich blocking a punt.

Animasaun was 8-for-22 for 86 yards. White carried 12 times for 70 yards and Porter Cleary 14 for 46. Jerald Wright made a fumble recovery and Charlie Woodcock a quarterback sack.

Sampson, the Mustang QB, opened the scoring with an 80-yard run and closed it with a 14-yard TD pass to Jack Dahl.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Newmaster closes the book on White Bear Lake Area Schools

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“It’s time for me to pass the torch,” Dr. Marge Newmaster said.

Newmaster will not seek reelection for the White Bear Lake school board this November, meaning her time serving ISD 624 will come to a close. She has been on the school board for nine years, but she has worked in the district since 1971.

“I love books, and I love finding the right book for someone … I’m an addict, truly,” Newmaster responds when asked about her time as a librarian. “I started the day after I turned 16.” When Newmaster was finishing her master’s degree, she saw an ad for White Bear Lake. “I interviewed on Thursday of my spring break … started on Tuesday.”

WBLAS placed Newmaster in the media center at Lakeaires Elementary in 1971. In the fall of 1982, however, budget cuts shuffled her over to Mariner High School, where she taught German for a year. She then

transferred to North Campus in 1983.

One of Newmaster’s cultural contributions to the community began in 1984 when she founded Jangmi Arts, a gathering place for Korean adoptees and their families as well as a center to learn about and honor Korean culture.

“My daughter is Asian, and she went to Lakeaires,” she remembers.

“There were three Asian kids in the whole school back then.” According to Newmaster, Jangmi Arts started as a “kind of music booster for Korean dance and drum.” Where did they meet? A public library, of course.

In 1985, Newmaster transferred to the media center at North Campus, where she began work on

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her main technical contribution to WBLAS: providing an online search system. Over the next few decades, Newmaster helped students search for authoritative sources on every type of research paper.

“‘Can I write a history paper about the Zamboni machine?’ I remember once. ‘Of course you can.’ Here, have a whole book on Zamboni history. That kid wrote a decent paper, but you have to find the passion,” Newmaster said. “What are they interested in? What will take them to the next step in whatever skill you’re maybe trying to teach?”

Newmaster believes this approach also worked for her time on the school board: “I always thought White Bear was smart (with the 2019 referendum) in that they touched every school with something that was important to that school. Everybody had skin in the game … everybody got to have their wish be a part of it. We made it about the kids, and we made sure to say thank you.”

Though she’s retired from working

in a library, Newmaster can still often be found in them. “Reading is important, and media is important. Libraries are part of literacy and reading and life,” she noted.

As for parting words to ISD 624, Newmaster said, “We have these new, beautiful Learning Commons. Let’s get good staff to help kids use them.”

Dr. Marge Newmaster