White Bear Press

EMPOWERING THOSE WITH DISABILITIES: Merrick expands programs PAGE 9

Township

Day offers fun for everyone

It’s been an exciting year of community celebrations in White Bear Township, and the Hockey Day Minnesota host is once again gearing up for it’s signature event, Township Day. Now in it’s 15th year, the annual community festival will take place this Saturday, Sept. 16 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Polar Lakes Park.

Township Day offers something for festivalgoers of all ages. Family-friendly activities include live music, food trucks, craft and vendor market, car show and Bingo. Children will enjoy the Kids Activity Zone, with bounce houses, pony rides, face painting and a change to see large vehicles such as an ambulance, snow plow and fire trucks up close in the touch-a-truck area.

Township Day Director Beth Anderson said one of the new features this year is a musical performance geared to kids in addition to the usual evening show. Ukelele performers The Rosie Posies will lead a Music-A-Long at 3:30 p.m. Drop Tailgate, a band performing country, rock and pop music, will take the stage from 5 to 8 p.m. Food and drinks are available from the VFW Beer Gardens and from the 15 food trucks on site that will offer a variety of options.

Township Day will celebrate 15 years of fun

Audience members at a previous Township Day celebration enjoy some early evening sun and live music in the grassy amphitheater at Polar Lakes Park in White Bear Township. This year the 15th Annual White Bear Township Day Celebration, featuring a variety of family-friendly activities, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.

Anderson says more than 100 cars of all makes and models will be part of the Viking Automotive Car Show, which has been part of Township Day for six years. Anyone can vote for their favorites from 2 to 5 p.m., with winners announced at 6 p.m.

A fireworks display will finish out the day at dusk, around 8 p.m. For best viewing of the

SEE TOWNSHIP DAY, PAGE 9

Man embarks on a 500-mile walk to combat hunger

BY NOELLE OLSON EDITOR

Imagine what life would be like if you had to tell your family, “I don’t know where we’re going to get our next meal.”

Craig Sorley, of White Bear Lake, is the founder and Kenya Director for Creation Stewards International (CSI). He’s worked in Kenya, Africa for over 20 years to solve problems of hunger caused by soil erosion, deforestation and other forms of land degradation.

He is on a journey to walk 500 miles around the Twin Cities chain of lakes this summer and fall to raise money to help the people of Kenya beat hunger.

“We’re hoping to raise $500,000 so that we can increase our training programs with farmers,”

Sorley said. “Some of the lakes I walk around are Nokomis and Lake Harriet. When I have less time I go walking along the trail that’s right along the edge of White Bear Lake.”

He said with every step he thinks and prays for those he knows in Kenya who are hungry. His desire for the people of Kenya is not only to grow enough food to provide for their families but for more trainers who can empower people to learn how to farm more sustainably.

According to Sorely, CSI’s holistic strategy of ministry acts as a living parable, disciplining people to grow in Christ while becoming good stewards of his creation. Its programs restore

SEE 500 MILES, PAGE 2

A world map shows the countries with the highest levels of food insecurity.

500 MILES: Walking to beat hunger in Africa

FROM PAGE 1

people spiritually, physically and economically by training farmers to restore their soil, plant trees, use fire-less cookers and learn beekeeping.

Sorley and his Kenyan colleagues have had some success in solving this problem. He said training local people how to restore their soil, their farms, and their forests, reverses land degradation. Many farmers have been able to double and sometimes triple their crop yields.

“When people are chronically hungry, they are always doing things to cut down the forest,” Sorley said. “We had a horrible drought last year in Kenya, one of the worst droughts we’ve had. Farmers don’t get a bailout check from the government when their crops fail. They go and cut down trees to sell firewood or charcoal to the city, so there’s massive deforestation.”

Sorley said a combination of deforestation and overgrazing creates a dry landscape which leads to fewer crops.

“If you don’t solve the food problem, you’ll never solve any other environmental problems,” Sorley said. “We’ve been working with farmers and a big huge problem in Africa is a lot of relief food. Depending on where you go in Kenya, people are completely dependent on food handouts. They don’t have the motivation to solve their agricultural problems. So we’re coming alongside them and we’re saying let’s teach you how to restore your soil and to restore your forests.”

He noted farmers who have used this approach have learned how to restore their soil, how to replant trees on their farms and how to stop soil erosion. “All of a sudden they start producing more food and they get excited,” Sorley said.

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), there will be 310 million people by 2030 in Africa who suffer from moderate to severe food problems. “It’s almost equivalent to all the people in the United States,” Sorley said.

Sorley and his wife Tracy lived in Africa for 22 years. They have two sons, Nathan and Aaron, who are in college. They moved to White Bear Lake two years ago because of health issues and plan on going back to Kenya in November.

Sorley has walked approximately 300 miles and hopes to hit the 500-mile mark by the end of October.

“Those of us who have plenty of food to eat should care about those who don’t,” Sorley said.

For more information go to creationstewardsint. org.

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4717 Clark Avenue, White Bear Lake 651-762-8040

2130 2nd Street White Bear Lake 651-762-8040

White Bear American Legion

CONTRIBUTED Craig Sorley of White Bear Lake is walking 500 miles around the Twin Cities to raise funds to expand the work his team is doing in Kenya to help combat hunger.

STORAGE UNIT AUCTIONS ABLE STORAGE - MAPLEWOOD

9/27/23 Wed, 1:00pm.1810 Gervais Ct, Maplewood, MN; Storage Unit Auction; Various Garage Tools; car repair supplies; misc tools; Mikkel Brewers, owner; Auctions by: Able Storage

9/27/23 Wed, 1:00pm.1810 Gervais Ct, Maplewood, MN; Storage Unit Auction; Barbershop supplies – sinks, chairs, TVs, selfie lights, large mirror; Shatavia Mills, owner; Auctions by: Able Storage

9/27/23 Wed, 1:00pm.1810 Gervais Ct, Maplewood, MN; Storage Unit Auction; Car (in need of extensive repairs); Misc tires; Misc garage tools; Rodolfo Mendoza, owner; Auctions by: Able Storage

9/27/23 Wed, 1:00pm.1810 Gervais Ct, Maplewood, MN; Storage Unit Auction; Various household supplies; various children’s toys – cozy coupe, trikes; Aisha Williams, owner; Auctions by: Able Storage

9/27/23 Wed, 1:00pm.1810 Gervais Ct, Maplewood, MN; Storage Unit Auction; Misc household supplies – table and chairs and baskets; various children’s toys; beauty tools; Diane Chute/Nicole Kelly, owner; Auctions by: Able Storage

9/27/23 Wed, 1:00pm.1810 Gervais Ct, Maplewood, MN; Storage Unit Auction; Office supplies; desk/table; chairs; Mohammed Hassan, owner; Auctions by: Able Storage

CHURCH BRIEF

Sunday fun day at St. Mary of the Lake

The community is invited for a day of food, music and fun from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 at St. Mary of the Lake Parish Life Center, 4690 Bald Eagle Ave. in White Bear Lake. Buy tasty

fare from Vikings Table, Egg Roll Queen and the Corn Dog Co. food trucks. Listen to music from the Emerson Avenue Band and don’t forget to bring lawn chairs. Shop in the Marketplace for handmade décor and apparel, breads, produce and more. Buy a glass

of wine to sip as you shop. Don’t miss the gently used jewelry sale, raffles, bingo, free kid’s games and Cup and Cone treats. For more information go to stmaryswbl.org or call 651-429-7771, option 1.

The New 2023-24 WBL Lions Board of Directors

Left to right, LIONS ALL John Tomlinson, Jim Francis, President Rick Goplen, Jen Goplen, Janet Johnson, Mike Johnson, Kea Behnke, Ivy Hunt, Rheanna O'Brien, Jim Anderson, Mike Shepard Not Pictured - Pat Johnson, Mike Machus

Routines return

Schools and colleges return to the fall routine. For some students, it’s the beginning of a school or education experience. For others, it’s moving on to middle school and high school, as well as colleges and universities. For others, it may be vocational schools, home schooling or internships.

This brings about challenges for our state leaders, our local superintendents and our teachers, because after COVID many student evaluation scores dropped.

Parents are concerned when subjects like reading, math and science have lower standards. Attendance is a key factor which shows students may be in class only 90% of the time.

About the Town

Gene Johnson

State education departments have recently released their assessments and parents and school boards need to take special notice. Everything worth doing is worth evaluating. Winning in athletics is important, but winning in the classroom is even more important.

As a parent, stay in touch with your children’s teachers. Don’t overlook conferences and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Teachers are willing to take time and make suggestions on how to overcome serious deficits. They want students to succeed. Just remember their time is valuable and they can’t always help with issues that are better addressed at home.

It’s the beginning of a new school year. Let’s make the best of it. We spend a lot of tax money for it. I believe everyone involved takes it seriously.

Eliminating senior poverty

AARP Foundation’s Chief Development Officer, David Whitehead, is encouraging financial support for a future without senior poverty.

In a recent piece of information crossing my desk, the numbers are staggering nationwide.

1. More than 38 million older adults do not have adequate financial resources.

2. 9.5 million older adults struggle to put food on the table.

3. More than 19 million people 50 and older live in unaffordable, unsafe, or inadequate housing.

Danger of cell phones

If you have a teen with a cell phone, as a parent you need to be concerned about what they are following. You need to have good rapport with your children so you can discuss issues like social media and how harmful it can be. 95% of all teens are reported to be online in areas of social media.

Also harmful is too much time on cell phones. You lose the opportunity for building relationships with other teens and oftentimes you don’t know how to look another person in the eye and have meaningful conversations.

Being a parent is not easy. It’s especially challenging these days with dangerous material online that can suck you and your kids right in.

Let them run

A friend of mine, Barbara Baade, was a very successful business lady in the Milwaukee area. She died last year. When I was with her, I could always pick up management tips. Following are some that might be helpful to our readers who are involved in business or leadership.

1. When it comes to projects, just do it.

2. Focus daily on two items that must get done.

3. If a problem is brought to you, a manager should have three solutions to present. Give your opinion as a leader, but let them run.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

Personalized learning, innovating for the future

As we begin a new school year, we’re excited about the growing opportunities for our students to achieve academic excellence. Each child in our community has unique talents, dreams and abilities, and our commitment to providing personalized learning experiences is at the center of the future they will create for themselves and their communities.

Movers & Shakers

As educators, this is our calling. We open doors of opportunity to the future.

crystallized into our Foundation of Success – the qualities we seek for every graduate. Our work encompasses guiding each student toward personal aspirations and desired career pathways, fostering exploration of interests, passion discovery, and character development from preK-12+. These foundations span fundamental areas of learning: academic knowledge and skills, career pathways, global and cultural perspectives, life skills, and personal wellbeing. As we think about their future, adaptability, analytical thinking, creativity, curiosity, and resourcefulness shine as essential traits.

Students can move from small group to large group to individual learning activities without losing valuable instructional time. Our technology-rich environment allows students to spend less time collecting information and more time discussing, analyzing and synthesizing information to form new ideas and conclusions.

Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak

Through a lens of student-centered instruction, we recognize all students grow and learn in different ways and at different rates, and that all students can achieve. Developing deep, thoughtful relationships with each child and family allows our staff to understand each student as a whole person with individual strengths, unique academic interests, and personal needs. Tapping into inherent strengths unlocks motivation, and there is no limit to what our students can achieve.

A pivotal moment arose last year when a collaborative effort involving community members and staff

• Election season is considered to be when filing first begins until the day of the election.

• Limited to 350 words. Paid letters running longer will be charged $10 per 30 words after that.

• Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $45 fee. Please call 651-407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement letters are

As superintendent in White Bear Lake Area Schools, I have the honor of walking into classrooms and seeing the dedication, commitment, and creativity of our outstanding educators. They inspire and challenge students, nurturing curiosity and helping students gain confidence. Our employees understand the impactful role they have in our students’ lives, that we’re all educators regardless of our job in the school.

The community’s support of the 2019 bond referendum resulted in visible changes to our schools, and we are transforming learning. Our flexible learning spaces and learning studios ignite opportunities for communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

As we prepare to welcome our students back to the school year, here are a few ideas to ponder: Kindergarten children entering school this year are likely to live to be 100 years old. What changes will they see in their lifetimes? Our high school seniors may not retire until 2075; how many careers will they experience? How often will they need to learn new skills? We have the opportunity to inspire their futures for a mere 13 years. Empowering them to take ownership of learning and their future is a gift that they can carry with them through their lifetimes. It’s a gift every generation has given those who follow, and an American tradition that benefits everyone in our community.

Thank you for your continued support of our children and our schools. We have a lot to look forward to this school year; we’re excited to begin!

Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak, Superintendent, White Bear Lake Area Schools

LETTER GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION SEASON 2023

labeled, “paid letter.”

• Letters for or against a candidate will qualify as paid letters.

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

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

published as space permits.

• Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters at the editor’s discretion.

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

• Letters by campaign managers or candidates designed to champion the candidate’s position on a specific issue will be accepted as paid letters.

• Letters reprinted as part of letter-writing campaigns are paid

letters.

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• We reserve the right to not publish any letter.

• The deadline to submit a letter is 5 p.m. Wednesday the week prior to publication.

• The last batch of letters to be printed before the Nov. 7 election will be printed in the Oct. 25 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.18.

• To submit a letter, email news@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651-4291242 or mail/deliver it to Press Publications.

Facing a monopoly crisis

We are living in an era of economic giants. Between 1997 and 2012, three-quarters of industries grew more consolidated; since 2005, the entire economy has grown 50% more concentrated; and the current rate of consolidation would leave us with just one company by 2070. While plenty of attention has been paid to the tech firms that have amassed the power of nation-states, corporate consolidation is pervasive, impacting everything from agriculture and health care to cheerleading and baseball cards.

If monopolies are illegal, which they are, then you might ask yourself why they seem to be everywhere? One key culprit is federal merger guidelines, a tool used by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to determine what kinds of mergers to challenge. The Biden Administration has proposed revamping these guidelines, presenting a unique opportunity to reign in the monopoly power that is driving down wages, bankrupting family farmers, harming entrepreneurs and increasing the cost of everything, from health care to groceries.

The merger guidelines serve as a guidebook for the FTC and DOJ in interpreting the antitrust laws. Prior to the 1980s, these guidelines worked, preventing industries from consolidating while keeping inequality in check, protecting main street businesses and helping innovation flourish.

This changed in 1982 when the Reagan Administration overhauled the guidelines to focus on economic efficiency and consumer impacts

instead of limiting consolidation and protecting competition. Without Congress ever passing a law, antitrust enforcement was gutted.

The new guidelines released last month by the FTC and DOJ would roll back this pro-monopoly policy and help reinstate aggressive antitrust enforcement, restoring the rule of law and helping bring our economy back under democratic control. Concentrated corporate power is not inevitable, it is a policy choice.

In order to ensure we crack down on corporate giants, the agencies need to hear from the people on the front lines of our monopoly crisis — the workers, farmers, small businesses and families being crushed by corporate power. You have until Sept. 18 to share your merger story with policymakers and can do so by visiting bit.ly/MergerStories.

Justin Stofferahn White Bear Township

Green Team work underway

There are so many comments I could make responding to Mr. Johnson’s recent letter to the editor on “Growing Government”. I will focus my comments in this letter on an area I’m involved in, the Vadnais Heights Green Team.

Mr. Johnson states, “The volunteers never materialized for the Green Step City program the council voted on.” He’s referring to the Gold Leaf program the council voted to participate in. The two initiatives under this pilot were to establish a Green

POW/MIA Recognition Day

them and where they are.

People talk about POW and MIA, and there are flags that we display with those acronyms on them. What do they really mean?

A POW is a prisoner of war, someone captured during a time in combat. Some of them eventually escape or are released.

My uncle Walter was a prisoner of war in 1943 for two years, two months, nine days, one hour and 45 minutes, according to the story told by him and transcribed by my sister. He eventually escaped and came home. The ones who escaped have their own trials they bring with them. The ones we think about are the ones who never came home. Families are left wondering what happened to

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

NorthStar Watermedia show moves to Hudson

The ninth annual NorthStar Watermedia National Juried Exhibition will be held Sept. 15 to Oct. 29 at The Phipps Center for the Arts, located at 109 Locust Street in Hudson, Wisconsin. Eighty selected paintings by regional and national watermedia artists, including artists from the White Bear area, will be on display. Stop by to view paintings from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit www.northstarwatermedia. com/exhibitions.

Calling local artists

Submissions are being accepted for the White Bear Center for the Arts 2023 Members’ Exhibition through Oct. 20. The exhibition is a non-juried, annual show for WBCA members of all artistic abilities to showcase their work. All 2D and 3D media are accepted, and every submission is included in the show.

The exhibition runs from Nov. 13 through Jan. 17. The public is invited to view the exhibition at a community reception and holiday party from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7.

For information about how to submit artwork, visit whitebeararts.org/inspire_

MIA is the acronym for Missing in Action. These are military personnel whose endings are unknown. They were on active duty but never came home. Again, families are left to wonder what happened to them and where they might be. There is no closure and no last goodbye, just the feeling of loss left by their absence.

The POW/MIA flag was created in 1972 and recognized by Congress in 1990. There are specific rules of etiquette when flying this flag along with a U.S. Flag, which should be honored if you fly them.

POW/MIA Recognition Day, always the third Friday in September, has been designated as a day to remember those for whom the acronyms stand,

events/exhibit-your-work-2023members-exhibition.

Heads up on hydrant flushing

Hydrant flushing in Mahtomedi is tentatively scheduled to begin in late September/early October. During flushing, the water quality is good but it can be cloudy or discolored. If you notice that your water is discolored, the city recommends running the water at an outside faucet or from a faucet in the lowest level of your home until it runs clear. Discolored water can stain laundry, so refrain from washing clothes until your water clears.

County offers naloxone kits, fentanyl test strips

Washington County has three naloxone access points (NAPs) that provide free life-saving naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips. Locations include the county service center in Forest Lake, at 19955 Forest Road N., and the Government Center in Stillwater, at 14949 N. 62nd Street.

Members of the community may pick up naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips anonymously and for free — no insurance or personal info is required. The program is intended for individual access; kits are not provided to organizations, as the supply is limited.

Team and host a community event for restoration or cleanup. I’m excited to report that both initiatives are well underway! I’m a volunteer on the city’s new Green Team and we do have a group of engaged, enthusiastic residents who meet monthly. The community event, coordinated through the Green Team, will happen this October with the emphasis on fall cleanup and keeping our waters healthy by keeping our storm sewers clean.

Mr. Johnson also references the Green Step Cities program and what he refers to as costly and a difficult process to manage. The Green Team is tracking the city’s sustainability initiatives at no cost to the city. It’s great what engaged citizens can accomplish when we work in concert with our city staff and leaders.

Upcoming Games

September 19-24 vs. Toledo Mud Hens

and the families whose lives have been affected by their designation.

At VFW Post 1782 by the lake, there is a special table set aside as a POW/MIA table. There is an interesting description of the items and their significance displayed on the table. It is reserved in honor of those who cannot be with us, but we wait for them. Let us not forget!

On Thursday, Sept. 21, all are invited to join the POW/MIA march in North St. Paul. Meet at the North St. Paul VFW Post 1350 by 6:15 p.m. and the march will start at 6:30 p.m., going from there to Veterans Park several blocks away.

Please keep these acronyms in mind on Sept. 15 and remember the families to whom they mean so much more.

By increasing access to critical resources such as naloxone and fentanyl test strips, and by promoting a culture free from stigma and judgment related to substance use, it is hoped that the initiative will save lives in Washington County. The initiative is also aims to normalize naloxone as a public health resource, helping to reduce stigma related to substance use.

For more information visit co.washington.mn.us/NAP.

Nonprofit ‘The Nest’ offers classes

The Nest, a new retreat center in Shoreview, will allow individuals to focus on self-discovery and becoming their best self. There will be a heavy emphasis on helping individuals find the best versions of themselves to live and lead well. The Nest is a nonprofit organization run by Julie Overbye Ledy, Kari Nokken and Lisa Welter.

Classes at The Nest are offered in the fall, winter and spring. A wide range of classes is available for individuals to take, depending on their interests and needs.

The retreat center is located at 4570 Churchill Street in the Shoreview Professional Building. Register for classes at www. thenestretreatcenter.org/team-1.

Kathy Pittelko Vadnais Heights

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reports the following selected incidents:

• A t railer and skid loader were stolen overnight Aug. 30 in the 3500 block of Hoffman Road, Gem Lake.

• A mountain bike was stolen in the 2100 block of Orchard lane Aug. 30.

• Graffiti on a tractor trailer was reported in the 1600 block of Ninth Street Aug. 30.

• O fficers responded to a noise complaint in the 2300 block of Sixth Street Aug. 31.

• A Cass lake man was arrested for 2 felony level warrants after being stopped for a traffic violation in the 1800 block of County Road F Aug. 31.

• O fficers arrested someone in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road for a warrant Aug. 31.

• T heft was reported near the intersection of Highway 96 and White Bear Parkway Aug. 31.

• O fficers responded to a complaint of a disorderly customer who was harrassing staff by telephone at the Holiday Station on Centerville Road Sept. 1.

• A Stewart Avenue resident reported a unknown caller Sept. 1 who requested she go to her bank, withdraw $18,000 and send it to the suspect.

• F raud was reported in the 4600 block of Highway 61 Sept. 1.

• T heft from a vehicle was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Sept. 1.

• O fficers responded toa report of disorderly conduct in the 2700 block of County Road E Sept.1.

• O fficers mediated a dispute Sept. 1 in the 1600 block of Highway 96.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2100 block of Fourth Street Sept. 2.

• O fficers responded to a verbal argument in the 4700 block of Centerville Road Sept. 3. Packages were stolen in the 3700 block of Highland Avenue Sept. 3.

• A stolen credit card was used at a business in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Sept. 3.

• W hile assisting the Maplewood Police Department with a burglary in the 3000 block of White Bear Avenue Sept. 4, officers located an unoccupied stolen vehicle in the parking lot.

• O fficers mediated a dispute int eh 3500 block of Century Avenue Sept. 4.

• A St. Paul man was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance after being found sleeping behind the wheel of a vehicle in the 3100 block of Century Avenue Sept. 5.

• O fficers responded to a domestic inceident in the 2000 block of Dotte Drive Sept. 5. O fficers responded to a physical altercation between a mother and daughter in the 3400 block of Century Avenue N. Sept. 5.

• T heft was reported in the 1500 block of Park Street Sept. 5.

• O fficers responded to a report of a disorderly man who refused to leave a business in the 4800 block of Highway 61, who then fled and was struck by a vehicle near Highway 61 and Eighth Street Sept. 5.

• A t heft of a catalytic converter was reported Aug. 21 in the block of Linden Avenue.

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Vadnais Heights

• A W hite Bear Lake man on Aug. 8 reported the lock to his storage unit in the 3200 block of Highway 61 removed and replaced during the past two weeks. The property inside the unit was tampered with, and Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) deputies are waiting for the list of missing and damaged items.

• M anagement of iStorage in the 3200 block of Highway 61 reported a glass door shattered and three windows broken on Aug. 8.

T he SuperAmerica store in the 1000 block of County Road E reported being swindled out of $51 Aug. 8 after a person asked to return four bottles of motor oil without a receipt. The suspect was not made to produce the receipt and received the “refund” anyway. Store management later learned that the suspect had taken the bottles off the shelf just moments before the refund transaction and had never bought them.

• A c atalytic converter was reported stolen overnight Aug. 8-9 from a Toyota RAV4 parked in the 1000 block of County Road D. The vehicle happened to be parked on the street that night due to repairs being made to the apartment parking lot the vehicle normally uses.

• D eputies took custody of a purse left behind by a shoplifting suspect at a big-box store in the 900 block of County Road E on Aug. 9. The items inside the purse were placed into property for safekeeping,

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Dellwood

• A D ellwood Curve resident reported criminal damage to his vehicle Aug.

1. Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies advised him about his options, which included using his work insurance.

• A M innesota motorist was cited Aug. 7 on Dellwood Avenue and Echo Street for driving after revocation and failure to provide proof of insurance.

Grant

• Houle’s Feed Store in the 10000 block of 60th Street N. reported theft by an employee Aug. 1 and requested deputies to stand by on the premises when the employee was notified of termination. Although the employee was supposed to return the items, not all items were returned. Deputies cited the employee for theft.

• A u nidentified motorist was arrested for DWI at 12:59 a.m. Aug. 7 in the 8000 block of 75th Street N., following a traffic stop for failure to maintain the lane.

• Employees of a business in the 11000 block of 80th Street N. reported that they had found a passport belonging to an Oakdale resident Aug. 8. Deputies planned to return the passport in person.

• Suspicious activity, possibly related to a motor vehicle theft in the area was reported at midnight Aug. 9 in the 9000 block of 60th Street N.

• A report of a large pile of rocks on the roadway Aug. 9 in the 8000 block of 60th Street N. turned out to be only a small pile of rocks.

Mahtomedi

• A n elevator on Wildwood Road was reported stuck between floors Aug. 1. An elevator mechanic and medics were summoned to the scene.

• A mom on Griffin Court reported her daughter’s friends for being at her home Aug. 1 when she didn’t want them to be. When deputies arrived, the girls agreed to leave.

• A northbound motorist on Mahtomedi Avenue at Crocus Street was issued a written warning Aug. 3 for speeding 41 mph in 30 mph zone by southbound deputies on patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar. Deputies described the driver’s attitude as good.

• A n unidentified male was issued a trespassing citation Aug. 8 from a property on Wildwood Road.

• A c ell phone was reported lost at Katherine Abbott Park in the 1000 block of Lincolntown Avenue on Aug. 9.

• A resident in the 1000 block of Hallam Avenue N. on Aug. 9 reported receiving a suspicious voicemail from a person claiming to be a Sgt. Mike Pence of the WCSO.

• A motorist on Long Lake Road at Century Avenue at 12:48 a.m. Aug. 10 was cited for failure to provide proof of insurance following a traffic stop for expired vehicle registration. “To be honest with you, I do not have insurance,” the driver told deputies.

• D eputies conducted a traffic stop for speeding at 1:16 a.m. Aug. 10 on Long Lake Road at Century Avenue. They conducted another traffic stop at 1:41 p.m. Aug. 10 on East Avenue at Stillwater Road and cited the driver for driving after revocation.

Pine Springs

• A g roup of juveniles on skateboards was reported July 30 in the middle of the road at 60th Street N. and Hilton Trail N. Deputies advised the juveniles to skate somewhere safer.

POLITICAL BRIEFS

and a small bag containing drug paraphernalia was placed into property destined for destruction.

• D eputies engaged in a short pursuit at 5:07 a.m. Aug. 10 near Koehler Road and McMenemy Street after a black scooter fled from an investigative stop for no lights and no license plate. The pursuit was terminated after one mile by supervisory discretion.

• A West Des Moines, Iowa, woman reported the front license plate of her vehicle stolen overnight Aug. 10-11 while it was parked in a hotel lot in the 3500 block of Vadnais Center Drive. The vehicle’s identification information has been entered into the National Crime Information Center database.

• A package was reported stolen Aug. 11 in the 1100 block of County Road D. Surveillance video of the theft was able to identify the suspect, and the case was forwarded to the county attorney for consideration of charges.

• Residents in the 1100 block of County Road D reported forced entry to their detached garage Aug. 11 and items stolen. Surveillance video footage of the incident shows the incident and the suspects. The case is under investigation.

• T he RCSO took a fake robbery report Aug. 11 of a business in the 1500 block of Buerkle Road.

• A C enterville woman reported the catalytic converter stolen from her Hyundai Tucson Aug. 12 while it was parked in an employee lot of a business in the 900 block of County Road E.

A Vadnais Heights man, 36, was arrested on an active narcotics warrant Aug. 12 in the 1000 block

of County Road E after deputies responded to a report of disorderly conduct. While they were taking the subject into custody, deputies found additional narcotics on his person. The case is under investigation.

White Bear Township

• A box containing a large female sex doll was reported found 8:42 a.m. Aug. 6 in the Bellaire Beach parking lot in the 2400 block of South Shore Blvd. After no owner information was found, deputies took custody of the item to be logged into property for safekeeping.

• T hree hours later, at 11:42 a.m. Aug. 6, a purse was reported found on Bellaire Beach and turned over to deputies. A phone number of a potential owner was found, and deputies left a message. In the meantime, the purse was placed into property for safekeeping as a possible accessory for the blow-up doll during its detention.

A sandhill crane in mid-flight was reported struck by a vehicle Aug. 8 on County Road J and Holly Drive. The status of the bird is unknown, as it was gone when deputies arrived on scene.

• A vehicle was reported stuck in a ditch at Four Seasons Park on Park Avenue and Eagle Street Aug. 11. Citizen video showed the vehicle drive into the ditch, turn around, drive into the ditch again and strike a sign.

• A resident in the 5200 block of Portland Woods reported being defrauded out of $2,000 Aug. 11 by sending that amount in gift cards to a scammer.

Loretta Harding

Meet Ward 3 candidates at forum

The League of Women Voters of White Bear Lake Area invite the public to submit questions in advance of the Sept. 28 candidate forum planned for the Ward 3 White Bear Lake City Council candidates. Participants should submit questions for the Ward 3 candidates before Monday, Sept. 25, using the form available at lwvwbla.org/candidate-forums. A map of Ward 3 can be found on the city website at whitebearlake.org/mayorandcitycouncil/ page/elections-voting.

The candidate forum will be available for public viewing on the LWV’s YouTube channel on Oct. 2. Search YouTube for “LWV White Bear Lake Area.” A link is also found on the Candidate Forums page of the website at www.lwv-wbla. org.  Candidate forums are not being held for uncontested races.

Lt. Governor, Senator visit high school

CONTRIBUTED

Senator Heather Gustafson and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan welcomed students and staff on the first day back to school at White Bear Lake Area High School. They toured renovations and construction at the school and highlighted the Legislature’s recent investments to provide universal school meals, a boost in school funding, and new mental health resources in schools. Pictured L-R are: Prinicipal Carrie Barth, Sen. Gustafson, Lt. Gov. Flanagan, and Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

Burglary victim has undercover view of the activity

A White Bear Lake man, 21, faces up to 20 years imprisonment and/or maximum $35,000 fine for first-degree burglary of an occupied dwelling.

At 1:36 a.m. Sept. 2, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the scene of a burglary in progress in the 1000 block of County Road D. The complainant reported that an unknown person with a beard and scruffy brown hair had just broken into his apartment and had fled out the third-floor balcony. The intruder took the complainant’s .22 caliber gun, its case and items from the refrigerator. The intruder had also gone through the complainant’s wallet.

On arrival, deputies encountered two males, one of whom was bearded with scruffy hair full of leaves and grass, who was identified as the defendant. The other male lived on the second floor of the building. The males told deputies that one of them had just thrown a broom off the balcony, and they had both climbed down to get it.

There was no mention of any broom seen in the area. However, strewn on the ground under the complainant’s balcony was a .22 caliber long rifle hanging out of a half-opened hard gun case containing several magazines and a box of ammunition. An empty hard plastic handgun case belonging to the victim was also found on the ground near the rifle. During the conversation about the mystery broom, the burglary victim emerged from his apartment and fingered the defendant as the male he’d seen in his bedroom.

Inside the unit, Deputies found a frozen meal and two alcohol containers that the burglars had left on the kitchen floor. A magazine for the .22 caliber stolen rifle was found on the floor inside the entry door to the unit. In addition, deputies found a Sarsilmaz 9mm handgun sitting on top of a soft rifle case on the floor of the complainant’s bedroom, along with an unopened beer bottle. The complainant said the gun had been stored in the hard case that deputies found outside on the ground by the rifle.

The complainant told deputies he was sleeping in his bedroom with the lights off when he woke to go to the bathroom and saw the defendant in his bedroom. The shadowy figure was walking around using a flashlight from a cell phone. He did not confront the burglar or move, lying still until the defendant left his room. From his vantage point, he watched the entire burglary, as the defendant went through his wallet and closet, where his rifle was taken from under a pile of clothes. Then he watched as the burglar messed with his keys.

The complainant told deputies he and his roommate, who was asleep elsewhere in the apartment, both thought the patio door was locked when they went to bed, but acknowledged the door didn’t always latch properly.

In the squad car on his way to jail, the defendant spontaneously said that he was with his friend who lived in a second-floor unit at that address. The defendant said he had been drinking with friends and the next thing he knew, he was in the back of a squad car. He claimed not to know what was going on or why he was going to jail.

Nabbed for current and previous DWI

A Vadnais Heights woman, 67, has been charged with two gross misdemeanors related to DWI, after she was arrested at 9:57 p.m. Aug. 27 near the 1100 block of County Road D. The charge of seconddegree DWI carries a prison sentence of up to one year and maximum fine of $3,000. Her sentence could be doubled if she’s also convicted of a second charge — seconddegree being over the limit within two hours after arrest.

Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies on routine patrol near the east parking lot of 1175 County Road D conducted a random license plate check of a vehicle driving by. The plate number came back with a notification that its registered owner, the defendant, had an active fourth-degree DWI warrant out of Ramsey County.

When deputies conducted the traffic stop and spoke to the driver, they could smell the odor of a consumed alcoholic beverage inside the vehicle. The driver told them she had consumed two beers prior to driving. Deputies then administered standardized field sobriety testing, during which the subject showed signs of impairment. On the preliminary breath test, the driver registered a 0.13 blood alcohol content.

Based on her active warrant and field test results, the driver was arrested and brought to the law enforcement center. There, she consulted her attorney and later submitted to the Datamaster breath test. Less than two hours after her arrest, the defendant’s blood alcohol content had increased to 0.16.

The defendant has a prior alcohol-related driver’s license revocation from 2020.

White Bear Lake Area

Alex Legeros has been named executive director at Franconia Sculpture Park.

“The experiences and experimentation happening at Franconia are exciting,” says Legeros.

“Over more than 25 years, Franconia has developed a notable role in our local and national arts ecosystem. I can’t wait to be part of this web of talented, visionary and remarkable people.”

Alex Legeros

Legeros was once an Artist in Residence at Franconia. Until this new role, he had been serving as development and communications director at White Bear Center for the Arts.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota recently recognized 85 honorees with the 2023 Spirit Award, including Tina Voss of White Bear Lake. Voss, a program coordinator for companion services, was nominated by a supervisor for demonstrating “outstanding commitment and dedication to the vision and mission of the organization.”

CONTRIBUTED

‘Do-over Day’ at Mahtomedi council meeting

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Two actions to correct important documents topped the list of agenda items at the September meeting of the Mahtomedi City Council.

Council’s first of two paperwork adjustments was to clarify the boundary line in the documents it sent to the Office of Administrative Hearings for review and approval of a property detachment and annexation on McGill’s Corner on Wildwood Road.

In McGill’s Corner — on the southeast corner of the intersection of Wildwood Road and Century Avenue — are two parcels located in Mahtomedi (Freedom gas station and the property next door to the east). However, the next two parcels on the south side of Wildwood Road to the east (that run north to south) are located in White Bear Lake. These two parcels are designated as the annexation property.

The cities of White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi agreed that it made more sense that the entire south side of Wildwood Road (CSAH 12) at that location should be in Mahtomedi.

White Bear Lake has a number of consecutive parcels on the north side

MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL NOTES

Cities are allowed by law to accept donations of real and personal property from the public. As a statutory city, council formally accepted a donation of $25 from a resident to be used by the Mahtomedi Fire Department for miscellaneous purchases.

The Lake Links Association donated $2,500 to the city for a bike repair station along the Lake Links Trail, and council formally accepted it. Lake Links representative Ian Harding advised council that the organization is seeking council’s help in spending even more money in the city. Thanks to grant monies and funding received from the Legislature, the Lake Links Association has some $20,000 to donate to the city to be used along the trail. Council gave its fire department the go-ahead to hire two paid on-call firefighter/EMT’s. Chief Terry Fischer recommended the hiring of Alexander Wilcox and Michael Lundgren to fill those positions, contingent on the successful completion of the required psychological and physical assessments and background checks. Mahtomedi residents may remember when their recycling wasn’t picked up on several occasions during the past year. Council has done something about it: after awarding the residential recycling collection services contract to a new provider, Walters Recycling and Refuse will take over on Jan. 1, 2024. Prior to the expiration of the current five-year residential recycling services contract with Waste

ZEPHYR SPORTS BRIEFS SWIMMING

of Wildwood Road.

Earlier this year, the two city councils adopted a joint resolution approving the concurrent detachment and annexation of the property on Wildwood Road. The joint resolution was sent to the Office of Administrative Hearings for review and approval. However, a discrepancy between the legal description and the depiction of the proposed annexation property was discovered. The issue involved the exact location of the boundary between cities and in the area around the annexation property. The document was sent back to the two cities to clarify.

The White Bear Lake City Council unanimously approved the clarification document and Mahtomedi approved the joint resolution clarifying the legal description of real property to be detached from White Bear Lake and annexed into Mahtomedi pursuant to city of White Bear Lake resolution No. 13176 and city of Mahtomedi resolution No. 2023-15 and pursuant to Minnesota Statute 414.061.

A copy of the revised resolution clarifying the exact description will be sent to the Office of Administrative Hearings to complete the detachment

Management on Dec. 31, the city issued a request for proposal (RFP) for those same services moving forward. On the RFP due date, the city received three proposals. The RFP Review Committee recommended Walters Recycling and Refuse be awarded the contract, based on history of strong customer service and other sound practices. Its proposed curbside collection price per certified dwelling unit is $5.58 each month beginning on Jan. 1. Council Member Luke Schlegel said he liked the company’s local ownership.

Summer road construction is over, and now it’s time to pay for it. Council passed a resolution declaring costs to be assessed and ordering preparation of proposed assessments for the 2023 street improvement project. The assessment amount will be $104,780, or 21.25% of the total construction costs of $493,200. The remaining 79.75% of the total amount, or $388,420, will be financed through the general tax levy, utility funds and available city reserves, as determined by council. Ten parcels on Juniper Street will be assessed $9,979 each, and one parcel on Juniper Street will be assessed $4,990.

In order to assess property owners benefitting from road improvements, the city must hold a public hearing to take commentary and answer questions. The assessment hearing for the 2023 street improvement project is scheduled to take place during the Oct. 3 regular City Council meeting that starts at 7 p.m. at City Hall after council passed a resolution to that

Mahtomedi out-stroked Hill-Murray 95-71 and North St. Paul 95-56 in their first two dual meets. Winners against Hill-Murray were Abigail Wright, individual medley and 100 freestyle; Talia Collins, 200 freestyle; Delaney Dummermuth, 50 freestyle; Alixandra Fox, diving; Emmerson Buckley, backstroke; and Audrey Carlson (breaststroke), and all three relays: the medley (Buckley, Carlson, Wright, Sidney Leciejewski); the 200 free (Adalyn Miller, Maddie Ruppel, Isabelle Befidi, Wright); and the 400 free (Collins, Riley Parizek, Ruppel, Buckley). Winners against North were Buckley, 200 and 500 free; Ruppel, IM; Wright, 50 free and breaststroke; Fox, diving; Abigail Wiebe, butterfly; Dumermuth, 100 free; and Leciejewski, backstroke.

CROSS COUNTRY

The Mahtomedi boys placed 15th of 20 teams, and the girls 14th of 15, in the Rosemount Invitational to open the season. William Lieberman placed 16th in 10:41.69 to lead the Zephyr boys. Next were Matthew Studenski in 67th and Evan Carion 97th among 151

and annexation process.

The second do-over of the meeting occurred as council performed a complicated Robert’s Rules of Order parliamentary procedure re-do, following a request for council to make a motion to reconsider previously approved ordinances and summary publication resolutions.

In short, at its Aug. 15 meeting, council had accidentally approved an ordinance that it didn’t mean to approve, as it was contained within a packet of seven other ordinances council did want to approve.

After approving the ordinances, the necessary next step for council was to then pass resolutions approving the publication of a summary ordinance for all those seven ordinances. In order for those seven ordinances to take effect, they needed to be published in the city’s official newspaper, the White Bear Press. The summary ordinance gives legal permission to publish a shorter version of the ordinances. Otherwise, the Aug. 23 issue of the White Bear Press might have taken on the characteristics of a telephone book from the pre-cell phone era.

Rather than approve seven out of eight proposed ordinance

effect. The project, now complete, included roadway rehabilitation and miscellaneous storm sewer and utility improvements on Juniper Street from the east end of the cul-de-sac to East Avenue.

Council renewed the five-year subscription agreement with Health EMS (Sansio) for an emergency medical services charting system for the fire department. The department has been using the Sansio EMS system since 2006, when only 350 calls for service were charted, with no price increase. However, due to the increased call volume (now the city receives some 700 calls for service), the contractor has increased its fees. The total new subscription fee for the next five years will now be $17,316.

Real Estate Equities (Vista Point Apartments) at 830 Wildwood Road requested a 90% reduction in the landscaping surety, pursuant to the development contract, reducing the amount to $16,200. City staff reviewed the request and recommended approval.

Council adjourned to closed session regarding the Gates v. City of Mahtomedi quiet title action.

The council next meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road.

LORETTA B. HARDING is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at  news@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.

runners. Gabby Fox placed 49th in 13:31 to lead the Zephyr girls. Next were Syvie Lavigne in 72nd and Ruby Grinstead 88th among 125 runners. Team champions were the Mounds View boys and St. Paul Highland Park girls.

GIRLS SOCCER

Mahtomedi improved to 5-2 by beating Orono 4-0, South St. Paul 4-2 (conference opener) and Mounds View 1-0. Scoring against Orono (0-3-2) were Kaitlyn Moltzan (assisted by Olivia Thiele), Allie Rippentrop (Presley Albers), Thiele (Faith Peper) and Aynslea Ulschmid. Scoring against SSP (3-2-1) were Moltzan (Ceci Emery), Rippentrop (Albers), Thiele (Lauren Coy) and Rippentrop again (Harlow Berger) as time expired. Brooke Viner had both Packer goals. Aynslea Ulschmid delivered the lone goal against Mounds View (3-3), assisted by Allie McCleery. In goal were Jacque Worden against Orono (seven saves), Berger against SSP (two saves) and Stella Grabow against Mounds View (five saves).

amendments to Section 11.01 one at a time at the Aug. meeting, council approved them all in one motion, intending to leave out one of the proposed amendments for further review by the Environmental Commission (ordinance No. 2023-05, regarding wind turbine performance standards). It seemed as though council did just that, but apparently the wind turbine amendment was left in.

The same thing apparently happened with the approval of the summary publication ordinance.

City Attorney Bridget Nason alerted council that the way to right the wrong was to perform a complete doover.

It took six motions and six votes, but council rescinded all of the ordinances it had passed at the Aug. meeting, took out the ordinance it didn’t want passed, and passed all the other ordinances again.

Ordinance No. 2023-05, which council thought it pulled, has now been repulled and will be reviewed as intended. Ordinance No. 2032-09 and resolution No. 2023-38, relating to wind turbines, has also now been unpublished in the summary publication ordinance.

BIRCHWOOD CITY COUNCIL NOTES

• Forty-seven acres of White Bear Lake was treated for water milfoil this year. Yellow iris was found in the lake again after it was last treated for it in 2020.

• T he City Council is working with the Rice Creek Watershed District to clean Halls Marsh.

• T he Washington County Sheriff’s Office has proposed a contract increase of $15,000. The WCSO has hired a new deputy, who will be deployed in Birchwood in the afternoons for additional law enforcement coverage in the area. The City Council is expected to discuss additional law enforcement coverage at its September meeting.

• T he Birchwood Village community garage sale will run from Friday, Sept. 29, through Saturday, Sept. 30. Email the Community Club if you are interested in participating.

The Birchwood Village City Council regularly meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Birchwood Village City Hall, 207 Birchwood Ave.

Madeline Dolby

BOYS SOCCER

Mahtomedi won its conference opener against South St. Paul 5-0 after losing to Orono (4-0-1) 4-1. The Zephyrs are 3-3 overall.

VOLLEYBALL

Mahtomedi has a 1-4 record after losing twice last week. White Bear Lake defeated the Zephyrs 25-16, 25-19, 25-19. In the conference opener, Hill-Murray tripped the Zephyrs 25-23, 24-26, 25-17, 25-12.

TENNIS

Mahtomedi lost three matches last week, to Eden Prairie 6-1, Hill-Murray 4-3 and Elk River 6-1. The Zephyrs (3-5) were 0-4 in singles all three matches. Kate Hoffman/Katherine Smith at 1-doubles got the lone point against Eden Prairie 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. The Zephyrs swept doubles against H-M with Hoffman/ Smith, Olivia Bengtson/Greta Munson and Molly Moffit/tHanna Meslow. The point against the Elks came from Moffitt/Langer at 3-doubles 6-1, 3-6, 10-8.

TOWNSHIP DAY: Sept. 16

Merrick expands programs that empower people with disabilities

BY NOELLE OLSON EDITOR

Merrick Inc., a nonprofit located in Vadnais Heights, is expanding its program later this fall.

“Beginning in November, our new expanded program will be having a therapy dog,” said John Wayne Barker, executive director. “That’s unique in the state of Minnesota, and something we’re excited about bringing to the program.”

FILE PHOTO

Merrick has been providing day services to adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Ramsey County since 1964. It offers a mix of life enrichment, work and selfadvocacy options to its clients.

According to Barker, Merrick is the largest day program in Ramsey County. It has a 59-year history of leadership in personcentered planning, self-advocacy, meaningful work options, community inclusion, operational excellence and continuous innovation.

The life enrichment site opened in November 2022. Barker said clients from North St. Paul and the Labore Road site moved into the 17,000-square-foot space on Willow Lake Boulevard. The current enrollment is 100 clients.

The nonprofit’s goal is to support 40 additional clients by April 1, 2024.

The new expansion will include specialized studios, pottery and painting, crafts, music, sewing/ science and a sensory room.

“As a nonprofit, we offer two buckets of service and one is life enrichment, which is anything but work,” Barker said.

“The whole idea is these life enrichment activities will either improve, maintain or slow the decline of mental, physical and emotional health, and that’s our expanded program that will soon be serving 140 people.”

He noted the expansion will better serve Merrick’s clients.

“We have over 100 people on our wait list, and I said to management, ‘You need to figure out how to serve those people and do it soon,’” Barker said. “We came across that space and we’re fortunate enough to take over the lease from a previous tenant; we put in about $300,000 of renovations to make it as safe, functional and pleasant as our Labore Road site.”

According to Barker, Merrick’s charitable gambling is the largest in the state with 25 sites. “It will probably exceed $70 million in sales this year, and that sounds

like a lot until you understand the state of Minnesota takes three cents for every one penny we earn, so it’s pretty regressive taxing on charitable gambling … which is unfortunate,” he said.

Barker noted Merrick’s mission is to empower adults with disabilities through vocational and social opportunities and to guide them toward realizing their goals and dreams.

“Except for a cognitive disability, people with disabilities are more like us than not like us,” Barker said. “The only difference is their cognitive disability impacts their skills of independent living or activities of daily living, and that’s where nonprofits and human service agencies like Merrick come into play as we fill that gap. We help support them in those areas so that they can have a meaningful life.”

Merrick’s work services program is located at 3210 Labore Road in Vadnais Heights. The life enrichment program is located at 1239 Willow Lake Road Blvd., Suite 101 in Vadnais Heights. For more information, go to merrickinc.org.

garding the purpose or use of the funds, those concerns need to be addressed to the Birch Lake Improvement Board Chairperson Steve Laliberte by e-mail at steve.laliberte@iproduction.com.

CONTRIBUTED

The first-ever Township Day was held in 2008, marking the Township’s 150-year anniversary. Volunteers celebrated with a cake decorated with a depiction of the historic town hall, which would be unveiled at Polar Lakes Park in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 2019 Township Day event.

FROM PAGE 1

concert and fireworks, it is advised to bring chairs and blankets. Bug spray shouldn’t be needed this time of year.

Anderson anticipates 5,000 to 7,000 people to attend throughout the day and expects the forecast to cooperate. “It’s supposed to be a beautiful day,” she said.

Township Day admission is free, and so is parking. Attendees can park at the Polar Lakes lot or at one of two neighboring businesses who will provide free parking for the day. Donations to the White Bear Area Food Shelf will be accepted at the entrance.

Polar Lakes Park is located at 1280 Hammond Road, White Bear Township. For up to date news and information about Township Day, visit the city’s website at whitebeartownship. org or Facebook page at facebook.com/ WhiteBearTownshipMNOfficialSite.

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to MN Statute Chapter 103B, the Birch Lake Improvement District requests the White Bear Lake City Council to conduct a public hearing for a proposal to assess a service charge for 2024 operations to owners of property abutting Birch Lake within the City of White Bear Lake. The service charge will fund certain improvements or actions intended to improve the quality of Birch Lake. The total proposed service charge for calendar year 2024 for all properties within the district is $21,422. Said total, if approved, will be divided equally among the total number of assessable parcels, which results in a $363.08 service charge per parcel.

The Birch Lake Improvement District has submitted this amount to the City for assessment to individual properties. If you have questions or concerns re-

The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26, 2023, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 4701 Highway 61 and shall continue until all interested parties have been heard. Questions regarding the hearing of the proposed levy may be directed to Kerri Kindsvater, Finance Director, 4701 Highway 61 N., 651-429-8517. Written comments received prior to the hearing shall be read at the hearing. For further information on the public hearing process, please visit the City’s website at www. whitebearlake.org/Engineering.

Published one time in the White Bear Press on September 13, 2023.

VADNAIS LAKE AREA WATER MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION (VLAWMO)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

AUDIT SERVICES

The Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) is requesting proposals from qualified firms of certified public accounts for audit of its financial statements for fiscal years ending December 31, 2023 and 2024. VLAWMO will select a firm based on experience, capacity, billing rate, familiarity with VLAWMO financial systems, responsiveness and the other evaluation criteria listed in the RFP. A full copy of the RFP is available on the VLAWMO website: vlawmo.org

Please submit proposals electronically via PDF by 4:00 PM on Wednesday September 27, 2023 to phil.belfiori@vlawmo.org. Questions should be addressed to Phil Belfiori, Administrator, by email. Both questions and proposals: phil.belfiori@vlawmo.org. 651-204-6073.

Published two times in the White Bear Press on September, 6 and 13, 2023.

Left side: Fall Frenzy, ladies night out Thursday Sept 21, 2023 5-8pm (WE’RE GOING TO HAVE TO SPLIT THIS WITH A NEW EVENT SO MAKE IT TOP LEFT.

Bottom left: Scarecrow Stroll – Stroll Downtown White Bear Lake and vote for your favorite Scarecrow! (can you put a scarecrow graphic in?)

Amy Johnson

The power to help change a community is in your hands – literally. Your support allows the paper to inform more local residents in a single week than any other medium.

Middle - keep the same Right change date only to Sept 23, 2023

“A common thread in the community.” –Press Publications 651-407-1200 • www.presspubs.com

784508

-IN THE PARK- -FALL FRIENDZY-

Scarecrow Stroll

Ladies Night Out Polka & PaintingPumpkin

September 21-23

- ThursdaySeptember 21, 2023

5-8 PM

Stroll Downtown White Bear Lake and vote for your favorite Scarecrow!

- SaturdaySeptember 23, 2023

1-4 PM

As the sun sets, Township Day attendees await the fireworks show.

Have confidence in your financial strategy

OBITUARIES

Marvin T. Fabyanske

Passed away on August 15, 2023 at age 78, less than a month after being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his family: his wife of 55 years, Margaret A. (Margee) Fabyanske, and his adult children Tyson, Jordan, Tanya, Logan, and Allison. He is also survived by his sister Gail Westby and 10 grandchildren, who were all able to visit in his last days. Marv graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School (now Roseville Area High School) in 1963, where he met Margee, the love of his life, in ninth grade. Together they sang in the varsity high school choir, inspiring a lifelong love of music under the legendary direction of Donald Brost. Marv received his Bachelor of Science in engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1967, and he married Margee that fall. While working at Honeywell, he decided to attend law school at William Mitchell (now Mitchell-Hamline) School of Law to pursue a career in patent law. A job offer from a large law firm growing its practice in construction law changed his career trajectory. In 1981, he co-founded the law firm now called Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, PA. It is still widely respected as one of the finest construction law firms in the country. In later years, Marv enjoyed serving on arbitration panels and spending more time “making sawdust” in his workshop. He found his bliss fine tuning improvements to a rustic cabin property on Lake Superior, where he and Margee have hosted countless friends and provided their grandchildren a memorable retreat. Ever productive, Marv’s craftsmanship as a woodworker adorns the home of every family member and many friends, as well as Falcon Heights Church, where he and Margee have belonged since 1972. A funeral service was held on Friday, September 8, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sugarloaf: the North Shore Stewardship Association, sugarloafnorthshore.org, a 501c3 charity with a nature center, trails, and educational programs at Sugarloaf Cove near the family’s cabins.

Nathan “Nate” Lousimet

Age 43, passed away unexpectedly, peacefully at his home. Preceded in death by mom, Peggy Jackson. Survived by his loving wife Sarah; sons Owen (14) and Eli (12) and many other family members and friends. Services took place on September 9th. Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home.

Charles Robert Podominick

Passed away unexpectedly on September 3rd, 2023. Chuck was a long time resident of Vadnais Heights but, as a native of Nashwauk, Minnesota - always an Iron Ranger at heart. Chuck was very proud of his Slovenian (and Finnish) heritage. He served on the Board of Directors of the Twin Cities Slovenians and enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow Slovenians.

He had a passion for Slovenian genealogy, resulting in many trips to Slovenia to research his family and meet relatives while absorbing the Slovenian culture.

Chuck was a graduate of Hibbing Junior College, the Appleton Institute of Paper Chemistry and the University of Minnesota, where he was a member of the U of M marching and pep bands. After graduation, he joined the 3M company, where his career spanned 35 years and included developing Post-It note products and other paper applications.

Chuck was active in the White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights community - spending 17 years as leader of Boy Scout Troop 212 and serving as a youth hockey and baseball coach. He was famous for his many collections: coins, stamps, railroad lanterns, bugles, antique farm tools, Boy Scout artifacts... and jokes, which he faithfully emailed to his long list of friends every day. A man devoted to his family, Chuck was also a good friend to many. His hearty laugh and many phone calls to friends and family brightened so many days.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Martin Podominick and Ellen (Gyllander) Podominick; his sister, Junell Podominick; and his grandson, Beckett Podominick. He is survived by his wife, Jean (Lowry) Podominick; sons, Matthew (Tania) Podominick and Kevin (Camila) Podominick; granddaughter, Tanielli Podominick; and brothers-in-law; S. Scott Lowry and James R. Lowry.

If desired, memorials may be sent to Twin Cities Slovenians, Boy Scouts of America, or donor’s choice.

We invite friends and family to share our Celebration of Life at 11 a.m., on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at BRADSHAW (4600 Greenhaven Dr.). Visitation one hour prior. Reception to follow service.

Steven Michael Schmidt

Age 63, of Vadnais Heights, passed away September 2, 2023. Preceded in death by father Charles Schmidt, mother, Rosemary Schmidt, mother-in-law, Agnes Klauder, sistersin-law Kate Schmidt and Karol Winslow.

Steve was a largely selftaught Software Engineer who happily retired in 2019. He spent long hours writing programs at home organizing his many photographs and musical interests. He had volunteered to run a trolley in Minnetonka, had a love of trains (especially steam), useless music trivia and keeping his wife, Kim, happy. When Steve and Kim met 22 years ago, they started travelling vast parts of the world expanding Steve’s collection of photographs. He was a thoughtful, loving husband of 17 years.

He is survived by his wife, Kim Klauder, sister Jane Burke (David), brother David Schmidt, mother-in-law, Robbie Klauder, father-in-law John R. Klauder, sisters-in-law Kate Klauder (Bill) and Jenni Klauder (Dustin), brother-in-law, Jake Klauder (Chris), and cherished nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.

Bill Steinert

Recently of Cerenity Long Term Care White Bear Lake, Minnesota passed away peacefully on 8/23/23.

Bill was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on 12/23/48 and until May lived in Oakdale, Minnesota.

Bill will be interred on 8/21/23 at the Harris Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

The best way to get insight into your local community: www.presspubs.com

How

Our team-based approach brings collaboration to your life and business to deliver proactive and comprehensive planning that will cover 5 main areas: tax planning, wealth management, risk mitigation, legal services and business advisory.

Bountiful harvest at local farmers markets

Above: Recent visitors to the Friday morning farmers market in downtown White Bear Lake found a variety of items, including cheeses, meats, honey, baked goods and fresh cut flowers, in addition to the fresh, locally grown produce.

At right: The Saturday morning farmers market in Mahtomedi is a popular destination for local residents to socialize and also pick up a variety of locally sourced food items.

Above: The family owned and operated Urban’s Farm and Greenhouse produce stand, based in Vadnais Heights, is among the vendors offering a colorful array of locally grown vegetables.

At left: Fresh loaves from the community supported Companion Breads on display at the Mahtomedi market, which runs through September 30. The White Bear Lake Farmers Market runs through the last Friday in October.

GIRLS SOCCER

White Bear Lake nabbed its first two wins, over Andover 2-0 and Irondale 11-0 , then took on Edina (7-0) and lost 2-1. “They are a really good team and have a number of players going to Division I, so it was good to see us hang in there,” said John Dierkhising, co-coach. The Bears are 2-2-2 against a rugged schedule.  Edina led 2-0 (including a penalty kick) before a 29-minute delay due to lightning. Jenna Maloy scored off a chip over the top from Becca Smith, but the Bears couldn’t get the equalizer. The Hornet goalie made one key save with her face. Autumn Maki notched seven saves for the Bears. Scoring late against Andover were Maloy in the 70th minute and Smith in the 78th. Maki made nine saves including some tough ones. Defenders Paige Swanson, Marin Peterson, Kate Bullis played all 80 minutes on a hot night and held up well. Four starters were missing with injuries. Against Irondale, Maloy, Smith, Abby O’Brien, and Cami Bachmeier had two goals each, and Eilyse Oelker, Navaya McCorkle and Teagan Coopet one each. Chloe Tocko was in goal.

VOLLEYBALL

White Bear Lake is off to a 4-1 start after two wins. The Bears tripped Mahtomedi  2516, 25-19, 25-19 at home. Kylie Gustafson made nine kills, Lauren Westerhaus six and Ella Stadtherr four while Ally Munyer provided 24 set assists and Kailey Gieske seven digs. The Bears outlasted St. Paul Central in a five-gamer 10-25, 25-15, 2519, 22-25, 15-6. Gustafson rattled off 18 kills. Keeling notched 15 kills, Westerhaus seven kills and six

blocks, and Stadtherr six kills. Gieske made 19 digs and Mallory Moore 10. Munyer put up 50 assists.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

White Bear Lake placed fourth of 20 teams, led by Luke Williams in third place, in the season-opening Rosemount Invitational. Top five were Mounds View with 84 points, Rosemount 107, Eden Prairie 109, the Bears 127 and Two Rivers 160. Williams hit the chute In 9:53.55, behind Robert Mechura of Roseville (9:41) and Cade Sank of Osseo (9:49). Bear junior Isaac Kolstad placed ninth (10:19) sophomore Max Popp 20th (10:43), senior Riley Murphy in 31st (10:51) and senior Rodrigo Rubio 69th (11:30) among 151 runners.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

White Bear Lake placed ninth of 15 teams in the season-opening Rosemount Invitational. Rosalie Sommers placed 23rd in 12:53 to lead the Bears. Also in their top five were Clara Kolstad in 26th, Annika Schroeder 30th, Logan Bailey 50th and Irene Bakke 102nd among 125 runners. St. Paul Highland Park was team champion, and Burnsville’s Carley LaMotte was first in 11:44.

BOYS SOCCER

White Bear Lake tied Irondale 1-1 and lost to Edina 3-1. The Bears are 0-2-2 in four outings.

TENNIS

White Bear Lake (3-5) edged Centennial 4-3 and lost to Roseville 6-1.  Against Centennial, Elia Groneberg, Tally Domschot and Elara Kruse won at 1-3-4 singles, and Mallory Peltier/Ava Johnson won 3-doubles. Centennial beat Vera Zach, Isabel St. John/Maddie Belisle and Josie Guidinger/Sophie Menier.

against Mahtomedi’s Haley Hohenstein.

15TH ANNUAL

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

• Food Trucks/Beer Garden

• Giant Sandbox

• Inflatables & Bounce Houses

• Pony Rides, Face Painting, Henna Tattoos

• Town Hall Tours and BINGO

• Tamarack Nature Center

• Touch-A-Truck, sponsored by Trinity Automotive

• Viking Automotive Car Show (awards at 6pm)

• White Bear Lake Archery

EVENT PARKING

Vendors

Free parking will be available in the lower parking lot, with overflow parking in designated area business lots near the park.

ABOUT THE BANDS

The Rosie Posies!

Music-A-Long with The Rosie Posies! Enjoy favorite tunes, as well as new spins on classic songs. The Rosie Posies are Ms. Rose Oyamot (vocals, ukulele, guitar) and Ms. Kathleen Conger (bass guitar) with music for ALL ages!

MAIN STAGE

Drop Tailgate

Drop Tailgate performs the best high energy country, rock and pop music that will have you dancing and singing along to your favorite hits from the beginning to the last encore of their show! Drop Tailgate performs songs strikingly close to the original artists but give it a little boost to keep the party rockin’!

3:30 p.m. - The Rosie Posies!

5:00 p.m. - Drop Tailgate

8:00 p.m. - National Anthem: Laila Elazab

8:05 p.m. - Fireworks over the Park

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men. In 2022, the American Cancer Society estimated there would be about 268,490 new cases and about 34,500 deaths from prostate cancer. The American Urological Association suggests men ages 55 to 69, with an average risk for prostate cancer, talk to their doctor about whether prostate cancer testing is right for them. For men with a higher risk of getting prostate cancer, which includes African-American men or men with a family history of cancer, think about talking to your doctor as early as 40-54 years of age.

The prostate and seminal vesicles are part of the male reproductive system. The prostate sits below the bladder, in front of the rectum, while the seminal vesicles are two smaller glands attached to the back of the prostate. The main job of the prostate and seminal vesicles is to make fluid for semen. Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells form and grow in the prostate gland. Not all abnormal growths, also called tumors, are cancerous (malignant). Some tumors are not cancerous (benign), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and are not life threatening. Cancerous growths, such as prostate cancer, can

spread (metastasize) to nearby organs and tissues such as the bladder or rectum, or to other parts of the body.

Prostate cancer stays “localized” when cancer cells are found only in the prostate or even a little bit beyond it, but do not move to other parts of the body. If the cancer moves to other parts of the body, it is called “advanced” prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is often grouped into four stages.

• Early-stage | Stages I & II: The tumor has not spread beyond the prostate. This is often called “early-stage” or “localized” prostate cancer.

• Locally Advanced | Stage III: Cancer has spread outside the prostate, but

only to nearby tissues. This is often called “locally advanced prostate cancer.”

• Advanced | Stage IV: Cancer has spread outside the prostate to other parts such as the lymph nodes, bladder, bones, liver or lungs. This stage is often called “advanced prostate cancer.”

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but researchers know many things can increase a man’s risk for the disease.

• Age: As men age, their risk of getting prostate cancer goes up.

• Ethnicity: African American men have a higher rate of the disease. Prostate cancer occurs less often in Asian American and Hispanic/Latino men than in non-Hispanic white men.

• Family History: Men who have a history of prostate cancer in their family face a higher risk of getting the disease. Having family members with breast and ovarian cancer also raises a man’s risk for prostate cancer.

• Weight: Studies link being overweight in your 50s and later to a greater risk of advanced prostate cancer. Doctors advise keeping to a healthy weight to reduce risk.

What are the Signs of Prostate Cancer?

In its early stages, prostate cancer may have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can be urinary symptoms like those of an enlarged prostate or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). A prostate cancer screening assessment tool can be found on www.urologyhealth.org under Early-Stage Prostate Cancer Basics. This information was found on Urology Care Foundation: www. urologyhealth.org.

Removal of emerald ash borer: What to expect

BY SEBASTIAN STUDIOR PRESS INTERN

As trees across our communities show signs of emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation, here’s what homeowners can expect from their city when it comes time to remove unfit trees.

In the city of White Bear Lake, dead, diseased and dying trees are regulated under Chapter 706 of the city code, which can be found at www. whitebearlake.org/sites/default/files/ fileattachments/administration/ page/1721/chapter_706.pdf. Residents are required to remove any dead, diseased or dying tree at their cost within a specified time frame. As for infected boulevard trees, residents are responsible for those that directly abut their property and can remove these trees at their cost, or the city will take them down and split the cost 50/50 with the homeowner per the ordinance.

There is no funding for the city to remove trees located on private property. Property owners’ only option is to hire a contractor to remove them or remove them themselves.

Using either staff members or contractors, the city does remove such trees on public properties, including parks and open spaces. The city is currently working to apply for several grants available through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that would provide a no-match grant to remove and replant ash trees infected with EAB. An inventory performed in 2018 showed over 2,000 ash trees in the city’s active parks and on public properties and boulevards that could be eligible for removal using these grant funds.

The city of Lino Lakes is in the process of removing and replacing all ash trees located within the rights of way and public spaces. City Environmental Coordinator Andrew Nelson says that the city also treats trees to keep them as healthy as possible until crews can perform the removals. There is no additional cost to residents for removals and replacements on public right of way.

In Lino Lakes, removing or treating trees on private property is the responsibility of the homeowner. The city has a partnership with Rainbow Tree Care that offers residents a discount rate for injections of trees on private property.

In Circle Pines, infected trees on private property are tagged, and it’s the homeowners’ responsibility to remove them in a reasonable amount of time. City Administrator Patrick Antonen says that the city takes care of infected trees located on public property. Circle Pines is currently looking at grants to help property owners with removal of trees on private property, but has not yet been successful.

In Shoreview, the only options for ash trees with EAB infestations are treatment or removal. The city and residents are treating many ash trees with an insecticide trunk injection to prevent the trees from being infected or to avoid further damage to the tree.

Ash trees that aren’t being treated will need to be removed. The city is removing untreated ash trees on city property, including parks and boulevards. The city boulevard is the width of land between the street and the property line; the distance varies by street. The boulevard is part of the city right of way. Boulevard ash tree removals are taking place currently and will continue over the next several years. Residents will be notified of boulevard ash removals prior to the work.

Now is the time for residents to make a plan for removing ash trees on their property if they have not been treating them. It is the responsibility of the property owner to remove untreated ash trees. Many trees that have not already been treated are too heavily infested with EAB for treatment to be effective. The DNR states that trees that have lost more than 50% of their canopy are not good candidates for treatment. Residents should contact licensed tree companies for estimates on tree removal.

Here are some tips for hiring a tree care company:

• Check for a list of licensed tree care companies in your city.

• G et more than one estimate.

• Don’t pay for the work in advance.

• A sk about the company’s certifications and experience.

• M ake sure you understand what work is included in the estimate.

A 1st place State BMX Racing Champ! Trex used his skill, practices and positive mindset to take a 1st in the final State race (age 12, intermediate division) at Rum River BMX in Isanti on August 27. This final season race gave him his total point standings for a 1st overall State placement, changing his current #7 State plate to a #1 State plate for the coming year. This is Trex’ 3rd full year of racing.

FILE PHOTOS Jonathan Osthus, of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, points out damage from emerald ash borer (EAB) on a black ash tree at Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes. The number one way to identify EAB is to look for the S-shaped, serpentine tunnel gallery the larvae makes on the tree beneath the bark.

Yes, I like piña coladas, getting caught in the rain, I’m not into health food, I am into champagne. I’ve got to meet you by tomorrow soon and cut through all this red tape, at the upstairs bar where we’ll plan our escape.

PHONE: 651-407-1250 | EMAIL: classified@presspubs.com

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SWITCH TO DISH and get up to a $300 gift card ! Plus get the Multisport pack included for a limited time! Hu rry call for details: 855/562-4309

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September 30, 2023

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

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HONDA 1988 GL1500 Motorbike. Contact: m123davies@gmail.com

2011 Toyota Sien na XLE loaded; low miles est. 112k, rear DVD player all accessories,

$14,995 six one two

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it Card s. Me dica l Bills. Car Loans Do yo u have $10k or mo re in debt? Call Nationa l Debt Relief & find out how to pay off yo ur debt for significa ntly less than w hat yo u owe! Free quote: Call 844/20 5-5439

ON-SITE LIVE GUN AUCTION - Sunday September 17th 10:30am, Detroit Lakes MN Over 200 unique an d quality fire arms of all types! Jokela Auctions Inc. www.JokelaAuction. com

REAL ESTATE AUCTION Online only - No reserve. 15+/- Wo oded acres, Emmaville MN Bidding open September 11th-21st David L. Veo Realty #20303085 Jokela Auctions Inc. www.JokelaAuction. com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

Publications Classifieds!

ing the school year exce llent pay three open positions • PT Custodian, excellent pay and more 4-9 pm M-F, year-round. • Superb subs and he lpers - te achers, par as custodians and more excellent pa y, pick your availability. See all our openings at www.isd8 76 .org, human resources page.

Now Hiring

Administrative Assistant

Part Time, Mon. & Tues., 7:55am-4:00pm

Press Publications publishes 6 community newspapers, magazines and coupon books, serving White Bear Lake and surrounding communities. Our publications brings news of school events, government, business, politics, and social events to local residents. Desired Skills & Experience: High school diploma required. Ability to interact well with a broad base of internal and external clients, both in person, telephone and written communication. Reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations.Strong attention to detail and the ability to organize, prioritize, and multi task effectively. User of Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as Microsoft Office.

Please send resume to: 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or email resume to: ppinfo@presspubs.com

1906 EST

Public Works Maintenance Worker

The City of Hugo is seeking an individual to perform a variety of skilled, semi-skilled and manual work in the routine maintenance of municipal streets and storm sewers, water and wastewater collection systems and City buildings, parks, and other grounds. This position operates a variety of light and heavy equipment. Minimum

Anitiq/Collectible Sale Wed-Thur Sep 13-14 8:30-5pm, 5994 W. Bald Eagle Blvd WBL

Requirements: HS graduate or equivalent, valid MN Class B commercial driver’s license or ability to obtain within six months and Class D water and Class SD collections systems licenses or ability to obtain within two years. Preferred Qualifications: Vocational training in water/wastewater technology. Experience operating heavy equipment including snow removal equipment and motor graders. The 2023 salary range is $27.25 to $35.51 per hour. A complete job description and City application is available on the City’s web site at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/jobs_volunteer and at Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Av. N., Hugo, MN 55038, or by calling 651-762-6315. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but it is encouraged that they be completed and returned to the City of Hugo by 3:00 p.m., Friday, October 13, 2023. Applications can be dropped off at City Hall or emailed to mlindau@ci.hugo.mn.us.

651-653-9845

4687 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL 55110

NOW HIRING! ENTRY

LEVEL

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Press Publications is looking for an entry level, motivated graphic designer for a part-time position with the possiblity of full-time. As part of the production-design team, you'll have a vital role in making sure the weekly and biweekly papers get out the door.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Comfortable in Adobe InDesign Mac based and cloud, with the minor use of Photoshop and Illustrator

- Build ads to customer specs, and assist the sales team with new ads for potential clients - Follow a strict schedule with overlapping deadlines -Work with editors to produce a vibrant product.

JOB DETAILS:

- 12-25 hours per week

- M-F 7:55 - 5:30 varies by season Email resume to: artmanager@presspubs.com

Serves as the lead worker responsible for organizing and leading a crew of workers in utility (storm/sanitary/water) maintenance activities including prioritizing daily work tasks and long-range goals of the City’s utility infrastructure. Leads crews in the troubleshooting and performing of the more complex maintenance repairs to the City’s utility infrastructure. This position also performs general Public Works duties as needed. Operates a variety of heavy equipment to maintain City infrastructure and other general maintenance and repair work. Serves on the City’s “on-call” rotation, and responds to emergency situations for all aspects of public works. Preferred qualifications: High school degree or equivalent. Training in related fields and at least three years of experience with a municipal public works department. Demonstrated leadership skills and proficiency in the utilities maintenance field. Demonstrated mechanical aptitude. Class A commercial driver’s license with Tank Vehicle (N) endorsement or the ability to obtain one within 6 months. Must possess at least a Class C water operator’s license and Class S-C Collection system license and must obtain both Class B water and Class S-B sewer licenses within 12 months. Ability to attend employer-required training and obtain additional water and wastewater licenses and education as directed. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The first review of application will take place on Friday, October 13, 2023. A complete job description and application can be found at ci.hugo.mn.us/jobs_ volunteer or by contacting the Hugo Public Works Department at 651-762-6301. Applications can be submitted to Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N., Hugo, MN, 55038, or emailed to mlindau@ci.hugo.mn.us

BUSINESS BRIEFS

who we are.”

Opening the showroom is also an opportunity to expand Leona Rose’s design services and staff. “Bringing on a younger staff with new ideas opens us up to different opportunities,” says McGauley. One such opportunity is an upcoming trip to Paris to design an apartment as a rental in preparation for the 2024 Olympics. And as the holiday season rolls around, the store will be transformed with holiday décor and custom holiday decorating offerings.

Leona Rose is located at 4701 Banning Avenue, White Bear Lake. Stop by during the grand opening event from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 28, or check out the website at leona-rose.com.

Restaurant adds Irish pub

When the owners of Quinnys Sports Pub in Mahtomedi saw a need to expand, they wanted to do something different with the new space. Janis Quinlan and her son, Ryan, came up with the concept of a 1920’s Irish pub.

Designer showroom prepares for grand opening

Leona Rose Interiors has opened a retail showroom in downtown White Bear Lake.

Proprietor Kelly McGauley, a Mahtomedi resident, has designed high-end residential interiors for more than 30 years in the White Bear Lake area and around the country.

Her business is largely based on referrals, and it was McGauley’s clients who encouraged her to open a retail location. All of the items in the store are top quality and hand-selected by designers. “We offer products that people can’t find anywhere else,” said McGauley. “The store is a reflection of our style and

The old-style space with new amenities is called Pub Q. “Pub Q is reminiscent of an old-school East

Coast turn-of-the-century pub with a hometown aura,” says Quinlan.

Pub Q is available for private parties and events up to 65 people. A grand opening is planned for Sept. 30. Quinny’s Sports Pub and Pub Q is located at 314 Century Avenue. For more information, contact 651770-2443.

August 2023 Carrier of the Month Daniel

AMY JOHNSON

Design services and home decorating items can be found at Leona Rose Interiors.

Janis Quinlan is excited to welcome patrons to Pub Q.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Details: David LaRochelle will sign copies of his two new children’s books

‘100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli’ and ‘See the Ghost: Three Stories About Things You Cannot See’. Contact: 651-426-0918

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD PROGRAM

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F

Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. May register day of event. Contact: 612-245-9259 or cityvadnaisheights.com/foodshelf

25TH ANNUAL NORTHWOODS HUMANE SOCIETY’S WALK WITH THE ANIMALS

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16

White Bear Lake

Details: Annual community festival includes live music by the Emerson Avnue Band, food trucks, beverages, marketplace with handmade items, Bingo, raffles, and kids games. All are welcome.

Contact: 651-429-7771 or stmarys-wbl. org

JOHN MCCUTCHEON CONCERT

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17

Where: Fine Arts Center (Mahtomedi High School), 8000 75th St. N.

Details: Performance by Grammynominated master instrumentalist, powerful singer-songwriter, storyteller, activist, and author. See ticket information online.

Contact: wildwoodartistseries.com

When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16

FREE PRODUCE MARKET

When: 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14

Where: St. Andrews, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi

Details: All are welcome to pick up free produce. Bring your own bag. Contact: 651-407-5310 or whitebearfoodshelf.org

‘INSPIRED BY NATURE’ COMMUNITY RECEPTION

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.

Details: View the exhibit by the Great River Chapter of American Society of Botanical Artists depicting plants with scientific accuracy and aesthetic sensitivity. Meet the artists and the WBCA’s new executive director. Free with registration

Contact: whitebeararts.org

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS-WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14

Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.

Details: Speakers will present about the 2023 legislative accomplishments

and election laws. Free to the public, RSVP encouraged.

Contact: bit.ly/LWVWBL2023

9TH ANNUAL NORTHSTAR WATERMEDIA NATIONAL JURIED EXHIBITION

When: Sept. 15 to Oct. 29

Where: The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust St., Hudson, WI

Details: 80 selected paintings by regional and national watermedia artists. Mon-Sat 9:30am-9:30pm ; Sun noon-5pm

Websites: www.northstarwatermedia. com/exhibitions

‘THE THREE MUSKETEERS’

When: Sept. 15-Oct. 1

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.

Details: Lakeshore Players’ presents the story of adventure, unexpected heroes, and everlasting friendship. Ticket details online.

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

AUTHOR VISIT

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 15

Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake

Where: Lent Town Hall, 33155 Hemingway Ave., Stacy

Details: A 1.5 mile walk, silent auction, bake sale, raffle, dog and cat nail trimming and microchipping for purchase, food for sale, shopping, and other activities for pets and humans.  Contact: northwoodshs.org/ fundraising-events/25th-annual-walkwith-the-animals

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP DAY

When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16

Where: Polar Lakes Park, 1280 Hammond Rd.

Details: Free community festival with live music and entertainment, vendor market, demos, Viking Automotive Car Show, kids activities, Bingo, food trucks, beer garden and fireworks show. Contact: whitebeartownship.org

ONE LAST TRI

When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 17

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

Details: 4 race options include shortened swim, longer bike through horse country, and run along the lake. Barbecue follows race. Details and registration information online. Contact: mmraces.com/one-last-tri

ST. MARY OF THE LAKE FALL FESTIVAL

When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17

Where: St. Mary of the Lake Parish Life Center, 4690 Bald Eagle Ave.,

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS

TO ME

When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17

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

Details: Groundbreaking play is a testament to how the country’s founding document shapes our lives today. Content advisory applies. Minnesota ACLU chapter will deliver pre-show talk before show. See ticket information online.

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY 168 BLOOD DRIVE

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20

Where: American Legion 168, 2210 3rd St., White Bear Lake

Details: Schedule an appointment online at redcrossblood.org or 800-7332767

Contact:sharon6582@aol.com

FALL FEST

When: Sept. 21-23

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Celebrate the harvest season with a ladies night out event, Scarecrown Stroll, live music, Polka & Pumpkins in the Park from 1-4 Saturday, and restaurant and store specials.

Contact: downtownwhitebearlake.com

Zephyrs win at St. Paul Central

Bear gridders stymied by Mounds View

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

With their defense rugged but their offense sputtering, White Bear Lake lost to Mounds View 16-6 at home, falling to 0-2.

The Bears took a 6-0 lead when linebacker Levi Harving picked up a fumble and raced 54 yards down the sideline in the first quarter. The pointafter kick was blocked. With a huge 5-1 edge in turnovers, the Bears held the lead until midway through the fourth quarter, despite Mounds View limiting them to 73 yards from scrimmage (41 rushing, 32 passing).

The Mustangs (2-0) got a safety when Joey Muhlstein blocked a punt into the end zone late in the third period. The visitors took a 9-6 lead with 7:30 left. Quarterback Jake Sampson eluded a pass rush and lofted a pass to Logan Johnson at the goal line. In mid-air, Johnson wrestled the ball away from Bear defender Vinny Villella and fell just inside the goal line.

“It’s always a hard fought game against Mounds View,” said Bears defensive coordinator Dustin Holman.  “I was hoping our cornerback was gonna get that ball out, since he got his hand on it, but that kid made a fantastic catch, after the QB broke some tackles and made some of our guys miss.”

The Mustangs then forced a Bear punt, Tyler Nystrom returned it 30 yards, and Jack Bongard plowed four yards for a clinching touchdown. Ben Hoiland kicked his second point-after.

and Mueller recovered fumbles. Austin Gibson made two quarterback sacks and a third tackle for loss. Aiden Akins made two tackles for loss. However, the Bears suffered 12 penalties for 90 yards. The Mustangs had just one flag for five yards.

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Bouncing back from a humbling opening week, the Mahtomedi Zephyrs rambled past St. Paul Central 48-10, with seniors Alec Mahoney and Charlie Brandt each providing three touchdowns.

Mahoney gave the Zephyrs a quick 14-0 lead with a 61-yard punt return and 20-yard run. He carried 12 times for 113 yards and added a twoyard TD. Brandt completed all five of his passes for 88 yards. Gunnar Sather took one of them 52 yards for a TD. Brandt scored from one and five yards on runs.

Mahtomedi’s final TD came from Jake Reubish on a 13-yard run. Charlie Thein was 4-for-5 on conversions and Harlow Berger 2-for-2. Central (11) had a 38-yard field goal by Simon Amnuel and a one-yard TD by Allan Lankford.

Mahoney and Alex Haase intercepted passes. Sam Churchill recovered a fumble. Dylan

Bauman had a quarterback sack. The Zephyrs had kick returns of 33 yards by Sather, 29 by Haase and 25 by Max Strecker. Will Newman caught three passes for 27 yards.

Brainerd 34, Zephyrs 6

Mahtomedi lost its opener to Brainerd 34-6 Warrior quarterback Eli Hoelz hit eight off 11 passes for 154 yards with TD’s to Jake Merseth and Ty Nelson, set up a TD with a 56-yard run, and scored on a 17-yard run. Brandt got Mahtomedi on the board with a 25-yard run. He carried 10 times for 73 yards and passed 6-for-18 for 34 yards (two interceptions). Mahoney had 60 yards in eight rushes.

The Bears allowed just 176 yards (126 rushing, 50 passing) while Malik Doumbia, Dominic Anderson and Devin Mueller intercepted passes and Harving

Alex Daroff completed three of nine passes for 32 yards with no interceptions. Kesean Lipscomb gained 33 yards on 12 rushes. The longest gain was an 18-yard pass to Mueller.

Bear swimmers end long drought with 2 wins

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

After going nearly five seasons without a win, the White Bear Lake girls swim team has nabbed two already this season: their dual opener against Park-Cottage Grove 95-86 and a five-team meet they co-hosted with the North St. Paul Polars.

“They are a very close knit team when it comes to cheering each other on, I’m very proud of the effort they put forth,” said coach Tia Quirk. “Many of the swimmers were in off-events, so they worked extra hard to score points.”

In the “Polar Bear Invitational,” as it was dubbed, the Bears had 588 points. Park had 460, Tartan 453, South St. Paul 165 and North 104.

Lucy Borofka won 200 freestyle (2:09.04) and butterfly (1:06.61, with sister Audrey second. Also winning were Charlotte McIntyre, individual medley (2:27.55) and backstroke (1:06.52);  Lily Jenkins, 100 free (1:00.23); the medley relay (2:01.71) with L. Borofka, Ella Maas, McIntyre and Jenkins; the 200 free relay (1:50.16) with L. Borofka, Jenkins, Maas and A. Borofka; and the 400 free relay (4:10.75) with A. Borofka, Brigid McVeigh, Sophie Collins and McIntyre. Anna Zarambo took third in diving (248.40).

Winners against Park were eighth-grader

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Lucy Borofka

White Bear Lake Swimming

Lucy Borofka, an all-conference swimmer the past two years, led the White Bear Lake Bears to the first two team wins she’s experienced in her career, a dual against Park and a five-team invitational they co-hosted. The versatile senior co-captain won the 100 freestyle and backstroke against Park, and the butterfly and 200 free in the invitational, while contributing to a pair of relay wins in each meet. Coach Tia Quirk praised Borofka’s “ability to swim anything I place her in” along with being “a tremendous leader” who helps new girls with their stroke techniques.

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McIntyre in individual medley and butterfly, L. Bororka in 100 freestyle and backstroke, and A. Borofka in 500 freestyle and all three relays.

Three inducted in Zephyr Hall of Fame

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The Mahtomedi Zephyrs Hall of Fame inducted three new members at halftime of the football team’s opener. Two were stars on the 1994 state Class A champion track team, the other a future all-Big Ten lineman.

Travis Kluegel (1994 graduate) was 1994 state champ in 300 intermediate hurdles (40.09 seconds) and was part of the 4x100 champion team. As a junior he made all-state in the sprint medley. All-conference four times in track and three times in soccer, Kluegel went on to Cornell University in the Ivy League, where he was co-captain and got the Big Red’s top sprinter award in 1998. Kluegel is an executive with Benesch, a civil engineering firm in Chicago.

Walter “Chip” Malmstrom (1995 graduate) was 1994 state pole vault

champion with 15 feet, 3 inches, still the school record, and part of the gold medal 4x100 relay, then was pole vault runnerup in 1995. He collected eight conference titles and was twice a four-event state qualifier while also playing football. He went on to the University of Kansas as a pole vaulter (personal best of 17-0) and decathlete. He is a high school PE teacher and track coach in Missouri.

Tommy Olson (2011 graduate) was a four-year starter on the Zephyr offensive line, his accolades including AP all-state first team twice, Minnesota Preps player of the year, and two prep All-America lists. He also played baseball. With the Gophers, Olson played in 44 games, 26 as a starter, the last 17 at center on teams that excelled in rushing. He was team captain and All-Big Ten first team in 2014. Currently, Olson is a KFAN Radio personality on the PowerTrip program.

“Your Financial Partner”

Lucy Borofka

JON NAMYST

Austin Gibson of the Bears sacked Mustang quarterback Jake Sampson.

Charlotte McIntyre gets ready to dive in at Park-Cottage Grove.

JON NAMYST

Alec Mahoney, rushed for 60 yards against Brainerd and 113 against St. Paul Central.