Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically.
Candice Amundson spent eight years of her life living in constant fear. Once her child’s life was in danger, she knew she had to get out of that situation.
Amundson is one of the more than 10 million women and men that have experienced physical abuse by an intimate partner in the U.S.
First observed in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” Domestic Violence Awareness Month is held each October to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence. Communities and advocacy organizations across the country connect with the public and one another throughout the month to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and ways to stop it, and to uplift survivors by sharing their stories and providing additional resources to leaders and policymakers.
After about 10 months of dating a man, Amundson found out she was pregnant. In the beginning of the relationship she says he was verbally abusive, but never physically abusive. “It started out as name-calling,” she recalled. “But then it turned into control. He started controlling the finances, wanted control of where I was, what I was doing.”
Once Amundson’s child was born, she says he started being physically violent toward her, but never their son. “He would pull my hair, try to grab me, throw things and
Minnesota
33.9% of women and 25.1% of men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner rape and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes. 14 people in Minnesota were murdered in domestic violence homicides in 2018.
22,760 the number of active protection orders in Minnesota between 2006 and 2015.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Lake Links Co-Chair Steve Wolgamot didn’t see the final touches on the Saputo Station, a rest stop for trail users near Bellaire Beach, but his name was mentioned frequently during the Oct. 6 dedication.
The shelter’s train-depot-themed design was Wolgamot’s idea, in keeping with his fascination with trains. He enlisted Mahtomedi neighbor and retired architect Bryan Gatzlaff to design the shelter, meant to resemble an 1880s train depot, before succumbing to brain cancer last August.
The tireless trail advocate led the multicom munity effort to construct the shelter, enlisting for example, White Bear Rotarians, who pro vided about 100 hours of labor; township public works employees, who did grading and concrete work; and Saputo Dairy Foods, which donated $25,000 for the project.
Saputo Plant Manager Chris Harper talked about the legacy gift that earned the company naming rights. The program is part of Saputo’s commitment to communities in which it oper ates to improve the quality of sport and health facilities for families.
Harper introduced Saputo representatives in attendance and provided some history on the global, family-owned company, which started in Sicily in the early 1950s but is now headquar tered in Montreal. He mentioned that cheese deliveries were made in the early years by bicy cle, which struck a chord with the bike-friendly crowd. Harper also thanked Lake Links CoChair Mike Brooks and association volunteers for seeing the project through to completion and doing the “heavy lifting.”
Rotarian Mark Sather said his group of mostly senior volunteers met some challenges in constructing the shelter, but got it done. “We underestimated the man hours for this project, but it’s a good, beefy thing,” he commented.
OFFICE OF CONGRESSWOMAN BETTY MCCOLLUM | CONTRIBUTED Birchwood Village Mayor Mary Wingfield holds a box contain ing a U.S. flag that was flown over the nation’s Capitol. The flag was gifted to the city last week from Congresswoman Betty McCollum in celebration of the Community Project
request to repair outdated water infrastructure.
Village is keeping its proverbial fingers crossed that an important infrastructure project
federal
a year ago, U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum asked Mayor Mary Wingfield if the city faced any issues. The mayor informed her that the municipal lift station was at risk of permanent failure due to recent flooding. Wingfield added she considered the problem as regional, since the lift station was close to White Bear Lake.
The congresswoman advised the city to seek federal assistance. Long story short, the mayor filed the request and the city is shortlisted for a $480,000 infrastructure grant. Birchwood would pay 20% of the project cost.
The city’s request is now in the Interior Appropriations Funding Bill awaiting conference committee. “If all goes as planned, it should be included in the conference agreement for Fiscal Year 2023,” according to Amanda Yanchury, McCo llum’s communications director. “The continuing resolution enacted now goes until Dec. 16, so we’re anticipating a confer ence agreement will be finalized on or before then.”
Debra NeutkensAfter 47 years at Cerenity Senior Care in White Bear Lake, Peg Black is retiring. She served in many roles during her long career at the care center: as nursing assistant, activities director, volunteer coordinator and, for the past 12 years, as development director.
Black was asked to take on the development role in 2009 as Cerenity was planning a $17 million renova tion and expansion project. Included in the project was construction of a transitional care unit with 40 private rooms for individuals needing short-term rehabilitation follow ing hospitalization. A successful fundraising campaign also allowed Cerenity to include a therapy gym and pool, chapel, café and gift shop, as well as other major renovations.
The longtime employee credits the campaign’s success to Fletcher Driscoll, a friend and Dellwood resident who helped raise community awareness about the need and benefits of the project. Major support also came from the Otto Bremer Foundation, McCarthy Bjorklund Founda tion, Manitou Foundation, Dellwood Foundation, Osilas Foundation, Hardenbergh Foundation, Richard M. Schul ze Foundation, Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation and a host of individual supporters.
Black found success in writing grants to help fund resi dent activities and arts programming, support renovation projects and assist employees in furthering their educa tion in health care.
Since 2019, the Minnesota Dual Training Pipeline Grant has awarded Cerenity-White Bear Lake funding that now totals more than $300,000 to provide financial support to employees wishing to obtain their LPN or RN degree. “This is a wonderful opportunity for staff to graduate with no college debt,” Black said. “It is also a great recruitment and retention tool for Cerenity-White Bear Lake.”
Recently, the Minnesota Department of Human Ser vices awarded a $350,000 grant to help continue the ren ovation project in Cerenity Residence. A matching grant from the Manitou Fund will help to fund renovations of an additional 10 apartments this year.
In total, Black has raised more than $3 million to enhance the lives of residents at Cerenity-White Bear
HE FLORIDA SOUTHWEST coast was hit Wednesday, Sept. 28 by a Category 4 hurricane. Hurricane Ian was devastating.
The slow moving, wide storm sustained winds over 100 miles per hour and did ex tensive damage to Fort Myers Beach, San ibel and Captiva Islands, and the city of Fort Myers.
Adjoining areas were affect ed as well before it crossed the state to hit Orlando and move north into the Atlan tic and back inland.
Gene Johnson
Resorts, marinas, homes and area businesses were destroyed. The value is estimated at $50 billion. Thousands of people were made homeless, lives were lost and pets missing.
Our motor yacht, our win ter home for 19 years, was badly damaged when a 12 foot surge of water hit Legacy Harbour Ma rina at Fort Myers. Pilings and piers broke and boats ended up hitting each other. More than 20 boats in the marina sank.
The hurricane which took more than 100 lives is considered the most powerful to hit Florida.
This storm will take a long time to recov er from. The causeways to Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and Pine Island blew out.
Our boat, Front Page, was on several television networks after the storm. As a result, many family and friends from across the country are sending comforting messages.
Do what you can to help those who lost homes and property. Recovery will be long. This has been and will continue to be another lesson in God’s creation - power and wind.
EMPLOYERS ALL OVER Minnesota, Wisconsin and elsewhere are finding it difficult to fill job openings. Some people blame it on the fact that people don’t want to work. Various kinds of unemployment government assistance may discourage job seeking. I’m not sure that’s the only cause.
I think we have undervalued our voca tional schools. We need training for all types of trades, whether it be automotive, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry work, etc. Some of those jobs will get your hands dirty and you may have to wear a uniform that has the company name on it, but they are good paying jobs and many of them are four or five days a week with no night or weekend work requirements.
Another observation I have made is a lack of people skills. Many of those we inter view have a very difficult time making eye contact or talking comfortably in conversa tion. Maybe they have had their face in the computer and television screens too long and lost people skills.
If you have a desire to work and can inter act with people, chances are you can learn the skill requirement for the job available.
Sometimes technology moves us forward, but also slows us down.
Maybe our readers have some ideas they would like to share. Letters to the editor always provide a good place to exchange ideas.
Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.
Even with progress in care and treatment, the Minnesota Department of Health categorizes breast cancer in the top five cancer causes of death for women in Minnesota. Thirty percent of new invasive cancers diagnosed in women are breast cancer. For men, breast cancer is considered rare, but there is increasing attention in the health care community to understanding the emotional support needed for those diagnosed.
job. Instead, it makes copies of itself with out end. If left untreated, the cancer can develop the ability to spread outside the breast — metastasize — to other sites in the body, where it can cause real trouble.
Q: What are the subtle symptoms of breast cancer and what other health conditions are they familiar with?
Dr. Bloom: The truth is that most breast cancers are found on screening mammography, before they show any signs or symptoms at all. That is the most important point here. Sometimes, patients do notice a lump or redness, and these should always be brought to the attention of a health care provider.
cer patient needs bilateral mastectomy — the removal of both breast tissues. The history of cancer care has been marked by overtreatment, including radical surgery and high-dose chemotherapy.
As our understanding of cancer biology has grown over the last ten years, all of us in cancer care have been working to de-escalate the intensity of our therapies. Many women can be cured with minimal surgery and radiation.
Q: What are you doing in your research and clinical practice to further our understanding of breast cancer and patient relations?
U of M
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, University of Minnesota Medical School expert Stuart Bloom talks about the subtle signs, risk factors and stigmas of breast cancer.
Q: What is breast cancer?
Dr. Bloom: Often, people hear the word ‘cancer’ and become understand ably distressed. They know it means something serious and sometimes life-threatening. The best way to under stand cancer is to recall that organs are made up of cells that do the job of that organ. For example, salivary cells make saliva, heart cells help the heart pump blood and breast cells make milk for a growing human. When the DNA of a normal cell mutates, it becomes a cancer cell. When this happens to a breast cell, the cancer cell no longer does its usual
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Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $35 fee. Please call 651407-1200 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 labeled, “paid letter.”
Q: If someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, what should they know about the diagnosis?
Dr. Bloom: The good news is that the vast majority of breast cancers are curable. This is because they are found so early and the cancer cells have not had a chance to spread outside the breast. They are cured with local measures, such as surgery and radiation. Even if these cancer cells do microscopically spread, our adjuvant systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy, are usually effective enough to get rid of them.
How do we choose who gets what treat ment? There are many different subtypes of breast cancer, each with different biologies. We personalize the treatment to the specific kind of breast cancer a patient has.
Q: What stereotypes surround those diagnosed with breast cancer?
Dr. Bloom: One stereotype that can be difficult to dispel is that every breast can
Dr. Bloom: I try to get to know each patient personally, so they know I think of them as a fellow human being and not just a disease. I try to get as many patients living with breast cancer as pos sible on clinical trials. This allows them access to cutting-edge treatment, while at the same time, allowing us to acquire information that will be helpful to future patients with cancer down the road.
Stuart H. Bloom, MD, MSc, is an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation (HOT) at the Medi cal School on the Twin Cities campus, who specializes in breast and prostate cancers. “Talking...with U of M” is a re source whereby University of Minnesota faculty answer questions on current and other topics of general interest.
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Your Sept. 28 editorial column on the Election Sea son made mention of the high number of letters to the editor during the season, with the comment "[W]e will publish all letters that meet our guidelines."
I can only wonder what those guidelines might be after reading the hate-filled, name-calling letter from Jill Bowman which, ironically, accused state Senate candidate Heather Gustafson of those very practices!
I was so astounded by the letter that I did a Google search for the VH4Change organization referenced in the letter, only to discover quite a different account (dated 08/04/2021) in the Star Tribune.
While citizens are entitled to their own opinions, they are not entitled to their own facts, and that letter did not deserve to be published. While social media, Fox “news” and Trumpian politics has greatly dimin ished the threshold of community standards, I hope you do a better job of pruning lies and half-truths from the pages of the White Bear Press.
Larry Satrom White Bear TownshipI have been a proud business owner of multiple business in the building adjacent to the Armory for 43 years. We at Kellerman’s and the businesses in our central business district have worked and fought hard for a long time to have a thriving downtown that is unique in the metropolitan area. It’s something all White Bearites have pride in.
Why then, on an issue as important as how the landmark Armory is to be used to the greatest benefit of all of White Bear’s citizens, has the city stonewalled me and others’ detailed legal requests for information about the, frankly, very questionable transfer of that building to the Historical Society? The city had pre viously turned down offers from private parties who valued the Armory at $2 million, and they gave it away for $1 to an organization with no experience in devel opment or managing such a facility, located in an area where space for parking and development of any kind is at an extreme premium.
It's safe to say, judging from the city’s recent respons es to other private development proposals in the same area, that a very close and detailed scrutiny of plans for any proposal by this “buyer” should have been required at a bare minimum. Nothing remotely like this happened. Or, at least if it did, nobody in the city has shared that information with the public. Stated (and vague) good intentions by the Historical Society are, unfortunately, meaningless, given what’s at stake for the downtown in the coming few years.
The city’s stonewalling of requests for information and transparency seems to display an attitude by its staff that is, if not outwardly hostile, certainly indiffer ent to the needs of the business owners in this part of the city so vital for our community’s self-identity and survival. The first question that must always be asked is what, if any, impact this will have on parking and the access of citizens to their own downtown. Guaran teeing that a $2 million commercial structure stays off the tax rolls for the future with little or no public scrutiny of the new owner’s plans is a very bad policy.
Terry Kellerman White Bear LakeThank you for publishing the candidate guide in this paper to help community members make informed choices during this year’s election. I am paying close attention to the Mahtomedi School Board elections and want to also extend my gratitude to the League of Women Voters for holding our recent candidate forum. I strongly encourage everyone to watch the recording of this forum to hear directly from the candidates.
As a mom of two elementary-aged kids who are new to the district in the last couple of years, I was struck by a conversation during the forum concerning in clusion in our schools. While all candidates state that they support inclusion, specific actions must be taken to safeguard our community as a welcome and sup portive place for all. I have heard many stories about issues occurring in our schools that are heartbreaking — these include bullying of young children and others feeling unwelcome due to their perceived “differences.” I am incredibly curious to know exactly how many children are leaving or opting out of our district due to these issues, which only weakens our school district and our community’s potential.
Mahtomedi is known for excellent academics, but by some, unfortunately, it is also known for these problems. Inclusion involves more than saying we want all kids to feel welcome — it is about challenging our beliefs and our assumptions about differences. It involves learning how to open our hearts and embrace these very differences that new families and children bring to our district while continuing to build upon
the proud history of our community. The more we are able as a community to teach and to celebrate differing thoughts, skin shades and personal identities, the more prepared our children will be for the world beyond this district.
Kate Van De Velde MahtomediI would like to thank Rep. Peter Fischer and the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce in advocating that transportation workers be included in front line worker pay. When recognizing that transportation workers were not included in the initial proposal, I reached out to Rep. Fischer and the WBACC to help advocate on behalf of this important cog in the wheel. Through their efforts, transportation workers throughout the state were able to rightfully share in this funding.
Public transportation workers all over the state helped to keep things moving during difficult times. Work that Newtrax drivers took on during the pan demic, which was emblematic of transportation work ers throughout the state, included:
• Starting in April 2020, Newtrax drivers delivered in excess of 1,000,000 prepared meals to individuals and families with food insecurity
• Worked with the St. Paul Public School district to distribute food to families who qualified for free/re duced lunch
• In partnership with the White Bear Area Com munity Foundation's More Than Meals Program, picked up “restaurant meals” at local restaurants and delivered them to senior communities and White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi school district families with food insecurities while these students were not in school
• Worked with Washington County to deliver over 400,000 lbs of food boxes and over 50,000 prepared meals from area food shelves to families in need
• Responded to a request by MnDOT to assist with COVID-positive rides to and from homes and transi tional care providers to health care facilities
• Provided shuttles for seniors to and from vaccina tion clinics
• Starting in the summer of 2020, slowly and gradual ly started transporting, in as safe a manner as possi ble, people with disabilities back to their day program sites and building to over 2/3 of those transported prior to COVID.
• When safely allowed, started providing group trans portation to seniors to assist with minimizing social isolation to seniors in our community to allow them to get back to grocery stores, retail establishments and other destinations of choice.
Mike Greenbaum Executive Director, Newtraxservant and has two elementary-aged children in the district. Mark knows that the worth of each family in Mahtomedi has nothing to do with how long they have lived in the community, and will listen to all voices equally. He knows that all students deserve a safe, nurturing school that challenges them academ ically and prepares to learn and grow even after they leave Mahtomedi. With his level, unbiased voice, he will bring a fresh perspective to the school board. He vows to support teachers and involve parents with out inserting any type of political agenda into his work as a school board member. His goal is to work WITH Mahtomedi Public Schools rather than work AGAINST them by deliberately undermining the func tions of the school board and diminishing the accom plishments of the students and schools.
If you are looking for a candidate who can help lead the Mahtomedi School District with a strengths-based approach, I hope you will join me in voting for Mark Pollard on Nov. 8.
Andrea Kaltved MahtomediElected officials need to engage, listen and respond to citizens of diverse backgrounds. They need to articulate and implement a forward-looking vision that considers significant demographic, economic and environmental changes. Our current Vadnais Heights mayor and City Council members have failed to meet these challenges. This fall, we should elect new individ uals who pledge to engage citizens as stakeholders with transparency and respect.
I support Mike Krachmer for mayor and Katherine Doll Kanne and Kelly Jozwowski for City Council. Mike promises a city government that is transparent, responsive, and inclusive. He will honor his campaign theme: Make every citizen count. He will foster con nections among citizens and government. Mike, Kath erine and Kelly support the city joining the GreenStep City Program as part of their vision for strengthening the environment and have pledged to advance diversi ty, equity and inclusion so that every resident feels wel come and has an opportunity to be heard. The three candidates have specific plans for improved, honest communication. Vote for these three key candidates.
Phillip Lewenstein Vadnais HeightsI have known Heidi Gunderson for years. She has done a wonderful job as mayor of Vadnais Heights. I support Heidi because she is sensible and a public servant, not a politician.
I’m hearing negative talk about our Mahtomedi schools from some candidates for school board. In their eyes, the schools are declining. What we need are thoughtful leaders who are looking forward — build ing upon successes, adjusting where we’ve fallen short and marching confidently toward the future to make sure our Mahtomedi schools remain among the best in the nation.
Kevin Hiniker is that kind of candidate. He knows our kids need not only a toolbox of skills filled with the basics — reading, writing, math and science — but also the opportunities to become well-adjusted citizens with healthy social interaction and after-school activ ities. I say no to negative candidates, and yes to Kevin Hiniker for Mahtomedi School Board.
Tracy Uttley MahtomediVote for Heidi Gunderson for HD36B to serve the people of our community!
Carol McFarlane White Bear Lake Former State Representative 2007-2012With the pandemic now in our rearview mirror, it’s time to redouble our efforts to ensure our students are on track with the top-notch, in-person learning for which our district is so well known. That’s why our household supports Kevin Hiniker for Mahtomedi School Board. Not only does he have years of experi ence in bringing people together to accomplish shared goals, he also has the kind of level-headed common sense we need moving forward.
Bob Pocrnich MahtomediAs the November elections approach, there is a very important school board race in Mahtomedi. It can be difficult to decide who to vote for in a school board elec tion, especially when candidates' political affiliations are not on the ballot, sometimes leaving us with little to base our opinions on other than name recognition and who has more yard signs in the community.
I encourage everyone to do their research prior to election day. Mark Pollard is a newcomer and one you might know the least about. I urge you to consider him as one of your three votes. Mark moved to Mahtome di with his wife for the schools and the community, has a finance background with the heart of a public
The Nov. 8 election is fast approaching. Letter writ ers should be aware that the deadline to submit any letters relating to the election will be 5 p.m. Wednes day, Oct. 19 for publication the following week. After that deadline, no letters relating to the election will be accepted.
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Town ship:
• A Minneapolis man, 36, was arrest ed on a warrant at 2:34 a.m. Sept. 5 in the 1200 block of County Road D Circle after deputies were called to the scene of an unwanted male conducting himself in disorderly fashion.
• A Bloomington man, 20, was ar rested for DWI Sept. 5 in the 3800 block of Centerville Road following a single-vehicle accident. The driver showed signs of impairment at the scene and a search warrant was issued for a blood draw and sam ple. Charges pend the results of the blood test.
• A North St. Paul woman on Sept. 5 reported her purse stolen while she was at Target in the 900 block of County Road E. One of her credit cards was used in Oakdale before she had a chance to cancel it. The case was turned over to another agency to follow up.
• A St. Paul man, 33, was suspected of motor vehicle theft as of Sept. 2 after he didn't return his rental vehicle to White Bear Lake Mitsub ishi in the 3400 block of Highway 61 when repairs to his own vehicle were complete. After the rental vehicle was entered in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, Shakopee Police Depart ment recovered the vehicle on Sept. 6 and arrested the suspect.
• An Oakdale man reported a work van stolen over the long weekend of Sept. 2-6 from the 3200 block of Labore Road. After it was entered into the NCIC, it was recovered around noon Sept. 6 by St. Paul police.
•
A North Branch man, 43, was tres passed Sept. 6 from the Speedway in the 1000 block of County Road E for disorderly conduct.
•
The Walmart store in the 800 block of County Road E was again the scene of one arrest and six cita tions for theft during the week of Sept. 4-10. An Isanti woman, 25, was cited Sept. 4 at the Vadnais Heights Walmart for misdemean or theft after she was detained for concealing $164.99 in merchandise before passing all points of sale. She was also banned from the store before being released. A Maplewood woman, 47, was cited Sept. 6 at the Walmart for under-ringing $59.44 in merchandise at the self-checkout and passing all points of sale. She was also trespassed and released.
The White Bear Police De partment reported the following selected incidents:
• Theft was reported in the 2000 block of Spruce Place Sept. 24.
• Officers responded to an intoxicated man at a busi ness in the 2200 block of Fourth Street Sept. 24.
• A St. Charles woman was arrested for DWI near Highway 61 and Buerkle Road Sept. 25.
• A disturbance was re ported in the 2400 block of Martin Way Sept. 25.
• Theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1700 block of County Road E Sept. 25.
• Harassment was reported in the 3600 block of Linden Avenue Sept. 25.
A Mahtomedi woman, 47, and a Mahtomedi man, 29, were both cited Sept. 6 at the Walmart for misdemeanor theft after they were detained for under-ringing $102.84 in merchandise at the self-check out. They were trespassed from the store and released. A Shoreview woman, 58, was cited Sept. 7 at the Walmart for shoplifting after she was caught under-ringing $111.71 in merchandise at the self-checkout and passing all points of sale. She was dismissed from the store in the manner of all shoplifters.
• A St. Paul woman, 41, was arrested Sept. 8 at the Walmart for gross misdemeanor theft after she pushed a cart containing $703.51 worth of merchandise out of the store without paying. Because the theft amount was greater than $500, the consequences of her crime were bumped up to the next level of sever ity. The case has been forwarded to the city attorney for consideration of charges.
• A St. Paul woman, 43, was cited for misdemeanor theft Sept. 8 at the Walmart after she took an item off a shelf, headed to the return desk and tried to “return” the item, worth $44.87, using an old receipt.
• A Hugo man, 51, was cited Sept. 9 in the Walmart parking lot following a parking dispute that continued as the parties approached the store.
A male performed a martial arts move and a female in a mobility scooter sprayed him. After a review of the store's surveillance footage, it was determined that the male had earned his citation for misdemean or disorderly conduct.
• Deputies assisted the Minnesota State Patrol in recovering a U-Haul vehicle that had fled from them Sept. 10. Deputies arrived in the 600 block of Belland Avenue only to find that the vehicle had stopped and its occupants had fled on foot. State Pa trol officers took over custody of the unoccupied vehicle at the scene.
• An unwanted firearm was reported found Sept. 10 in a cabinet in the 3500 block of Arcade Street. After deputies cleared the weapon's serial number from the NCIC database, they placed it into property for destruction.
• Township Tobacco in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive reported a burglary at 1:07 a.m. Sept. 9, during which suspects shattered a glass door, entered the store and stole cigarettes before leaving the area in a grey hatchback sedan.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Birchwood, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie: Dellwood
•A motorist was cited Sept. 11 in the area of Dellwood Avenue and Yellow Birch Road for driv ing after revocation and fail ure to provide proof of insur ance. The license plates were impounded and the vehicle was towed. Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies cited another motorist Sept. 13 on Dwinnell Avenue for a moving violation.
• A business owner in the 6000 block of Lake Elmo Avenue N. on Sept. 11 reported that a store employee had found mon ey and a Minnesota driver's li cense near the establishment's dumpster.
• Deputies conducted a traffic stop Sept. 13 in the 6000 block of Manning Avenue N. for semaphore violation. They pulled another motorist over Sept. 15 in the 9000 block of Manning Avenue N. for speed ing 75 mph in a 55 mph zone.
A third motorist was cited for speeding at 3:11 a.m. Sept. 16 in the area of Dellwood Road N. and Kimbro Avenue N.
• A resident in the 6000 block of Ideal Avenue N. on Sept. 15 reported finding two full THCP+THC-H+Delta 11 live resin containers in his mail box. (The flavors were Straw berry Haze and Razzberry Kush). Because the containers were filled with THC, the complainant wanted deputies to dispose of them. Deputies placed the items in the evi dence room at the law enforce ment center.
• A resident in the 8000 block of 80th Street N. on Sept. 16 re ported $17,895.10 in fraudulent charges to his bank account.
Mahtomedi
• Deputies conducted a DWI arrest in the area of Century Avenue and Long Lake Road at 12:18 a.m. Sept. 12.
• Deputies recovered a stolen vehicle at 4:56 a.m. Sept. 12 following a two-car accident on Mahtomedi Avenue.
• An unidentified motorist was
cited for failing at his duty to drive with due care at 6:34 a.m. Sept. 13 in the 1300 block of Mahtomedi Avenue, after he was pulled over for speeding 47 mph in a 30 mph zone.
• A Forest Avenue resident reported a motor vehicle tampered with overnight Sept. 13-14.
• A fight between two groups of girls was reported at 11:23 p.m. Sept. 15 in front of a Stillwater Road address. Deputies arrived on scene and spoke with the girls involved. No injuries were reported.
• A wallet was reported taken from a motor vehicle parked on Woodland Court at 5:47 a.m. Sept. 17. A Frankland Street resident reported items taken from a motor vehicle at 6:38 a.m., after a window was smashed in for access. Another Frankland Street resident at 8:23 a.m. that same morning reported a motor vehicle had been tampered with.
• A resident in the 6000 block of Warner Road reported an attempted fraud Sept. 13.
• Two bicycles were reported found Sept. 14 at the intersec tion of Hilton Trail N. and Viking Drive. After being run through the National Crime Information Center database, both serial numbers came back as not stolen.
• Two bicycles and two catalytic converters were reported left Sept. 15 in a no-dumping zone in the area of Viking Drive and Roscoe Road. The U.S. Postal Service employee who report ed the incident said the items had been sitting there for the previous three days. Deputies took the items to enter into evidence.
• A vehicle was reported stolen Sept. 12 from a Kindross Road residence.
• Deputies conducted a DWI arrest Sept. 16 in the area of Warner Avenue N. and Stillwa ter Road.
• Multiple juveniles were banned from Skyline Cleaners on Still water Road Sept. 17 after they trespassed onto the roof of the business and fled on foot.
• Officers responded to an order for protection vio lation in the 3800 block of Saint Regis Drive Sept. 25.
• A vehicle was stolen from the 1500 block of County Road E Sept. 26.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue Sept. 26.
• Prescription fraud was reported in the 2700 block of County Road E Sept. 26.
• Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 4800 block of Bald Eagle Avenue Sept. 27.
• Theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue Sept. 27.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for domestic assault in the 2200 block of
Southwood Drive Sept. 27.
• Officers responded to a report of kids riding bikes in a parking lot in the 4300 block of Lake Avenue S. Sept. 27.
• Theft was reported in the 4700 block of Washington Square Sept. 27.
• A noise disturbance and narcotics paraphernalia were reported in the 3600 block of Highland Avenue Sept. 27.
• Officers are investigating an ongoing incident of criminal sexual conduct in the 2300 block of Elm Drive. Two men were arrested after being caught in an in-progress burglary in the 4700 block of Center
ville Road Sept. 28.
• A bicycle was stolen from a home in the 3300 block of Ebba Street Sept. 28.
• A bicycle was stolen in the 2500 block of Spruce Place Sept. 28.
• Theft was reported in the 2000 block of Florence Street Sept. 29.
• Officers cited individuals for underage consumption in the 2000 block of County Road E Sept. 29.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 4700 block of Sharon Lane Sept. 29.
• A vehicle was stolen in the 3900 block of Highway 61 Sept. 30.
• Trespassing was report ed in the 3800 block of St.
Regis Drive Sept. 30.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI in the 5100 block of Long Ave nue Sept. 30.
Criminal damage to prop erty was reported in the 1700 block fo County Rd E Sept. 30.
• Officers responded to an assault in the 2700 block of County Road E Sept. 30. Officers dealt with a disor derly conduct incident in the 3600 block of Highland Avenue Sept. 30.
• Officers responded to an assault in the 4900 block of Bald Eagle Avenue Oct. 1.
• Officers responded to a dispute in the 4800 block of Centerville Road Oct. 1.
BY CORINNE STREMMEL AND SHANNON GRANHOLM
St. Jude of the Lake is a big win ner for the Best of the Press 2022.
The Mahtomedi Catholic church won in two categories, best teach er and best church dinner.
“We’re just representing,” said Carrie Hackman, principal of St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School. “The community is outstanding, and the kids are incredible. It’s an honor to walk the journey every day.”
Chuck Scobba took the Best Teacher title in this year's con test. This year marks Scobba's 22nd year of teaching at the school. He has taught first, third and fourth grade during his time there, and currently teaches third grade.
He said what he has enjoyed the most throughout his career is watching the students grow and mature. He has also enjoyed keeping the relationships going years after the students are in his classroom. “It's always fun to be invited to their graduations and see that they are becoming good citizens for the commu nity and helping one another out,” he said.
Scobba also has a unique teaching style, in that he really likes to let the students be their own leaders. “I try to balance their interests and the things that they love to bring to the classroom as well as sharing my ideas,” he explained. “My style of teaching tends to be more front-loading the leadership and then sitting back and allowing them to be the leaders and
the teachers in the classroom … Once they have that self-esteem and that confidence, I let them grow in their learning as well as their teaching to others.”
Scobba said being chosen as “best teacher” was a pleasant surprise. “It's a wonderful honor to know that what you are passionate about doing is also being heard throughout the community,” he said.
Jill Ryan, a middle school science teacher at St. Jude of the Lake, was voted best teacher last year, and voted a finalist in the category this year.
“Well, it’s crazy and a bit over whelming,” Ryan said. “It’s very exciting, and I feel appreciated.”
Ryan, a science teacher, is known for her positive energy and hands-on approach to learning.
Ryan has introduced aquaponics to her students and has helped her students work with the Rice Creek Watershed District to learn more about conser vation and the local ecosystem.
“STEM is for everyone,” Ryan said.
Her accessible approach to science has made her a beloved teacher by her students and fellow teachers.
“I really think she was selected because of her energy. She exudes joy and passion for teaching. She loves to learn right along with her students,” Hack man explained. “Every grade level just loves to be around her. They feel successful in her class and like it matters for them to be there.”
Another of St. Jude of the Lake’s successes has been with its church dinners. Hackman said after a couple years of uncertainty due to the pandemic, the
church’s dinners have been one source of certainty in the community.
“The com munity comes together to make salads and help out. It speaks volumes that people want to be together,” Hackman said.
The church wants to make everyone feel welcome, and having a delicious dinner to share helps build a sense of belonging.
“We have dinners for new members, Lenten meals, our fish fry and our Cornfest. There, dinner is served, but you have menu items that really cater to every one’s palate, whether it’s a piece of fried chicken or corn on the cob or a burger or a piece of pizza,” Hack man added.
Hackman believes the church and school represent an important part of the Mahtomedi community, in cluding its volunteers and coaches, and its food shelf.
“It represents all of us in Mahtomedi. We’re a fami ly,” she said.
According to Hackman, St. Jude of the Lake is hap py to be in the community and continue to do what earned them the “Best of.”
Oct 2nd:
Oct 16th:
of
Oct 23rd:
After
Our dear Barbara
passed away on October 4, 2022, age 68, with loving family at her side.
Barbara was born July 14, 1954 in Hinsdale, Illinois to Lynn and George Crandell. A graduate of Hinsdale High School, she attended the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire and then UW Stout, where she met the love of her life and future husband, Jim. Barbara and Jim moved to St. Paul in 1984 and then to White Bear Lake, MN in 1992. She leaves behind her adored family, husband Jim, son Harrison, and daughter Lillie (spouse Blake Foster), sister Leslie and brother Dean. She was a wonderful mother, friend, and leader in her community.
Barbara enjoyed the thrill of traveling and seeing the world. She loved art, design, and gardening. She was an avid reader and history buff. She realized her joy in historical research while working on a book about her uncle, a World War II bombardier. Her interest and enthusiasm resulted in Bud’s Jacket, a book she researched, wrote, and published with help from Jim.
Barbara lived through the stresses of treatment for breast cancer with grace and dignity, and with deep gratitude for her oncology treatment team at the U of M Masonic clinic. She enjoyed giving and receiving support of fellow metastatic cancer survivors, and requests that in lieu of flowers (which she loved), donations be made to Metavivor (Metavivor.org) which supports emotional needs and clinical research for persons living with metastatic cancer.
You are welcome to a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, October 18 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Manitou Event Center (2171 4th Street) in downtown White Bear Lake.
Richard George Kaupp Jr, affectionately known as “Rocky” by all who knew him, passed peacefully at home on August 29, 2022, at age 65. Although he was diagnosed with TTR Amyloidosis in 2012, and then cancer in 2021, Rocky never gave in, and he never gave up. He always led the best life he could, showing us all how to live with love, determination, optimism, and resilience. He was passionate about three things, his family, White Bear Hockey, and bass fishing, and he excelled at all three. He loved his wife of 43 years, Diane, his best friend. He taught his two boys to skate, play hockey, and to fish. But most of all he taught them about being good husbands and fathers. And Rocky adored his five grandchildren. He was a fixture of White Bear Hockey for many years, serving on the board and coaching youth hockey. He was also active with the Minnesota Bass Federation, again volunteering his time and energy. He took special interest in helping disadvantaged kids get the equipment they needed. Even after his cancer diagnosis, Rocky could be found riding his classy blue scooter all over White Bear Lake, to soccer games, softball games, wherever the spirit moved him, for as long as he could. Rocky was one of those guys you just don’t forget. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. He is deeply loved and is deeply missed. May he rest in peace for a little while, then go fishing under blue skies and sunshine.Richard George Kaupp Jr was born on May 4 in St. Paul, MN. He was preceded in death by parents Janet and Richard Kaupp. He is survived by his wife, Diane Kaupp, sons Scott Kaupp (Amy), Michael Kaupp (Jessica), sister Victoria Barkhoff (Brad), his five grandchildren, uncle David Hutton and aunt Judy both of whom he loved dearly, and
many cousins. Rocky’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022, at Bradshaw, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear Lake (one mile west of 35E). Gathering at 10:00am, service at 12:00pm with a reception following. 651-407-8300. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kaupp family, or the Amyloidosis Foundation (more information can be found at www.amyloidosis.org/ donate).
June 30, 1947 - October 6, 2022. Preceded in death by beloved husband, Gary; parents, James and Lorraine Croes; mother-in-law, Anna May Harvey and brother Gary Croes. Survived by loving sons, Michael (Julie) and Jason (RandiAnn); grandchil dren, Spencer, Lucas, MollyAnn, and Dayle; sister, Nancy (Jim) Emmons; sisters-in-law, Liz Croes, Chy (Don) Davis; niece and nephews, Brian, Aaron, Marnie, Jacob and many adoring friends. Sandy loved traveling with family and friends, but most of all, she loved making memories and laughing with her grandchildren.
Memorial Service 11:30am on Thursday, October 13th at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Visitation beginning at 9:30am until the time of service. Because of Sandy’s love of animals, in lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Ruff Start Rescue, PO Box 129, Princeton, MN 55371. MuellerMemorial.com 651.429.4944
Because every life has a
Share them with your community Obituaries celebrate and honor unique lives
Submit an obit by emailing obits@presspubs.com or contact 651-407-1250 or visiting us at 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lakes
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BY CORINNE STREMMEL
St. Stephen Lutheran and Redeemer Lutheran are partnering together in a new way of doing church.
Their latest project, Table 2.19, is open to anyone who is looking for an alternative to traditional church.
“Church doesn’t have to look like what it looks like on Sunday mornings,” Melissa Whitman said.
Whitman is director of Children, Youth and Fam ily Ministry at Redeemer Lutheran and the youth director at St. Stephen Lutheran, and she has been looking for ways her churches can conduct outreach in the White Bear Lake community.
Whitman originally got the idea for Table 2.19 while attending a conference. She was looking for a way to create a feeling of community in a post-pandemic world. According to Whitman, many church-goers stopped attending services during the pandemic.
The name Table 2.19 comes from Ephesians 2.19, a Bible verse that centers around the idea of forming a community and family.
“It doesn't look like a normal church service. We will sit together and have a meal. The meal rep resents the Eucharist, which either we will make or have someone cater.” Whitman explained. “People will sit at the table and talk about Scripture, and a pastor or myself might lead some discussion.”
This new take on church is aimed at folks who may have been marginalized by the church in the past. The two congregations hope to create a welcoming community in a neutral space that isn’t a regular church. Table 2.19 meals will be held on Sunday eve nings at 5:30 at the Wild Bean coffee shop in Mahto medi instead of at their respective churches.
“Sadly, there are people who are just not comfort able being in a church,” said Pastor Julie Thompson of St. Stephen.
Whitman says that some millennials and Gen Z’ers may have seen mistreatment of LGBTQ+ folks and other minorities in their church. Table 2.19 hopes to take away any negative stigmas about going to church and promote a welcoming environment for all.
“We want to create a warm, welcoming space where people’s fundamental need to be part of a com munity, where people care about them, can be met in a casual, nurturing way and in a way that shows what Jesus has to offer,” Thompson added.
The churches have been soft-launching the meals
since August and have received positive comments about how the project is going. The official hard launch of Table 2.19 will be Oct. 9.
Whitman believes that the partnership between St. Stephen and Redeemer Lutheran will result in a strong turnout.
“We’re two ELCA Lutheran churches a mile and a half apart. We are stronger together, and we’re trying to bridge the two churches and make a larger impact by doing stuff together,” Whitman said.
Other churches in the metro area have tried a sim ilar approach. Thompson cited one church in Colum bia Heights that tried a similar model.
The original program, Lydia’s Table, which is based in New York, is still operating today.
In the future, Table 2.19 hopes to take on different volunteer projects to give back to the community and help the project grow. For now, the churches expect 40-60 participants total but would be happy to see more as the project progresses.
“What we really hope for is that people find them selves in a community here,” Whitman said.
All meals are free and open to anyone who is inter ested in attending.
When: noon Wednesday, Oct. 12
Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Road, Vad nais Heights
Details: Bring a bag lunch and play table games with friends. Coffee pro vided.
Contact: 651-204-6000 or cityvadna isheights.com/seniors
HAUNTED HISTORY TROLLEY TOURS
When: 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Oct. 13-28
Where: Stillwater Zephyr Theatre, 601 N. Main St.
Details: Learn the history of Stillwa ter's haunted past told by creepy char acters aboard a trolley. $45 per person includes movies, scavenger hunt, bonfires, s'mores and prizes.
Contact: mywahooadventures.com/ haunted-history-trolley
AL MEETING
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13
Where: Boatworks Commons meeting room, 4495 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake
Details: Guest speakers will be Steve McComas from Blue Water Science and TJ DeBates from the East Metro DNR.
Contact: baldeagleassn.org
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Details: Celebrate the opening of the Minnesota Watercolor Society's exhibi tion. Free with registration. Exhibit in Ford Family Gallery through Nov. 4 Contact: whitebeararts.org
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14; 2 p.m. Sat urday, Oct. 15; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, Details: Children's Performing Arts production includes Disney's favorite heroes and villians.
Contact: childrensperformingartsmn. org
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F
Details: Distribution of food to any fam ily in need and considered low income. May register day of event. Contact: 612-245-9259 or cityvadna isheights.com/foodshelf
When: 9-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd., White Bear Township
Details: Join Certified Forest Thera py Guide Cinde Morris at Tamarack Nature Center for a meditative and im mersive walk practicing the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). Engage in gentle activities that will deepen your sensory awareness and focus in a calming, regenerative way. Ourdoor program. Registration $30. Contact: moderndayvalkyrie.com/ book-a-walk
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18
Where: White Bear Meadery, 1320 County Rd. D, Vadnais Heights Details: Meet and greet event to learn more about the local civic organization that promotes community service, personal enrichment and fellowship opportunities without religious or po litical affiliation. Members come from surrounding areas; group meets 2nd Thursday of every month. Contact: wblwomenoftoday.org
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 and Friday, Oct. 21; 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22; and 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23
Where: Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4941 Long Ave. White Bear Lake Details: Young artists break down the story of the familiar and scary novel. Tickets $15/adults; $10/child. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplay ers.org
MEDICARE ANNUAL ELECTION SEMINAR
When: 2-3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21
Where: White Bear Senior Center, 2484 E County Rd F
Details: Hear about carrier specific updates to Medicare plans and look at your Medicare insurance and make sure you are well-covered. Medicare plans can be changed Oct 15 to Dec 7. Contact: 651-653-3121
RUN FOR THE APPLES
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
Where: Pine Tree Apple Orchard, Dellwood
Details: 5 mile run through the or chard, strawberry fields and pumpkin patch, followed by treats and awards for each age group. Registration and t-shirt $35 before Oct. 16; $45 after and on race day. 1/3 mile kids fun run begins at 10:30 a.m.; $10 before Oct. 16 and $15 after and race day. Contact: whitebearrotary.org
SCARE IN WHITE BEAR
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
Where: Memorial Beach, 4958 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake Details: 5K and fun run on torch-lit paved path along White Bear Lake. Strollers and dogs welcome. Prizes for best costume. Halloweenie roast. Contact: 651-440-9625 or mmraces.com
THE HOLLYWOOD SONGBOOK, UN PLUGGED
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 Where: Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4941 Long Ave. White Bear Lake Details: Cabaret-concert series creat ed by James Rocco in collaboration with Minnesota and nationally based performing artists and musical ar rangers. First in the series performs music from “The Jazz Singer” to “The Greatest Showman.” Tickets $35-$45. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplay ers.org
WHAT'S IN A NAME-PART 3
When: 6-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24 Where: Zoom Details: Part 3 of a series about how lo cal streets and parks got their names. Registration by phone or online. Contact: 651-724-6001 ext. #2 or white bearhistory.org
White Bear Lake, men
Ryan Adams, 40 (3:01:35); Michael Allen, 24 (3:20:35); Chase Bill, 21 (4:49:08); Jeff Fretwell, 39 (3:31:12); Paul Hostettler, 52 (6:16:59); Eric Kulzer, 35 (4:05:32); Jeff Lasch, 41 (4:04.39); Mike McGoldrick, 30 (4:07:16); Tyler Mc Mahon, 31 (3:58:30); Scott Meissen, 63 (4:27:05); Martin Odium, 36 (5:30:15); Jeffrey Ozanna, 41 (4:10:36); Ryan Pederson, 21 (3:53:48); Sam Peterson, 26 (3:49:03); Roman Sinopoli, 33 (4:54:00); Matt Swanson, 36 (3:21:09)
White Bear Lake, women
Whitney Anderson, 28 (3:58:14); Aubrey Bork Vannatta, 45 (3:41:35); Bren da Cunningham, 45 (3:49:07); Clare Kaźmierczak, 46 (3:22:18); Brandi Pottle, 43 (4:51:49); Kirsi Poupore, 38 (4:25:21); Christine Schlafke, 59 (4:58:53); Sarah Stevens, 27 (5:10:39); Kimberly Voight, 42 (4:46:37)
Vadnais Heights, men
Kyle Blackley, 28 (4:28:07); Jesse Heaton, 29 (4:25:48); Michael Hoff, 26 (3:20:14); Matt Lee, 24 (3:48:12); Chris Messerly, 63 (5:19:47); Bradley Miller, 16 (4:46:34); Steven Noel, 34 (3:27:32); Johnbosco Oyoo, 38 (6:00:05); Greg Stamp, 42 (4:00:04); Zac Villarreal, 27 (3:50:06)
Vadnais Heights, women
Xiaoling Dai, 50 (4:41:26); Sara Lewen stein, 28 (4:54:38); Nicole Miller, 42 (4:54:05); Amanda Stamp, 38 (5:13:21); Molly Stuhr, 42 (5:00:12); Casey Suszynski, 41 (4:21:42); Yeng Vang, 38 (4:17:44)
Mahtomedi, men
Michael Determan, 43 (2:53:01); Jacob Hagstrom, 27 (4:37:51); Ryan Haselman, 32 (4:06:21); Andrew Peper, 42 (3:49:19); Jason Smeared, 49 (5:31:44); Earl Skrip, 49 (4:16:12)
Mahtomedi, women
Alissa Anderson, 40 (3:55:05); Caitlin McCauley, 25 (2:49:18); Kelly Schultz, 41 (4:05.00)
cancer forms in the cells of
After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women.
Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped create advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths associated with this disease is steadily declining, largely due to factors such as earlier detection, a new personalized approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
• A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast
• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
A newly inverted nipple
• Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin
• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange
If you find a lump or other change in your breast — even if a recent mammogram
was normal — make an appointment with your doctor for prompt evaluation.
Doctors know that breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Cells may spread (metastasize) through your breast to your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body.
Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma). Breast cancer may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) or in other cells or tissue within the breast.
Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer.
breast cancer survivors
States.
breast cancer or other cancers, your doctor may recommend a blood test to help identify specific mutations in BRCA or other genes that are being passed through your family.
Consider asking your doctor for a referral to a genetic counselor, who can review your family health history. A genetic counselor can also discuss the benefits, risks and limitations of genetic testing to assist you with shared decision-making.
But it’s not clear why some people who have no risk factors develop cancer, yet other people with risk factors never do. It’s likely that breast cancer is caused by a complex interaction of your genetic makeup and your environment.
Doctors estimate that about 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to gene mutations passed through generations of a family.
A number of inherited mutated genes that can increase the likelihood of breast cancer have been identified. The most well-known are breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), both of which significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
If you have a strong family history of
In 2022, an estimated 287,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 51,400 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
• Although rare, men get breast cancer too. In 2022, an estimated 2,710 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. and approximately 530 men will die from breast cancer.
65% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage (there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside of the breast), for which the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2022, approximately 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.
• This year, an estimated 43,550 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S. There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
Brooks, who co-founded Lake Links with Wolgamot, emceed the dedication, introducing city and county officials and volunteers responsible for its com pletion.
“There was a lot of creativity in this project,” Brooks said. “We were all con nected. This worked out famously. A lot of people made it happen.”
He added that the idea for a steel bike rack in the outline of Minnesota’s first steam engine, the William S. Crooks, proposed early on for the pavilion, was scrapped due to cost.
A bicycle repair station will be in
stalled at the shelter, however, dedi cated to the late Efrain Santiago. The popular Washington Square bartender, who died in 2019, was a “bike guy and well-loved in the community,” Brooks said. Santiago’s friends proposed the maintenance memorial in his honor and Saputo OK’d it. The station is sitting at White Bear Township public works until reconstruction of South Shore Boulevard and the adjoining trail are completed.
Debra NeutkensOfficials representing Washington County, White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi and Willernie gathered recently for a ribbon cutting signal ing the completion of the Hwy 12 road project that connects the communities.
would yell and scream,” she recalled.
She said the final straw was when he not only tried to strangle her, but less than a week later also tried to strangle their child. “I wasn’t pressing any charges at that time because I was afraid of what would happen if I did that, especially with his criminal history,” she explained. Her abuser was eventually sentenced with a felony for attempted strangulation and received a penalty of 60 days in jail.
It took Amundson many years to work up the courage to share her story with those she was close to and to seek help. “My body couldn’t take anymore of being in ‘flight’ mode. Blood pressure pounding, jumpy with every noise, nightmares and becoming a person that wasn’t me,” she said.
She confided in some people she was close to, who ultimately told her about Alexandra House, an organization that empowers victims of domestic and sexual violence and inspires social change through education, support and advocacy.
For eight months, Amundson attended a therapy program. Alexandra House was also able to provide her other resources along the way, like helping her terminate her lease early with no penalties so that she and her son could stay safe.
“They were there for me whenever I needed it. I can’t imagine where I would be without them,” she explained. Amundson said Alexandra House really helped her to understand and recognize healthy relationships and how to spot red flags and abusive behaviors. In addition, she also learned to cope with victim shaming.
Alexandra House Director of Mission Advancement Tina Bronson says the pandemic has exacerbated relationship
abuse. “Minnesota domestic and sexual violence programs are reporting record numbers of people reaching out for services, and those who reach out for services are reporting more severe violence, complex family needs and increased mental health issues,” Bronson said. “At the same time, domestic and sexual violence’s most tragic outcomes — murder and severe injury — are on the rise.”
Several of Alexandra House’s programs have seen a significant increase in service requests. For example, calls to the 24-hour helpline were up 20% in 2021 from 2020.
Amundson offers the following advice for people who may find themselves in a similar situation: “Find somebody that you can trust, and talk to them and ask them for help, because I’m sure that person would like to do nothing more in the world than to help you. It might be somebody you least expect … That’s the first step, just start talking about it.”
People who have been affected by domestic, sexual or relationship violence are encouraged to call Alexandra House’s 24-hour helpline at 763-780-2330.
“A misconception is that our helpline is only for abuse survivors; however, our helpline is for family, friends, coworkers, neighbors — anyone who is a concerned person wanting to support victims/survivors but may not know how best to do that or if what they are witnessing is abuse or what resources could they share with someone,” Bronson said.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide on a typical day
19% of domestic violence involves a weapon.
18-24 the age of women who are most commonly abused by an intimate partner.
Above: Max Conway sprays color onto a graffiti design outside the White Bear Center for the Arts during a recent opening reception for the SPRAYFINGER exhibit currently on display in the Exhibition Hall.
At right: Aayah “Drago” Abdul-Wahid applies paint to a work in progress. She was among the featured artists demonstrating the techniques and expressive process of graffiti writing as an artistic concept.
Above: In a life balance exercise, participants hang leaves on a figurative tree with messages of something to do, or let go of, during a recent Autumn Equinox celebration.
At left: Visitors to the SPRAYFINGER opening event were encouraged to create paintings.
An opening reception for the Fall into Color watercolor exhibition is Thursday, Oct. 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Ford Family Gallery.
The No. 4 ranked Mahtomedi Zephyrs fell to No. 2 St. Thomas Academy 28-14 in a duel of two 5-0 teams at home Friday evening. The Zephyrs (5-1) have another showdown coming up Friday at Simley (6-0).
Mahtomedi had been averaging 324 yards rushing but the Cadets, who’ve allowed just 41 points in six games, held the Zephyrs to 111 net ground yards.
Most of Mahtomedi’s offense came on long throws by Charlie Brandt to Michael Barry for 37, 47 and 46 yards. The first big catch set up Corey Bohmert’s 11-yard touchdown, but the Cadets stopped the Zephyrs at the 15 and 11 after the next two.
Down 21-6 late in the game, the Zephyrs got new life when Brandt took them down the field and hit Andrew Breien for a 23-yard touchdown with 4:24 left, with the same two connecting for a two-pointer, making it 21-14. However, Simon Hart blasted 47 yards for a Cadet touchdown and Jake Norman’s interception wrapped it up.
Hart also scored on two- and nine-yard runs while rolling up 164 yards in 24 carries. Love Adebayo caught a 25-yard scoring pass from Maximus Sims and totaled 117 yards in 13 rushes. Sims was 10-for-13 for 142 yards and no interceptions.
Brandt completed seven of 15 for 171 yards with two picked off. Barry had 130 yards on three catches, and Breien 41 on three catches. Bohmert gained 108 yards on 26 rushes.
White Bear Lake ran wild for 486 yards in a 45-20 victory over the Anoka Tornadoes in Anoka, shifting gears a week after passing for 389 yards in a 35-28 loss to Stillwater.
“Anoka is not real big on the defensive line, so we thought we could run the ball. We were moving on the ground and we stuck with it,” coach Ryan Bartlett said.
“Our offensive line did a great job. The backs played well, too, but they got some pretty good lanes.”
The Bears O-Line had Jack Kovisto at center, Evan Vickstrom and Zach Board at guard, Jack Peterson and Joel Seifried at tackle and Josh Doghor at tight end.
Cole Sather, who hadn’t played since being injured in the first half of the opener, ran for three touchdowns, from two, 25 and one yard, while gaining 78 yards in 15 carries. Kesean Lipscomb was the workhorse with 29 totes for 196 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown. Rayshaun Brakes had a six-yard TD run while ram bling for 150 yards in 11 carries.
Michael Delaney notched a defensive touchdown, picking up a fumble and racing 31 yards. Eli Treichel, the Bears reliable kicker on extra points and kickoffs, attempted his first field goal and hit from 28 yards.
Gavin Knutson, after his huge passing game a week earlier, was 4-for-10 for 24 yards.
Anoka (1-5) was within 35-20 at halftime, getting a pair of scoring passes, but the Bears blanked them in
White Bear Lake closed Suburban East Conference play beating Forest Lake 2-0 on two second-half goals by Charlie Olsen, assisted by Karolis Kairys and Teagan Giese. The Bears were 4-4-1 in the SEC for fifth place among 10 teams. Stillwater was 8-1, Woodbury 7-1-1, and Cretin-Derham Hall and East Ridge 7-2. The Bears lost to CDH 4-2 with Olsen and Caleb Anderson scoring. Seeded sixth in Section 4AAA, the Bears (8-5-2 overall) face CDH again in the first round there Wednesday at 7 p.m., with semifinals Saturday.
White Bear Lake closed the regular season last week with shutout wins over Cretin-Derham Hall 2-0 and For est Lake 5-0. Seeded No. 3 in Section 4AAA, the Bears (12-4) will host Tar tan on Wednesday at 4 p.m., with semi finals on Saturday. The CDH game was 0-0 until the 68th minute when Cami Bachmeier scored via a cross from Sydney Johnson, who found the net herself minutes later on a breakaway off a pass from Becca Smith. Autumn Maki made four saves. Scoring against Forest Lake were Smith, Emma Merriman, Bachmeier, Jenna Malloy, and Elizabeth Wallek, with Chloe
the second half. Chris Heim was one of the Bear defen sive leaders with three tackles for loss.
The Bears host Osseo (3-3) on Friday.
Tocko making three saves. The Bears tied for second in the Suburban East Conference. Stillwater was champion at 8-1 and the Bears, Mounds View and Woodbury were each 7-2.
White Bear Lake placed ninth among 24 teams in the Lions Invita tional at Alexandria. St. Paul Highland Park was team champion and had the individual winner in Luna Scorzelli in 17:52. For the Bears, Katelyn Porter placed 36th (20:17), Rosalie Sommars 48th (20:34), Lily Schneider 60th (20:46), Ami Nachtscheim 82nd (21:16) and Clara Kolstad 84th (21:19) among 167 runners.
White Bear Lake placed seventh among 27 teams in the Lions Invita tional in Alexandria. The meet was dominated by Suburban East Con ference teams with Stillwater first, Mounds View second, Roseville fourth and the Bears seventh. Chaska’s Nolan Sutter won in 15:34. For the Bears, Luke Williams placed 11th (16:16), Vaughn Larson 42nd (17:13), Isaac Kol stad 51st (17:20), Dhruva Pingale 57th (17:30) and Ryley Murphy 81st (17:57) among 186 runners. “It was a good day for us,” said coach Dan Kovacich,
noting that 23 of 27 runners had season bests or personal bests. “We are set up nicely for the conference.” The SEC meet will be held Tuesday at Tanners Brook Golf Course near Forest Lake.
TENNIS
White Bear Lake advanced to the Section 4AA semifinals beating North St. Paul 7-0 last Tuesday and Centen nial 5-2 on Thursday. “My nine seniors had their last home match. It was bittersweet,” reflected third-year coach Marla Menne (formerly Zitelman). “On to preparing for one of the top 10 teams in the state.” The Bears (14-7) faced top seed Mounds View on Monday, with the winner advancing to finals Wednesday. Winning twice last week were Ellia Groneberg, Kaylee Zim merman and Sabrina Thompson in singles, and Tally Domschot/Annika Norman and Anna Sommerhause/Ella Skeie in doubles. Nicole Murphy and Alex Reiland/Alexina Erickson won against North.
Stillwater, perennial conference and section champion, defeated White Bear Lake 99-80 at the YMCA pool. Top fin ishes for the Bears were second places by Lily Jenkins in the butterfly and Lucy Borofka in the 500 freestyle.
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The St. Odilia Council of Catholic Women is hosting a Fall Jewelry & Craft Sale in our school gym. Sale dates: Saturday Oct 15 – Noon to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Oct. 16 – 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come and shop our large selection of bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, and pins. Handmade quilts, caps & mittens, blankets and more are handmade by the CCW crafters & quilters. Perfect items for gift giving! St. Odilia Church, 3495 N. Victoria, Shoreview, MN. 55126
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EQUAL HOUSIN OPPORTUNITY, real estate advertisi in this newspaper subject to the Fair Ho using Act wh makes it illegal to vertise “any pref en ce, limitation or di criminat ion based race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, famili status or nationa l gin, or an intention, make any such pref en ce limitation or di criminat ion.” Fam status includes ch dren under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly ac cept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law.
Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimi nation call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75
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Bald Eagle Avenue
Bear Lake MN 55110
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Lake Water Management Organization (VLAWMO), White Bear Township, WBLAHS, and area volunteers.
A pollinator garden is designed to contain native plants to provide food and shelter for bees, birds, and butterflies that pollinate plants that support the local ecosystem and food web.
The pollinator garden at the Historic White Bear Town Hall contains 14 different species, 147 plants and is just over 600 square feet in size.
Pictured left to right is St. Paul Garden Club Co-President Sandy Law, VLAWMO Board Director & WBLAHS staff member Dan Jones, VLAWMO Administrator Phil Belfiori, Minnesota Water Steward Katherine Doll Kanne, White Bear Township Board Supervisor & VLAWMO Board Director Ed Prudhon, and White Bear Lawn & Snow owner Joe Reil.
Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com
A wide range of fall colors along with great weather has made for a great start to October. It was a little frosty on Saturday morning as I recorded my first freezing temperatures of the season, 32º. Despite the frost, my garden survived. But I’ll be harvesting the garden before the next cold wave that is due. White Bear Lake Lake Level: Peak May 30 at 924.23’. October 10 level is at 922.71’.
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Mid-term elections. Things to consider. On the subject of abortion. If this is a main concern of yours, put it out of your mind. It is in the Minnesota state Constitution and would require an amendment to overturn it. It is a fact that some candidates are adamantly against abortion, as am I. It is a moot point.
Why do University Avenue in St. Paul and Lake Street in Minneapolis look like the aftermath of a war zone? The atrocities that took place starting May 25, 2020, should never have gotten so far out of hand. The delay of deploy ment of the National Guard was inexcusable. Gov. Walz, who had a long career in the Guard and held the rank of Command Sgt. Major, should have known the Guard was supposed to be trained to step in and assist law enforce ment on very short notice. The delay cost the loss of life and property.
It appears little, if anything, is being done to rehabili tate the areas mentioned.
The governor wants to raise taxes while sitting on a $9 billion budget surplus. His idea was to give cash rewards to front liners of the COVID fiasco. That’s commendable, but they signed up for that job. What about all the people out there that volunteered their time anonymously giving time and spending their own money to help those in need?
There are many projects that need funding in the state.
Thanks to poor decisions made by our governor, our school students have suffered greatly by not being allowed to attend school in person, which was proved in many dif ferent ways to be safe. Now we have psychosocial issues, and math and reading scores have dropped.
Walz also wishes to institute so-called green energy rules such as no gas-fueled vehicles as well as other similar ideas as soon as 2030, without first finding and installing alternate forms of energy. Wind and solar will never come close to fulfilling the need.
Heather Gustafson, Brion Curran and Melissa Hort man appear to be in lockstep with the governor.
I urge you to look at Scott Jensen’s platform and his record as a state Senator very closely. You may not agree with every plank, but it clearly shows he is truly aimed in a direction that is good for all of us. Study Roger Cham berlain’s Senate record. He has done much that is clearly positive. Look at Heidi Gunderson’s record. It, too, shows she clearly looks out for the good of the people. Look at El liot Engen’s platform. Compare the candidates by looking at what they offer, not by what the pundits say.
Patrick Kenny White Bear LakeThere is nothing more I can say that already hasn't been written in previous letters supporting the re-election of Kevin Donovan to the school board of District 832. Prior statements by intelligent, knowl edgeable people have highlighted Kevin's experience, dedication and accomplishments while serving on the board. I can only conclude that it would be a great loss to the school system if Kevin Donovan was not reelected. Please vote for Kevin so he may continue serving the Great School District of 832!
Lael Ramaley MahtomediFinally, a politician who doesn’t “go along to get along.” That politician is Sen. Roger Chamberlain, and we’re lucky we have a leader like this.
In early September, Sen. Chamberlain issued a report on his committee’s findings on the fraud in food pro grams for kids administered by the Minnesota Depart ment of Education (MDE). In his report, he brought to light the appalling failures at the agency that led to $250 million in fraud, the largest COVID relief fraud in the nation — the only such fraud, reported to date, in the entire nation.
I took note of a letter recently written titled “Voters Beware,” written by Nancy Johnson, published Sept. 28. She mentions a “dangerous strategy taking over the VH City Council” and mentions three candidates in partic ular who are running for office. So, I checked out the platforms of the City Council candidates she mentions: Mike Krachmer for mayor and Katherine Doll Kanne and Kelly Jozwowski.
Their platform priorities focused on fiscal responsibil ity, dealing with our aging infrastructure, transparency and community engagement, safe communities, smart development and protecting the environment.
Nowhere did I see anything referencing CRT or de funding the police. Ms. Johnson also mentioned these candidates will raise taxes. I think she might have her candidates confused. Perhaps she is not aware our current council is planning for a tax increase for our city of around 13% for 2023. For years, our City Council has failed to do its job of long-term planning for our city. They have underfunded our infrastructure needs in the city and now we are all going to pay the price of a substantial tax increase not only this year, but for years to come, to ensure our vital city services are funded.
I want a City Council to focus on long-term planning for our community, listen to Vadnais Heights residents and pay attention to the environment.
I thank Ms. Johnson for pointing out these candidates.
Liz Stein Vadnais HeightsLast spring, after 200 FBI agents executed search warrants across the state, Chamberlain’s committee held three public hearings in the Senate K-12 Education Committee and zeroed in on MDE’s stunning failure to do its fiduciary duty.
What Chamberlain’s committee uncovered was eye-opening. While MDE employees said they suspected fraud, they did almost nothing to identify and prevent any of the theft. They conducted “desk audits,” then even stopped doing that. They approved reimbursement for hundreds of thousands of meals served from vacant storefronts and third-floor apartments.
The U.S. attorney used the word “staggering” to describe the amount of fraud and how it was carried out. Nonetheless, MDE apparently missed all of it. MDE ac tually said its process worked. The fraud went one for 11 months. It began in May 2020 and continued until April 2021, when MDE finally notified the FBI.
Indictments have been brought against 47 defendants, who claimed they were serving food to needy children but instead were buying houses, luxury cars, resort property in Kenya, jewelry and international vacations.
Fraud was allowed due to laxness in government oversight. Thankfully, we have a state senator like Sen. Chamberlain who takes his responsibility seriously and is determined that on his watch, the bad apples will be rooted out.
Steve Gerlach Circle PinesRepublicans in Minnesota (and across the country) have been trying to ban abortion for decades, but are now trying to convince us that abortion is safe here because it’s “in the Constitution.” That’s simply a lie, and they know it.
In Minnesota, we have a right to an abortion because of Supreme Court precedent from Doe v. Gomez (1995) when the court ruled that the right to privacy encompasses the right to an abortion.
Sound familiar? Of course. That’s how we had Roe for 50 years, too.
In Minnesota, the governor appoints Supreme Court Justices when there are vacancies. There’s no confirma tion vote like at the federal level, but Justices stand for statewide reelection every six years. Like Donald Trump got to appoint three justices to the federal Supreme Court, a Scott Jensen governorship could very well see the balance of our court shift, too. Entrusting the right to an abortion in Minnesota to a guy who just a couple of months ago said, “We’re going to ban abortions,” simply cannot be an option.
If you care about reproductive freedom and control over your own body, electing anti-choice Republicans who have been limiting and trying to ban abortion in Minnesota for decades can’t be an option either.
Personhood bills, waiting periods, heartbeat bans, requiring doctors to give patients false information and medically unnecessary clinic regulations have all been in bills at the Minnesota Legislature every year.
Just this year, in 2022, the Republicans in Minnesota put in their party platform that they support overturning Doe v. Gomez and banning abortion from the point of conception. If Minnesota sees Republican control of the House and the Senate, you can expect a constitutional amendment banning abortion on your next general elec tion ballot.
So, as you hear from candidates at the doors, on the phones and at forums, and see candidates for office claim ing that abortion is safe in Minnesota: It’s not. It never has been, and surely isn’t somehow MORE safe without Roe.
Jody Randall White Bear LakeI am writing to express my disappointment in DFL state Senate candidate Heather Gustafson for her support of building the Rush Line through White Bear Lake. Her strong support of the project expressed in a recent candidate forum shows a lack of understanding of the needs of White Bear Lake residents. The project has been soundly rejected by the community from Republi cans, Democrats and Independents alike.
I believe instead we need someone who will listen to residents and fight for our interests at the Capitol. I am supporting Sen. Roger Chamberlain for state Senate be cause he has demonstrated a willingness to bring com munity members together from different backgrounds to advocate for our best interests. Sen. Chamberlain, unlike Heather Gustafson, opposed the Rush Line and helped stop it. He stood with the vast majority of resi dents against the Met Council’s costly plan and spon sored legislation to require the Met Council to secure City Council approval.
Sen. Chamberlain still advocated for improving our overall transportation system. He supports investing in our road and bridge infrastructure by providing a steady stream of funding through the rededication of the existing auto parts sales tax. The plan has a wide coali tion of support from both business and labor groups.
I don’t know what Heather Gustafson's plan is to im prove our transportation infrastructure other than her support of the costly Rush Line. A gas tax increase? Fee increases? Do nothing? She doesn’t list transportation as one of her priorities on her website or include any information on her position.
Transportation is an issue that should have nothing to do with partisan politics. It’s about listening to your con stituents about their needs, investing in smart projects that benefit the public and having the vision to make sure our infrastructure is properly maintained. I believe Roger Chamberlain understands this and has worked across the aisle for many years to get things done. I will be voting for Roger Chamberlain on Nov. 8.
Jill Fisher-MacIntosh White Bear LakeThe community that I love will (hopefully) be gaining three incredible new leaders this Election Day. The “Key 3”: Mayor candidate Mike Krachmer and City Council candidates Katherine Doll Kanne and Kelly Jozwowski will ensure that Vadnais Heights moves forward on be coming a greener city, make it a welcoming place for all residents and support our local businesses and economic development opportunities. Mike, Katherine, and Kelly have admirably stepped up to the plate to run for office, and I know that they are excited to continue getting to know all the residents of Vadnais Heights to get work done for them.
This group, alongside current City Council members Erik Goebel and Steve Rogers, want to make our city greener by taking advantage of existing Ramsey Coun ty and state policies to invest in renewable energy and more efficient buildings. Local government has a lot of power to support new green technologies and, as a resident, I’m excited to see what innovations they will support.
Ensuring we preserve the dignity of every resident of Vadnais Heights is something these candidates care about. They want to represent all members of our com munity equally, regardless of their income level, race, homeownership status, sexual orientation or gender. Vadnais Heights is a great place to live, and we need to invest our time and energy making it a welcoming place for all.
Finally, these three want to attract and support our local business community. Investing in the crucial corridors of County Road E and Centerville Road will keep our small business community thriving and healthy. Our residents deserve diverse places to eat, shop and play with their families — these three will make it happen.
I am excited to endorse Mike Krachmer for mayor of Vadnais Heights and Katherine Doll Kanne and Kelly Jozwowski for Vadnais Heights City Council. Vote for them by Nov. 8!
Brion Curran Vadnais HeightsDISTRICT 2
Age: 65 City of residence: Oakdale
Occupation: Retired from Graco Inc. – 38 Year career in product development
List most recent civic involvement roles: Current Washington County Commissioner, District 2. Workforce Development Board, TAB Transportation Advisory Board – Executive Com mittee, Gold Line BRT - Leadership, Regional Rail Authority – Chair, East Metro Strong – Co-Chair, Association of Minnesota Counties Board, Min nesota Inter-County Association Vice President, CDA Community Development Agency, Belong to 3 Chambers, 622 ISD Education Foundation Board Member and past President, Oakdale Tree Board Active and Founding Member, Ramsey/Wash ington Recycling & Energy Board, Past Oakdale Mayor, and City Council Member.
Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?
A. 1. Public Safety and Mental Health – As an elected County Commissioner my most import ant responsibility is public safety. Our County Board 2023 County Budget has made additional investments in our Sheriff’s Office to keep crime under control and work toward crime reduction. Our budget also supports our County Attorney’s
Age: 60 City of residence: Woodbury
Occupation: Special Education Teacher
List most recent civic involvement roles: List most recent civic involvement roles: School Board Member, Chair Woodbury Yellow Ribbon Network, Met Council Gold Line Commission (CBAC), Woodbury Police K9 Board Member.
Ramsey County operates yard collection sites that are free and open to all residents. Local sites include White Bear Township, 5900 Sherwood Road; Arden Hills, 1881 Hudson Road; and Mounds View, 8307 Long Lake Road. All sites accept leaves, grass and food scraps; White Bear Township and Arden Hills also accept trees, branches and shrubs. Washington County residents are eligible to bring yard waste to White Bear Township and Arden Hills. No commercial yard waste is accepted.
Hours through November are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun day. Collection sites are open on weekends only during December through March.
Office holding all criminals accountable. Our county is also making investments in early mental health interven tion by imbedding our Social Worker Crisis Unit within policing to prevent crime and tragic incidents.
2. Clean Water and Protecting our Environment – I support our county protecting critical pristine water and natural areas assuring clean and plentiful water resourc es for our future.
3. Workforce Development and Affordable Housing – I’m assigned Workforce Development and CDA Community Development Agency involvement. I’m working to get our residents trained in jobs resulting in a career with a livable wage and working with our CDA to grow afford able housing stock.
Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. A primary elected responsibility for me is effectively representing all citizens and getting their input. At the county when we have a topic affecting citizens, we are effective organizing community engagement meetings. Recent successful examples are using citizen engagement feedback to truly design the new Wildwood Library that incorporated citizen input and priorities into the library architecture and function. Another example is the new County 12/244 recently opened road design was based on our community engagement meetings incorporating safe cross walks and new pedestrian trails. County 12 was also designed during the pandemic, so we had virtual and website citizen input. I seek out input from persons
Q. What are your top three priorities for the county?
A. 1. Supporting law enforcement and focusing on main taining a safe county in which to work and live.
2. Working on issues surrounding well-being, such as sub stance abuse, homelessness, food insecurity and mental health.
3. Increasing the number of jobs that pay a living wage.
Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. The public is always welcome and encouraged to
White Bear Lake VFW Post 1782 and Aux iliary announce two national essay contests for local students. The Voice of Democracy contest is open to all students in grades 9-12.
The theme is “Why is the veteran import ant?” The Patriot's Pen essay contest is for students in grades 6, 7 and 8 with the theme “My pledge to our veterans.”
For more information about the scholar ships and to find the rules and eligibility and entry forms, go to vfw.org/community/ youth-and-education/youth-scholarships.
Applications must be turned in to VFW Post 1782 by Oct. 31. The VFW is located at 4496 Lake Avenue S., White Bear Lake. Contact Joan at 651-426-2311 with questions.
that are limited in their ability to come forward but have needs that deserve consideration. I call on city officials to assure major decisions meet city priorities. I pride myself to an open door policy of taking all calls and meetings with constituents.
Q. What can the county board do in the next five years to help the county prosper?
A. We have an excellent county but cannot stand still assuming our county will continue to prosper. These are priorities I will work on to assure our county has a prosperous future.
• Low taxes that support budgets with the correct priori ties – Collecting only what is needed in taxes.
• Address Workforce Shortage – Our businesses need to grow with our county citizens filling these good paying quality jobs otherwise businesses will leave our county to where they can find skilled employees. I’m assigned work force development and work on career pathway strategies to meet our current and future workforce needs with our own citizens.
• Housing Shortage & Affordability – I will support add ing housing that is quality and affordable for all ages.
• Clean Environment, Water, and natural areas – Con tinue protecting important acreage for today and future generations.
I ask for your vote, together let’s keep our county a great place to live, work, and play!
attend any meeting. I would be available at meetings, via phone or email or in person meetings to be available to hear what residents are wanting. My e-mail address is voteohs@gmail.com
Q. What can the county board do in the next five years to help the county prosper?
A. Continue to focus on being a safe and welcoming place to live, play and do business or own a business. To contin ue to be fiscally responsible and to seek out all forms of aid and grants from the state and federal government.
• A member of the Mahtomedi fire department will extend their leave of absence while they travel. The Mahto medi Fire Department will perform a staff study to see how the fire depart ment will provide staffing during this absence.
• The Mahtomedi Fire Department will conduct a house burn training this fall. Old Wildwood Road will be closed briefly during the training.
• A massage therapy license was granted to YanQin Kellesvig follow ing approval of the license applica tion. Xiangyu Hua Gingerich was denied a massage therapist license. YuPing Wang was denied a massage
therapist and business license.
• A reconstruction project will take place on Juniper Street from East Avenue to the cul-de-sac. The construc tion will include new concrete and gutter and storm sewer improvements. The project was petitioned for by the residents living on Juniper Street. Con struction will begin summer of 2023.
• Mahtomedi will begin the process to standardize and redesign the Mahtome di gateway signage.
• Kelly McShane will now be a member of the city’s Finance Commission; the appointment will expire in 2025.
Corrine Stremmel
A unique opportunity is coming to the Anoka County-Blaine airport Oct. 14-16. A World War II-era B-25 Mitchell bomber is visiting the area as part of a fundraising tour sponsored by the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA), headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Proceeds from ticket sales to ride or tour the vintage aircraft not only to support EAA’s mission to grow partic ipation in aviation, but also to support local EAA chapters.
Chapters based at Benson Airport in White Bear Township and the Forest Lake Airport will be providing vol unteers to help host the B-25, which requires a minimum 5,000-foot runway for flight operations and up to 2 acres of ramp space for ground operations.
The powerful twin-engine, twintailed bomber was used by all three major branches of the United States military and served in all theaters of WWII. It is the only military aircraft to be named after an individual, air power advocate and U.S. Army General Billy Mitchell.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
The B-25 is coming to Anoka County-Blaine Airport Oct. 14-16. To book a flight on this historic aircraft, go to www.FlyTheB25.org. Tickets are $400 online or on site. Ground tours are also available.
EAA provided a bit of history on the B-25, which became combat-ready in 1942, just in time for a daring plan after the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. That plan involved load ing 16 of the land-based bombers onto the deck of the USS Hornet aircraft carrier for a bombing mission over To kyo. There was a Minnesota connection in that plan. The bombers slated for the mission underwent modifications in secret in a maintenance hangar at Wold-Chamberlain Field (Minneapo
lis-St. Paul International Airport) in preparation for the attack. The April 1942 mission was led by famous avia tor James H. Doolittle. His select crew were known as the Doolittle Raiders. The successful mission was considered a major morale booster for the United States and one that earned the then-Lt. Col. Doolittle the Medal of Honor.
The B-25 bomber was also selected to escort Japanese forces that flew into Tokyo Bay to sign the surrender of the war aboard the USS Missouri. PostWWII, the Mitchell served in roles in the peacetime Air Force as personal transports and training aircraft. The last B-25 was retired from military service in 1960.
Tour Chair Don Shipp, president of Forest Lake EAA Chapter 1638, said the visit is a rare opportunity to see the warbird in real time.
“The Mitchell B-25 is important to our country’s history,” Shipp pointed out. “Helping people get up close to one honors that history. The B-25 is one of the most iconic images of the second World War.”
Benson Airport EAA Chapter 745 President Mike Hage iterated Shipp, noting, “This is a very unique oppor tunity for our local EAA to share a national treasure, an authentic WWII B-25 Mitchell Bomber, with the local community.”
Passenger flights take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 14-16; ground tours are also available from 2 to 5 p.m. Ground tour tickets are $10 for individ ual, $20 for family and free for active military/veterans and children under 8 with paying adult.
Flights last about one hour and include briefing, debriefing and 24 min utes of actual flight time.
EAA notes that the schedule for flights and ground tours can change due to weather or mechanical issues. Refunds will be issued for weather or maintenance cancellations that cannot be rescheduled to another day onsite.
Debra Neutkens
Olivia Yang, of Vadnais Heights, is one of 98 honorees to receive a 2022 Spirit Award from Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. Yang is a senior HR specialist. The award honors employees who demonstrate outstand ing commitment and dedication to the vision and mission of the statewide organization. Honorees are nominated by their supervisors. For more infor mation about Lutheran Social Service, visit lssmn.org.
Howard Juni, of White Bear Lake, is the recipient of the 2022 Alumni Ser
vice Award from the University of Min nesota Alumni Association. Juni grad uated from the U of M with a bachelor's degree in pharmacy in 1971, followed by a PharmD degree in 1974. The U of M cited Howard's “impressive career as a decorated pharmacy professional and business owner, while still staying actively engaged with his alma mater and the pharmacy community at large for over four decades.” Howard is Pres ident of the Church Council at Christ the King Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake
“No matter your age, learning is vital,” Director of Mahtomedi Community Education Kate Andersen said.
Retirees may be looking for ways to stay sharp and improve their brain health, and taking advantage of community education can be a great way to stay engaged mentally.
“It’s part of our role in community education to create lifelong learners,” Adult Programs and Facility Coordinator at White Bear Area Schools Jon Anderson said.
Retirees can take a number of classes through the White Bear Area schools, all geared toward different topics in retirement.
“Our most popular class is the 55 plus driver safety class which is run through the Minnesota safety council,” Anderson said. “Those who take the class also get a reduction in insurance cost.”
There are also classes to keep retirees connected online. These classes provide step by step instructions on how to use the latest technology and keep in touch with kids and grandkids.
“We have senior center technology classes for podcasts and social media. We can even show you how to use Uber, Snapchat and Twitter. It’s a lot of
basic stuff that most people don’t like to admit they have trouble with,” Anderson said.
For retirees that like to stay active and do some traveling, the White Bear Area Schools coordinate with a reputable travel agency that gives travel tips to a number of locations in the United States and Europe.
Mahtomedi Community Education knows that now is a crucial time for adult education
precautions
wane.
“As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, social connection for adults and retirees is pivotal for maintaining emotional, physical and mental health,”
Adult and Secondary Enrichment Coordinator at Mahtomedi Community Education Diana Wright said.
Adult education can be an enriching way to fill one’s time all while learning something new or trying an exciting way to exercise.
“Trying a new sport can keep people moving or even to promote people’s brain activity,” Anderson said.
Staying active and learning a new skill can be a great way to stay sharp as you age. It is also
important to stay connected with the community.
“Community Education is a convenient way to engage with your own community while learning new things,” Andersen said.
Those who are interested in their local community education can sign up on their respective school districts’ websites. WBLAS: https://whitebear.ce.eleyo. com Mahtomedi: https://www. mahtomedi.k12.mn.us.