White Bear Press

‘Chicago’ transports audiences to 1920s courtroom circus

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Au diences have three more nights to witness the razzle-dazzle of White Bear Lake Area High School’s fall show about an aspiring vaudeville star caught up in murder and courtroom drama.

Thirty-three student actors will present their final three performances of the hit Broad way musical “Chicago” at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday at the North Campus Theatre. The two-act

show is about 2 1/2 hours long and includes a 15-minute inter mission.

Set in the 1920s, the musical follows main characters Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly as they get plunged into the criminal justice system due to murder charges. Hart, an up-and-com ing vaudevillian, is charged with killing her paramour, while experienced performer Kelly is suspected of her hus band’s murder.

Music teacher Wendy Suoja, who’s directing and producing the show, noted how the story is

based on real murder cases in volving two women in the 1920s who were suspected of killing their lovers.

“It's about their court case and how the system is a circus and how everybody has their own part in that,” Suoja said of the musical’s characters.

Despite the show’s grim sub ject matter, the director said the musical has a tongue-in-cheek tone, and the music numbers reflect the vaudeville setting of the characters.

Write-in votes dominate in Birchwood mayor’s race

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

BIRCHWOOD — Margaret Ford’s name wasn’t on the ballot for the Birchwood Village mayoral election, but the 62-year-old retired attorney nonetheless may have garnered enough write-in votes to win the position.

According to the unofficial results on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website, voters in that race cast 270 write-in votes, or 46% of total ballots. The other mayor al candidates — James Nelson and Michael McKenzie — received 171 and 146 votes respectively, or 29.1% and 24.8%.

Some write-in ballots may have contained names instead of Ford’s, but a final breakdown of the write-in votes wasn’t available by press deadline.

Ford said she was “extremely delighted” when she saw the election results come in at about 11 p.m. on election night.

“I was really excited and really thankful to my neigh bors for showing a groundswell of support,” Ford said in a phone interview. “That's what really made me feel good. I just had such a great time meeting everyone when I did the door-knocking door-to-door. I had never done that before, and it's an experience.”

In a question-and-answer video posted on her cam paign website — writeinford.com — she said her neigh bors encouraged her to run for mayor earlier than she did. However, health issues in her family made Ford think she wouldn’t have the time to commit to the en deavor.

When those health problems became resolved, Ford was again encouraged to run and decided to do so through a write-in campaign.

Ford grew up on the North Shore of Lake Superior. She studied at St. Catherine University in Saint Paul and later went to law school at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. She was a property tax attorney for 33 years before retiring in late 2019 and moving to Birchwood with her husband, David, in early 2020. They have two adult daughters and sons-in-law and four grandchildren.

PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Meg Peterson and Cecelia McCahon play the lead characters Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart in the White Bear Lake Area High School production of the musical “Chicago.” Find more photos and video online at presspubs.com.

Final plat approval delayed for industrial park

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP — The Town Board’s agenda was light last week as its Nov. 7 meeting lasted only 15 minutes. During that quarter of an hour, Supervisors Ed Prudhon, chair, Steve Ruzek and Scott McCune ap proved the following:

• A postponement to final plat approv al for Polar Industrial, 5300 Centerville Road, by Capital Partners.

Township Administrator Pat Chris topherson said a final plat won’t be con sidered until a development agreement is in place. The 54-acre property, zoned light industrial, is owned by North Oaks Farm Inc.

• Rotary drilling in Longville Park by the University of Minnesota Geologic Survey.

Public Works Director Dale Reed said the township was approached in September about drilling a 170-foot well in the park for scientific investigation. Its purpose is to determine what type of glacial sediment is above the bedrock, which in turn helps determine where groundwater resides in the subsur face. Results will be used to update the Ramsey County Geologic Atlas. Once the study is complete, the well will be sealed.

• Certification of delinquent water, refuse, sewer and stormwater charges to the county auditor.

Every year, unpaid utility and other charges incurred by the township are added to property tax statements. Some of the larger amounts assessed for 2022 totaled more than $3,000. According to parcel ID numbers provided by the township, for example, a resident at 5690 Otter View Trail owes $5,455 in delinquent water bills. Residents of 16 Monarch Lane in North Oaks owe $7,750. Special charges for code viola tions were also assessed to 11 property

owners in amounts ranging from $590 to a high of $3,722, which is the amount assessed to non-homesteaded property owned by an LLC at 2537 Second St.

• A letter of understanding for 2023 impound housing services with the An imal Humane Society. The only change to last year’s letter is a 3% increase in fees. The township partners with the Woodbury location at 9785 Hudson Road for animal control.

• Fire services agreement with the city of White Bear Lake through Dec. 31, 2027, with annual auto renew there after.

• The Board of Canvass public hear ing for 7:55 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18 at township offices. A canvassing board formally certifies election results.

• A change to the “Safe at Work” per sonnel policy regarding COVID-19.

“As we’ve moved out of the COVID pandemic, the township is no longer re quired to carry a COVID policy,” Chris topherson said. A revised policy will be adopted from OSHA that grants a leave of absence for a positive test. “We had some abuse of the policy, and we’re tightening it up,” he told the board.

• A White Bear Lake Youth Hockey Association request to leave the ice rink up an extra week after Hockey Day ends Jan. 29.

The association would like to host its Winter Blast the following weekend for younger players. They will assume liability and utility costs and will maintain the rink during that time.

Supervisor Ruzek said he was OK with the request, as long as the association provides proof of liability insurance. An agreement will be drafted by the town attorney.

Debra Neutkens

Adopt-a-Drain Challenge deemed successful

Results of the Adopt-a-Drain Challenge are out, and al though the number fell short of the goal, there was steady prog ress throughout the summer and fall.

Initiated last March by the White Bear Lake Conservation District, the challenge started at 298 adopted drains and ended at 535 by Oct. 31. The goal was to have 596 drains adopted around the lake, or double the starting number.

“Even though we didn’t quite reach our overall goal, there are many things to celebrate,” said district board member Scott Costello, who oversaw the challenge. He noted the follow ing achievements:

• Steady progress every month, thanks to great pub licity. “This significantly increased public awareness of the need to keep stormwater drains free of polluting debris,” he said.

• The city of White Bear Lake successfully more than doubled the number of its adopted drains. The city started at 120 and reached 263 adopted drains by end of October. Of the city’s 1,829 known drains, 14.4% are now adopted.

• White Bear Township was just five short of doubling its number from 49 to 93. The township has 528 known drains, which means 18% are adopted.

• Mahtomedi increased its number from 120 to 167 adopted drains. The city has 695 known drains, which gives them an adop tion rate of 24%.

• Dellwood does not have an urban stormwater system like the other communities. The city took advantage of the challenge by inventorying its infrastructure to reenforce a commitment to water quality.

CONTRIBUTED

The number of drains adopted fell just short of goal. It is not to late to adopt a drain.

• Birchwood may be in a similar position as Dellwood in not having a fully urbanized stormwater system, but 47% of its known drains are adopted. There are still many drains

available for adoption, remind ed Costello, so it’s not too late to get involved. For information, go to mn.adopt-a-drain.org.

Try Taizé Prayer

St. Mary of the Lake Church will host a Taizé Prayer event at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, in the Notre Dame Chapel. Taizé Prayer is a combination of medi tative music, scripture and moments of silence, giving participants an opportunity to dwell deeply on Christ's presence.

St. Mary of the Lake is located at 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake. For in formation, visit st marys-wbl.org/events.

www presspubs com www.presspubs.com 651-407-1200

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CHURCH BRIEF

Debra Neutkens

Hi, I’m Randy

My body was sore when I went to bed, Tuesday, Nov. 1.I had just finished a long day of driving, carrying and unpacking boxes, organizing furniture and — well, you get the idea

After three years of living in northwest Iowa, I made the northward plunge to Minneapolis to live with my longtime girlfriend and become the newest staff writer at Press Publica tions in White Bear Lake.

I’m no stranger to Minnesota or journalism, but I am new to doing the latter in the former.

Paulson’s Ponderings

Randy Paulson

I’ve enjoyed writing ever since middle school, and my favorite classes always involved reading and writing. My first 18 years of life were spent in Grinnell, Iowa. At Grinnell High School, I was involved in debate, theatre and speech.

A creative writing class I took my sophomore year of high school is what first piqued my interest in pursuing writing as a profession.

Naturally then, I gravitated toward journalism when I began studying at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

I spent my first two years there writing for the college’s satirical publication, The Acorn, where I lampooned the official college newspaper, The Simpsonian, every chance I got. Despite that, the Simpson Student Media adviser still saw fit to let me become editor-in-chief of The Simpsonian my senior year. I guess my jokes about the “real” newspaper weren’t unforgivable.

My full-time journalism career started in May 2019 when I became a staff writer at The N’West Iowa REVIEW in Sheldon, Iowa.

I wrote about all sorts of topics in The REVIEW’s four-county coverage area: general news, school news (we covered 17 school districts), multiple city council and county supervisors meetings, politics and the 2020 elections, agriculture, business, Friday-night sports and, of course, the coronavirus pandemic.

Although “N’West Iowa” — as we referred to our coverage area — only consisted of four counties, The REVIEW news team and I were constantly on the lookout for local connections to people and events located hundreds or thousands of miles away.

My favorite example is when I wrote a feature about an opera singer who was living in Cardiff, Wales, with his wife. He reached out to our paper since he grew up in one of The REVIEW’s counties and wanted the paper to cover a historical music preservation project he had just finished.

I jumped at the opportunity to chat with him and coordinated a time to speak with him on Skype (we just had to work around a five-hour time difference).

I live for that kind of localized coverage that connects readers at home with happenings that impact them or news about interesting activities that former residents are up to.

But in the meantime, I’m eager to immerse myself in the local goings-on in and around White Bear Lake and surrounding areas and getting to know the people here.

Here are a few other stray facts about me:

• I love listening to podcasts and music, especially on my commute and long road trips.

• I’m more of a cat person than a dog person but love both animals quite a bit.

• I once helped catch a bird that somehow got loose in my previous newspaper office in Sheldon. It was a very weird Wednesday.

• I despise the cold with all my heart and can’t wait for warmer weather to arrive in the spring. But Minnesota winters aren’t too bad … right?

Paulson is a Staff Writer at Press Publications.

Conversations and Support

With snowfall on the ground and winter quickly approaching, I want to take a moment to say thank you for helping us successfully kick off the 2022-23 school year, which has felt more back to the norm with athletic contests and events taking place, connections made during community meetings, and meaningful volunteer programs launching once again.

updated strategies:

• We will create and sustain a safe, equitable and nurturing environment.

• We will promote, encourage and support students' personal learning experiences and aspirations.

• We will ensure our organization continuously transforms to fulfill our mission.

building into a middle school when North Campus becomes the site of the unified high school in the fall of 2024. In Hugo, North Star Elementary opened for students this fall.

Movers & Shakers

Much of the conversation in the district this fall has been related to the Capital Projects Levy Renewal that passed with 59.5% approval.

• We will establish healthy and vital engagement with our entire community.

Student-centered Foundation of Success elements, developed by a fifth team, were also discussed as the team identified skills and competencies vital to students’ eventual postsecondary success and engagement. A Strategic Plan update will be provided to the School Board soon.

Other projects still in process include Oneka Elementary, which began last month, and Central Middle School, which is in the design phase. The future conversion of Sunrise Park Middle School to become a multiuse facility that houses District Offices, Early Childhood, Transition Education Center (TEC) and the Senior Program is also on the horizon.

We appreciate that community members took time to learn about the renewal and ultimately approved continuation of essential funding for our district.

Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak

Support has also been shown by those who have given their time to participate in formal conversations about the district’s future through Strategic Plan Action Teams that met throughout the fall. The original team that launched the process this summer reconvened to confirm the plans developed by family, staff and community representatives around the four

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• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.

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Our School Board also continues to hear periodic updates of the Building Our Future facilities process. As we work toward completing the district-wide projects, which are scheduled to be completed through the 2024-25 academic year, the changes to the district’s landscape are hard to miss.

The list of completed facilities projects has grown to include the Transportation Facility, Area Learning Center, and additions at Birch Lake, Lakeaires, Lincoln, Matoska, Otter Lake, Vadnais Heights and Willow Lane Elementaries. An addition at WBLAHS - South Campus is part of the plan to transition the

The unified high school project is also moving along, with current ninth and tenth grade students moving into the new 3-story classroom addition at semester break so renovation work can take place in the existing building. Before the extensive work in the original portion of the building begins, we will host a communitywide event in January to allow students, families, grads and community members the opportunity to “walk the circles” of North Campus one last time. Watch for additional information to be shared about this fun Circle Back event.

We are in the midst of a great year, and I’m excited to have you be a part of it!

Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak, Superintendent White Bear Lake Area Schools

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Mary Peterson Designer

Randy

Thanks for supporting schools

On behalf of the nearly 600 members of White Bear Lake Area Educators, Local #7286, I am writing to express our immense gratitude for the community’s approval of the capital projects levy renewal question on this fall’s ballot. We are honored to serve our stu

COMMUNITY BRIEF

New series explores inclusivity for deaf and hard of hearing

Many Faces is hosting its first event in a series titled “Accessibility Series: Deaf and Hard of Hearing in our Commu nity” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21.

Panelists will inform participants how to create more inclusive and welcoming practices at workplaces, churches, campuses and in the community. The event is geared to employers, peers and faculty serving deaf and hard-of-hearing people. The event is free; registration is preferred.

The event will be held at Century College-East Campus, Lincoln Mall. Refreshments will be served.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Learning center celebrates 10 years in community

Mathnasium of White Bear Lake is celebrating its 10 year anniversary.

Mathnasium is a math-only learning center with more than 1,100 franchis es in the U.S. and abroad. Students in grades 1 through 12 attend Mathnasium to address difficulties they are having with math, or to participate in advanced study so they can remain chal lenged and further excel in their classes.

“We’re looking forward to many more years of bringing the Mathnasium Method to White Bear Lake and surrounding communities,” said

dents and their families and are deeply appreciative of this show of support for our work as educators. The resources available because of your investment will allow us to continue to provide high-quality learn ing experiences designed to meet the needs of all students. Strong schools are the bedrock of vibrant,

Peter Atakpu, owner/ center director of Mathnasium in White Bear Lake. “We are excited about helping every child reach their potential in math by teaching in a way that makes sense to them … and showing them that math can be fun!”

For information, vis it mathnasium.com.

Shop handmade pottery for holidays

Mielkeway Pottery is opening its indoor showroom for the holidays. Potter Brian Mielke says inventory is high and prices are low. Potential custom ers can set up a time to see what works are available by calling 651-653-1263.

thriving communities, and your continued support for our students is an investment in our collective future.

Possehl Agency

The Annual Election period is upon us!

Did your plan go up? Do you have questions? Have you checked your plan recently? This is a GREAT year to do so. Give us a call or stop in at one of our seminars:

• November 29th Key’s Café and Bakery 10AM, Noon, 2PM* 504 Robert St N, St Paul, MN 55101

• November 30th Walk-ins at Cub Foods 2PM – 5PM 1059 Meadowlands Dr, White Bear Lake, MN 55127

• December 3rd Jimmy’s Food and Drink 10AM, Noon, 2PM* 1132 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110

• December 5th Walk-ins at Anchor Coffee 1PM – 4PM 4742 Washington Square, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Tiffany Dittrich President, White Bear Lake Area Educators Local #7286

COPS&COURTS

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

The Washington County Sher iff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Birchwood, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:

Dellwood

• Washington County Sher iff's Office deputies took in a walk-in report Oct. 17 from a Peninsula Road resident who reported an attempted jury duty scam. The complainant received a phone call with a 218 area code from a person claiming to be a Lt. Simms with the sheriff's office. The complainant knew it was a scam and reported it for information purposes only. The United States Courts website advises the public that the courts would never contact people asking them to pay a fine with a money card or provide personal informa tion to avoid being arrested for missing jury service. The best thing to do is to contact the sheriff's office right away to report the attempted scam.

Grant

• Deputies conducted two traffic stops for expired registration during the early afternoon of Oct. 16, in the 10000 block of 60th Street N. and in the 8000 block of 75th Street N. One of the motorists displayed tabs that expired in September 2021.

• A motorist was pulled over Oct. 17 in the 7000 block of Manning Avenue N. for displaying registration that expired in July 2021. He was also arrested for driving af ter revocation, after deputies conducted a mobile computer check on the driver.

• Deputies on rolling patrol in the 8000 block of 75th Street

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

N. Oct. 18 reported damage to their squad car after it was struck by a rock.

• A juvenile on Justen Trail N. on Oct. 18 reported being blackmailed via Snapchat.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop Oct. 19 in the 7000 block of 101st Street N. on a motor ist speeding 61 mph in a 45 mph zone.

• A local resident was cited for driving after revocation at 3:14 a.m. Oct. 20 in the area of 60th Street N. and Demontre ville Trail N. after deputies on speed enforcement patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that passed them without rear plate lights. On making contact, the driver produced a driver's license that had expired four months earlier. When deputies checked their mobile com puter, they found out why — the driver was revoked. The driver was made to legally park the vehicle and walk to his nearby residence.

Mahtomedi

• A group of juveniles was reported at large at 1:21 a.m. Oct. 16, following an attempt ed traffic stop in the area of Hallam Avenue S. and Huron Street by deputies on routine patrol. Instead of complying with deputies, the juveniles got out of the car and ran for it.

• A dining establishment on Mahtomedi Avenue reported an attempt to pass a counter feit bill Oct. 16. The server turned the bogus bill over to deputies, but the party that left it was long gone.

• A suspicious vehicle reported at 4:01 p.m. Oct. 16 on Ledge stone Drive turned out to have been workers installing

Ice, alcohol factor in fatal accident

A Stillwater man, identified as Logan Ray Sova, 41, was killed in a rollover crash Friday night in White Bear Lake. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the vehicle, a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, was trav eling west on Interstate 694 at White Bear Avenue.

LettersSantato

"no parking" signs.

• Deputies cited a motorist for driving after revoca tion at 11:44 p.m. Oct. 16 on westbound I-694 at the northbound ramp to Century Avenue. Another motorist was cited for driving after revocation at the stroke of midnight Oct. 17 opposite Century College in the 3000 block of Century Avenue, after deputies on patrol con ducted a traffic stop for lack of a properly displayed front license plate and driving with high beams on. During the stop, deputies conducted a mobile computer check on the driver and discovered his driving status.

• Deputies were dispatched out to a disturbance at a bar on Mahtomedi Avenue at 9:02 p.m. Oct. 17, where a patron had nowhere to go, but could not stay at the bar. Bar em ployees did not want to push the subject out into the cold, and the patron would not leave until deputies arrived. Deputies transported the subject to his friend's house for the night.

• A juvenile was arrested Oct. 19 on Stillwater Road on an outstanding Washington County warrant.

• Deputies conducted a war rant arrest at 11:39 p.m. Oct. 20 at an abandoned gas sta tion at the corner of Century Avenue and Long Lake Road.

Pine Springs

• An unidentified motorist was cited for driving after revo cation at 11:55 p.m. Oct. 19 on I-694, just south of Highway 36, after deputies conducted a traffic stop for poor driving conduct.

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

Vadnais Heights

• A St. Paul man, 33, was arrested Oct. 16 at the Vadnais Heights Walmart in the 800 block of County Road E for giving deputies false information when he was being cited for shoplifting. Store em ployees had detained him for concealing and under scanning $68.26 in merchandise and passing all points of sale. When deputies asked for his name to write out the citation, he gave the name of another man. A com puter search revealed the reason for the fake name – he had multiple warrants out on him from multiple counties.

• An unidentified shop lifter was reported for assaulting two loss pre vention personnel with a knife at the Walmart on Oct. 17, after they tried to detain him. A Tri-County Alert was issued for assistance in identifying the escaped subject.

• A bicycle was re ported found Oct. 17 in the 4300 block of Evergreen Drive and turned over to depu ties, after it was not claimed on the neigh borhood app.

• A resident in the 4200 block of Bridgewood Terrance on Oct. 19 reported an attempt to cash a fraudulent check in her name, after she was notified by her bank.

from New Hope during the morning of Oct. 20.

• A Hopkins man, 20, was arrested on a Washington County warrant and a Rose ville man, 27, was cited for driving without a license and unsafe equipment at 2:50 a.m. Oct. 21, following a property damage acci dent on Highway 61 at I-694.

• A Waubay, S. D. wom an, 28, was arrested Oct. 21 at the Walmart for misdemeanor theft, after she pushed a cart filled with $429.49 in merchandise she didn't pay for past all points of sale.

• A St. Paul woman reported the rear win dow of her Kia Optima smashed in and the ignition broken Oct. 22 while it was parked in a business lot in the 1100 block of County Road E for four hours. Nothing was taken from inside, and depu ties suspect a possible attempt to steal the vehicle.

• Deputies located a vehicle involved in a robbery in Anoka County, as well as a theft at the Roseville Famous Footwear, at the Vadnais Heights Famous Footwear in the 900 block of Coun ty Road E. However, the vehicle fled when it saw the squad, and deputies did not pursue it.

• Two license plates were reported stolen Oct. 22 from a vehicle in a storage facility in the 3200 block of High way 61.

White Bear Township

The vehicle lost control and rolled into a ditch near the on-ramp from White Bear Avenue to west I-694. Icy road conditions and alcohol are believed to be factors. Sova was not wearing a seatbelt. A female passenger who was wearing a seatbelt survived without reported injuries.

DEATH NOTICES

Shawn Ann Simon

Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church, 700 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi. Visita tion was Monday, Nov. 14 at Honsa Family Funeral Home, 2460 East County Road E, WBL. Interment Lakeview Cemetery, Mahtomedi. Arrangements, Honsa Family Funeral Home

Justin Walton

Age 48 - Of St. Paul Survived by parents Jean and Bill Walton; brother Jake (Jen) Walton. Niece and nephew Kylee, Kaleb; and other family and friends. Celebration of life will be held on Tuesday Nov. 22, at 6 p.m.at Honsa Family Funeral Home, 2460 East County Rd E, White Bear Lake. Visitation 30 minutes before. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.

• An accident hit and run was reported Oct. 19 on County Road F and McMenemy Street, after two vehicles turned right at the stop sign at the same time. The outside vehicle cut off the inside vehicle and damaged its front end before leaving the scene without stopping or exchanging infor mation.

• A St. Paul woman reported the catalytic converter stolen from her Hyundai Tucson while it was parked in a business lot in the 1200 block of County Road E during the Oct. 20 work day.

• Deputies on routine patrol running license plates in a parking lot in the 1200 block of County Road D Circle East at 12:31 a.m. Oct. 21 received a Keep Our Police Safe (KOPS) alert on a vehicle in the lot. The vehicle, belonging to a Crystal man, had been stolen

• A Mahtomedi man, 73, was arrested for DWI Oct. 18 by the White Bear Police Depart ment, but not before he struck a tree in the 5900 block of Highway 61 and fled the scene. Deputies tried to pre vent the driver from leaving the scene, but were unsuccessful. A dog in the vehicle was impounded at the An imal Humane Society in Woodbury.

• A Circle Pines man, 32, was arrested for DWI Oct. 19 on Centerville Road and Constellation Drive, after deputies were dispatched out to a vehicle in the ditch and the driver appear ing intoxicated. As the driver was unable to safely perform the standard field sobriety tests, he was taken into the patrol station, where he refused to take the breath test.

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Trespassing was reported on the 3500 block of Century Avenue and North Century Avenue Nov. 3.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3600 block of Rolling View Drive Nov. 3.

Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2200 block of Roth Place Nov. 3.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3600 block of Highland Ave nue Nov. 3.

• Theft was reported in the 2600 block of County Road E Nov. 4.

• Fraud was reported in the 3700 block of Highland Avenue Nov. 4.

• Theft was reported in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road Nov. 4.

• A dangerous condition involving an unwanted person was reported in the 2600 block of County Road E Nov. 4.

• Theft was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road when missing credit cards were used in Maplewood Nov. 4. Investigation continues.

• A hit-and-run resulting in proper ty damage was reported on McK night Road and North/County Road E Nov. 4.

• An officer responded to a theft on the 4300 block of Centerville Road, where a catalytic converter was cut off from a vehicle Nov. 4.

• An online scam leading to mone tary loss was reported on the 2700

block of Cedar Avenue Nov. 4.

• Officers were dispatched to some one yelling at an employee and making threats in the 1000 block of Highway 96 Nov. 4. The call was later changed to trespassing instead of disorderly conduct after officers were on scene.

• A Little Canada woman was ar rested after failing a sobriety test during a traffic stop near County Road E and Highway 61 Nov. 4. She was later booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center on fourth-degree DWI charges.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2200 block of Roth Place Nov. 4.

• A Saint Paul resident was ar rested on an outstanding felony drug warrant in the 2100 block of Orchard Lane Nov. 4.

• A St. Paul resident was arrested at a traffic stop near Highway 61 and Hoffman Road Nov. 5. He was found to have a nationwide extraditable warrant out of Ne braska and was then booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center.

• Damage to a city park was report ed in the 3700 block of Bellaire Avenue Nov. 5. The loss was esti mated to be $500, and there was no suspect information.

A catalytic converter was taken off a vehicle on the 1900 block of Webber Street sometime between

• An officer responded to a distur bance reported in the 5000 block of Woodcrest Road Nov. 5. Household items were thrown about, though no citations or arrests stemmed from the incident.

• Harassment was reported on the 3600 block of Highland Avenue Nov. 6.

Theft was reported in the 2100 block of Orchard Lane Nov. 6.

• Officers mediated a dispute involv ing disorderly conduct in the 2400 block of Jansen Avenue Nov. 6.

• Officers responded to a civil prob lem on the 3500 block of Century Avenue Nov. 6.

• The odor of marijuana was report ed in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Nov. 6. Officers were unable to locate the source.

• An unidentified male took $26.90 worth of items from a business in the 4800 block of Hwy. 61 Nov. 7. Investigation continues.

• Fraud was reported in the 1800 block of Birch Street Nov. 7. The loss was totaled at $2,508.

A burglary was reported in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road Nov. 7. The loss was $1,250, and suspects are unknown.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 1900 block of Eugene Street Nov. 7. The parties were separated without arrests or citations.

• A vehicle was stolen in the 3500 block of McKnight Road Nov. 7. The loss was $30,000, and there are

• Officers responded to a distur bance in the 3900 block of Hoff man Road Nov. 8. They found an abandoned weapon and suspected narcotics. Investigation continues.

• Police received information about a hit-and-run involving injuries at the intersection of Fourth Street and Highway 61 Nov. 8.

Theft was reported in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road Nov. 8.

• Police received a report of shots fired near the intersection of Sev enth Street and Hwy. 61 Nov. 8. It was later determined to be from a car backfiring.

An instance of driving while in toxicated was reported in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue Nov. 8.

• A Bloomington woman was arrest ed for driving while intoxicated near the 1900 block of County Road E Nov. 8.

• A vehicle theft was reported in the 4000 block of Bellaire Avenue Nov. 9.

• Harassment was reported in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Nov. 9. Identity theft was reported in the 4900 block of Lemire Lane Nov. 9. There was no financial loss and no suspect information.

• An officer took a report of noncon sensual dissemination of private sexual images in the 4300 block of Whitaker Court Nov. 9.

• A catalytic converter was stolen in the 1800 block of Birch Street Nov. 9. There is no suspect information or surveillance of the incident.

SING PLAY LEARN WITH MACPHAIL: COLORS, FEELING, MUSIC

When: 10:30-11 a..m. Friday, Nov. 18

Where: White Bear Lake Li brary, 2150 2nd St.

Details: Kids ages 2-5 and caregivers can explore the magic of music and play. Free; no registration required. Contact: 651-724-6007 or rcl reads.org

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD PRO GRAM

When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19

Where: Vadnais Heights Com mons, 655 E. County Road F Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and consid ered low income. May register day of event. Contact: 612-245-9259 or city vadnaisheights.com/foodshelf

THE EMPTY NEST: RIGHT-SIZE YOUR HOME

When: 10-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19

Where: Wildwood Library, 763 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi; or online

Details: Participants will learn how to rethink the spaces in their homes, how to function going forward, and planning for life transitions, such as downsizing, aging-in-place, or the passing of a loved one.

Free; registration required. Contact: 651-426-2042 or wash colib.org

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20

Where: Veteran's Memorial Park (formerly Triangle Park), County Rd. 12 and Hwy 244, Mahtomedi Details: Hike on paved and gravel trails and streets, around Katherine Abbott Park and Tighe-Schmitz Park, ap prox. 5 miles. Contact: stpaulhike.com

FAST BEFORE THE FEAST

When: 7-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 24

Where: Boatworks Commons, 4495 Lake Ave., S., White Bear Lake

Details: 10K, 5K and 1.5 mile Turkey DashVirtual option available Contact: 651-440-9625 or mmraces.com

NUTCRACKER SUITE BALLET

“A CHRISTMAS STORY”

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays Nov. 18-Dec. 18. 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and Friday, Dec. 9; 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5

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

Details: Holiday favorite performed by Lakeshore Play ers Theatre. Tickets $10-$30.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

MINNESOTA WALDORF SCHOOL HOLIDAY FAIR

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19

Where: MN Waldorf School, 70 County Rd B e., Maplewood Details: Shopping, food trucks, live entertainment, silent auction and gift baskets, plus a puppet show, jump rope mak ing, advent wreath builting, and the Snow Fairy Gift Garden. Childcare availabe on firstcome, first-serve basis. Contact: 651-487-6700 or mnwal dorf.org

CHRISTMAS AT THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20 Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater Details: Historic site decorated for the holidays and Holiday Bazaar with vendors selling handcrafted goods. Proceeds benefit courthouse restoration. Contact: 651-275-7075 or co.washington.mn.us

“HOW

MEDICARE WORKS WITH MILITARY MEDICAL BENEFITS”

SEMINAR

When: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22 Where: American Legion Post 39, 2678 E 7th Ave., North St. Paul Details: Free presentation given by Greg De Keuster, a Medicare broker and consul tant for veterans and families. Will cover various programs available and provide opportu nity for questions. Registration required. Contact: 651-371-6520 or npf benefits.com/events

COMEDY SHOW

When: 6:30 & 9 p.m. Wednes day, Nov. 23 Where: Running Aces, 15201 Zurich St., Forest Lake Details: John Bush headlines with Bruce Leroy Williams and Ethan Pederson. Tickets $25 or $30 day of show; dinner options available. Contact: 651-925-4600 or runac es.com

When: 2 & 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25; 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26; 1 & 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27

Where: Stillwater Area High School Auditorium, 5701 Still water Blvd. N.

Details: Family-friendly ver sion of the classic Christmas ballet featuring students and professional dancers from St. Croix Ballet. Tickets $23. Contact: 651-439-2820 or st croixballet.com

HOMETOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

When: Nov. 26-Dec. 31

Where: Downtown Stillwater Details: Free family events happening every weekend through Dec. kick-off with Black Friday shopping deals at downtown shops and restau rants; also include Wintertime in Stillwater Lights Show, costumed Victorian carolers, caroling Biercycle tours, hol iday tea events, horse-drawn wagon rides, photos with Santa, New Years Eve ball drop, and more. See schedule and details online.

Contact: DiscoverStillwater. com/events

Here’s 11 steps to writing a will

BY ABE WINTER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

According to U.S. News & World Report, most people should have a will, but it's rarely the most significant estate planning document an individual holds.

That’s because many of a typical household's assets, such as retirement accounts, can be transferred outside of a will by naming beneficiaries, and documents such as the financial and medical powers of attorney can be more powerful in determining the outcome of an estate.

North metro resident John Hedberg drew up his will 20 years ago after fighting off a battle with cancer.

Now, as he prepares to celebrate his 90th birthday in February 2023, his suggestion is to have a will.

“We wrote a will, a living will, a transfer of property and power of attorney,” said Hedberg, adding that he selected an administrator/executor, and consulted an attorney to prepare the will.

No longer a property owner, Hedberg said, “Everything goes first to my wife and then our son.”

Emma Kerr, a writer for US News & World Report, explains that “wills are also particularly important for individuals with dependent children; the will serves as the best means to name guardians for children in the event of the death of both parents.”

She added, “Experts typically advise individuals to get the basic estate planning documents in order around the time they are married or buy a home, for example, and revisit the will regularly with special emphasis on this process around the time of retirement.”

Get started and complete your will in 11 simple steps: 1. Find an estate planning attorney or use a do-it-yourself software program.

Select beneficiaries for your will.

Choose the executor for your will.

Pick a guardian for your kids.

Be specific about who gets what.

Be realistic about who gets what.

Attach a letter to the will.

Sign the will properly.

Find a place for your will.

Review and update your will.

11. Add other estate planning documents.

A will alone may not meet all of your estate planning needs.

“Trusts, for example, are another estate planning tool that allow an individual to transfer assets when and how they want,” Kerr says. “There are many different types of trusts, but one of the most common trusts is a testamentary trust, which can be created within an individual's will to transfer assets after he or she dies.

“Other estate planning documents, like a living will that communicates a person's desires for medical treatment or a power of attorney that allows a third party to make financial and legal decisions, function in concert with the will and should be your next step after writing your will.”

Hedberg said the cost of a will “depends on the size of the estate.” His advice is to get an administrator (his son was his logical choice).

And his thoughts now that everything is in place: “We feel relieved. I like to be proactive and have things done before they happen.”

SARAH & RILEY ELLEFSON ROYAL

City OKs bids for public safety project

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Bids for the public safety renovation project came in $3 million high er than estimated, but construc tion on the undertaking will start next March and be mostly finished by June 2024.

The city originally budgeted $14.7 million for the project in late September. However, the bids received at the Oct. 11 bid opening totaled $17,801,800. The uptick was due to inflation and labor uncertainty, which had risen since the city approved the final design for the project on Sept. 13.

“The construction and labor markets continue to be volatile, and that is reflected in the bids received (the dollar amount of bids versus our estimates). We did seek state funding for this project during the last legisla tive session but were unsuccess ful,” City Manager Lindy Craw ford said in follow-up comments via email.

To mitigate the cost for the time being, the city will delay two construction items for the project: the installation of a monument sign in front of the building and the replacement of the building’s roof. Respec tively, those items cost $100,000 and $350,000. Without them, the adjusted total project cost is $17,351,800.

At its Nov. 9 meeting, the City Council accepted bids for 29 work items related to the project that totaled $14,096,222 and awarded contracts to the bidders.

The project’s scope includes replacing the fire apparatus bay, adding a 34-stall police ga rage, remodeling the building’s interior and adding secure staff parking and a storm shelter that’s required by state building code.

There are five funding streams to cover the $17,351,800 price tag:

• Capital improvement plan (CIP) bond sale 2022B: $6,841,800.

• CIP bond sale 2023A: $9,812,000.

• Estimate interest earned on bond proceeds: $275,000.

• Estimated sales tax refund: $300,000.

• Community reinvestment fund: $123,000.

The city OK’d a separate reso lution on Nov. 9 to authorize fi nancial consulting firm Ehlers & Associates Inc. of Roseville to assist the city with the sale of the CIP 2022B bonds, which will total $6,990,000.

The council will consider proposals for and award the sale of the bonds at its next meeting, set for 7 p.m. Nov. 22. The issuance of the 2023A bonds will take place early next year, with a public hearing regarding

those bonds planned for Janu ary.

Each bond series will be for 20 years, and the annual tax levy to pay the debt service on the 2022B bonds will be between $372,847 and $566,186. The estimated property tax impact of the bonds for a median-val ue home — or valued at about $306,000 — is $124 a year.

Mayor Dan Louismet compli mented the council members on their work to make the renova tion project a reality. He also praised the decisions to delay the monument and roof replace ment portions of the project and to dip into the community investment fund.

“The big thing that the coun cil placed a priority on was not exceeding $10 million in bond ing in one single year, because crossing that threshold not only changes the economics — and then we pay a little bit more in borrowed money in interest rates — but it would mark a significant departure from anything that the city has ever done,” Louismet said.

“I say that because it's import ant for folks to know that we took a hard line not just doing this as frugally as we can but ultimately delivering what will be a project that we're all proud of once it's all said and done.”

Hobby feeds the hungry

For the third year in a row, Karen Eian of Mahtomedi has gifted the White Bear Area Food Shelf with the entire proceeds from sales of her homemade photo notecards fea turing her own photos of flowers and nature.

This year, the generosity of Eian's patrons has surpassed previous totals and has resulted in a $1,008 donation to the food shelf. The funds have been particularly welcome this year. Executive Director Perry Petersen said that giving to the food shelf decreased from last year, even though the need has been higher than ever.

Eian's passion for photography started before the COVID-19 pandemic and has evolved into a new hobby to share with neighbors and friends. Eian's in-home hobby generates annual sales to share with those in need as well.

For information on how you can replenish your stock of stunning note-cards, email Eian at kaeian@usfamily.net.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT (PERPETUAL STORM SEWER AND MAINTENANCE EASEMENT)

Notice is hereby given that the Mahtomedi City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at Mahtomedi City Hall, Council Chambers, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, Minnesota, at 7:00 p.m. to consider a proposed vacation of a perpetual utility, storm, sewer, drainage, irrigation and maintenance easement (drainage and utility easement/perpetual storm sewer and maintenance easement) located on real property legally described as follows:

The South 50 feet of Lot 8, and all of Lots 9 and 10, except the South 35.10 feet of said Lot 10, all in Block 1, FOREST HEIGHTS, Washington County, Minnesota.

which drainage and utility easement is legally described as follows: A strip of land 16.00 feet in width over that part of Lot 9 and the South 50.00 feet of Lot 8, Block 1, Forest Heights, Washington County, Minnesota, the centerline of which is described as follows:

Commencing at the Northeast corner of said South 50.00 feet of Lot 8, Block 1, Forest Heights; thence on an assumed bearing of South 00°00’00” East a distance of 46.10 feet to the actual point of beginning of the cen terline to be described; thence South 87°05’56” West a distance of 76.62 feet; thence North 73°52’38” West a distance of 62.31 feet; thence South 75°53’58” West a distance of 100.46; thence North 83°34’46” West a dis tance of 26.02 feet and there terminating. Said 16.00 foot strip of land is to be extended by its full width from the East line of said Block 1 to a line drawn through the point of termination, bearing North 06°25’14” East.

Jerene Rogers, city clerk

Published two times in the White Bear Press on November 9 and 16, 2022.

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

REGARDING FINAL BUDGET AND LEVY FOR 2023

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Mahtomedi will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, 7:00 p.m. at Mahtomedi City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 to consider the final budget and levy for 2023. Anyone having an interest in this matter is invited to attend this meeting.

JERENE ROGERS, CITY CLERK

Published one time in the White Bear Press on November 16, 2022.

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

REGARDING AMENDING OF FEE SCHEDULE

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Mahtomedi will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, 7:00 p.m. at Mahtomedi City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 Anyone having an interest in this matter is invited to attend this meeting.

JERENE ROGERS, CITY CLERK

Published one time in the White Bear Press on November 16, 2022.

CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

PLANNING COMMISSION

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The City of White Bear Lake Planning Commission will hold a public hear ing in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, Minnesota on Monday, November 28, 2022 beginning at 7:00 p.m. to hear and make a recommendation to the City Council on the following re quests:

A.Case No. 93-3-Sa: A request by Smarte Carte to amend a conditional use permit for site plan approval in the DBD zoning district, per code sec tion 1303.225, Subd.4.i, in order to build a warehouse addition and expanded parking lot at the property located at 4455 White Bear Parkway.

B. Case No. 22-19-V: A request by Ben Herkenhoff for a variance from the side yard setback, per code section 1303.050, Subd.5.c.2 and a variance from the lakeside average setback for a deck, per section 1302.040, Subd.4.a.3, in order to expand the existing deck at the property located at 2289 South Shore Boulevard.

C. Case No. 22-20-V: A request by Joshua Winchell for a variance from the side yard setback, per code section 1302.030, Subd.4.e and a variance from the total accessory structure square footage allowed, per code section 1302.030, Subd.4.2.b, in order to construct a 140 square foot shed at the property located at 2338 South Shore Boulevard.

D. Case No. 22-4-PUD: A request by Acqua / Tside 1 LLC for “General Concept” and “Development Plan” stage approval of a Planned Unit Devel opment, per code section 1301.070 to allow an off-premise monument sign along Highway 61 for the properties located at 4441 Lake Avenue South and 4453 Lake Avenue South.

E. Case No. 22-1-Z: A City-Initiated text amendment to Zoning Code sec tion 1301 concerning a concept plan review and neighborhood meeting pro cess.

Unless continued by the Planning Commission, these items will be heard by the City Council on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.

Comments may be presented at the public hearing or filed with the City Clerk until 4:30 p.m. on the Friday before the hearing. Each response will be considered before the Planning Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council. If there are questions concerning these applications, please call the City’s Planning Department at (651) 429-8561.

Caley Longendyke, City Clerk Published one time in the White Bear Press on November 16, 2022.

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 624

NOTICE OF BID

Bids close at 2:00 P.M. (local time) on Thursday, December 1, 2022

ISD #624, White Bear Lake Area Schools, sealed bids for construction of the 2023 HVAC Replacement Project at Hugo Elementary School in Hugo, Minnesota will be received at the District Office of the White Bear Lake Area Schools at 4855 Bloom Avenue, Room 309, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, Attention: Dan Roeser, until 2:00 PM (local time) on Thursday, December 1, 2022, in accordance with the specifications set forth herein and the “other” terms, conditions and instructions to the specifications. At that time, all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in room 206. All bids received after the time stated will not be considered. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail or on the handling of mail by employees of the school district. Whether the bid is sent by mail or by means of personal delivery, the bidder assumes responsibility for having their bid clocked in on time at the place specified. Fax or telephone amendments will not be accepted at any time.

Bidders shall submit bids in duplicate on the forms provided in the Project Manual. No oral, facsimile or telephone bids or modifications of bids will be accepted. All sealed bids are to be labeled with the project name

The Project consists of the Mechanical/Electrical and Architectural /Struc tural work (General Construction) required to replace the HVAC system identi fied in the plans and specifications at the Hugo Elementary School.

You may view and order bid documents by going to the Franz Reprograph ics website at www.franzrepro.com , and selecting the Franz Public Plan Room. Please login with your email address and password or Register if this is your first time in the Plan Room. Select the project from the list of public projects. Once you have selected the project, please review the Bid Details for information on ordering documents.

Each bidder shall submit with the bid, a cashier’s check or bid bond, made payable to White Bear Lake Area Schools, in the amount of five percent (5%) of the maximum amount of its bid.

All vendors entering into a contract with the District for $10,000 or more are to provide a Labor and Material Payment and Performance Bonds for 100% of the contract. Bonds must be furnished within 10 days of notice of award of the Contract. Contract is subject to compliance with the applicable Schedule of Prevailing Wage issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry. Provide all State required Responsible Contractor Forms with your bid.

There will be a pre-bid meeting and walk through on Thursday, Novem ber 17, 2022 at 3:30 PM at Hugo Elementary School.

Bids may not be withdrawn for thirty (30) days after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of bids without the consent of the White Bear Lake Area Schools. The School Board reserves the right to accept any bid, to reject any or all bids, to waive irregularities and informalities in the bidding procedures, and to act in its best interest.

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS (ISD#624)

4855 BLOOM AVENUE, WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA 55110

Published two times in the White Bear Press on November 9 and 16, 2022.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624 WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN

NOTICE OF BID

Independent School District No. 624, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, is presently soliciting competitive “Prime Contract Bids” for White Bear Lake Area Schools – Area Learning Center 2023 LTFM Improvements. Sealed bids will be received electronically through Bid Express using the following link: https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/39702/home, free of charge to Contractors. No other agent is authorized to receive bids. Bids will be received until 2:00PM local time, on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at which time they will be publicly tabulated for review. Please join us for a WebEx/ Zoom at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/KABidReview

Bidders are also invited to review the results online at https://www. krausanderson.com/subcontractors/bid-tabulations/.

All bids shall be on a lump sum basis. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days after bid receipt without consent of the Owner. Each bidder shall accompany the Bid Form with a bid security as described in the Instructions to Bidders. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any irregularities in bids.

This portion of the project involves selective demolition, bathroom remodels, roof patching, metal stairs, new Chiller Enclosure, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing improvements and associated interior finishes.

Direct communications regarding this Project to the office of the Construction Manager: AJ Lillesve (aj.lillesve@krausanderson.com) KrausAnderson Construction, 501 South 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404 Tel: 480-369-2079.

Obtain Bidding Documents, including the online bidding instructions, as well as Drawings and Specifications, via free electronic download by visiting https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/5757529c4425ca0a0029307b

Contact Taylor Becker with any planroom downloading or ordering questions at 612-503-2821 or taylor.becker@krausanderson.com to receive an invite.

Kraus-Anderson will not be responsible for notifying individual parties who obtained documents without utilizing the Building Connected process through KA, when Addenda are issued.

Bidding Documents will be available for inspection at the office of the Construction Manager and the office of the Architect: Wold Architects; as well as several Builder’s Exchanges: MHC Dodge Plans, MEDA, Mid-Minnesota, Brainerd Lakes, Rochester, Duluth, and MBEX.

A Pre-Bid conference will be held at the following location and time: White Bear Lake Area Learning Center: Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022 @ 3:30 PM. Meet in main lobby.

Independent School District No. 624

White Bear Lake, Minnesota

Published two times in the White Bear Press on November 16 and 22, 2022.

WEST OAKS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NOTICE OF INTENT

RUNNING OF AN AERATION SYSTEM ON BALD EAGLE LAKE

The West Oaks Homeowners Association hereby gives notice of its intention to install and operate an aeration system in public waters located at their dock site situated on the northwest side of Bald Eagle Lake starting on or about December 16th, 2022 until ice out.

Published two times in the White Bear Press on November 9 and 16, 2022

CONTRIBUTED

Karen Eian presents a check to WBAFS director Perry Peterson from the sale of her notecards.

2022 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS

SENATE DISTRICT 33

Karin Housley (R) (formerly District 39) 52.80% (23,092 votes)

Nancy McLean (DFL) 47.16% (20,624 votes)

SENATE DISTRICT 36

Roger Chamberlain (R) (formerly District 38) 47.13% (20,838 votes)

SENATE

Heather Gustafson (DFL)

52.81% (23,348 votes)

HOUSE DISTRICT 33A

Patti Anderson (R) 55.40% (11,694 votes)

Hanna Valento (DFL) 44.55% (9,404 votes)

HOUSE DISTRICT 36A

Susie Strom (DFL) 48.57% (11,063 votes)

Elliott Engen (R) 51.39% (11,705 votes)

HOUSE DISTRICT 36B

Brion Curran (DFL) 53.48% (11,337 votes)

Heidi Gunderson (R) 46.38% (9,833 votes)

HOUSE DISTRICT 41A

Pat Driscoll (DFL) 49.69% (11,673 votes)

Mark Wiens (R) 50.24% (11,801 votes)

HOUSE DISTRICT 44B

Leon Lillie (DFL) (formerly 43B) 56.60% (9,197 votes)

TJ Hawthorne (LP) 4.83% (785 votes)

GRANT CITY COUNCIL (ELECT 2)

Jeff Giefer (incumbent) 49.60% (1,501 votes)

John Rog (incumbent) 47.55% (1,439 votes)

PINE SPRINGS MAYOR

Randilynn Christensen (incumbent) 93.19% (178 votes)

PINE SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL (ELECT 2)

V. Christopher Kardashian (incumbent) 44.24% (142 votes)

Patrick Kinney (incumbent) 52.02% (167 votes)

PINE SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL ELECTION

Conrad Adams (incumbent) 97.01% (162 votes)

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP BOARD SUPERVISOR SEAT A (ELECT 1)

Steve Ruzek (incumbent) 98.59% (4,210 votes)

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP BOARD SUPERVISOR SEAT B (ELECT 1)

Ronald Denn 29.90% (1,313 votes)

Scott McCune (incumbent) 68.76% (3,020 votes)

WILLERNIE MAYOR

BIRCHWOOD

William Johnston (R) 38.52% (6,260 votes)

Katherine Weier 46.11% (391 votes)

WILLERNIE CITY COUNCIL (ELECT 2)

Patrick Miller 27.97% (73 votes) Katherine Siver (incumbent) 32.18% (84 votes)

Barbara Parent (incumbent) 92.59% (150 votes) James Nelson 29.13% (171 votes)

Tammy Soderlund (incumbent) 37.16% (97 votes)

home & auto team

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The

Above: Dallas and Chrissy Tevven warm up near a fire being tended by Dave Flipp during a recent Winter Farm ers Market at the new loca tion outside the Normandy Park Education Center at the intersection of Bellaire Avenue and Co. Rd F. East.

At right: Katie, Kelly and Amy Schreier share a blanket during their visit to the first monthly farmers market of the season featuring locally sourced foods from more than 20 vendors.

Above: Larry Jiles Jr. (Chef Hot Hands) adds a final garnish to a hot serving of ribs and macaroni during the recent event.

At left: All Good Organics representatives Michael McAdam and Hunter Cardi nal pose with Larry Jiles Jr., who uses ingredients from the local farm in the dishes he serves.

next Winter Farmers Market is Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Weather Tidbits

‘CHICAGO’: Now showing at WBLAHS

FROM PAGE 1

The song, “Razzle Dazzle,” in the second act is about how the judicial system is a circus, for instance. During that performance, actors juggle and do cartwheels and wear bright costumes to drive home the metaphor.

“We really tried to make those big production numbers fun and lively. We have a scene with feather fans. It's 1920, so there are flapper costumes and lots of sequins,” she said.

The set is designed to resemble the Chicago Theatre, with a replica of that venue's marquee placed on either side of the stage.

“We tried to kind of transport folks to Chicago, which I think is fun,” Suoja said.

The main cast consists of the follow ing students: senior Cecilia McCahon as Roxie Hart; senior Henry Jensen as Billy Flynn; senior Meg Petersen as Velma Kelly; junior Spencer Anderson as Amos Hart; junior Mariam Elias as Matron “Mama” Morton; senior Lena Viker as Liz; senior Ada Zavadil as Annie; junior Sanyu Mwassa as June; freshman Ruby Lange as Hunyak; senior Lauren Collier as Mona; senior Hayden Stob as Fred Casely; senior Jasper Grawe as Mary Sunshine; fresh man Oliver Grawe as Officer Fogarty; sophomore Yahaira Nok-Chiclana as Kitty/ensemble; junior Sam Anderson as Judge/ensemble; and junior Lane Luadtke as Harry/ensemble.

Other ensemble members are senior Day’Ona Nins; juniors Simon An derson, Penguin Efta, Jocelyn Falk, Kayle Hunt, Kennedy Lange and Paige Larsen; sophomores Calleigh Berman, Zawa Carney and Lily Switajewski; and freshmen Ethan Christensen, Holly Flood, Natalie Jensen, Molly LaPlante, Lucas Maahs, Eli Murphy and Freya Sanders.

IF YOU GO

What: “Chicago” by John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse

Who: 33-member cast, directed and produced by Wendy Suoja

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12; 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 17-19

Where: White Bear Lake Area High School North Campus Theatre

Details: White Bear Area High School’s fall musical, “Chicago,” is a 1920s-era vaudevillian romp with iconic dancing and lively music. Tick ets for the two-act show are $12 for senior citizens and students and $15 for adults. They can be purchased in advance or at the door.

The thespians have been rehearsing the show since mid-September. They started with vocal practices, then added choreography drills. Later in October, the students began rehearsing with the orchestra pit.

The biggest challenge in putting together the musical has been combin ing the technical elements, such as the lighting and sound, with the singing, dancing and costuming.

“Those last two weeks before we open is a hustle and bustle around the theater,” Suoja said.

Despite the show’s complexities, the director said the singing and dancing in “Chicago” are fun to watch and the music is enjoyable.

“It's a recognizable score, so people will love the music because they'll know the music,” Suoja said.

She added that the dancing in “Chi cago” follows the style of the Broadway show’s original choreographer, Bob Fosse.

“It's our responsibility to make sure that we have Fosse dance, and that we represent that in our show. People might not realize that they're seeing very iconic choreography, that that's a very specific flavor of the show that needs to be executed,” she said.

This year’s musical is also a return to normal for the high school theater since the shows over the past two years had limited choreography and perform ers wore masks on stage.

“The kids are really excited to have kind of a normal year and to be able to put on a show that feels a little bit more like we're not compromising for the just-in-cases,” Suoja said.

Changes to Metro Transit coming

Metro Transit will make changes to transit service throughout the metro, including to express bus Route 275 from the Vadnais Heights Walmart to St. Paul, on Dec. 3. These planned quarter ly service changes are being made to maintain reliability amid an ongoing driver shortage. Upcoming changes to Route 275 include reducing service to two trips in each direction to better match ridership and resources.

• Southbound trip leaving County Road 14 Park & Ride at 6:38 a.m. will no longer operate.

• Northbound trip leaving Smith Avenue Ramp at 4 p.m. will no longer operate.

More information about route chang es throughout the metro area can be found on the Metro Transit website https://bit.ly/3FVjjGp.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Henry Jensen, playing the role of the hotshot lawyer Billy Flynn, is joined onstage by an ensemble of fan dancers during a scene fea turing the song “All I care about is love.”

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found

WeathermanWatson.com.

Frank Watson

EQUAL HOUSING

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

Age 55+ workers needed for part time light custodial work at the St. Croix Rest Area located on I94 near Hudson. Contact Green View at 651-639-1913

Customer Service Full-time Position

Looking for an individual with good attention to details, that can work with our city Legals on a weekly basis. Also, to be able work on obits and help coordinate with family’s or funeral homes to place obits in our weekly papers. This position could have some back up in certain departments as well.

Position regiments:

Willingness to be a team player

PUBLICATIONS IS

MULTIMEDIA REPRES EN TA TIVE

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

The City of Shoreview is now hiring a FT Senior Accountant to work in our Finance Department.

Hiring Salary Range: $72,509 – $88,150

For more info and to apply online, go to shoreviewmn.gov/jobs

Open until filled. First consideration given to applications received by November 14, 2022.

IMMEDIATE - Full-Time employment opportunity

for a parts runner / shop helper at our Lino Lakes facility.DAYTIME HOURSIMMEDIATE OPENINGS Emergency Apparatus Maintenance, Inc provides full service and repair of fire apparatus, ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Due to our rapid growth and expansion we are looking for professional, reliable parts runner and shop helper to join our team.

Job Requirements: Pre-employment physical and drug screen required. Good driving record. Must have a Class B CDL license.

Excellent Benefits: medical/dental/life insurance, Holiday/Vacation pay and a HUGE retirement plan. Also, uniforms provided.

Are you an inspired writer looking for an opportunity to generate creative issue-based and feature-based articles for a Twin Cities area newspaper, as well as looking for additional income.

Press Publications is looking for a part-time independent contractor to research for and produce monthly articles along with arts and entertainment features for our news-magazine hybrid publication.

Candidate should have photography and/or graphics skills.

Please contact Patty Steele at Press Publications, 651-407-1213, or marketing@presspubs.com

WITH WINTER UPON US HERE ARE A FEW REMINDERS –

• CHECK YOUR MAILBOX POST – if it wiggles, seams weak or you can almost push it over yourself, it might be time for some repairs, better now than 40o below!

DO NOT DEPOSIT SNOW IN THE STREET – Shoveling snow into public streets is prohibited by State law, please help keep our streets clear of random snow piles.

• PLEASE PLACE YOUR GARBAGE & RECYCLING CONTAINERS IN YOUR DRIVEWAY –Garbage & recycling containers that are placed in the street run the risk of being damaged by snow from passing snowplows. Containers are to be put out on the day of your collection & removed no later than 10:00 p.m. on the same day.

ADOPT A FIRE HYDRANT NEAR YOU THIS WINTER – Help keep your neighborhood safe this winter by adopting a fire hydrant near your home. You should start by removing any snow & ice from the hydrant as best you can & then clear a wide enough perimeter around the hydrant for firefighters to work (about 3 feet), & then clear a path from the hydrant to the street.

ON-STREET PARKING AFTER SNOWFALL – Parking on the street is prohibited after a snowfall of one inch or more until the roads are plowed curb to curb.

• STOCK YOUR CAR – Even though there might not be snow yet, it’s time to put that snow scraper in your car along with an extra pair of gloves & washer fluid.

Uncooked oats

• Cereal

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

HERE ARE SOME LITTLE KNOWN FOODS THAT WILL HELP OUR WILD FRIENDS DURING COLD WEATHER

Cooked rice (ideally brown)

Soaked dog kibble

• Wet dog or cat food Fresh coconut in the shell

Baked potatoes

• Suet blocks / bird cake

Raw peanuts / walnuts / others

Raw sunflower seeds

• Wild birdseed

Bread is better than nothing at all, but is very lot in nutritional value

HELPFUL TOWNSHIP ORDINANCES AT-A-GLANCE –

• Campaign Signs – election signs must be removed within ten calendar days following any election

• Finalizing Permits – within 180 days (6 months) after obtaining a permit to perform work at your home please make sure a final inspection of the work has been done by the Township’s Building Inspector House Numbers – house numbers must be 4” high & of contrasting color to the background & made of reflective materials or painted with reflective paint. Please make sure the numbers are not obstructed by trees & shrubs & are clearly visible from the street

When you Have a Solicitor at your Door – ask to see their lanyard which shows you that they have completed the necessary process through the Township. If they do not have this you can contact the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office at 651.767.0640 to report their presence

• You are Only Allowed Two Dogs – Township Ordinances restrict dog ownership to two dogs, if you contemplating a third one you must apply for a Special Three Dog License first. Contact the Township Offices for more information

• When you have an Alarm System – you are allowed two false alarms at your residence before a user fee beginning at $50.00 will be assessed, the more false alarms the higher the user fee. If you are having problems with the system showing proof of alarm problems may eliminate the user fee

Zephyrs topple Cadets in OT, reach semi’s

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTER

In a game with more plot twists than a detective novel, the Mahtomedi Zephyrs upset St. Thomas Academy 20-14 in overtime, largely because there was one constant storyline: they kept giving the ball to Corey Bohmert.

Bohmert went over 2,000 yards with a 38-yard burst in the first period and went on to carry the ball 46 times, rolling up 284 yards out of his team’s 310 total and all three touchdowns.

“We asked if he needed a break, and he said no,” said coach Dave Muetzel, adding that Bohmert also played a lot more defense than usual. “He was not going to come out. He’s just a compet itor.”

The other star of the game was Mahtomedi’s defense, holding the ex plosive Cadets to a single touchdown, the other TD coming on a punt team disaster. The Cadets entered the game with 50 rushing touchdowns and eight passing.

Mahtomedi (10-1) advances to the Class 5A state semifinals against the Elk River Elks (11-0) at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at U.S. Bank Stadium. The other semifinal will be top-ranked Mankato West (11-0) against Rogers (9-3) on Saturday.

Mahtomedi almost lost the game on a high snap over the punter which Jonny Miller of the Cadets recovered at the goal line for a touchdown that made it 14-13 with 1:40 left. The Cadets were poised to go for a two-pointer to win, but suffered a penalty and kicked instead.

The Zephyr line launched Bohmert for several slashing runs to reach the Cadet 20 for a field goal try with four seconds left. Sebastian De la Torre’s kick was strong but hooked just left

of the uprights and they went into overtime.

Mahtomedi went first in OT. It took four plays but Bohmert plowed over from the one. The PAT kick missed, leaving the Zephyrs vulnerable with a six-point lead, but the Zephyr defense came through once again.

On first down, linebacker Javan Harvey smothered a run around end for a one-yard gain. On second down, Harvey, again, threw Hart for a six-yard loss. From the 15, Carsten Cummings broke up a third-down pass in the end zone. On fourth down, Tommy Muetzel and JP Johnson bust ed through to wrestle quarterback Maximus Sims to the ground. Sims unloaded the pass but it wasn’t close to a receiver, and the Zephyrs were celebrating a harrowing and very impressive win.

The No. 2 ranked Cadets were un beaten and handed No. 4 Mahtomedi their lone regular season loss, 28-14. In that Oct. 7 game, they had held Bohmert to season lows of 108 yards and 4.2 per carry.

“We were confident we could beat them,” said Bohmert. “Our line, they put in the hardest week of work I’ve ever seen. They told me, ‘We got this.’ ”

“The guys up front gave him space. That’s what we always say, put body on body, and let him cut,” Muetzel affirmed.

Bohmert, asked about playing virtually every down and taking so many hits, shrugged, “The team will do it for me, so I do it for them.”

The Cadets rushed for 229 yards as Savion Hart gained 125 in 22 carries and Love Adebayo 101 in 15 carries. Passing was virtually non-existent for each team in 28 degree chill with a stiff breeze.

Asked how his defense performed

so much better in the rematch, Muetzel said, “We battled them in the regular season game, too. There were a couple plays that swung it for them.” He added, “We gave up 15-yard plays today, but not 50. We bent but didn’t break.”

Bohmert scored on runs of 20 and 14 yards in the first half. Another Zeph yr threat was erased by a Matt Ro galsky interception. The Cadets had three strong drives in the first half. Hart’s 15-yard TD capped the first one, but the next two ended with a fumble that Bohmert recovered at the nine and Sam Garry’s interception at the six. Garry also blasted a 53-yard punt that pinned the Cadets on their two. In the fourth quarter, Mahtome di reached the STA 25 but Bohmert, on a hard hit, fumbled and the Cadets recovered. In the end, the final plot twists went Mahtomedi’s way.

ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS

TENNIS

Mari Meger of Mahtomedi was named Metro East Conference player of the year after posting a 21-6 record at No. 1 singles. She was 2-2 in the state tournament, losing in the consolation finals. Named all-confer ence were seniors Meger, Campbell Al bers, Sonya Potthoff and Mallory Langer; junior Kathryne Foley; and sophomore Kate Hoffman. Honorable mention went to senior Megan Langer and junior Olivia Bengtson. Albers/Hoffman were state qualifiers in doubles. Potthoff went 20-4 in singles and doubles, and 65-18 in her career. Team awards went to Meger (MVP), Pot thoff (Heart & Hustle) and Albers (Zephyr Award). The Zephyrs were 6-1 in confer ence, tying for first, and 13-7 overall.

GIRLS HOCKEY

Mahtomedi girls hockey has paired with Roseville Area starting this season. The team, called Roseville/Mahtomedi, is coached by Craig Rosenthal, who has coached the Roseville girls for nine years and played for the Raiders himself. Ros eville/Mahtomedi lost their first two games last week up north, to Proctor/Her mantown 6-0 on Friday and Duluth 3-2 on Saturday.

COLLEGE SPORTS BRIEF

Concordia St. Paul baseball head coach Neil Lerner announced the addition of two local students to the college's 2024 baseball roster. The signing class includes Leo Bustos of Mahtomedi and Jack Setterlund of White Bear Lake. Bustos, a former Zephyr, will transfer from Cen tury College where he appeared in five and started in three games for the Wood Ducks, pitching nine completed innings and recording nine strikeouts. Setterlund, a White Bear Lake High School letter-win ner in baseball, basketball and football, will enter the program as a freshman.

MARY ROLLINGER | CONTRIBUTED Corey Bohmert rushed for 284 yards and all three touchdowns.

Mahtomedi has state swim entrants in 7 events

The Mahtomedi swimmers qualified for state in seven events at Section 4A, including double gold medalist Abigail Wright and all three relay teams. The Zephyrs placed third of 12 teams, be hind Visitation and Cretin-Derham Hall, in action Wednesday through Friday at Two Rivers High School

Wright, eighth-grader, was champion in the 50 and 100 freestyles with 24.29 and 51.94, both school records. Also advancing individually, by standard, were Ella Mattson, fourth in backstroke (1:01.78), and Sydney Armstrong, seventh in the 500 (5:22.16).

Placing second were Zephyr 200 free relay (1:40.92) with Hannah Drecktrah, Aleksa Atkin son, Delaney Dumermuth and Wright, and and

400 free relay (3:39.09) with Matson, Emmerson Buckley, Armstrong, and Wright. The medley team (1:59.99) took third with Buckley, Audrey Carlson, Matson and Dumermuth and qualified by standard. The medley and 400 teams set school records.

Others advancing to finals were Buckley, fourth in backstroke (1:01.68); Matson, seventh in butter fly (1:00.89); Dumermuth, eighth in 50 free (25.35); and Carlson, eighth in breaststroke (1:10.99).

State Class A areThursday and Friday at the University of Minnesota, at noon each day.

Zephyrs 1-2 in state volleyball

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTER

The Mahtomedi volleyball team picked up one victory while losing twice in the school’s first state tourna ment appearance last week at Xcel En ergy Center. They Zephyrs finished 25-7 with conference and section titles.

Grand Rapids (25-6) beat the Zephyrs 2515, 25-17, 25-19 in the Class 3A quarterfi nals Wednesday. An sha Khandpur served for six straight points, includ ing two aces, to give the Zephyrs a 17-14 lead in game two, but Grand Rapids’ Kate Jamtgaard served for 11 straight to close it out. In game three, the Zephyrs rallied from a 16-7 deficit to within 20-18 before fading.

Kat Arnason logged nine kills and five blocks for the Zephyrs. Abby Bruggeman made seven kills. Grand Rapids got 10 kills each from Haylee Finck bone, Jamtgaard and Kyra Giffen. Braya LaPlant made 36 assists and four kills.

The Zephyrs stayed alive with a 25-10, 25-12, 25-18 win over DeLaSalle (12-15) Friday. Arnason smacked 15 kills and five aces. Abby Bruggeman had eight kills, Ellie Mustar 26 aces, Kylie Poul four aces, and Khandpur and Mustar three aces each.

Detroit Lakes beat the Zephyrs 25-19, 25-11, 25-17 in the consolation finals.

Bruce Strand

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Sydney Armstrong, freestyler, advanced to state in two events.

Wright, Mahtomedi eighth-grade swimmer, captured Section 4A championships in the 50 freestyle with 24.29 and 100 freestyle with 51.94 on Friday night, lowering her school records in both. She anchored secondplace finishes by 200 and 400 freestyle relays and

swim at state in those events also. Wright placed 12th in the 200

state last year when she was one of just two seventh-graders in the meet. She set Metro East Conference records in the 50 (53.45) and 200 (1:57.8) this season. “We coached her when she was younger, so we knew she had talent,” said Micah Goldman, assistant coach to her dad, Mike Goldman, “but she has been constantly surprising us with what she has achieved. She has an incredible work ethic. She’s tall and very mature for her age. People think she’s a senior.”

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED Kat Arnason spiked against Grand Rapids’ Kate Jamtgaard (10) and Braya LaPlant (11).

Upcoming events:

Members’ Exhibition Opening Reception & Holiday Party

Thursday, Dec. 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Celebrate WBCA members. Join us for the Members’ Exhibition and Holiday Party where you can view the Members’ Exhibition on display in the Ford Family Gallery, visit with artists, listen to live music, and have fun. All are welcome to this free event.

WBCA looks forward to another year of high school writing contest

Extra Member Discount Days

• WBCA members receive an extra 5% off at the Ann Tousley Luther Art Shop from Dec. 1-3. Shop local artwork this holiday season!

Still Life Painting in Oil with Christopher Copeland

3 Thursdays, Dec. 8-22, 1:30-4 p.m.

• Learn to organize a still life set-up and paint it in consecutive sessions. You will start by learning drawing and value structure, then review color temperature and its relation to light, shadow, and form. You will finish the painting with accents, edges and glazes. Register at WhiteBearArts.org

Each year for one night in May, WBCA is full of stu dents, families, and teachers, all waiting to hear the winners of the WriteNow! contest. Students have submitted their writing to be judged, and it can be an emotional evening. Some will win cash prizes for their stories, and leave with a feeling of validation not just from their school, but now from members of the larger community as well. Others will go home empty handed, but English teacher Josh Lehr sees value even if they don’t win. “It opens up a conver sation about losing,” he said, “and still holds value.” Either way students have taken a leap to put their work out into the world.

Josh Lehr has taught English at White Bear Lake Area High School North Campus for over a decade, and brings an enthusiasm for creative writ ing to the WriteNow! contest. Each year he encourages his students to submit their work, whether it be poetry, short stories, or creative nonfiction. And he has seen firsthand

the impact that WriteNow! can have on students. Being recognized by the commu nity can be the spark that some students need to pur sue writing. “Kids who were unaware they had these skills all of a sudden had an epiph any,” Lehr said. “The contest affords students the ability to see themselves as a writer.” Not only do students see their own work in a different light, they also are exposed to a larger community of writers. This is something Lehr wants to build on in the coming years. He envisions mentor ship opportunities between students and established writ ers, and he sees the art center

as a central meeting space. “The proximity is powerful,” Lehr said. Getting validation from WBCA, a place close to their school, “is like an extension of the community placing value on what they’re already doing.”

Students would come back year after year, wanting to be recognized for their work. They need that repeated expo sure. Through these different mediums the students can see themselves in different ways.”

“[The contest] shows [stu dents] what’s inside of them selves in unique ways.”

This year, as students accept their awards at the Write Now! ceremony, they will be recognized for work that can, at times, be deeply personal.

WBCA is a place that fosters that vulnerability, and vali dates the work that students put into their writing. Sub missions are now open for the 2023 WriteNow! High School Writing Contest. You can learn more about the contest at WhiteBearArts.org.

WBCA receives $50,000 match

Peyote Stitch Triangles

2 Saturdays, Dec. 10 & 17, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

• Make some holiday bling to brighten up an outfit or to give as gifts. In this class you will learn peyote stitch while creating a pair of earrings. You will make triangles out of Japanese delicate beads using an off-loom needle and thread technique. Register at WhiteBearArts.org

WBCA received a $50,000 matching grant from the Manitou Fund for its yearend giving campaign, mean ing that all donations up to $50,000 will be doubled. WB CA’s Gretchen Stein spoke to the importance of financially supporting WBCA in a recent member interview. “We love supporting WBCA because it brings the community togeth er. It gets artists out of our homes and into a commu nity setting. Being exposed to other creatives makes us better artists,” Gretchen said. “I am a psychotherapist. I

noticed during COVID that people of all ages, especially youth, experienced mental

health challenges. We need that connectedness and pur pose—a sense of creativity and healing. Physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing are all important. WBCA is that place that creates community and connection for all ages.”

You can donate online at WhiteBearArts.org/Donate. Everyone who donates is welcome to contribute to WBCA’s community mural located in the art center’s atrium. Stop by WBCA to participate at 4971 Long Ave. White Bear Lake.

WBCA | Contributed

Josh Lehr and a student at the 2022 WriteNow! Award Ceremony.

WBCA | Contributed

WBCA | Contributed

WBCA | Contributed Gretchen Stein is pictured with her family.

MAYOR RACE: Birchwood elects write-in candidate

In the video, Ford referenced her 12 years as a board member at St. Catherine, including four years as chair, as well as involvement with homeowner associ ations as examples of her past leadership experience. Ford said her period on the St. Catherine board was “a time of great change” but that she was able to help successfully navigate those changes.

“It involved respectful listening, it involved radical transparency. It was a lot of brown-bagged lunches and coffees and office hours and sharing and under standing and respectful listening. I’d like to bring that to Birchwood,” Ford said in the video.

What Ford said she’s most looking forward to doing as mayor is connecting with people in the community and finding ways to build consensus on issues.

“We all kind of want the same things in an over arching sense. Everyone wants safe roads and great parks and an affordable city to live in and smooth

processes. Everyone wants that, no one’s disagree ing,” Ford said. “But I think the thing is, how to get to consensus agreement about what those things look like for the villagers of Birchwood because not every one’s going to think the same about it. But I think if there’s enough dialogue and respectful listening and give-and-take, we can all come to an idea consensus idea of how we should work going forward and what we should plan for.”

The new mayor of Birchwood will be sworn into office in early January.

Nelson, a 66-year-old who works as a gas fitter, steamfitter and plumber and who works on gas fireplaces, said he was disappointed in the election outcome.

“I could have made a big difference, and now the sta tus quo is going to continue, is my fear,” Nelson said.

McKenzie did not respond to a phone voicemail requesting comment by press deadline.

White Bear Lake ROTARY ACADEMIC ACHIEVER

Rotary Matters

The 5th grade teachers at Vadnais Heights Elementary School have nominated Reggie Yang for the 2022-2023 Academic Achiever Award.

Reggie is the quiet leader in the classroom that does not go unnoticed. He is driven to work hard and put forth the best effort in all he does! It is easy to connect with Reggie because he accepts everyone as they are. He will be the one to assist others in the room and set the example of leadership in the room. Beyond the classroom, you can see him always holding the door for everyone, being a patrol, playing sports, and enjoying anime!

Reggie's quiet nature is loud and recognized by all. The 5th grade teacher at Vadnais Heights Elementary celebrate Reggie as he continues to make positive impacts in his student career in White Bear Lake.

Reggie

Vadnais Heights Elementary

Margaret Ford