White Bear Press

Gritty Palace rolls into permanent home at train museum

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

The late Art Pew’s 100-ton baby is home.

The 1912 Pullman railcar, affectionately known as Gritty Palace, rolled into the Jackson Street Roundhouse this summer to become part of the Minnesota Transportation Museum’s (MTM) permanent collection.

The car’s trip north from Chicago was celebrated with an on-board, four-course dinner served to supporters who shared Pew’s passion for all things train by purchasing a one-way ticket on Gritty’s final leg home to the MTM. It was the wish of the Pew family that Art’s private palace

on wheels be displayed at one of his favorite places on Earth.

If not for Pew, a Manitou Island resident who loved riding the rails, the museum wouldn’t exist, pointed out MTM Executive Director Scott Hippert.

The Gritty Palace will become a signature piece of equipment for the nonprofit museum, Hippert said, and a crucial way to boost revenue. Their vision is to use the well-preserved Pullman for special events and possible excursions near the Twin Cities.

An exquisite representative of a bygone era, Gritty was purchased by Pew and a partner 54 years ago from the Rock Island Railway. The former executive car is in mint condition and

fully Amtrak compatible. A 1968 Chicago Tribune feature entitled “Private Car Owners Go First Class” aptly described Gritty as “magnificently old-fashioned.” Mari Pew, the youngest of Art and Judy Pew’s four children, served as hostess on Gritty as the car made the nine-hour trip from Chicago. Guests were instructed to stop by the Amtrak ticket counter at Union Station in the Windy City to say they were riding in a private coach attached to the Empire Builder. The “crew” handed out commemorative boarding passes as they embarked.

Rising up: School-based clinic prepares for move

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — The clinic located at White Bear Lake High School’s North Campus has risen up to meet the health needs of K-12 students since its inception in 2020.

But the Bear Care Clinic is just getting started.

The school-based health clinic — oper ated by the nonprofit organization Rise Up Health Clinics — will move into a new, tem porary space in early 2023 as facility reno vations at the campus wrap up ahead of the

new semester. It’ll re locate to its permanent home in the North Campus in fall 2024 after further building renovations conclude.

“To see the expan sion that the district is going through has been really inspiring,” said Jessica Miehe, the clinic’s founder and director.

The clinic was originally meant to open in fall 2020 but pushed up its launch to the spring of that year to meet students’ health needs amid the outbreak of the coro navirus pandemic. It gradually increased its operating schedule from eight hours a

CONTRIBUTED

The late Art and Judy Pew stand on the platform of Gritty Palace in this signed photograph. Their beloved dark green, 1912 Pullman will soon be on display at its permanent home at the Minnesota Transportation Museum.

SEE GRITTY PALACE, PAGE 9A

SEE BEAR

RANDY PAULSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The Bear Care Clinic’s existing location is in a small, two-room corner at White Bear Lake High School’s North Campus. The clinic will soon be moving into a larger space in the newly built school addition.

week in fall 2021 to 24 hours per week this fall.

The nurse-led clinic provides health care services to district students at no charge. Its services include wellness ex ams, immunizations, COVID-19 testing, sports physicals, acute illness care and mental health counseling.

The clinic’s existing site at the North Campus is in a tight space consisting of a small lobby and a clinical exam room in the back. The cramped area — which measures 270 square feet — means clinic staff members sometimes see students out in the hallway or in the school nurse’s office across the hall after school hours.

In contrast, the clinic’s new, tempo rary abode will measure 720 square feet. It will have two exam rooms, a lab, an office and a restroom. The perma nent clinic site in 2024 will be larger yet at 1,020 square feet.

“The current Bear Care space is small, and while it has been a great starting point for our school-based clinic, it is too small to be a long-term solution to provide clinic services,” said Tim Wald, the district’s assistant super intendent for finance and operations.

“As we began to design new spaces at our high school, we recognized that ad equate space is necessary for the clinic to maximize the service Bear Care can provide our school district families.”

Miehe — who graduated from White Bear Lake Area High School in 2003 — got the idea of launching the clinic while working toward her doctorate in nursing at St. Catherine University in St. Paul. She learned about schoolbased health clinics through her studies.

“I thought, ‘Well, why don’t we have this? We should have this,’” she said.

As a nursing faculty member at St. Catherine, she pitched the idea to the university of having nursing students work at the school clinic for hands-on experience in exchange for St. Cather ine funding part of the endeavor.

The clinic also received a workforce grant from the Centers for Disease Con trol and Prevention last year, which has let it hire more staff.

“Children who use school-based health centers have increased wellness exam visits, they have increased im munization rates, they’re more likely to visit a mental-health counselor in a school-based health center and they have decreased hospitalization and

emergency room department visits,” Miehe said while presenting about the clinic at the Nov. 15 White Bear Lake Rotary Club meeting.

“School-based health centers also have a positive economic impact. They’re really relatively inexpensive to operate compared to hospitals or private clinics.”

Although an estimated 96% of White Bear Lake residents have health insur ance, a little more than 30% of families who’ve gone to the Bear Care Clinic re ported having difficulty affording care for their children. That figure contrasts with the uninsured rate of about 20% for Ramsey County residents.

“What families say is that they’re very grateful that they have the option to come in,” said Christina Cyrus, a pediatric nurse practitioner at the Bear Care Clinic.

She added that the clinic serves a diverse array of patients when it comes to race, English-speaking ability, age and insurance status.

During the 2020-21 academic year, the Bear Care Clinic had 467 appointments. That number more than doubled in 2021-22 to 1,136 — a figure that doesn’t include the 299 children clinic staff vac cinated for COVID-19 at pop-up clinics.

The clinic has tallied 674 appoint ments for the 2022-23 academic year as of Nov. 29, which is more than the 548 visits at that time the previous year.

Just under 50% of clinic visits in 2021-22 were for administering immu nizations, while 30.9% were for testing for COVID-19. Sports physicals and wellness exams made up 14.2% percent of appointments and acute illness visits accounted for 5.2%.

Vaccinations continue to make up much of the clinic staff’s workload so

far this fall, as does treating illnesses such as influenza.

“Right now, it’s a lot of acute illness es,” said Amy Svendsen, the clinic’s nurse manager. “We’re seeing a lot of families call because they’re not able to get in anywhere else.”

The Bear Care Clinic works in part nership with the school nurse’s office to treat students. Unlike the nurse’s office, the clinic doesn’t have access to stu dents’ private information protected by the Family Educational Rights and Pri vacy Act. However, the nurse can refer students to the clinic for treatment and identify students who may otherwise have barriers to receiving health care.

“We can’t do what they do, and they can’t do what we do. Without the school nurse, the clinic wouldn’t function,” Miehe said.

The clinic also has proven to be a pop ular option for St. Catherine nursing students seeking real-world experience.

“In my cohort, everyone wanted to come here,” said Katie Austin, a nursing student who recently finished a stint working at the clinic and who’s set to graduate in May. “They didn’t have the greatest experience at theirs, so they were asking our professors if they could come here.”

RANDY PAULSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Bear Care Clinic pediatric nurse practitioner Christina Cyrus and director Jessica Miehe work at the clinic’s front desk in its office area. The school-based health clinic will soon move into a more spacious abode in the new addition at the White Bear Lake Area High School’s North Campus.

RANDY PAULSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Bear Care Clinic nurse manager Amy Svend sen looks for equipment stored in the clinic’s lab down the hall in a narrow room. Ahead of the new semester in 2023, the clinic will relocate to a larger space as part of the North Campus’ migration to a newly built addition.

Randy Paulson | Press Publications

RANDY PAULSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Bear Care Clinic pediatric nurse practitioner Christina Cyrus and director Jessica Miehe work at the clinic’s front desk in its office area. The school-based health clinic will soon move into a more spacious abode in the new addition at the White Bear Lake Area High School’s North Campus.

Rampage leads to assault charges

A St. Paul man, 52, faces up to five years imprisonment and/ or a maximum fine of $10,000 for threatening violence with reckless disregard for risk. If convicted, his sentence

could be increased by another 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for domestic assault, following a Nov. 15 incident in the 800 block of County Road E. At around 8:50 p.m. Nov. 15, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to

an altercation at an apartment building on County Road E. The victim told deputies the defendant burst through the patio door of the apartment and kicked him in the shin with a steel-toed boot, punched him repeatedly and threatened to kill

him. The victim said that while he was on the ground, the defendant said he was going to grab a spoon and shove it down his throat. The suspect also threw items at the wall and trashed the apartment, the victim said.

While talking with the victim, deputies could hear someone in the back bedroom yelling and throwing items, and the victim identified the source as the defendant. When deputies called out to the defendant, he swore at them and would not come out. The victim further explained that the defendant had been living at the apartment off and on for about seven months and keeps his belongings there.

A female roommate said she arrived in the middle of the altercation and scratched the defendant’s face to protect the victim and herself when the defendant “came at her”. The defendant grabbed her shoulders and said he would kill the victim.

In a Mirandized interview, the defendant confirmed that he’d been staying in the apartment a few days off and on and had knocked on the patio door just to talk with the victim’s father, but that the victim wouldn’t let him in.

He claimed the victim was jealous of the relationship between himself and the victim’s father.

He said the victim chest-bumped him and pushed him back outside. In response, the defendant repeatedly punched the victim in the face. “I kept beating on him – I could have pulverized him,” the defendant said, chuckling. He denied making any threats but later clarified that he threatened to “kick (his) ass.”

The defendant already was facing a pending charge of assault in the fifth degree prior to the incident.

Big C reoccurs

IHAVE BEEN told that men who live long enough will get prostate cancer. The experts have even charted it. At the age of 50 you will have a 50% chance, at 60 years old a 60% chance, at 70 years old a 70% chance, and so on. I n 2004 at the age of 68, my PSA was climbing. The family doctor wasn’t concerned. After conversations with a good friend Stan Bakke of White Bear Lake, he advised me to check into Mayo Clinic.

We did that and on Dec. 28, 2004, I had a radical prostatectomy at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Dr. Segura, the surgeon, told me after the surgery some cancer cells had escaped and they may manifest themselves in the future.

F ive years later, the PSA started to climb, and I had radiation treatments at Minnesota Oncology in Maplewood. The PSA dropped dramatically. I was good for another five years when it started to climb again. The Mayo team recommended that I get a Lupron injection every four to six months and again the PSA went down to under 1.

T he following September my PSA went from 1 to 6 in four months. The rule of thumb is if it doubles in a year you need to give it serious attention. In October I had a Choline PET scan and an MRI at Mayo. It was clear the cancer had come alive in the lymph nodes in my lower abdomen. After consulting with Dr. Choo in oncology and Dr. Kwon, an immunologist at Mayo, it was recommended I start a series of 25 radiation treatments and this time begin taking an Xtandi capsule for a period of time until the PSA drops to an acceptable level.

W hy do I share this in a community newspaper column? Men can be fearful of dealing with health issues. When this first occurred, I wrote three columns and I had men coming into my office to discuss their situation and what they might expect. Some of them said their wives wondered why they were going to a newspaper publisher for medical answers. A lot of times doctors have not gone through the experience. I thought the more I could explain, the more helpful it might be.

Little did I know the column would travel worldwide through different sales and industry representatives. Many of them told me how they made copies of my columns and shared it with friends who were having similar experiences. So that’s why this column is a reminder to men that you don’t have to die from prostate cancer if you take care of it early.

Over the last 20 years there have been a lot of advances in treatments and especially in robotic surgery that was just being tested when I had my prostatectomy. New drugs have also become available.

I want to be an encourager and recommend that men tackle the issue immediately when they know about it. Some hospitals in the world today treat it by freezing and some by radiation only.

Do we ever clear cancer from our bodies? Yes, I think there are some instances where it’s true, but I also think that cancer has ways to outlive various treatments. Am I an authority on it? Not at all.

T he bottom line is to get more than one opinion. Take action, don’t delay. Be thankful for the advancement of medicine.

Our bodies were created by our Heavenly Father as living temples. The Holy Spirit can provide comfort and healing. The Bible is filled with many promises. Give thanks for every experience. It will build your endurance.

Thank You: ‘Look forward to returning to normal life’

Ihave been blessed and honored to represent and serve this state and community in the Minnesota Senate for twelve years.

Running for public office never crossed my mind – never. I have always been a passionate believer in freedom, liberty and empowering people. And I have always been passionate and cared deeply about this state and country. That is probably why some friends asked me to run in 2010.

and purpose, and being inspired to do good.

During my time in the Senate, I had the opportunity to meet amazing people and learn amazing things. The noise and messy business of politics clouds memories and creates obstacles. Nonetheless, working together we did accomplish good things for the community and state.

Bear Lake. Finally, I authored and passed legislation to protect kids and lemonade stands from overzealous government regulations.

A ll of that said, it can be a tough job and there were times when you question your own sanity; “is it worth the price?” It takes a toll on your family; they feel it and bear the weight and stress as well. We live in the community, and not behind gates and walls.

Legislator Lingo

I hadn’t been to the Capitol since the fourth grade. From the first day when I was sitting in the Senate chamber during orientation, I was overwhelmed and awed. The Capitol is a magnificent and beautiful building; a gem in this state. The building inspires as much as the quotes on the walls. You cannot read the quotes and serve in that building without feeling a deep sense of respect

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P rotecting White Bear Lake and groundwater, banning cancer-causing chemicals, creating and protecting jobs in Hugo, making significant progress for kids with dyslexia, and improving the way we teach reading. Just as important, we provided funding to begin addressing the dangers of too much screen time and social media for kids.

When I was tax chair, we passed the first middle-class tax cut in years, began to lower taxes on social security income, and gave relief to farmers and small businesses. When I was K-12 education chair, we passed the biggest mandate-free funding increase in ten years and worked to empower parents and educators. Working together we stopped the disastrous, unpopular bus line to White

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T he level of discontent in the community is, to say the least, unsettling. But that is human nature I suppose. There is still a lot of beauty in this world and many reasons to be grateful – a newborn baby, a sunset on the lake on a summer evening, an old bookstore or an old pub.

T hank you! I was blessed to serve for 12 years. I made a lot of friends and we accomplished a lot. I look forward to returning to a normal life with my family.

G od’s peace and blessings to all of you!

Roger Chamberlain served as the Minnesota Senator for District 38. He did not win re-election to represent District 36.

writer about the same subject matter will not be published.

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Senator Roger Chamberlain

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

About the Town Gene Johnson

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Project supports housing goals

Kudos to Schafer Richardson Developers, Ramsey County and the White Bear Lake City Council for finding a way to finance affordable housing options at the upcoming apartment construction at County Road E and Hoffman Road. While the resolution results in far fewer affordable units than the earlier proposal, it is a step in the right direction to support affordable housing goals in this area. It is also laudable that the plan calls for a seamless integration of the 10 units into the other 240-plus units and not an obvious set-aside of these units, thus embracing some of the values of the Many Faces of White Bear Lake efforts. Thank you.

Sonja Irlbeck White Bear Lake

Project is ugly

Disgusting. The Village Inn is no more and the surrounding landscape has been destroyed. Take a drive by to see the uprooted evergreens around the plot of land, all in the name of “progress.” Farmers cannot plow over a puddle lest a possible ecosystem be destroyed, but apparently developers can despoil the land at will. There is a group studying the “future” of County Road E, as it passes through various communities. Beware the ugly plans which will be forced on us.

Cindy Paslawski White Bear Lake

Doomsday prediction

The Republicans’ love affair with Donald Trump appears to be cooling off. Either way, it spells doom for any Republican nominee for president. If Donald Trump is the nominee, he won’t win. If he is not the nominee, he will run as an Independent, taking with him a considerable share of votes by his clueless base. The split vote will ensure a victory for whichever candidate the Democrats put forward.

The only way out for the Republican Party is for Trump to withdraw and give his entire support to whomever the Republicans may nominate.

Kris Brodie White Bear Township

Otter Lake pupils aid annual Lions Club Toy Shelf

themselves was just one new feature for the students this year.

“With the shift from Student Coun cil to Student Ambassadors, we have added in the other aspects of it,” Erickson said. “Our goal really was to have the students more involved and to instead of just collecting toys, be able to understand why we are doing this project.”

To that end, Lions Club members Carol Farley, Sue Giorgini and Shaw na Johnson visited the school on Nov. 16 to speak with the Student Ambas sadors about the service organization and why it puts on the toy shelf each year.

“They were an amazing group of kids with lots of energy,” Johnson said, adding that the students asked pertinent questions and gave the Li ons feedback about what types of gifts kids might want for Christmas.

shelf.

The Lions Club works closely with the White Bear Area Food Shelf when it comes to connecting with families in need who ultimately receive the toys. Families registered with the food shelf can sign up for a date and time to pick up the donated gifts for their children at the White Bear Armory.

Erickson hopes the hands-on nature of the project will drive home the les sons of empathy and compassion that are woven into the school’s curricu lum.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Maplewood Mall heading to auction block in February

A longtime destination for shoppers in the area will soon be for sale. The Maplewood Mall, located at 3001 White Bear Ave. N. in St. Paul, will be up for an online auction through RI-Marketplace starting at 11 a.m. Feb. 13 and going until 1 p.m. Feb. 15, 2023. The bidding will start at $7.5 million. The auction is an opportunity for a local or regional owner to buy a shopping center that includes nationally known tenants such as Barnes & Noble, H&M and Shoe Dept. Anchor tenants include JCPenney, Kohl’s and Macy’s. The two-floor, 321,217-square-foot mall was built in 1974 and renovated in 2018. To learn more, visit rimarketplace.com and search for Maplewood Mall.

Royal Credit Union to host shredding event

Royal Credit Union will host a Shred Day at the White Bear Lake Office Monday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. Members of Royal Credit Union and the general public can safely dispose of their personal documents and files for free.

The event is drive-up only, and Royal staff will help place documents in the shred truck. Participants are limited to two brown paper grocery bags or one file-sized box per vehicle. Acceptable types of items to shred include personal records, bills, receipts, bound paper, file folders, and CDs.

Royal Credit Union is located at 1400 East. Highway 96.

it to ‘em’: Donate clothing for vets

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Groups of Otter Lake Elementary fourth and fifth graders did some Christmas shopping last week, but not for them selves.

Instead, the students bought gifts that were donated to the White Bear Lake Lions Club’s Toy Shelf set for Saturday, Dec. 10.

About 50 pupils in the school’s Student Ambassadors program were divided into four groups — each ac companied by an adult — and shopped at the Vadnais Heights Target. The gift gathering took place Thursday evening and Saturday morning in 30-minute shifts.

The groups were assigned an age range of kids to shop for, and were allotted a certain amount of money to spend. Their shopping cash, which was up to about $1,600 as of Nov. 29, was donated from local businesses.

“That has been something I think we've been really impressed with is the generosity of the people in the community,” said Kristin Erickson, a fifth grade teacher who’s also a Stu dent Ambassador adviser.

Otter Lake Elementary has assisted with the toy shelf for several years; however, students this year were able to take a more hands-on approach to it than in the past. Shopping for toys

The Student Ambassadors — who number 66 total at the school — also made posters related to the toy event that are displayed around the building. Throughout this week, the ambassadors have been visiting class rooms to speak to their student peers about the toy shelf and another of the school’s upcoming service projects.

The school is collecting additional toy donations up through tomorrow (Thursday, Dec. 8), which is when Lions Club members will pick up the haul of gifts. The club also receives do nated gifts from other sources around the community to include in the toy

VFW Post 1782 Auxiliary is collecting new clothing to benefit the Minneapolis VA Hospital, to help the veterans who don’t have appropriate clothing when they leave the hospital. Items needed are zip-up sweatshirts, sweatpants, T-shirts, briefs and socks. Sizes most needed are large and extralarge, and some larger sizes may also be needed.

There will be a collection bin by the front door of the VFW during the hours it is open. The VFW is located at 4496 Lake Avenue S., White Bear Lake.

Rotary to sponsor

students

for youth exchange program

The Rotary Club of Arden HillsShoreview is looking for two local students to sponsor to Rotary’s ShortTerm Youth Exchange Program in the summer of 2023.

The exchange program offers students ages 16-18 years old the opportunity to develop leadership skills, travel, and become U.S. ambassadors abroad. A local student is matched with a student from another country, and they travel to each other’s countries and stay with each other’s families for a month at different times during the summer.

The club will cover the $500 application fee, but parents of students are responsible for associated expenses for their child, as well as for hosting the exchange student.

Those interested in applying can contact ardenhillsshoreviewrotary@ gmail.com. Details are available at the North Star Youth Exchange website, northstaryouthexchange.com. The deadline for contacting the Rotary Club is Jan. 15, 2023.

“We teach about those things and we practice situations, but when it's real life, I think they definitely develop a better understanding of what that means,” she said. “But also to show that it's all around them — that it's in their own community — and to have that connection is important.”

‘Sock

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

CONTRIBUTED

Otter Lake Elementary Student Ambas sadors Reese Newlander, Adelle Blasing, Amelia Johnson and Olivia Reeves display their Christmas shopping haul Thursday at the Vadnais Heights Target. Contributed

CONTRIBUTED

Megan Wallin, Violet Wallin and Vanessa Johnson peruse a sheet with the age range of kids their group shopped for Thursday at the Vadnais Heights Target.

CONTRIBUTED

Otter Lake Elementary Student Ambassa dors Cedar Schuldt, Tate Lemon and Caleb Buege shopped for Christmas toys Thursday at the Vadnais Heights Target as part of their service learning project for the annual White Bear Lions Club’s Toy Shelf.

COPS&COURTS

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• An attempted theft was reported in the 2300 block of 10th Street Nov. 23.

• A social media scam was reported in the 1900 block of Third Street Nov. 23.

• An Ogilvie woman was arrested in the 2600 block of County Road E Nov. 23 on multiple outstanding warrants.

• Officers were called to the 2100 block of Division Court for a complaint involving an attempt by someone to set fire to a car Nov. 24. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the car’s owner later found a device inside the gas cap which was seized for examination. An investigation is ongoing, including possible security footage. The motive or connection to the address is not known.

A 50-year-old White Bear Lake man was arrested and booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center for third-degree DWI test refusal after a traffic stop involving driving the wrong way in the 1200 block of County Road E Nov. 24.

• A 41-year-old St. Paul man was booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center for gross misdemeanor third-degree DWI Nov. 24 after failing a standardized field sobriety test on Highway 61. The driver showed indications of impairment and failed a preliminary breath test at 0.14

alcohol content and a DataMaster Transportable breath test of 0.17 alcohol content. The driver had no prior DWI offenses. The vehicle was parked and the license plates were impounded and destroyed.

• A 28-year-old White Bear Lake woman was booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center for third-degree DWI Nov. 24 after officers found her sleeping in the driver’s seat of her vehicle behind the police department near the intersection of Miller Avenue and Second Street. She was found to be impaired by alcohol.

• Theft was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Nov. 24.

A fight was reported in the 3200 block of Bellaire Avenue Nov. 24.

• A 25-year-old White Bear Lake woman was booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center for second-degree DWI test refusal and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol Nov. 25.

An officer responded to a driving complaint and ultimately located the suspect vehicle after she struck a curb while making a turn in the 3100 block of Century Avenue.

• Fraud was reported in the 2300 block of Dorothy Avenue Nov. 25.

• A trailer was stolen in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road Nov. 25 but was later recovered in Minneapolis Nov. 28.

• Ongoing harassment was reported in the 2000 block of Floral Drive Nov. 25.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

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

Birchwood

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on patrol for stop sign violations cited a motorist Nov. 6 for rolling through the stop sign at Jay Street and Hall Avenue.

• A Cedar Street resident reported intentional property damage Nov. 7.

Dellwood

• A fallen tree was reported Nov. 6 for blocking the middle of the road in the area of Apple Orchard Road and Tamarisk Road. The public works department was advised of the concern.

• A motorist was arrested for driving despite three no-proof-of-insurance violations within the past three years, following a Nov. 10 traffic stop in the area of Dellwood Road and Peninsula Road for displaying expired registration and no license plate lights.

Grant

• A child’s toy car was reported in the middle of an intersection in the 8000 block of 80th Street N. Nov. 8, along with other miscellaneous items. Deputies relocated the trash to the side of the road and notified the public works department.

• Deputies conducted a

traffic stop Nov. 9 in the 7000 block of Lake Elmo Avenue N. for a wireless communication violation. They conducted another traffic stop that day in the 11000 block of 75th Street N. on a vehicle displaying registration that expired in July.

• A resident in the 11000 block of Irish Avenue N. reported a window broken Nov. 10, after finding a small hole in the glass.

• A suspicious silver SUV reported parked in a residential construction area on Lone Oak Trail N. and Lake Elmo Avenue N. at 5:22 p.m. Nov. 11 turned out to belong to the workers who had just completed their shift.

Mahtomedi

• Stillwater Road residents reported the upstairs neighbor’s children for running through their apartment Nov. 5 and causing damage to his ceiling. Management has already been notified.

• A fallen tree was reported Nov. 6 for blocking both lanes of traffic along Warner Road. Deputies stayed on the scene until the Mahtomedi Public Works Department arrived.

• A dog bite was reported Nov. 7 in the area of Greenwood Street and Forest Avenue.

• A Ledgestone Drive resident on Nov. 9 reported that he no longer wanted contact with his mother and

• A 45-year-old Circle Pines man was arrested for intent to evade motor vehicle tax after he was found to be using another person’s registration tabs on his license plates. He was booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center. It happened after an officer conducted a traffic stop for speeding in the 1700 block of County Road E Nov. 25.

• A 31-year-old Roseville man was arrested and booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center for second-degree DWI after being found to have an alcohol content of 0.08 or more. The driver was stopped near the intersection of Highway 61 and Buerkle Road for a speed violation Nov. 26.

• Theft was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue Nov. 26.

• A narcotics complaint was reported in the 3600 block of Auger Avenue Nov. 26.

• Disorderly conduct was reported at the intersection of County Road E and Golfview Drive Nov. 26.

• Trespassing was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue Nov. 26.

• A 25-year-old White Bear Lake man was arrested and booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center for fourth-degree DWI and having an alcohol content of 0.08 or more Nov. 27. He was stopped near the intersection of Highway 61 and Cedar Avenue for a speed violation.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2600 block of County Road E Nov.

asked deputies to convey that information to her. Deputies quickly advised the complainant they would not be making personal phone calls on the complainant’s behalf.

• A male was reported Nov. 10 for stealing his grandmother’s car from an address on Mahtomedi Avenue. The complainant said her grandson was never given permission to use the vehicle and doesn’t possess a valid license.

• Two males were reported for pulling on the door handle in the 1000 block of Prestwick Terrace at 10:19 p.m. Nov. 10.

Deputies found four juvenile males at a nearby park, but weren’t sure if they were the males lurking around the complainant’s address.

Pine Springs

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 11:10 p.m. Nov. 7 on westbound Highway 36 at I-694 for failing to drive in a single lane, after westbound deputies observed her vehicle wander all over the place and even drive on the shoulder. When deputies activated their emergency lights for her to pull over, the vehicle slammed on its brakes and stopped in the center lane. The driver could not give a reason for her driving conduct and strenuously denied being on the phone. Her driving technique was captured on squad video for good measure.

27.

Liquor theft was reported in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road with an estimated loss of $356.40 Nov. 27. Investigation is ongoing.

• Criminal property damage was reported in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Nov. 27.

• Harassment was reported in the 4700 block of Centerville Road Nov. 27.

• Disorderly conduct was reported when a man refused to leave the 1900 block of Buerkle Road until an officer arrived Nov. 27.

• Officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of Fourth Street for a disorderly male Nov. 28. The suspect was gone by the time they arrived.

• A 44-year-old White Bear Lake man was issued a Ramsey County eCitation for misdemeanor theft in the 2200 block of Fifth Street Nov. 28.

• A white 2010 Ford Explorer was stolen from the 3500 block of Hoffman Road in Gem Lake Nov. 28. It was a $2,450 loss, and there is no known suspect information.

• A 33-year-old woman was arrested for violating an active no-contact order in the 1400 block of Park Street. She was booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center. Gross misdemeanor charges are pending prosecutorial review.

• Vehicle theft was reported in the 3900 block of Linden Street Nov. 29. The vehicle was later recovered in the same block.

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

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

Vadnais

Heights

• A Little Canada man, 56, was arrested for DWI at 10:45 p.m. Nov. 4 in the 800 block of North Oak Drive. He has a case pending in Ramsey County Court.

• A St. Paul woman, 21, was cited Nov. 5 at the Vadnais Heights Walmart in the 800 block of County Road E for misdemeanor theft after she was detained by loss prevention personnel for under-ringing $154.34 in merchandise and switching tags. In a separate incident, a known shoplifter was mailed a trespass notice Nov. 5 after she was observed placing homemade bar codes onto items and ringing them up at a lower price. The suspect voluntarily returned the items but refused to stay with store employees to await Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) deputies.

• A Maplewood man, 29, was arrested for third-degree DWI at 9:20 p.m. Nov. 5 on County Road E and Labore Road after deputies were dispatched out to the scene of a vehicle that had crashed into a tree. When administered a portable breath test, the driver registered a blood alcohol content of 0.36.

• A St. Paul woman, 23, was cited at the Walmart for misdemeanor theft Nov. 6 after she was detained for not scanning $165.29 worth of merchandise and then trying to leave the store.

• A Maplewood man, 40, was cited at the Walmart Nov. 6 for assaulting disorderly

juveniles who were throwing stuffed animals around the store, which struck one of his children. The subject took ownership of his actions, and the juveniles were banned from the store and released.

• A White Bear Township man, 41, was cited for hit-and-run Nov. 7 at the roundabout on Vadnais Blvd. E. and Vadnais Lake Drive, after he left the scene of an accident.

• Deputies assisted the State Patrol at 1:42 a.m. Nov. 8 in pursuing a vehicle that fled from them in the area of Rice Street and I-694. The State Patrol stopped the vehicle at I-35E and Maryland Avenue, and RCSO deputies assisted in removing the driver and passenger from the vehicle.

• Midwest Consolidators International in the 1000 block of Labore Industrial Court on Nov. 8 reported that a check mailed to one of their employees was never received, although the check was cashed. The complainant needed a case number to assist the bank in its investigation.

• A Wyoming man, 25, was arrested for DWI at 9:23 p.m. Nov. 8 on County Road E and I-35E, following a traffic stop.

• Two St. Paul men, 20 and 21, and two juvenile males were all arrested at 10:37 p.m. Nov. 8 in St. Paul following a pursuit stemming from a suspicious activity call in the 100 block of Suzanne Court. When deputies arrived on the scene of the suspicious activity, the four males fled in a vehicle stolen out of Minneapolis. The 13mile, 13-minute pursuit ended after deputies deployed stop sticks and a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle and used a taser to take the males into custody.

Be cautious of investing in crypto-interest accounts

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is issuing a consumer alert cautioning potential investors that companies offering interest-bearing crypto accounts are not governed by the same rules and protections as banks and credit unions.

The bankruptcy filing this month by the giant cryptocurrency exchange FTX unfolded over a matter of days and jolted the crypto market. It follows bankruptcy filings in July by two other large cryptocurrency companies, Celsius Network and Voyager Digital. All three moves have contributed to growing concerns at the state and federal level over a rapidly evolving segment known as decentralized finance, which includes cryptocurrency products and services and which has been particularly volatile this year.

Many of the products and services offered by cryptocurrency companies are similar to traditional financial services offered by banks and brokerages, but without any of the regulatory safeguards.

News outlets have reported that $1 billion in client funds invested through FTX appear to be missing and that hackers may have stolen $370 million. Celsius and Voyager both froze transactions in the days before their bankruptcy filings, leaving many customers unable to access their accounts. Celsius reported it had more than 1 million customers and was managing more than $20 billion in assets. Voyager reported 3.5 million customers and $5.8 billion under management. FTX was recently valued at $32 billion.

Companies that have promised

high returns in what are commonly called crypto-interest accounts have slowed or halted transactions in those accounts, creating uncertainty among customers.

The Department of Commerce regulates firms that sell securities in Minnesota as well as the securities themselves. FTX was founded in the Bahamas, but has a U.S. arm that’s registered as a broker dealer in Minnesota. Celsius and Voyager were not registered in the state.

Crypto-interest account providers are not required to have deposit insurance, as banks and credit unions are — another reason the department encourages consumers to exercise caution before responding to solicitations for investment or financial services.

“We will continue to investigate whether other crypto-interest account providers are offering securities that legally should be registered or violating other laws under our jurisdiction,” said Max Zappia, deputy commissioner of financial institutions. “At the same time, we strongly advise Minnesotans who are considering investing in crypto to consider their tolerance for risk and to be aware of the potential for financial losses.”

Minnesota investors with questions or concerns about their own investment accounts can contact the Department of Commerce at consumer. protection@state.mn.us or call 651539-1637. They also have the option to file a complaint using the online form at mn.gov/commerce/consumers/filea-complaint.

press release

From

PUBLIC NOTICES

DELLWOOD WILDLIFE FOUNDATION

NOTICE OF AERATION SYSTEM ON PINE TREE LAKE

Two (2) aeration systems creating open water and thin ice will be in oper ation on Pine Tree Lake in Washington County, Grant and Dellwood, Minne sota. Weather conditions may cause areas of thin ice to fluctuate greatly. Stay clear of marked areas.

Published two times in the White Bear Press on December 7 and 21, 2022.

RAMSEY/WASHINGTON COUNTIES SUBURBAN CABLE COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION II

NOTICE OF REGULAR 2023 MEETING SCHEDULE

Notice is hereby given that the Ramsey/Washington Counties Suburban Cable Communications Commission II (“Commission”) has scheduled regular meetings of the Commission for 1/12/23, 3/9/23, 5/11/23, 7/13/23, 9/14/23, and 11/9/23 at 5:30 p.m.

Full Commission Meetings are scheduled to be held at City of White Bear Lake, Council Chambers, 4701 Highway 61 N., White Bear Lake, MN

Regular meetings of the Commission’s Executive Committee have been scheduled for 2/9/23, 4/13/23, 6/8/23, 8/10/23, 10/12/23, and 12/14/23 at 5:30 p.m. These meetings are scheduled to be held at the Commission office, 2460 East County Road F, White Bear Lake.

Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 7, 2022.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO: 62-CV-22-4553

CASE TYPE: CIVIL OTHER/MISC. JUDGE SARA R. GREWING SUMMONS

Royal Credit Union, Plaintiff, v.

MAHTOMEDI SCHOOL BOARD NOTES

The Winter/Spring Community Edu cation brochures will soon be available, said Community Education Director Kate Anderson in her presentation. In her annual report, Anderson said that participation in youth programs was up to 3,377 during 2021-2022, compared with 2,429 in 2020-2021. During the same period, adult participation was up to 1,194 from 748. Facilities updates include painting the middle school gym and the installation of a new middle school scoreboard, new varsity baseball field safety nets, new boards at the District Education Center ice rink and new alu minum outdoor benches.

In her report, Superintendent Barb Duffrin highlighted activities from around the district, including the Zeph yr Showcase, in which students held con versations with adults on topics ranging from flex time to the Courage Retreat. Veterans were honored throughout the district on Veterans Day, and students and staff shared their military photos and information about veterans in their families for the Connection Wall at Wild wood Elementary. Three retired teach ers living at St. Andrew's Village paid a visit to Wildwood Elementary on Nov. 14 to experience being in a classroom at least one more time. Duffrin met with building principals, officials from Washington County and members of the community to move forward the Safe Routes to Schools initiative. Participants heard from O. H. Anderson and Mahto medi Middle School students about their experiences walking and biking to school. The students also discussed ideas for getting more students to bike and walk to school.

Middle school students will notice some changes in their schedule next year after the redesign team spent more than a year researching ways to remove barriers in achieving district and school-level missions, said Middle School Principal Stephanie Bruggers

Mary Rowe, and XYZ Corporation, Defendants.

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS GREGORY R. MOSS AND UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF GREGORY R. MOSS:

1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons.

2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 21 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written re sponse called an Answer within 21 days of the date on which you received this Summons; you are considered to have received this Summons on the date that is 21 days after the first date of publication. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this Summons located at: Eric J. Sherburne Eckberg Lammers, P.C. 1809 Northwestern Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082

3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.

4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 21 days after the date of service, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the Complaint.

5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.

6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.

7. THIS LAWSUIT MAY AFFECT OR BRING INTO QUESTION TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY located in Ramsey County, State of Minnesota, legally described as follows:

Lot 12, Block 1, Heather Ridge 4th Addition, Common Interest Community Number 322, Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Torrens Property.

The object of this action is foreclose the mortgage executed by Gregory R. Moss, a single person, dated April 19, 2010, recorded May 5, 2010 in the office of the Registrar of Titles, Ramsey County, Minnesota as Doc. No. 2108405; assignment of mortgage filed November 18, 2011, as Doc. No. 2157132.

Dated: November 14, 2022

ECKBERG LAMMERS, P.C.

By: /s/ Eric J. Sherburne

Eric J. Sherburne (0279389), Attorney for Plaintiff 430 Second Street, Hudson, WI 54016 (715) 386-3733; esherburne@eckberglammers.com

Published three times in the White Bear Press on November 23, 30 and December 7, 2022.

US STORAGE CENTERS – WHITE BEAR NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE SALE

Please take notice US Storage Centers – White Bear located at 1828 Buerkle Road White Bear, MN 55110 intends to hold an auction of storage units in default of payment. The sale will occur as an online auction via www. storagetreasures.com on 12/21/2022 at 10:00am. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings. James R Deyo; Dennis Christner; Sommer Paciorek; Lois Wichelman; Brian D Carlson; Jeremy E Harvieux; Lucille Brandt. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

Published two times in the White Bear Press on November 30 and De cember 7, 2022.

and Assistant Principal-Secondary Jackie Collins in their presentation. The goal of the new secondary school sched ules was to create personalized learning opportunities; opportunities to explore career pathways; access to a variety of classes and experiences; and opportuni ties for students to discover, explore and connect with their passions. The board will be asked to formally approve the schedule redesign at the Dec. 8 meet ing. Among the many changes ahead for students are seven classes per day of 45 minutes each, compared with the present six classes per day of 52 minutes each. Additional arts classes are also a major feature of the redesign, Bruggers and Collins said.

The district continues to update some of its own pol icies. After conducting the first reading of the follow ing policies on Oct. 27, the board conducted the second reading of Policy 208 deal ing with the development, adoption and implementation of policies; Policy 410, which addresses family and medical leave; Policy 415, concerning mandated reporting of maltreatment of vulnerable adults; Policy 515, dealing with protection and privacy of pupil records; and Policy 524, which speaks to technology acceptable use and safety. No questions about these policies came up since the previous meeting, so they will be brought back to the Dec. 8 meeting for final approval, Duffrin said.

The Mahtomedi community continues to be generous toward its students, as the board formally accepted $19,754.88 in donations from the month of October. Highlights of generosity include $5,000 from Infinite Health Collaborative for a high school athletic trainer; $3,915 from various donors for a football fundraiser; $3,214 from various donors for kinder garten special events; $1,650 from var ious donors for second grade supplies;

$1,746 from various donors for the stu dent council pink-out event; $1,575 from various donors for Alpine Ski car wash fundraiser and $1,000 from Michael Newcome for the Robotics Team.

Teams using the football and soccer stadium will not have to worry about tripping over the folded and loose fibers in the 12-year-old turf after the board approved turf replacement and award ed the contract to FieldTurf USA Inc., the vendor who installed the previous turf. The old turf will be removed for $58,895.67, and 2.5-inch synthetic turf will be installed for $499,760.69. In all, the project will cost $565,013.84, funded by long-term facilities maintenance funds. The turf, expected to last 10 years, will be installed in the summer of 2023.

Student Representative Kaia Ramaley gave an update on student activities during the past month. All grade levels held a mock vote before the midterm election. The Mahtomedi Theater plans to present “Little Women” for its winter play Feb. 9-12; auditions approach. The Human Rights Club held a bake sale that excited students by selling baked goods at lunch. Proceeds will be used to combat home lessness.

The 2022-2023 Mahtomedi School District Teacher of the Year is Mahto medi High School Math Teacher Dave Wald, who has taught in the district for 30 years. He has coached the Math Team for 28 years, as well as the girls' basket ball, tennis and soccer teams. Wald said he was humbled to have given a lot to the community, but has received a lot more in return from the community. "I never wanted to come to Mahtomedi, but I couldn't have ended up in a better place," he said. Ramaley said Wald creates a sense of community and collaboration in the classroom. "I laughed a lot," she

added. Each fall, the Teacher of the Year is nominated for statewide recognition. The statewide title will be awarded in the spring.

Three school board members were elected on Nov. 8; two of them are new to the board. They were Paul Donna, Jenny Peterson and Ryan Domin. The board approved resolutions canvass ing the return of votes in the school district’s general election, authorized the issuance of certificates of election and directed the school district clerk to perform other election duties.

The board discussed the board mem ber calendar for November through Jan uary and approved it with one change. Note that the first meeting of 2023 will be a special meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 5. The first regular meeting of 2023 will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 26. All board meetings will be held at the District Center. After a brief discussion, the board also approved the 2023 school board meeting schedule. "We need to get this out to the community," said Board Director Lucy Payne. As the board is responsible for drawing up its own schedule, it also has the liberty to make any changes throughout the year, she said.

In her report, Duffrin reminded the community about Coffee & Conversa tions as a prelude to upcoming school board meetings. They will be held from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. on Dec. 8 and Feb. 23. Three members of the board will attend these gatherings at the District Educa tion Center and chat with members of the community on nondesignated topics.

The board next meets at 7 p.m. Thurs day, Dec. 8, in the District Center Com munity Room, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.

Loretta B. Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651407-1200.

Gregory R. Moss, Unknown Spouse of Gregory R. Moss, Realty Pros, LLC, Heather Ridge Townhouse Association, Inc., Unknown Tenants, John Doe,

“I

a lot.”

GRITTY PALACE: Museum gains elegant piece of history

FROM

banjo in a singalong with Ned Potter on accordion.

Her late dad’s dream was to share Gritty with the world, Mari said.

“Dad loved and adored this place,” added Mari, who is following in Art’s footsteps as an active volunteer at the MTM.

The heart of the St. Paul museum is the Jackson Street Roundhouse, built in 1907 as a locomotive repair facility by James J. Hill, founder of the Great Northern Railway. The roundhouse, in fact, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another piece of trivia: The railroad-rich Twin Cities once had 28 roundhouses.

For train buffs who may not have discovered the volunteer-run MTM, it contains an amazing collection of antique locomotives, both steam and diesel, unique passenger cars and myriad exhibits showcasing railroad history. There is a drover’s car on exhibit, for example, which transported cowboys accompanying cattle traveling by train. Their job was to get the animals on and off for water every day. A 1905 business car owned by James J. Hill and donated by his great-grandson is undergoing restoration for future exhibition. Volunteers do all the work.

for trains never diminished. After retiring as director of purchasing for Burlington Northern, he shared how Art strategically placed a spotting scope looking out over the lake. It was not to enjoy nature, but to catch a glimpse of Minnesota Commercial or Canadian Pacific trains rolling through White Bear.

Pew was the ultimate railroad enthusiast, wrote Chip. “He considered his role in life was to keep alive the spirit of railroad in people’s minds.”

IF YOU GO

Preparing the elegant meal for benefactors while the train rumbled along the tracks proved to be a challenge. “Our chef lost most of the au jus for the prime rib,” laughed Mari. Servers were also careful to only fill wine glasses a quarter full so the wine didn’t splash out.

With the proper advance planning, the land yacht took the Pew family on many memorable summer vacations to Anywhere, USA. “Rather than hopping in a car, we hopped on Gritty,” recalled Mari. “We sat on milk cans on the back observation platform and waved to people or played with puppets in the windows. We would make our way forward through the passenger cars going from one end to another. It was always an adventure.”

Her parents loved to entertain and

MTM volunteer Kurt Mahre, board vice president and soonto-retire Amtrak conductor, worked with Art one day a month for years at the museum. “Art is why we’re here today,” Mahre said. “He gave us the roundhouse. He gave us the car. He was our financial benefactor for 50 years. We wouldn’t exist if not for his generosity.”

Gritty almost took a different track before it ended up at the museum. After Judy died, the coach, then relocated to North Carolina, was listed for sale with Ozark Mountain Railcar. Mari’s scrapbook contains a 2018 email from Ozark’s CEO, who informed Art they had received an offer of $425,000 from (film director) Francis (Ford) Coppola. They didn’t accept it.

That twist of fate turned out to be a godsend for the MTM.

“After dad passed, we called Scott (Hippert) and offered him money for a new roundhouse roof or Gritty. Without hesitation, he said, ‘we want the car,’” Mari said. Gritty is appraised at $750,000.

The museum’s executive director said Gritty will be used as a way to preserve Art and Judy Pew’s legacy.

“They did so much to create this organization and this museum,” Hippert said. “Art expressed to me shortly before he passed that he wants to give people opportunity to experience firstclass rail travel. He had so many wonderful experiences and memories riding in that

Art Pew had a long career in the railroad industry, choosing it as his major avocation rather than join the family business in Philadelphia. He died in 2020 at age 87, five years after Judy.

In a tribute to his father that ran in “The Osceola-St. Croix Valley Railway News,” their son Arthur “Chip” Pew IV shared how Art’s love

Santa’s Train Shop.

Santa arrives at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 and 17 and at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 and 18 on Gritty Palace at the Minnesota Transportation Museum, 193 Pennsylvania Ave., St. Paul. Music, train rides and fun for the whole family, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advance reservations welcome at www.TrainRide.org. Tickets $18 for adults, $12 children age 5-15, $9 toddler age 2-4, $15 seniors. Family package for two adults plus children is $50.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

All aboard

would often host parties on Gritty from St. Paul to Duluth and back before that route ended. One of those parties was featured in the White Bear Press back in November 1977. Apparently, Art was a man of many talents, as he is pictured playing

Her wish, and that of her siblings, is that Gritty becomes a vital resource for the train museum.

“We want Gritty to give back to this organization. This is an incredible, wonderful place with wonderful history. Dad would want the car to help keep this going,” noted Mari, who still lives in White Bear Lake.

The MTM runs Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway every summer. There are excursion trains, pizza trains, a fireworks train, fall color trains and pumpkin express trains in the fall. Watch for the 2023 schedule at www.TrainRide.org. Private coach rentals and train charters are also available for family and group events. Want to get your hands dirty? MTM has extensive volunteer opportunities. Call 651228-0263 for more information.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The dining room/lounge await the guests.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

One of several staterooms on Gritty.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The Pew’s youngest daughter, Mari, dresses as a conductor on Gritty. “My mom called dad’s museum friends ‘railroad nerds.’ Now I’m one,” she said.

Carter Johnson | Press Publications

Mari Pew, wearing white on the right, said she was panicky at first that guests on the Chicago trip would feel cramped in the car. “Then the magic of the car did its deal. Everyone found their spot. As soon as you move on the rails, the magic takes over.”

Debra Neutkens Press Publications

The 1907 Jackson Street Roundhouse is built around a turntable to service and store locomotives. It is the only operating roundhouse open to the public in the United States.

Carter Johnson | Press Publications

Passengers prepare to board Gritty at Chicago’s Union Station. The trip was a surprise for a young White Bear Lake teen celebrating his birthday on the train.

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Loon Chronicles VIII: Another Amazing Hatch!

This year’s hatch defied all the odds. The winter that simply would not end, made launching Len’s artificial nest, next to impossible. Time was of the essence, following the arrival papa Loon in late April, when most of WBL remained frozen with little navigable access to the nest site. Fortunately, Loon Whisperer Anne Sundal, was able to access the nest site with her kayak and install the nest on her own. Just in the nick of time, because mama Loon arrived two days later. Thank you again Anne! With telescope and kayak ready, Eric Ordway has volunteered to take over for Anne, who moved to North Carolina in July. Shortly after laying her eggs, the weather really turned, with days of gale force winds and heavy spring rains. In May, White Bear Lake was hit with an historic hailstorm, that left hundreds of homeowners with significantly damaged roofs. Through it all, mama Loon sat stoically on the nest, and endured thousands of hailstones which pelted her from every angle. She remained on the nest and kept the eggs safe and warm. On June 1, 2022, we spotted the first chick peek out from under mama Loon’s wing. We think we may have caught their first look at each other. A

moment we will never forget. For the next 48 hours, we watched the parents continue to tend to the remaining egg, with the chick watching and waiting for its sibling to hatch. On June 2, 2022, record winds and wave action set in for the next two days. Mama Loon did all that she could to keep her chick safe. In the end, an Eagle decided to have its way with the Loon family, and drove the parents off the nest, leaving the chick and unhatched egg exposed. The family abandoned the nest and left the second egg behind. At sunset on that fateful day, we spotted the chick asleep on mama Loon’s back and named it the “Miracle Chick”. Like last summer, with only one chick to tend to, the Loon parents were able to focus all their attention on feeding and keeping their chick safe. The chick thrived and grew exponentially, thanks to the endless fish deliveries and undivided attention from its parents. The parents helped their chick master the skills of fishing, diving, preening, flying, and calling. After learning how to fly, the chick was on its own. Like clockwork, the adult Loons and parents left WBL in early October, followed by the arrival of the Old Warriors and juvenile Loons from neighboring lakes.

The chick found the other chicks and they worked together to stay ahead of the Eagles. In late September, huge covers of Coots, a/k/a Eagle food, arrived and kept the Eagles busy for several weeks. We last spotted the chick in early November and believe that it made its way south a few weeks ago, and now is wintering in the Gulf of Mexico. Throughout the summer, Shannon Whittaker and her neighbors reported spotting a Loon pair circling and trying out Shannon’s nest. We did as well and remain optimistic that next year will be the year for a second Loon family. It can take up to five years for a Loon pair to commit to a nest location. With lake levels, again, approaching dangerously low levels, next year will be a challenge for everyone on the lake. We are hoping that the New Year ushers in many manageable blizzards; heavy spring rains, sans hail and high winds; and multiple hatches next spring. Thank you again for all your support and interest in the Loons of WBL. We remain grateful to the White Bear Press for helping us share this marvelous story each year.

Insulin safety net program is pathway to accessibility and affordability

A recent study found that more than 1.3 million Americans with diabetes rationed their insulin because of cost concerns by skipping doses, taking less insulin than needed or delaying buying insulin to save money. The Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program provides fast, reliable help for those who need insulin and may be struggling to afford this lifesaving drug.

The Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program has two key components, depending on individual needs:

• For those in immediate need of assistance — less than a seven-day supply of insulin — the urgent need program enables eligible Minnesotans to receive a 30-day supply of insulin right away at a pharmacy and pay no more than a $35 co-pay, one time per year.

• For longer-term help covering the costs of insulin, the continuing need program supports eligible Minnesotans to receive up to a year supply of insulin for no more than $50 per 90-day refill.

In 2021, over 1,100 Minnesotans received discounts on their insulin through the program, but many more are likely eligible for assistance. The program is implemented by MNsure, the state’s health insurance marketplace, and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.

For more information about Minnesota’s Insulin Safety Net Program, go to mninsulin.org.

Ellen Maas

ELLEN

From press release

Wood products company warned to get in compliance

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP — A company that provides lumber for the manufactured housing industry was scolded by the Town Board for perpetually failing to obtain building permits.

The company, Universal Forest Products LLC (UFP), 4141 Hoffman Road, was on the board’s agenda last month to once again request an amendment to its conditional use permit (CUP). Originally issued in 1983, the company’s CUP has had numerous updates over the years. This latest application is a request to erect three more storage structures. Building Inspector Mike Johnson said the company has done some significant building without approvals or permits. The buildings are also substandard, according to Johnson, but are still occupied despite an order for vacation more than a year ago. They are also using a 2,000-squarefoot structure without a required fire suppression

system.

Town Supervisor Steve Ruzek asked what assurances the township had that the company won’t again build without a permit? Johnson said his department is working with UFP’s design professional to get the issues resolved.

The fact that the business is using seven buildings without permits puts a “black mark” on the township, maintained Town Chair Ed Prudhon. “It bothers me,” he said. “I can’t believe any working business doesn’t know they need permits. This is not acceptable.

“You are fortunate you are still in business,” Prudhon told two representatives attending the Nov. 21 meeting. “I think we have a good case to shut you down.”

Town Attorney Chad Lemmons reminded the company representatives they were lucky to be dealing with a reasonable board. “It’s the only reason you’re still operating,” he told them.

“The township never wants to shut down a

business,” added Prudhon, who feels the company’s “powers that be” are not taking the board seriously.

“You guys are pushing the envelope on this.”

In the end, UFP’s amendment request was approved, with several added conditions.

The company has 120 days to meet structural compliance for all buildings. Also, plans for a sprinkling system must be submitted in 60 days.

The company was instructed to work with the building inspector to help meet those deadlines. A public hearing will be scheduled late February for a status report, per the attorney’s recommendation.

A visit to UFP’s website indicates it is a multibillion dollar holding company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with 211 facilities worldwide. Its third-quarter report showed record net sales of $2.3 billion. UFP White Bear Lake LLC, is one of the company’s four Minnesota locations.

Avoid tragedy by talking with kids about ice safety

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds everyone to be extremely cautious around the water and, with children at home, to talk with them about the risks of cold water and ice.

While ice is never 100% safe, ice in the early stages of formation is particularly dangerous. Falls through the ice or into open water at this time of year can turn tragic quickly, and each year result in serious inju ries or deaths.

Parents and guardians need to be especially vig ilant about watching kids and ensuring children’s innate curiosity about the water and ice doesn’t put them at risk.

“Kids, and people who haven’t experienced winter in Minnesota, may not have enough knowledge to mit igate the risks associated with cold water and early ice,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement Divi sion director. “Talk to your kids, talk to your neigh bors—we all have a role to play in keeping people safe as the winter season gets underway.”

Anyone who recreates on the ice should wait until

there’s at least 4 inches of new, clear ice before walk ing out onto it. Other tips for staying safe around cold water and on the ice include:

• Wearing a foam life jacket or flotation suit.

• Not going out alone—and letting someone know about trip plans and expected return time.

• Carrying ice picks, rope, an ice chisel and tape measure.

• Checking ice thickness at regular intervals; condi tions can change quickly.

• Bringing a cell phone or personal locator beacon.

• Inquiring about conditions and known hazards with local experts before heading out.

For more information about staying safe on the ice, including thickness recommendations for various types of activities, see mndnr.gov/icesafety. For more information about surviving a fall into cold water, see mndnr.gov/coldwater.

THANK YOU, MAHTOMEDI

On this 22nd anniversary of The Tree of Light and Remembrance, I would like to thank everyone involved in making this wonderful fundraiser and community event a huge success. The Food Shelf is grateful for the support of our neighbors and community, our civic groups, local businesses, St. Jude of the Lake Church and School, local churches, Mahtomedi Area Schools and all our volunteers. A special note of thanks these supporters: Wildwood Lions Club, City of Mahtomedi, American Legion Post 507, Mahtomedi Public Works Department, MAEF, The Dugout Bar and Laura Whitney, Crush Realty. A very special note of thanks to the Mahtomedi Fire Department for decorating the tree in Veteran’s Memorial Park. These are unprecedented and difficult times for many in our community and the food support needs of our neighbors are greater than ever. We are so very grateful for the support of so many in Mahtomedi and our surrounding communities through donations to the Tree of Light and Remembrance. Happy holidays!

With gratitude, Lisa Moriarity, Coordinator Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf

Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf supports those families in the Mahtomedi School District and is located at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church. This food shelf distributes food to close to 100 families per month and provides weekend backpacks of food for kids in the area who are provided meals at school but experience food insecurity on the weekends.

Department of Natural Resources

CONTRIBUTED

An early cold snap means some lakes and ponds across Min nesota are beginning to freeze. However, this ice isn’t safe to walk on, and the water underneath is dangerously cold.

Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf

and horse-drawn carriage rides (free with food donation). Also specials at shops and restaurants. Contact: downtownwhitebearlake. com

PEARLS:Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives for Seniors

When: 1-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9

Where: White Bear Senior Center, 2484 E County Rd. F

Details: Join Lynn Amon, PEARLS Coach with 2nd Half with Lyngblomsten program, to explore what this program is, who may benefit from participating in it, and how to access it in the community.

Contact: 651-653-3121

Pancake Breakfast

When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 10

Where: American Legion Post 39, 2678 7th Ave., North St. Paul

Details: Breakfast supports the Post 39 Legion Riders. $9/adult; $/kids up to age 12.

Contact: 651-777-3708

Guided Bird Hike

When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10

Where: Pine Point Regional Park, 11900 Norell Ave. N., Stillwater

Details: Learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home

and contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys with the guide. Free with vehicle permit; registration required. Contact: 651-4308370 or co.washington.mn.us/parks

European Christmas Market

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 and noon-4p.m. Sunday, Dec.11

Where: 21 Roots Farm, 10361 110th St., Grant

Details: Sip on homemade cider and shop for gifts created by farmers with developmental disabilities, including honey, soap.wreaths, popcorn, greeting cards, and knitted and crochet items.

Contact: 21rootsfarm.org

Winter Farmers Market

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10

Where: Normandy Park Education Center, 2482 County Rd. F. East, White Bear Lake

Details: Monthly market with more than 20 local vendors with locally sourced foods. Hot cider and food trucks.

Contact: forksinthedirt.com

Fillebrown House Holiday Tours

When : 10 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10

Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake Details : Tour the Fillebrown House decked out for the holidays and

hear the stories of former residents. Tickets $12. Contact ; whitebearhistory.square. site

St. Paul Hiking Club

When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 Where: Festival Foods, 2671 E. County Rd. E, White Bear Lake Details: Hike around Century College, through two cemeteries, and on residential streets, Treats follow at Donatelli's.

Contact: stpaulhike.com

5 Ways You Can Support LGBTQ+ Youth in Your Life

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Dec.12 Where: Parkview United Church of Christ, 3737 Bellaire Ave.,White Bear Lake

Details: Free workshop led by Tina Nguyen, founder of Dreaming Sky Circles, discusses how parents, grandparents, and friends can support LGBTQ+ youth.RSVP by Dec. 11.

Contact: 612-208-8462 or christina@ dreamingskycircles.com

The Holiday Songbook, Unplugged

When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 and Tuesday, Dec. 13 Where: Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4941 Long Ave. White Bear Lake Details: Musicians perform favorite holiday tunes is a cabaret-concert series created by James Rocco in collaboration with Minnesota and

nationally based performing artists and musical arrangers. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

Our Minnesota Waters and Climate Change

When: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13 Where : Online

Details: Paul Gardner, Administrator for the Clean Water Council, will present on what the state is doing with the intersection between climate and water, including the state's 2020 Water Plan and the recently released Climate Action Framework. Hosted by Northeast Metro Climate Action. Contact: bit.ly/NEMCA1213

Community Blood Drive

When : 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 County Rd. F E. Details : Make an appointment by calling 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org

Holiday Food and Toy Drive

When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F Details: Distribution of food and toys to any family in need and considered low income. May register day of event. Donations can be dropped off at city hall through Dec. 14. Contact : 612-245-9259 or cityvadnaisheights.com/foodshelf

PHOTOS BY BRUCE STRAND

Above: Fox Norton and Bra den and Ryan Thoma wave from the decorated horsedrawn trolley as they travel around downtown White Bear Lake during the recent, first in a series of three, Winter Fest events.

At right: Little Dickens Carolers Jeff Bowar, Paula Lammers, Judy McCormick and Brett Smith sing during one their stops in downtown White Bear Lake. The singers will be making return visits on Saturday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 17.

Above: Mayor Jud Marshall reads from a list of names during the 22nd Annual Tree of Light and Remem brance lighting ceremony. The memory of hundreds of area residents were honored during the benefit fundrais ing event for the Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf.

At left: Ethan and Jack McNeely visit with St. Nick during the annual PJs with Santa event at the Vadnais Heights Commons. Find more event photos online at presspubs.com.

Children’s Performing Arts, Consortium of Lake Area Senior Services, Hockey Day Minnesota, Jr. Achievement, Lakeshore Players, Mahtomedi Area Educational Foundation, Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf, Many Faces, Newtrax, Northeast Residence, Northeast Youth and Family Services, Phoenix Alternatives Inc., Rotary Club of White Bear Lake, St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center, Tubman, White Bear Area Food Shelf, White Bear Center for the Arts, White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, White Bear Area Schools “A Week Without Walls”,

Fluid Handler (6p-6a) Operator (6p-6a) Packaging Relief (6p-6a) Forklift Operator (6p-6a) Maintenance Mechanic (6p-6a OR 6a-6p) Apply at saputo.com/careers

PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE WORKER FULL TIME POSITION AVAILABLE

White Bear Township, in Suburban Ramsey County, is accepting applications for a Full Time Public Works Maintenance Worker position. Re sponsibilities include, but are not limited to water, sewer, streets, parks, buildings, and equipment op eration and maintenance activities. Applicants must be able to obtain a Class B CDL driver’s license, with air brake and tanker endorsements, within 6 months of employment and have a good driving record. Starting wage is $27.48/hr plus benefits. The application and complete job description is available for pickup at the Township office located at 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, Min nesota 55110, or by calling 651.747.2750, or on the Township’s website at www.whitebeartownship.org.

Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2022.

Now Hiring

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

Press Publications publishes 6 community newspapers, magazines and coupon books, serving White Bear Lake and surrounding commu nities. Our publications brings news of school events, government, business, politics, and social events to local residents.

Desired Skills & Experience: High school diploma required.

Ability to interact well with a broad base of internal and external cli ents, both in person, telephone and written communication. Reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations.Strong attention to detail and the ability to organize, prioritize, and multi task effec tively. User of Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as Microsoft Office.

Please send resume to: 4779 Bloom Avenue

White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or email resume to: ppinfo@presspubs.com

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

FR ITO LAY FLEET TECHNICIAN, Fargo, ND. Go to FritoLa yEmployment. com, enter requisition #355978. FritoLa y Fleet Technicians are essential to our team because they work on our flee t vehi cles and keep our driver s safe Are you looking for a job at a company that rewards the mechan ically gift ed ? Although you will start out working for Frito-Lay this job can open the door to ca reer opportunities with our parent company PepsiCo. WHAT WE OFFER: INDUSTRY LEADING

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Medical, vision, de ntal, Mental Health, life, RX, LTD, STD, Financial Well-Be ing: Health y Money & Re tirement Counselors, Fu ll benefits first day of fu ll-time employ ment, 401K and pension, Work/Life Benefits: Maternity & Paternity leave, Child & Elder Care assistance, Tool & boot allowa nce, Unifor ms provided, 10 paid holi da ys, Paid vacation after one full year, Compan y stock pur ch ase plan , HSA, Tu ition reimbursement, Company discounts: Auto & Home / Identity Theft / Mortgage / Group Legal / Services on various consumer goods, Matching charitable donations, Adoption / Fertility assistance.

1. Members of the Lake Links Association and friends decorated the bridge located along the Lake Links Trail for the holidays. The bridge was built in memory of Mahtomedi resident Griffin Runze. Participants include Paul Hoff, Faye Bliese, Jim Muellner, Karen Kepple, Dan Runze, Andy Bliese, John Carr, Marilyn Muellner, Lily Engebretsen, Karen Runze, Karen Wolgamot, Susan Carr, and Judy Craig. - Contributed

2. Four generations of Copelands –(l-r) Richard Copeland III, Richard Copeland, Sr., Richard Copeland, Jr., and Richard Copeland IV – were at the White Bear Sports Center with the White Bear hockey program. - Contributed 3. Salvation Army bell-ringers Suzanne Hendricks of Centerville and Angelo Rulli of Vadnais Heights use a European crank organ to draw attention to their cause at Lunds and Byerlys. - Contributed

4. The Vadnais Heights Lions got help ringing bells for the Salvation Army from Elvis (Lion Paul Schirer) and his “roadie” (PDG Lion Eileen Schirer) at Walmart. - Lion Bill Weigel

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — When J.P. Barone was 9 years old, the Christmas gift he most obsessed over was a remote-controlled Crusader 101 red convertible toy.

That childhood memory has helped him empathize with 9-year-old Ralphie, the adult version of whom he portrays in the Lakeshore Players Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story.”

“There is some memory of Christmas time and childhood that people relate to, whether it's something about the relationship with their mother, whether it was the year that the single most important gift was all they could obsess on, which is the theme of the show,” Barone said.

The holiday story, based on the classic 1983 movie of the same name, will be told seven more times on the Hanifl Performing Arts Center stage during the next two weekends. There will be two showings Friday, Dec. 9, and one each on Saturday

shows

and Sunday, Dec. 10-11. There also will be one showing each day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16, 17 and 18.

Set in the 1940s, the tale tells of Ralphie’s personal mission of obtaining his own Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Adult Ralph narrates the story, with Barone wandering the stage while the action from his character’s childhood unfolds.

Patrick Sheehy, who portrays Ralphie’s father, “The Old Man,” knew he had to audition when he learned the Lakeshore Players were doing “A Christmas Story.”

“I just love being on stage. Acting wakes up a side of my brain that doesn't get exercise 9 to 5, Monday through Friday. To actually — as a character actor — have a solid, meaty, big role like this one — it’s a thrill,” Sheehy said.

The show’s director, Brandon Raghu, recalled jumping out of his chair from excitement when he was asked to oversee the play.

“I love this story, and I love Christmas shows in general because they just ground you back into the things you love the most, like family, friends, tradition and love and things that maybe you take for granted in other months during the year,” Raghu said.

Raghu and the cast are well aware of the story’s iconic status in the United States as a Christmas film staple and therefore lean hard into the show’s most memorable moments.

“Audiences should expect, when they come in and see the show, these iconic moments really solidified and defined,” he said.

Production and Development Manager Elena Glass said the audience also can expect to laugh during the play and get into the holiday spirit, no matter their age.

She’s been Lakeshore Players’ production manager since September

2020 and said “A Christmas Story” is probably her favorite show the venue has put on in her time.

“It's just impeccably dressed. There are so many details in the kitchen. It's a full, functioning kitchen: You have pots and pans and a sink and water and the decorations make it really feel like a home,” she said.

who portrays Ralphie, said he and the rest of the cast took Maddux’s exit hard but were thankful that Barone stepped up to fill the role.

“I'm just really excited all around, because we have such an amazing cast and we're going to persevere.”

IF YOU GO

What: “A Christmas Story,” adapted by Philip Grecian, written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark

When: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16-17; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18.

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

The production, which premiered on the Hanifl stage Nov. 18, had to overcome adversity partway through its run when lead actor Ryan Maddux departed from his role as adult Ralph due to health reasons.

Maddux left during the intermission of one of the showings, which is when Barone — Maddux’s understudy and a longtime Lakeshore Players board member — stepped into the role. The show must go on, after all.

“I came over, and they just put a mic on me on what I was already wearing,” Barone said.

Carter Monahan, an 11-year-old

Details: Characters from the classic 1983 movie, “A Christmas Story,” will transport audience members back to the 1940s during seven more stage productions of the show at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available for advanced purchase online at lakeshoreplayers.org, and some may be available at the door the day of each show. The 2 p.m. show on Dec. 9 will be an open-captioned performance in which the actors’ lines will be shown on a device in real time for audience members to read. The Dec. 18 show will include American Sign Language interpretation by certified interpreters.

M&D MEDIA | CONTRIBUTED Eleven-year-old Carter Monahan portrays Ralphie, the main character in the Lakeshore Players Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story.”

M&D MEDIA | CONTRIBUTED Volly Johnson acts out a scene in “A Christmas Story” in which her tongue is stuck to a frozen pole as Thilde Hogen, Eve Porter, Carter Monahan and Lucas Gerlach watch in horror.

M&D MEDIA | CONTRIBUTED Carter Monahan points offstage as Thilde Hogen leans on his shoulder. The two respectively portray Ralphie and Esther Jane in the Lakeshore Players Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story.”

RANDY PAULSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

J.P. Barone rehearses a scene as adult Ralph in the Lakeshore Players Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story.” An understudy, Barone took on the role partway through the show’s run at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center.

RANDY PAULSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Nick Brabec, in character as Randy, watches as Carter Monahan covers his mouth in horror while rehearsing in character as Ralphie in “A Christmas Story.”

Eight Zephyrs all-district in football

After rushing for over 2,300 yards, Corey Bohmert was named Most Valuable Player in the Suburban Gray District, heading a list of eight Mahtomedi players on the all-district football team. J.P. Johnson was named Lineman of the Year. Johnson and Bohmert were each named to the Star-Tribune All-Metro first team.

The Zephyrs finished 10-2, won their section championship and one state playoff game, losing in the Class 5A semifinals. They were ranked No. 4 in Class 5A.

Bohmert, a senior, rolled up 2,338 yards on 261 carries (a 9.0 average) and scored 28 touchdowns, while fumbling just twice. He had a kick return TD and one two-point run, totaling 176 points. As

COLLEGE SPORTS BRIEFS

backup last season, Bohmert had 36 carries for 181 yards and two TD’s. He has one more game, having been selected to play in the coaches all-star game Saturday.

Johnson is a senior two-way tackle, 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, noted for explosiveness and great feet, said coach Dave Muetzel. On defense, Johnson held his gap even when double-teamed, which was often. On offense, the Zephyrs, who averaged 273 rushing yards per game, frequently ran behind him.

Also named all-district were seniors Cody Dvorak (halfback/defensive end), Tommy Muetzel (guard/ defensive end), Will Harris (tight end/linebacker), and Nick Rollinger (defensive back); and juniors Cole Saenger (halfback/linebacker) and Sam Garry

(quarterback/defensive back). Team awards went to Bohmert (offense), Johnson (defense, team player), and Max Strecker (scout team).

Charlie Brandt, junior quarterback, completed 44 of 91 passes for 866 yards and seven touchdowns with six interceptions. Garry was 17-for-30 for 229 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Top receiver was junior Michael Barry with 24 catches for 581 yards (a 24.2 average) and six touchdowns.

Seniors Andrew Breien caught 12 for 167 yards and two TD’s, and Ramsey Morrell 11 for 135 yards and three TD’s. Saenger rushed 50 times for 366 yards and three TD’s and junior Alex Mahoney 14 times for 222 yards and one TD.

Bruce Strand

against Northwestern in 2020. “It was such a great experience, playing soccer for UW,” said Odmark. She will pass up a fifth year in order to pursue her masters degree. For the Bears, Odmark scored 59 goals in 54 games, earning allmetro and all-state honors as a junior, before an injury-shortened senior year.

Conference meet.

Bears find success in college athletics

Claire Odmark of White Bear Lake played her fourth Big Ten soccer season with the Wisconsin Badgers this fall. The 5-foot-11 forward had one goal and one assist in 18 games for the Badgers (11-5-3). One career highlight was scoring the clinching goal in a shootout

ZEPHYR SPORTS BRIEFS

BOYS SOCCER

Angelo Diez, Mahtomedi senior forward and defender, was a coaches association firstteam all-state pick, logging five goals and seven assists. AJ McCleery, senior defender, was named to the second team. Those two and senior forward Leonardo De La Torre were allconference. The Zephyrs were 8-6-3 overall and 3-2-3 in the conference. Team awards went to Diez and senior midfielder Joseph Padelford (MVP’s), De La Torre (offense), McCleery (defense, and Mr. Zephyr), Padelford (all-around), and sophomore goalie/midfielder Riley Burke (most improved). All-conference honorable mentions went to Padelford, senior mid Liam Wise and junior mid Nils Landes.

GIRLS HOCKEY

Sophie Martin delivered the overtime game-winner as Roseville/Mahtomedi (6-3) handed Woodbury (6-1) its first loss 3-2. Lily Peterfeso made 31 saves, Victoria Nelson got the game-tying goal with 2:31 left in regulation, and Ruby Eskin had the first goal as the Marauders won their fifth straight. R/M edged White Bear Lake 4-3 on two goals each from Nelson and Olivia Martin. Scoring for the Bears (1-5) were Ava Johnson twice and Olivia Simpkins. Peterfeso stopped 17 of 20 shots while the Bears’ Maya Marston saved 32 of 35. R/M was 2-for-8 on power plays and the Bears 0-for-5.

Ben Vanderbosch of White Bear Lake capped a five-year tenure in Division I cross country as Portland State’s No. 6 runner this fall. He finished 97th of 219 entrants with a 10K time of 30:28 in the West Regional, helping the Vikings place seventh of 31 teams. He placed 34th among 77 in the Big Sky meet. One highlight was achieving his 8K personal best of 24:53 at the L&C Invitational, placing 17th of 345. He ran for Montana previously and made Big Sky all-academic five times.

Mike Rohlinger of White Bear Lake, a Division I cross country runner and a sophomore at Kansas State, placed 67th of 80 in the Big 12

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Ella Kletti led with 20 points as Mahtomedi (2-1) pulled out a 59-55 win over Eastview on Friday evening at the Breakdown Tip-Off Classic in Hopkins. Ella Frazier added 13 points, Sonya Potthoff 12 and Anna Greene eight.

BOYS HOCKEY

On a northern trip, No. 3 ranked Mahtomedi (3-1) defeated East Grand Forks 6-3 then lost to No. 2 Warroad 7-4. Scoring against EGF (2-2) were Jonny Grove twice, Charlie Drage (power play), Corey Bohmert, Cole Swanson and Jake Hodd-Chlebeck. Drage and Carter Haycraft each assisted on two goals and Charlie Brandt made 32 saves. Warroad (3-0) got a natural hat trick from Carson Pilgrim during a run of five straight goals. Haycraft and Seth Nelson gave the Zephyrs an early 2-0 lead. Cav Bruner and Haycraft scored in the third period.

WRESTLING

Mahtomedi opened the season at the Woodbury Duals, defeating Spectrum 46-36 while losing to White Bear Lake 51-23 and Grand Meadow-LeroyOstrander-Southland 53-26.

Evan McGuire at 182 pounds and Caleb Aflapki at 220 each pinned all three opponents.

Hayden Schaefer notched a pin and two technical falls at 170 pounds. Aiden Carlson had a 10-3 win and two forfeits at 113.

White Bear alumni Kayla Anderson and Lauren Eckerle are members of the South Dakota State soccer team that went 13-1-5, not losing until their final game. Anderson, junior forward, played in 13 games, notching three goals. Eckerle, freshman midfielder, tallied two goals and one assist in 19 games. Anderson scored a team-record 61 goals for the Bears. Eckerle was a four-time all-conference pick.

Former Bear Dominic Smith was the second-leading receiver for the Augsburg football team (6-4) as a sophomore with 51 catches for 611 yards and six touchdowns. Nico Brown, sophomore defensive lineman at Augsburg, played in seven games, notching five tackles and one sack.

Zachary Classen of White Bear Lake, Gustavus Adolphus senior football lineman, started at left guard for three years. He helped the Gusties post a 7-3 record and lead the MIAC in

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

scoring this year with 39.6 points per game.

Will Flemons of White Bear Lake, sophomore cornerback for Mayville State (3-8), made 36 tackles (21 solo), five pass breakups and one interception.

Bear alum William Lemire, Bemidji State University sophomore started at offensive left tackle, helping the Beavers post a 10-2 record and lead the NSIC in scoring with 37 points per game. He was named to the all-NSIC second team. Bear alum Brice Peters, sophomore receiver, caught 14 passes in eight games for 163 yards and one touchdown.

Sam Verkerke, UW-Eau Claire sophomore cross country runner, finished 28th with an 8K time of 25:26 in the Division III North Regional in Northfield, helping the Bluegolds place fifth among 26 teams. Verkerke placed 21st in the WIAC (conference) meet.

Bruce Strand

BOYS HOCKEY

Joe Belisle delivered the overtime gamewinner as White Bear Lake scrambled past Centennial 5-4 after trailing 3-1. Peyton Blair pumped in three goals for Centennial (2-2). Jack Stanius, Nolan Roed and Devin Willett had the first three goals for the Bears (3-0). The Cougars were called for tripping in the overtime and Belisle scored 14 seconds into the power play at 2:25. Grady Gallatin and Stanius each assisted on two goals, including the game-winner. Bear goalie Leo Gabriel stopped 16 of 20 shots.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

White Bear Lake outlasted Eagan 52-46, improving to 3-0, then fell to No. 7 ranked Wayzata 73-44 at the Breakdown Tip-Off Classic in Hopkins. Blessing Adebisi netted 14 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the win over Eagan. Jordyn Schmittdiel added 11 points and Heidi Barber 10. Against Wayzata, Schmittdiel sank 17 points with two 3-pointers and 7-for-8 free throw shooting.

GYMNASTICS

White Bear Lake hosted the Interstellar Invitational to open the season and placed fourth among seven entrants with 127.6 points. Sophomores Josie Mlejnek placed 12th all-around (31.85) and Addy Mueller 13th (31.35). Gracyn Lehner took fourth on beam (8.85) and seventh on floor (8.4). Rachel Proffitt was fifth on vault (8.7). Mueller was sixth on vault and ninth on bars (7.55). Mlejnek was eighth on vault (8.55).

WRESTLING

White Bear Lake has a 3-3 record after opening with two events last week. The Bears lost to Park 44-33 and Champlin Park 39-38, and defeated Grand Rapids 34-30. At the Woodbury Duals, the Bears lost to No. 1 ranked Simley 73-6 while defeating Mahtomedi 51-23 and Two Rivers 66-18. In the six matches, Christian Carlson at 126 won five of six and logged the lone win against Simley. Also going 5-1 (counting forfeits) were Gabe Kesel, and Kesean Woods-Lipscomb, while Zach Carnes, Vin Nathanson and Tyler Brock were each 4-2 and Jackson Haiko 3-3.

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED

Nolan Roed pumped his fist after scoring in overtime against Centennial.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN | CONTRIBUTED Claire Odmark capped a four-year career with the Wisconsin Badger.

Vadnais Heights couple are the unsung heroes of Ballet Minneso ta’s 'The Classic Nutcracker'

secret ballet stars

door. Vadnais Heights resi dents Mary and Antone Gregory are two-decade veteran cast mem bers of Ballet Minnesota’s “The Classic Nutcracker.”

The married couple, who are recently retired from their “day jobs,” have performed numerous roles over the years, including Clara’s father (Antone) and Grand mother Silberhaus (Mary) in the grand Christmas Eve party scene as well as the large, lumbering camel who escorts the Arabian dancers in Act II.

The Gregorys’ involvement with Ballet Minnesota began when their children were young and enrolled in the dance company’s school, Classic Ballet Academy. Their son, Allen, made his Nut cracker debut at age 5 as a clapping mouse, and continued to dance with Ballet Minnesota through his mid-20s. Their daughter, Alyssa, debuted as a cheese mouse at age

4, but when it was time to progress to the stiff pointe shoes that help ballerinas stay on their toes, she switched her athletic passion to fencing. Those children are now in their 30s, but the couple remains committed to the ballet.

“Theater is magic, and it is a privilege to participate in this pro duction,” said Mary, who is retired from teaching preschool at Tama rack Nature Center. “Plus, in my

role as the grandmother, I have the best seat in the house to watching all the dancing in the party scene in Act I.”

Antone has studied ballet for nearly 45 years after discovering a love for dance while in graduate school at The University of Virgin ia. He has performed in several other story ballets over the years, all while teaching chemistry at Century College in White Bear Lake. Although he retired from teaching, the senior dancer now pursues graduate-level classes in astrophysics at the University of Minnesota.

Public Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16; 2 p.m. Satur day, Dec. 17, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 at the O’Shaughnessy Audi torium, on the campus of St. Cath erine University, 2004 Randolph Ave., Saint Paul. To purchase tick ets, visit https://oshag.stkate.edu/ events/category/series/ballet-min nesotas-classic-nutcracker/ or call the O’Shaughnessy box office at 651-690-6700.

Press Release

CONTRIBUTED

Vadnais Heights residents Mary and Antone Gregory have a combined 44 years of participation in this holiday tradition.

REAL ID deadline pushed back again:

Here’s what Minnesotans should know

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

Minnesotans who aren’t yet Real ID ready have an extra 24 months before enforcement starts.

A standard driver’s license won’t be enough for adults in Minnesota who need to board domestic flights or enter some federal buildings starting May 7, 2025.

That’s when the newly updated nationwide enforcement date will be for the REAL ID Act of 2005. The law established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards when used as a form of ID for the following purposes:

• Accessing certain federal facilities.

• Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.

• Entering nuclear power plants.

To do those activities, Minnesotans will need to do one of the following: get a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card; get an enhanced driver’s license or identification

card; or use another form of federally approved identification.

A REAL ID driver’s license has a gold star in its top-right corner, while an enhanced ID has the words “Enhanced driver’s license” printed in red lettering in the top-right corner. An enhanced ID also has a U.S. flag next to the license holder’s photo.

An enhanced driver’s license or ID card has the same benefits as its REAL ID counterpart, though it also allows for re-entry to the United States at its land borders or seaports when returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean.

Examples of other federally approved ID include the following documents:

• U.S. passport or passport card.

• Foreign government-issued passport.

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).

• Permanent resident card.

• Border crossing card.

• Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID.

• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.

Minnesota began offering the REAL ID and enhanced ID driver’s licenses on Oct. 1, 2018. The nationwide REAL ID enforcement deadline has been pushed back multiple times since the law was first passed. The coronavirus pandemic caused the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to change the deadline from Oct. 1, 2020, to Oct. 1, 2021. The ongoing pandemic again delayed the enforcement date to May 7, 2025, according to a Department of Homeland Security news release published Dec. 5. The previous deadline was May 2023.

“Many driver’s licensing agencies, including Minnesota offices, operated at limited capacity in 2021. During that time, DVS launched the online preverification tool at drive.mn.gov to assist customers and make office visits more efficient,” said Beckey Mechtel, public information officer for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Miken Binman, the license bureau supervisor for the city of White Bear Lake, said it’s important for people to know that the aforementioned types of federal ID can also be used instead

of the REAL ID or enhanced ID driver’s licenses.

“It ultimately comes down to personal preference,” Binman said. “Some people want their standard driver’s license, and they’ll use a passport book or card. Other people will apply for that REAL ID; others will apply for the enhanced driver’s license or ID.”

Mechtel said her department encourages Minnesotans to use online tools to help decide which type of ID is right for them. One tool is simply called “Help Me Choose.”

Like Mechtel, Binman advised those wishing to apply for or renew a driver’s license or ID card to preapply on the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Doing so lets applicants input their information and answer the required questions before they schedule an in-person visit to a license center. They also can upload clear, highquality images of documents proving their identity and proof of residency, though they must still bring the original, physical copies to the license center.

“Preapproval allows you to receive your license in seven to 14 business days versus the four to six weeks that everyone just walking up would have. So scanning your documents and receiving preapproval speeds up the process significantly,” Binman said.

She shared a few common mistakes she and her office staff have seen license applicants make when getting REAL IDs.

For instance, applicants must provide two types of documents showing proof of residency. There are several acceptable types of documents for that requirement; however, a financial document can only count as one of the two types.

“An applicant might bring a credit card statement and a debit card statement, but we can only accept one. That’s important. You could do a utility bill and a bank statement, that would be sufficient. We just can’t take two financials, and it happens pretty frequently,” Binman said.

Also, if an applicant uses an insurance document, it must be the policy or declarations page; it cannot be the billing or auto-renewal page. Documents proving an applicant’s identity and Social Security number must also be updated to account for any legal name changes that person might have had.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED

To apply for a REAL ID driver’s license, the following documents are needed:

• One document proving identity, date of birth and legal presence in the United States. If the name on the identity document is not the same as a person's current name, a name change document must be submitted.

• One document proving Social Security number. If an applicant hasn’t updated their name change with the Social Security Admin istration, they must do so before applying for a Real ID.

• Two different documents prov ing current residency in Minneso ta. These must have the applicant’s name as used at print and current address in the state. A P.O. Box will not suffice. For applicants younger than 18, one proof of resi dency document may be provided by a parent or guardian if it has the same address as the document provided. The parent or guardian must also be present in the office to confirm the applicant lives with them at the given address.

To apply for an enhanced ID driver’s license, documentation for the following is needed:

• Proof of date of birth.

• Proof of full legal name. This must be a document separate from a document showing proof of pho tographic identity.

• Proof of Social Security num ber.

• Proof of photographic identity. This must be a document separate from a document showing proof of full legal name.

• Proof of U.S. citizenship.

• Proof of Minnesota residency. These must be two separate types of documents that have the appli cant’s existing name and address.

A full list of acceptable types of documentation to apply for REAL ID and enhanced ID can be found on the Minnesota Driver and Vehi cle Services website: drive.mn.gov.

BY THE NUMBERS

MINNESOTA

MINNESOTA DIVER AND VEHICLE SERVICES | CONTRIBUTED

These graphs show the number of Minnesotans who have REAL IDs, enhanced IDs and stan dard driver’s license IDs.

Duane L. Salberg

Duane L. Salberg passed away peacefully at Perham Living in Perham, MN on December 1, 2022. Duane was born in Fargo, ND on Jan 7, 1946 to Lester and Carol (Huhner) Salberg. He grew up in Davenport, ND and graduated from Davenport HS in 1964. After graduation, he attended ND SCS in Wahpeton, ND and received a degree in Graph ic Arts. He was married to Linda Dahlen, also from Davenport, on June 24, 1967. In September of that year, he enlisted in the United States Air Force with basic training in Amarillo, TX. He was then assigned to the Suffolk County Air Force Base in Westhampton Beach, Long Island, NY. Linda joined him there, where he was stationed for over two years. In December of 1969, he was given orders to Ent AF Base in Colorado Springs, CO. He was honorably discharged from the service in June 1970. While in the Air Force, they developed lifelong friendships. Duane and Linda then settled in the White Bear Lake, MN area, where Duane was employed with Oxygen Service Company of St. Paul, MN, for over 34 years. He very much enjoyed the people he worked with everyday. After retirement, he enjoyed their lake home on Star Lake, MN in Otter Tail Coun ty, especially fishing and hunting. He developed great friendships with avid fishermen and hunters in the Star Lake area. Every year, he looked forward to hunt ing trips to South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming with good friends from the Dent area. His favorite thing to do (after fishing, hunting, having a cold one with friends, and snoozing in front of a football game) was “putzing” around the yard or in the garage or shed. He was never at a loss of things to do.

Duane is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda, his children, Stefanie (Scott Thompson), Eric (Deb) and Carrie. His grandchildren were very special to him, Jessica (Lucas) Hach, Alyssa Wukawitz, Katelynn Wukawitz, Nathan Salberg, and Andrew Salberg, as well as his great-grandchildren Levi and Blake. He was also fortunate to have step-grandchildren, Alex Thompson, Samantha Thompson (Jamie Stensgard), Danielle (Derek) Voss, and Andrea Thompson, and step-great-grandchildren, Dale, Dylynn, Liam, and Benjamin. He is also survived by his brother, Dale Salberg (Deb) and his sister, Donna (Mike) Baumann, many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

A memorial service will be held at Bradshaw Funer al and Cremation Services, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear Lake, MN on December 10th at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior. A lunch will be served immediately following the memorial at the same facility.

The family would like to thank Perham Living and Hospice of the Red River for their kindness and their wonderful care of Duane. Also thanks to Bradshaw Funeral and Cremation Services for all their advice and help with the arrangements.

A private interment will be held at Fort Snel ling National Cemetery at a later time.

Ida Mullan

“Ida Bean”, lived to 4 calendar years, but 10,000 if age were counted by impact on this world. Ida left Monday, November 21st surrounded by love and free of the cancer that could only claim her body. Born in St. Paul, raised in Birchwood Village. Survived by: Great Grandma (Keefe), Grand mas (Duck, Martha and Oatmeal), Grandpas (Sean and Moon), Uncles (Dan, Casey, Peter and Casey), Aunts (Christin, Mary, Maggie, Brooke, and Andrea) Cousins (Harrison, Julian, Amaya, Joseph, Callen, Ellery, Celia, and Bennet) Parents (Julia and Mike) and of course, her beautiful brother, Henry. Preceded in death by Grandpa Tim and many others she never met here on this earth. We just know they’re taking good care of her.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Friday December 9th at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, The Sanctuary (900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi MN 55115) with a visitation beginning 1 hour before. Lunch to follow.

DEATH NOTICES

Louis “Louie” Henry Charpentier

Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at St. Jude of the Lake Church, Mahtomedi. Memorials preferred to St. Jude of the Lake Church or School, Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf, Our Lady of Peace Hospice St. Paul. Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172.

Edy Ward

Age 85 of White Bear Lake. Passed away December 1, 2022 with family at her side. Full obituary December 21st with service information.

Age 45 of Hugo

Brett Carlson

Brett Carlson’s 23 month battle with stage 4 colon cancer was won by Jesus on Saturday, November 26th when he went to his eternal home in heaven. He had just celebrated his 45th birthday.

Brett fought until the end and was surrounded by the love of his wife, Renee; their two daughters, Megan and Sarah; sister, Heidi; and a caring hospice nurse. Brett’s life radiated love, hope and positivity.

Brett is survived by his wife Renee Carlson; daugh ters Megan and Sarah; parents, Tom and Karlene Carlson; inlaws, Gary and Susie Schuetzle; brother, Brandon Carlson (Andrea); sister, Heidi Olson (Ross); sister-in-law, Martha Schuetzle (Dan); 8 nieces and nephews (Alex, Kaitlyn, Aidan, Sophia, Christian, Cameron, Emmett, and Amelia) and countless friends.

A celebration of life service will be held on Satur day, December 17th at 10:30 AM, with a gathering of family and friends taking place after the service from 11:30 AM - 1 PM at North Heights Lutheran Church, 1700 County Hwy 96, Arden Hills, MN 55112. A private family burial will be held at Valley Grove Cemetery in Nerstrand, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family to benefit Brett’s daughters and causes near to his heart.

RobertsFamilyFH.com 651-464-4422

Lisa at 651-407-1205.

Jordyn Schmittdiel, White Bear Lake basketball forward, is averaging 14.3 points after two weeks, leading the Bears to a 3-1 start. Also a versatile defensive stopper, the 6-foot junior gets the bulk of her points attacking the basket and has sharpened her outside shooting since last year. “Jordyn has worked really hard to improve and become a do-everything player for us,” coach Jeremy Post said. “Because she is six feet and can move like a point guard, she can basically guard all five positions.” Schmittdiel is a returning starter from last year’s state thirdplace team.

Level Up Academy was voted the Best of the Press in 2022

families on Dec. 14 at 9:30 a.m.

on Jan 11 at 1:30 p.m.

to explore the personalized learning options available at LUA, meet the staff, and tour the newly renovated building. Interested families should visit leve lupacademy.org and click the green button that says “schedule a tour”. The open enrollment window is open now until Jan. 15.

Tony and Luna Yares visit with Percheron draft horses Rip and Houdini following a recent carriage ride around downtown White Bear Lake during the first Winter Fest installment of the season. Downtown horse-drawn trolley rides will again be offered with a food shelf donation on Saturday, Dec. 10 from