White Bear Press

Congregation of Clauses to spread Christmas cheer to seniors

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — A crimson cluster of Santa Clauses will again congregate for an evening of Christmas cheer for community seniors Thursday, Dec. 22, at the White Bear Country Inn.

The annual Dinner with Santa is back this year for its 20th iteration at the White Bear Lake hotel, with the evening’s activities set to begin at about 5 p.m. In addition to dinner and the chance to hang out with more than 30 volunteer Claus clones, the senior attendees will enjoy live music, entertainment from Children’s Performing Arts and appearances from the Saint Paul Winter Carnival royal family.

The word that White Bear Country Inn owner Bill Foussard used to describe the Santa-filled spectacle was “magical.”

“It's just community. It’s everyone working together, partnering together, to just celebrate our seniors: singing a song, just listening, maybe getting them up to dance. Who knows?” Foussard said.

The dinner event is a collaborative effort between the hotel and community organizations and business sponsors.

“There are just a lot of different people who help us

make this thing,” Foussard said.

This is the first year since 2019 the full event has been able to happen since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. During the COVID-19 years, event volunteers visited senior living homes in the area and gave candy to residents there.

Some of the Santas at this year’s dinner bash are new to the event, while some are returning as St. Nick.

“Santas come in all shapes, sizes and personalities,” Foussard said.

The goal for each edition of Dinner with Santa is to make the seniors feel special, have fun and leave the event with joy in their hearts.

TO LEARN MORE:

Community members interested in volunteering as a Santa Claus at the Dinner with Santa event set for Thursday, Dec. 22, at the White Bear Country Inn should call Bill Foussard at 651-429-5393.

Vocalist talks music career, autism

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

When Jordan Krolak is onstage, microphone in hand, he sings his heart out while being overcome by a feeling of utter joy.

His motto: “When I’m having fun, everyone has fun.”

“It makes me feel happy and joyful that I'm sharing my talents with my audience,” said the 26-year-old vocalist, who lives in White Bear Lake and sings under his stage name, Jordan Michael.

His preferred vocal repertoire consists of classical music, Broadway staples and mid-20th century, big-band era hits from Frank Sinatra and other members of the “Rat Pack.”

Music lovers can also listen to Jordan’s rendition of classic Christmas songs from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at the Mezz in the White Bear Lake Lunds & Byerlys — his third and final holiday show there this month.

The grocery store is also where Jordan, who has autism, has worked for about three years as a grocery bagger. He’s become a regular performer at the Mezz, where customers can hear his smooth, baritone voice while dining.

He occasionally even sings at the store while not onstage.

“Sometimes I like to sing while I work. It makes work fun for me and makes time go by,” he said.

Jordan chooses not to be defined by his disability of being on the autism spectrum, which

SEE JORDAN MICHAEL,

Jordan Krolak regularly sings under the name Jordan Michael at the Mezz in White Bear Lake’s Lunds & Byerlys. The 26-year-old will perform classic Christmas songs at the venue on Thursday, Dec. 22.

PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Bill Foussard, middle, leads a group of Santa and elf volunteers in a Christmas carol before they head out into the dining hall during a previous Dinner with Santa for community senior citizen at the White Bear Lake Country Inn.

WBLAS welcomes new educational equity and achievement director

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Brenton

Shavers is a big believer in making sure the educational system works equally for all students.

That’s why his new role as the White Bear Lake Area School District’s director of educational equity and achievement is a good fit for the 53-year-old Waterloo, Iowa, native.

“What interested me in applying for the role is just being able to work with students, families and the community for our students and families to have a voice and feel heard and appreciated within any communities that we work in,” said Shavers, who started in the role Nov. 28.

He came across the position opening while he was working as the executive director of Northeast College Prep, a K-8 charter school in Minneapolis. Before that, Shavers was the alternative education principal at the Owatonna Area Learning Center.

His career in education, however, began in the Hawkeye State. Shavers graduated from Simpson College in Indianola in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

He originally wanted to go into law

enforcement, but a football injury his senior year at Simpson severed nerves in his spinal column and left his right arm paralyzed. It also dashed his initial career plan but ultimately led him to find his calling in the world of education.

He completed his student teaching at Irving Elementary School in Indianola, which confirmed to him education was the right path.

“It was really great working with students, and I was like, ‘You know what? This is the right choice to make,’” Shavers recalled. “That's really where I started that push in really working with students and trying to figure out how to make sure that our system is making sure that it reaches all of our students, not just a select few.”

Shavers’ career in education included an 18-year stretch in Iowa, during which time he held a variety of administrative jobs. One of those was as athletic director at Waterloo East High School, which he attended as a student.

Meeting people and building relationships in the school district is mainly how Shavers has spent his first few weeks at White Bear Lake. He looks forward to continuing to cultivate those relationships as he works to promote equal opportunities for students in the district.

“I'm a really big advocate of making sure that we are making connections with families because I think that's so important — reaching out and developing those relationships upfront. It just makes the whole system work better when you have positive relationships with your parents. It makes difficult conversations a little less difficult,” Shavers said.

Days of Extras

CONTRIBUTED

Brenton Shavers

New senator appointed to committees

State Senator-elect Heather Gustafson (DFL –Vadnais Heights), a lifelong educator, has been named the next vice chair of the Senate Education Finance Committee.

“As a teacher, I have firsthand experience with our public schools, and I understand the need for better funding to support our kids’ futures,” said Gustafson. “I ran for office because our students deserve elected representatives who will fulfill our responsibility to them: great schools,

accessible mental health resources and reasonable class sizes. I’m looking forward to working together with my colleagues as vice chair of the Education Finance Committee to make sure the state of Minnesota meets its obligation to serve students in every classroom across Minnesota.”

She will also serve on the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and the Jobs and Economic Development Committee when the DFL majority is sworn in on Jan. 3.

Creative force

Angle of View

Paul Dols

When I think about the White Bear Center for the Arts, I automatically include Suzi Hudson, the longtime director and guiding force behind the organization, which has become a regional destination for creative thinkers and artists. The recent news that she is planning to retire at the end of the year evoked feelings of respect and admiration for what she has been able to accomplish during her tenure. She has led the organization for the majority of the time I’ve worked in the area, so I’ve been able to witness the growth and evolution of this local arts organization from a small office and classroom — with other classes scattered in different venues around the community — to the impressive building and surrounding grounds we see today. As a photographer, I have to admit that I’m somewhat biased and have long appreciated the visually interesting photo opportunities that events and activities at the arts center have provided over the years. I’ve always been curious about what sort of creative and sometimes outlandish happenings the “cool kids” in town were planning, including art car parades, animated bear sculptures, interactive graffiti demonstrations, ceramic “raku” firings and downtown iron pours. On a personal note, the experience of displaying a photographic exhibition of my work at the center — made possible with a grant from an anonymous donor in the community — is certainly one of the highlights of the time I’ve lived and worked in this area. Prior to the opening of that exhibit I was quite nervous. I knew a close circle of friends and family were planning on coming, but what if the event wasn’t well attended? I finally stopped worrying when I drove up to the arts center and saw that the parking lot was almost full. Once inside, I felt that I was in good hands with the support and kindness provided by WBCA staff members and volunteers during this first-time experience of exhibiting photos in a gallery. As a kind of cherry on top, many of the images in the exhibit were sold in a silent auction, with proceeds going back to the arts center.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to work with Suzi on a series of videos for the annual Heart 4 Art fundraising events. I recall the experience as being a collaborative and creative way to learn some new skills. It was at a time in the digital evolution of video when cameras and editing software were becoming more accessible, so we were able to create unique videos that previously would have taken an entire production team to make. Demonstrating that she had a plan, before we started working on the first project, Suzi provided me with a guide outlining the fundamentals of making an effective fundraising video. I still recall a quote from a student who was interviewed for one of the videos. Emphasizing the importance of the arts center in the community she said, “We live in a time of clicks, drags, telephone calls, appointments, rush, rush, rush. There has to be a place where the spirit gets to live.”

I realize I’m offering up some personal anecdotes, but I’ve spoken to other artists who share my respect for Suzi Hudson and acknowledge the respect and support she gives to fellow artists. At the root of much of what I’ve witnessed and experienced over the years is the underlying message of the importance of prioritizing creativity and artistic expression in our daily lives.

It will be interesting to see what sort of creative endeavors Suzi becomes involved in next, but I believe it’s safe to say that, in a clear demonstration of perseverance and integrity, she has accomplished and surpassed her core mission of growing the number of ways for community members to engage in the arts and recognize their creative potential.

Paul Dols is photojournalist/website editor for Press Publications. He can be reached at 651-4071238 or photos@presspubs.com.

Thank you for the memories

Thank you for the honor of representing our great area!

I have enjoyed working with many local citizens, groups and elected officials. Throughout my service, it’s the conversations and friendships I built with community members that I enjoyed most. After all, accomplishments happen when we listen, learn and act together.

Legislator

Lingo Chuck Wiger

So many memories! I am pleased we made excellent progress in completing the 10-mile LakeLinks Trail around White Bear Lake. Planning actually started last century when former Representative Harry Mares and I sponsored successful legislation to provide planning funds. Progress was stalled later when concerns were expressed by some regarding trail impact in certain areas.

Inspired by strong leadership from Mahtomedi resident Steve Wolgamot, many residents joined together to advocate trail completion. They organized dozens of meetings and successfully lobbied for needed funds at the Capitol. Hopefully, the remaining trail work is completed within a couple years. Learn more: lakelinks.net. I know Steve, who died in August, will be watching and cheering from above.

The White Bear Area Neighborhood Concerned Citizens Group (WBANCCG) is another great example of neighbors banding together for needed changes. I’m sure you recall a few years ago (2019) when all news outlets reported that Water Gremlin was emitting toxic chemicals (trichloroethylene/ TCE). Area activists organized meetings, gathered information and successfully lobbied at legislature. Special shout out to Sherry Hastings, Kelly Tapkan, Sheri Smith, Leigh Thiel and Catherine Sullivan for pioneering the watchdog group. It was an honor to be one of the legislators sponsoring their legislative requests. The result: we became the first state to ban TCE. Kudos as the group actively continues its mission: wbanccg.org.

Education has always been my top priority at the Senate. After all, students are our future! I previously chaired the Education Committee, and have sponsored many successful proposals ranging from early education opportunities, all day kindergarten to vocational programs and college course access while in high school. It was particularly satisfying for me to work with H2O for Life, headquartered locally, https://www. h2oforlifeschools.org/ . The group plus several local students, teachers and parents successfully advocated my proposal to provide funding for an area water conservation program and curriculum.

WHITE BEAR PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

It’s been an honor advocating several proposals to help students at Century College. Great career training available there! I’m also pleased to have authored legislation creating our state’s legislative water commission, inspired in part by issues being addressed for White Bear Lake. This bipartisan group is preparing plans now for upcoming session.

I have always appreciated the thoughtful community engagement by many other groups, particularly interfaith groups, veterans and public safety, health care, environment, social justice, labor and business working together, the White Bear Area Chamber and more. Thanks to Mike Bromelkamp for organizing the Breakfast Buddies group. I also thank the White Bear Press for its important, valuable service to the community. It’s very unfortunate that many communities no longer have any local paper.

After 50 years of public service (starting when I was elected to local school board at age 21), I look forward to my next chapter. Time sure marches on! I will still be involved in some ways in public policy. I will do more with family (which also includes five grandchildren), hobbies and travel. Thanks again for the memories! Peace be with you.

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Sen. Chuck Wiger represents District 43 in the Minnesota Senate.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Another great production

My wife and I just attended the Century Jazz Ensemble Christmas concert for 2022, “Swingin' the Season,” featuring Debbie O'Keefe on vocals. It was a great musical performance! Over the past 20 years I have attended many of their concerts and am always impressed. I believe the White Bear Lake community is extremely fortunate to have the talented CJE in their midst to perform concerts for free.

Brad Wilm White Bear Lake

Celebrate holidays alcohol-free

Here's a tip to make your New Year's Eve gathering even more fun: have a nice selection of non-alcoholic beer, wine and mocktails. You don't have to run all over town to find the makings, you can get it all at the local liquor stores, and staff can recommend some great NA options that will delight your sober guests and will allow them to easily fit in to the festivities. Your drinking guests may also appreciate the opportunity to pace their intake with a mocktail or fancy water.

Connie DeMillo

WBLPD helps in emergency

We are so grateful to the White Bear Lake Police Deptartment for their help during a recent power outage during the night, which caused an emergency for us. Jim needs electric power for the use of an oxygen concentrator. They helped us at home and treated us so well as we waited at the police station until the power came on at home. Thanks to our neighbors who helped by letting us know when the power was on again. Thanks to Xcel for their work to get the power on that night.

City Council approves 2023 budget, tax levy increase

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE

— White Bear Lake’s total tax levy for 2023 represents an increase of $1,875,000, or 23.21%, over 2022’s levy.

Included in the 23.21% figure is a 12.48% increase — or an extra $1,008,000 — for operations; a 2.45% uptick for debt service related to the 2022 street improvement project; and an 8.28% jump in debt service related to the public safety building project.

The tax capacity rate related to the 2023 gross levy of $9,955,000 is 24.45%. That’s up from 2022’s tax levy of $8,080,000 and rate of 22.27%. The city will use $670,021 of unrestricted surplus cash from the general fund balance to offset the tax levy increase.

A median-value home of $306,100 will see a 17.60% increase in taxes payable compared to 2022. At a 24.45% tax rate, that property owner would pay $724.64 in taxes.

At its Dec. 13 meeting, the City Council approved the final adoption of the 2023 budget and 2022 revising budget as well as the adoption of the 2022 tax levy for taxes collectible in 2023. It also approved a resolution committing fund balances for specific purposes.

City Manager Lindy Crawford gave a rundown of what some of the significant revenue and expenditure changes are for 2023. The revenue changes include the following:

• A decrease in building permit revenues.

• Interest revenues that are not budgeted

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Vadnais Heights man threatens gutter guys

due to uncertainty in the market.

• A transfer from the construction fund to decrease support of the engineering operations per previous council direction.

• A reduction of the city's fiscal disparities contribution to the pool by 2.7% and the distribution by 7.6%.

• A decrease of approximately $506,350 in local government aid.

Expenditures changes, meanwhile, include the following:

• Salary adjustments for the pay plan as well as health insurance increases.

trol district, et cetera, receive 7 cents,” she said.

The 18 cents of city taxes, meanwhile, support a range of public services, such as 24/7 police and fire response, street maintenance sweeping, lighting, snowplowing, parks access and recreation activities, election activities, access to city publications and access to elected officials and city staff. Crawford noted those services in turn gives residents “an exceptional quality of life.”

She also contrasted White Bear Lake’s annual tax levy with that of 10 cities with similar pop -

building, which he said is a needed project.

“When you see 23%, that kind of makes your eyes water, but when you break it down and put it in context, there are improvements that are long overdue,” he said.

The City Council members also expressed support for the 2023 tax levy and budget, as all voted in favor of it.

Council Member Bill Walsh asked if the city had any money leftover from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and, if so, whether it was being used. Finance Director Kerri Kindsvater confirmed the city did have some of those funds and they’ve been budgeted already through 2024.

Council Member Heidi Hughes said it “pinches” to have to vote on a tax increase but agreed that budget increases, such as salary increases to staff, are needed.

• Increases in utilities and fuel costs.

• The addition of two full-time firefighters/ paramedics.

• The removal of a finance position and an engineering position.

• The replacement of playground equipment sand in three parks.

• Improvement of mental health services for public safety employees.

• Increases in miscellaneous technology costs and contract cleaning services.

Crawford also explained how property taxes are divided between the city, school district and county.

“For every $1, the city of White Bear Lake receives 18 cents of that dollar. The school district receives 39 cents, the county receives 36 cents and other taxing agencies such as the Met Council, mosquito con-

ulations. Despite White Bear Lake’s tax levy rate hike, its overall levy is still lower than those cities, which were Columbia Heights, Crystal, Fridley, Golden Valley, Hopkins, New Brighton, New Hope, Shoreview, South St. Paul and West St. Paul.

Golden Valley, New Brighton and Shoreview are the only cities on that list that will receive less LGA in 2023 than White Bear Lake, with New Brighton set to get $441,769 and Golden Valley and Shoreview not receiving any.

Mayor Dan Louismet voiced his support for the 2023 tax levy and budget and noted that, despite an increase, the budget didn’t have unessential items. He also pointed out how a big chunk of the levy increase is to pay for the new public safety

Council Member Kevin Edberg agreed and expanded on that point.

“There's a reason why our salaries are way below average. There's a reason why it took us 70 years to get a new building. It's a culture of frugality that can be taken to extremes, and we are now coming to a reckoning of where that part of our culture takes us,” Edberg said.

“It's a healthy conversation that we're having, and I'm totally fine with that. But it's a culture of, ‘There's never a time to spend money.’ That is not a useful framing for what we need.”

Council Member Dan Jones recognized the budget increase was “massive” but said it was needed, if not wanted.

A Vadnais Heights man, 66, has been charged with two counts of felony threatening violence with reckless disregard of risk, after he held two workers hired by his homeowner's association at gunpoint on Dec. 5. Each of these two charges carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

At 12:15 p.m. Dec. 5, Ramsey County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a townhome in the 800 block of Belland Avenue on a report of a male pointing a firearm at two individuals.

When deputies arrived on scene, that is exactly what they saw, too. At first, the suspect was noncompliant with deputies' commands as he waved the gun around and pointed the muzzle toward the two men and the deputies. Eventually, he set the

gun down, and deputies took him into custody.

The two men, employees of Precision Exteriors and Restoration, told deputies they were hired by the HOA to replace the gutters at the residence. When they knocked on the door of the defendant's home, they received no answer. After the men began working, the suspect came outside telling them they were trespassing and to get off his property. The workers explained the situation to the suspect, who went back inside and came out with a handgun.

He racked the slide to eject a shell and load a fresh round. When the subject told the workers to put their hands up, they did so and slowly retreated from him. But the subject followed them down the driveway continuing to point the firearm at them. He told

both workers that if they tried to leave, he would shoot them.

The workers recorded part of the incident with their cell phones. When deputies reviewed the video, they saw the defendant closely pointing his gun in the workers’ direction with his finger inside the trigger guard as if he was ready to pull the trigger. According to the video, the two workers did not in any way threaten or take aggressive action toward the suspect. The video also showed the work truck, ladders and several open boxes of gutters on the curb in front of the residence.

In a post-Miranda interview, the defendant claimed he thought the men were “breaking into” his home and didn't see the gutters sitting on the ground. He had no explanation for why he so quickly escalated to pointing a firearm at the two men.

Jim and Cathy Carlson White Bear Lake

“When you see 23%, that kind of makes your eyes water, but when you break it down and put it in context, there are improvements that are long overdue,”

Dan Louismet Mayor

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Motor vehicle theft was reported in the 1700 block of County Road E Dec. 7.

• An item was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 3500 block of Century Avenue North Dec. 7.

• Theft was reported in the 3100 block of Glen Oaks Avenue Dec. 7.

• Trespassing was reported in the 3500 block of McKnight Road North Dec. 7.

• Approximately $500 worth of items was stolen from a locker in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Dec. 7. No arrests are pending.

• A dispute was reported in the 1600 block of Highway 96 Dec. 7.

• Harassment was reported in the 1500 block of Park Street Dec. 7.

• Theft was reported in the 4000 block of McKnight Road Dec. 8.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Dec. 8.

• A dispute was reported in the 1800 block of Birch Street Dec. 9.

• A shoplifter loaded a basket with merchandise and ran out of a store in the 2700 block of County Road E Dec. 11. It was unknown what was taken, and the suspect is unidentified.

• Theft of a wallet from a vehicle was reported in the 2100 block of Orchard Lane Dec. 11. A window was broken, with damage estimated at $300 and the loss at $450.

• Debit card fraud was reported in the 2000 block of Sixth Street. An officer is investigating.

• An officer responded to the 3500 block on a witnessed road rage incident Dec. 11. Contact with one individual involved was made. No threats of violence or assaults were initiated and allegedly stemmed from a traffic stop sign hesitation.

• Theft by swindling was reported when a counterfeit check was cashed and then bounced in the 1900 block of Third Street Dec. 12. It was a loss of $1,750.

• A road rage incident was reported in the 1000 block of Highway 96 Dec. 13. Both drivers were identified, though no arrests were made.

• Theft was reported in the 2200 block of Third Street Dec. 13.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

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

Grant

• Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies issued two citations for speeding in the 9000 block of 75th Street N. One ticket was issued at 9:58 p.m. Nov. 22 and the other at 6:05 p.m. Nov. 23.

• A WCSO squad was damaged Nov. 27 while trying to protect a cyclist in the 10000 block of Jamaca Avenue N. Northbound deputies observed a southbound cyclist about to be passed in close quarters by a large road grader. Deputies slowed down and maneuvered their squad over to the northbound shoulder to make room for the grader to use most of the center of the road to pass the cyclist. However, the squad clipped a mailbox and broke its side mirror. Deputies didn't want to commit a hit-and-run, so they notified the mailbox owner about the incident.

• A resident in the 9000 block of Hidden Glade Avenue N. on Nov. 28 reported that her Ring camera had captured an unknown male knocking at her door during the night.

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 handicap parking placard was reported found Nov. 17 in the 3500 block of Highway 61.

• An Anoka woman reported random items of no value taken from an auto parked overnight Nov. 17-19 in an apartment lot in the 1000 block of County Road E, after the front driver window was broken in.

• A Cottage Grove woman reported the window of her vehicle smashed Nov. 18 while it was parked in an employee lot in the 900 block of County Road E. A tall, skinny male with a red puffy jacket and black pants was seen on scene. Nothing was reported taken.

• Ramsey County Sheriff's Office deputies on Nov. 19 cited a Spring Lake Park woman, 31, on Rice Street and I-694 for failure to provide proof of insurance and for leaving the scene of an accident in the middle of the roundabout.

• A Vadnais Heights woman, 61, was cited Nov. 21 at the Walmart in the 800 block of County Road E for shoplifting and for assaulting loss prevention personnel before fleeing the area, after she was identified. On Nov. 26, an Inver Grove Heights man, 35, was cited at the Walmart for misdemeanor theft, after loss prevention personnel flagged down deputies patrolling the store about a theft-in-progress.

On Nov. 27, three unidentified females were reported for grabbing $3,300 worth of electronics after their cards were declined and fleeing the store.

On Nov. 29, a Little Canada

woman, 35, was cited for concealing $258.48 worth of items in her purse and walking out of the store. On Nov. 30, a St. Paul woman, 30, was mailed a citation for theft from the store after she concealed $213.34 in merchandise in her purse and left both behind when stopped by store employees. Inside the purse was a passport that correctly matched the shoplifter, who was familiar to loss prevention personnel. The purse was placed into custody.

• A St. Paul man, 60, was arrested Nov. 28 following an accident hit-and-run and narcotics complaint in the Walmart parking lot. The subject fled and was pursued for one minute and less than a mile before his arrest.

• A juvenile was arrested Nov. 29 at Walmart on a felony warrant for first-degree aggravated robbery and transferred to the St. Paul Police Department for transport to the juvenile detention center.

• A catalytic converter was reported stolen overnight Nov. 21-22 from a Subaru Tribeca parked in an apartment lot in the 600 block of County Road D.

• A rear license plate was reported stolen Nov. 26 from a vehicle parked in a lot in the 1000 block of County Road D. The plate's number was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.

• A White Bear Lake woman reported boots and a backpack containing a computer stolen from her vehicle Nov. 27 while it was parked briefly in the Sucker Lake Park south lot in the 100 block of County Road F after a window was broken in.

• An apparent unsuccessful

attempt to steal a Kia Optima from an apartment lot in the 1000 block of County Road D was reported Nov. 28, after a back passenger window was broken in and the steering column damaged.

• A St. Paul man, 23, was arrested on a warrant and for disorderly conduct Nov. 29 in the 4300 block of Buckingham Court after deputies responded to a report of an intoxicated male arguing and refusing to leave the residence.

White Bear Township

• A generator was reported stolen at around 4 a.m. Nov. 15 from a rack outside a food truck in the 4600 block of Stoddart Lane by two suspects driving a white Ford F-150 pickup.

• A White Bear Township man, 37, was cited Nov. 20 in the 5900 block of Norway Pine Court for domestic assault after a Keep Our police Safe (KOPS) alert was issued. On Nov. 25, a KOPS alert was issued on a White Bear Township man, 48, for domestic assault in the 2200 block of Fifth Court.

• Deputies deployed a stun gun, as well as naloxone, on a Scandia man, 33, who assaulted them while under the influence of narcotics in the 1100 block of County Road J on Nov. 24. Deputies had been called to the scene to assist medical personnel with the man, who had fainted.

• Prescription medications were reported stolen at 1:56 a.m. Nov. 26 from an auto, after which the victim followed the suspect vehicle until he found it abandoned in the area of Eagle Street and Fifth Court.

Mahtomedi

• An intoxicated male was reported at 12:22 a.m. Nov. 20 at the Dugout Bar on Mahtomedi Avenue for assaulting staff members. No injuries were reported, but the male was formally banned from the premises.

• A motorist was cited at 2 a.m. Nov. 20 in the area of Century Avenue and Long Lake Road for possessing marijuana in a motor vehicle, following a traffic stop for a burnt-out tail light.

• An unidentified driver was arrested for DWI at Nov. 20 in the area of Hallam and Huron Streets after deputies on patrol came upon a person slumped over the steering wheel at the intersection.

• A mountain bike was reported found Nov. 27 in the area of View Road and Lost Lake Road. After it cleared the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database as not stolen, deputies took the bike to be entered into evidence for safekeeping.

• A stray cat was reported Nov. 27 on Hallam Avenue for biting a person. EMS personnel also responded to the incident.

• A motorist was cited Nov. 28 in the area of Long Lake Road and Echo Lake Avenue for driv-

ing after revocation, after deputies conducted a random license plate check and conducted a traffic stop.

• A Wedgewood Drive resident on Nov. 29 reported a public works employee for hitting the curb with a large utility vehicle and breaking irrigation lines in the yard. Deputies advised the complainant to contact City Hall during normal business hours.

• A Wildwood Road resident on Nov. 30 reported snow blocking his driveway. On further review, it was determined that the city had not yet plowed the road at that location.

• A Dahlia Street resident on Nov. 30 reported receiving unwanted, harrassing mail.

Willernie

• A Stewart Road resident reported his neighbor for coming over to the residence Nov. 29 to punch and kick his door. The complainant told deputies the behavior may have stemmed from a female who stayed at his residence the previous week. The complainant just wanted the incident documented and didn't want to press charges.

BUSINESS BRIEF

New manager at White Bear Glass

White Bear Glass’ owners Jeff and Jenny Meyer announce the promotion of Berant Meyer as the firm’s general manager. “Berant grew up in the glass business and has worked for White Bear Glass

$3.46

$4.19

$5.86

$3.55

for the past 14 years, developing his management skills to the business,” Jeff Meyer said. “He brings a strong understanding of residential and commercial glass needs.”

$67.61

$11.47

his career at White Bear Glass. He is involved in the Minnesota Glass Association and the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce.

Berant graduated from Mahtomedi High School in 2011 and attended Century College while starting

Single-family dwellings and commercial building $17.33 3-4 unit dwellings $49.03 5 unit dwellings $61.29 6 unit dwellings $73.51 11

$134.64

$293.79

$440.71

White Bear Glass is located at 1759 Commerce Court, White Bear Lake. For more information, visit whitebearglass.com or call 651-426-3289.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

Badger Turbo

$478.14

$856.80

$966.93

$1348.60

Abbreviated Minutes-complete information available from the Superintendent’s Office or online at www.isd624.org.

A Special Session of the White Bear Lake School Board was held on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. in Room 201 at the District Center, 4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1) Acting Chair Arcand called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. 2) Roll Call - Present: Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Arcand, Beloyed. Absent: Daniels, Ellison, Thompson. Ex-Officio: Dr. Kazmierczak. OPERATIONAL ITEM 1) Arcand motioned and Beloyed seconded to move the meeting into closed session at 4:04 p.m. pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 13D.05, subdivision 2(a)(3).The meeting went into open session at 4:35 p.m. Beloyed motioned and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the Student Expulsion. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT Beloyed motioned and Streiff Oji seconded to adjourn the meeting at 4:37 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Margaret Newmaster, acting clerk. Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 21, 2022.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 832 MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115

MINUTES NOVEMBER 17, 2022

5/8" x 3/4" (100 cu. ft.) $379.00 5/8” x ¾” (100 cu ft.) E-Series $404.00 1" (100 cu. ft.) $587.00 1.5" (100 cu. ft.) $930.00 2" (100 cu. ft.) $1,234.00

1-1/2" (100 cu.ft.) $1,671.00 2" (100 cu. ft.) $1,722.00 3" (100 cu. ft.) $1,865.00

Badger Compound w/transmitter 2" (100 cu. ft.) $3,240.00 3" (100 cu. ft.) $3,915.00

3/4" (set) $38.00 1" (set) $68.00

1.5" (set) $71.00 2" (set) $84.00

3" (set) $165.00

Complete Reconstruction $9,979/unit Partial Reconstruction $7,045/unit Roadway Reclamation/Overlay $6,105/unit

Urban Roadway Mill/Overlay $2,582/unit Rural Roadway Mill/Overlay $2,582/unit

Complete Reconstruction $146.76/foot

Partial Reconstruction $103.60/foot Roadway Reclamation/Overlay $89.78/foot Urban Roadway Mill/Overlay $37.98/foot Rural Roadway Mill/Overlay $37.98/foot

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Mahtomedi Public Schools was held Thursday November 17, 2022, beginning at 7:00 PM.- CALL TO ORDER- Meeting was called to order by Chair Stacey Stout at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE - Present: Paul Donna, Kevin Donovan, Julie McGraw, Lucy Payne, Kelly Reagan, Stacey Stout and Barb Duffrin, Superintendent ex-officio. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - Donna motioned, Reagan seconded; Approval of Agenda. Carried 6-0. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA – Donovan motioned, Donna seconded.; Approval of Agenda. Carried 6-0. ACTION ITEMS – A.) Approval of Donations/Grants for October totaling $9724.00. Payne motioned, Reagan seconded; Approval of donations/grants from October 2022 totaling $9724.00. B.) Approval of Turf Replacement. Superintendent Barb Duffrin asked the School Board to approve the replacement of turf with the Field Turf alternate 2 ½ inch fiber through the Sourcewell contract. Duffrin explained that this project was reviewed at the facilities meeting on September 22, 2023 and at the Study Session on October 13, 2022.; and that this project has been delayed for a few years. Donovan motioned, Payne seconded; Approval of Turf Replacement. Carried 6-0. C.) Approval of Resolutions Canvassing Return of Votes of the School District General Election and Authorizing Issuance of Certificates of Election and Directing School District Clerk to Perform Other Election Duties. Reagan motioned, Donna seconded; Approval of Resolutions Canvassing Return of Votes of the School District General Election and Authorizing Issuance of Certificates of Election and Directing School District Clerk to Perform Other Election Duties. Carried 6-0. ADJOURNMENT- Donovan motioned, McGraw seconded; adjournment. Carried 6-0. Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Submitted by: Kelly Reagan, Clerk. A full version of the minutes are available at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us

Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 21, 2022.

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT #624 4855 BLOOM AVENUE, WHITE BEAR LAKE, 55110

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Independent School District #624, White Bear Lake Area Schools, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, will receive sealed bids for:

PARTIAL ROOF REPLACEMENT LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Until 2:00 P.M. January 24, 2023, at the White Bear Lake Area Schools, District Center, Building and Grounds office, 4855 Bloom Avenue, room 309, White Bear Lake, Minnesota at which time and place all bids will be opened and read aloud in room 206. Bidders are invited to attend. Bids received after 2:00 P.M. will be returned unopened.

A Pre-bid meeting will be held at Lincoln Elementary School, 1961 6th Street, White Bear Lake, MN at 3:00 PM on January 10, 2023. Contractors are to meet at Door A.

Bids shall be upon bid forms provided within specifications. No oral, telegraphic, or telephonic proposals or modifications will be considered. Separate envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked (PARTIAL ROOF REPLACEMENT LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL) with the name and address of the bidder and the date and hour of the opening, addressed to Dan Roeser, Director of Building Operations.

The complete form shall be without alterations, additions, or erasures, all bids must be on a lump sum basis. White Bear Lake Area Schools reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or parts of such bids and to waive any informalities or irregularities in bidding.

Bidding documents, including the Bid Form, Drawings and Specifications, will be available upon by emailing request to Andrea Noonan, Roof Spec, Inc. andien@roofspec.com. The copies will be available December 14, 2022. The following information must accompany the request: Contact name, email, Company name, mailing address, street address, and phone numbers. Hard copy sets will also be available for pick up upon request.

Each Bidder must accompany his bid with a Cashier’s Check, Bid Bond, or Certified Check equal to 5% of the total amount of the Bid payable to Independent School District #624 as a guarantee of prompt execution of the contract in accordance with the Proposal and Contract Documents.

White Bear Press on December 21, 2022.

DELLWOOD WILDLIFE FOUNDATION

NOTICE OF AERATION SYSTEM ON PINE TREE LAKE

Two (2) aeration systems creating open water and thin ice will be in operation on Pine Tree Lake in Washington County, Grant and Dellwood, Minnesota. 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.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Abbreviated Minutes-complete information available from the Superintendent’s Office or online at www.isd624.org.

A Special Session of the White Bear Lake School Board was held on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. in Room 201 at the District Center, 4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1) Chair Ellison called the meeting to order at 3:58 p.m. 2) Roll CallPresent: Daniels, Ellison, Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Beloyed. Absent: none. Ex-Officio: Dr. Kazmierczak. OPERATIONAL ITEM 1) Daniels motioned and Newmaster seconded to move the meeting into closed session at 4:00 p.m. pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 13D.05, subdivision 2(a) (3).The meeting went into open session at 4:30 p.m. Arcand motioned and Beloyed seconded to approve the Student Expulsion. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT Arcand motioned and Daniels seconded to adjourn the meeting at 4.32 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Angela Thompson, clerk. Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 21, 2022.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

MINUTES NOVEMBER 28, 2022

It is hereby determined that publication of this title and summary will clearly inform the public of the intent and effect of Ordinance No. 2022-09 and it is directed that only the above title and summary of Ordinance No. 2022-09 be published, conforming to Minn. Stat. §331A.01, with the following NOTICE: A printed copy of the full text of Ordinance No. 2022-09 is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at the office of the Mahtomedi City Clerk, Mahtomedi City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115, by standard mail, or by electronic mail.

Abbreviated Minutes-complete information available from the Superintendent’s office or online at www.isd624.org.

A work session of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 112 at District Center, 4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1) Call to Order - Chair Ellison called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2) Roll Call - Present: Ellison, Newmaster, Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Beloyed, Daniels. Absent: none. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1) Teaching and Learning Update: Building Assets Reducing Risks (BARR) - Joe Held, Interim Principal at WBLAHS - North Campus presented an update on the BARR program. 2) Update on Mid-Year Transition at White Bear Lake Area High School - North Campus - Joe Held, Interim Principal WBLAHS - North Campus gave an update for the mid-year transition. 3) Strategic Plan Update - Jen Babiash, Director of Teaching and Learning gave an update on the Strategic Plan. ADJOURNMENT - Arcand moved and Daniels seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:22 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Angela Thompson, clerk.

Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 21, 2022.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624 WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110 MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 2022

The successful bidder will be required to furnish satisfactory Labor and Material Payment Bond, and Performance Bond.

Bids may not be withdrawn within sixty (60) days after the scheduled time of opening bids, without the consent of the School Board of Independent School District #624 of Minnesota.

Published two times in the White Bear Press on December 14 and 21, 2022.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT #832 1520 MAHTOMEDI AVENUE

MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115

PUBLISHED ANNOUNCEMENT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Mahtomedi Public Schools, ISD 832, is soliciting sealed bids for building envelope repairs on various district buildings. Sealed bids shall be received until: 2:00 pm, January 12th, 2023 at the School District Office, 1520 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids sent via FAX will not be accepted. The Board reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids as it deems to be in the best interest of Independent School District 832. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for: December 22nd, 2022 @ 8:30 am at the Mahtomedi Public Schools District Office, 1520 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi, MN 55115.

Bidding documents and specifications will be available at the Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting. The name and address of the bidder must be placed on the envelope and submitted to: Independent School District 832 1520 Mahtomedi Avenue Mahtomedi, MN 55115

ATTN: 2023 Building Envelope Repairs

Published two times in the White Bear Press on December 14 and 21, 2022.

Letters to Santa

Alex, 7 years old

Barbies

Ken doll

Puzzles Mermaids

Bunny Fashion Fidget Doll

Stuffed Animals

Children’s Science Museum

Basketball Stickie Earrings

Weighted Blanket

I love you Santa Clause. You are amazing and nice.

Unicorn Chapter Book and some pop its and a stuff animal and a gift card to target.

From Cora, I am 7 years old Thank you Santa

Dear Santa,

I would like Batman imaginex and lego train set.

Love, Jakob, age 6

must be so hard to visit all the children in the world in one night. Also my dad is the best dad in the whole word.

Thank you! Love, Maverick

—

Dear Mrs Claus and Santa,

I have been good this year. May I have some presients?

Remote Control Snake

Hot Wheels Monster Truck Tiger Shark RC

Gumball Machine Maker How are you doing?

Thanks, Silas Age 6

Dear Santa, My Name is Hayden. I have been a very good girl. I promise to try harder in school next year. I would like a Hello Kitty Computer and Pillow. I would like a Hello Kitty makeup set.

—

To Mrs. Claus and Santa, I have been good every day. Please can I have some presents.

Toy cash register

Lego City Farmer Market Van

Otter Care & Nuture Set

Do you have any kids? Are you a real person?

Thank you,

—

Sylvie Age 4

Dear Santa, My names is Maverick. I have been a very good boy. I promise to be nicer to my sister next year. I would like a remote control snowmobile for Christmas. I also like electric bikes and scooters.

Thank you for all you do! It

Love Hayden

Dear Santa, I hope Santa brings me a gel blaster any gel blaster. I hope Santa brings legos. I hope Santa brings me more monopoly games and more game boards. Please don’t forget to give stuff to the home less.

Zavier

Dear Santa, I want a Barbie house, tablet and horse.

I love you Santa.

Dear Santa, I would like a pink toy and a snack.

And a puffy thing that goes up in the air!

Happy Christmas! Love! Joy!

Love, June - 3 years

Dear Santa, I would like a tablit. I would like anather pupy.

Love Sloaney -- 6 ½

Dear Santa, I want a Sonic 2 set, 200 toy dogs and one T-Rex toy dinosaur. Can I see you someday?

Love, Lewis 4 ½

Dear Santa, I’d like a remote control car please. I’d like a soccer cleats and Mbappe Jersey too. And I would love a cure for cancer for my mom.

Love Lachlan – Age 7

Dear Santa, will you come to my house? This year I would like clothes for my doll please Say hi to Rudolph for me

Love, Caroline

THE FOLLOWING LETTERS TO SANTA CAME FROM KIDS UNDER CONSTRUCTION PRE-

SCHOOL IN WBL

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have VERY good this year! I have done these nice things:

1. I play with Charlie!

2. I help Mom with dishes! 3. I color!

My Christmas wishes are: 1. a jet ski 2. a sonic lego set 3. blocks

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Hunter – 5 years old —

working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Josie – 4 years old

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have VERY good this year! I have done these nice things:

1. I wash dishes!

2. I put dishes away for Mom!

3. I play with all my friends at school!

My Christmas wishes are: 1. a jet ski

2. a jet pack

3. art supplies

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Emmett – 4 years old

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have VERY good this year! I have done these nice things:

1. I wash dishes!

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have VERY good this year! I have done these nice things:

1. I play with my little brother!

2. I play with my dog!

3. I play with my friends at school!

My Christmas wishes are: 1. brush markers

2. a toy Santa 3. light up shoes (like I had when I was little!)

2. I play with my sister!

3. I play with my brother! My Christmas wishes are: 1. walkie-talkies

2. a unicorn toy

3. a candy cane

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Amelia – 5 years old

Love Izzy 5 ½

Thank you and the elves for

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and

For: Santa Love, Eileen

hope milk! years old have you and have done Mom! friends at for hope milk! years old have you and have done for hope milk! years old have you and

the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have VERY good this year! I have done these nice things:

1. I help Mommy and Daddy with chores!

2. I’m super good at school!

3. I help friends at school!

My Christmas wishes are:

1. a watch

2. makeup

3. ice cream maker

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Rose – 4 years old

Dear Santa,

I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have VERY good this year! I have done these nice things:

1. I play with my baby!

2. I play with Roland!

3. I help clean the bathroom!

My Christmas wishes are:

1. a BIG shark, monster truck. A really, really big one!

2. lego Ninjago

3. an army castle

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Brekken – 4 years old

Dear Santa,

I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I cleaned my room.

2. I helped my brother.

3. I cleaned up the couch with my dad.

My Christmas wishes are:

1. A stuffed animal

2. A pet fish

3. A toy dog

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Payton

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I share my toys with Will.

2. I like to do the dishes.

3. I cleaned my mom’s mirror.

My Christmas wishes are:

1. A stuffed doll that has wings.

2. A unicorn toy that has wings.

3. Squishmallows

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Harlie – 5 years old

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I like to help mommy with the laundry.

2. I like to clean my room at my daddy’s house.

3. I like to color pictures for mommy and daddy.

My Christmas wishes are: 1. Toy puppy dog

2. Minnie Mouse kitchen

3. A mermaid Barbie doll

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Cleo

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. Sharing my toys

2. Helping other people learn

3. Playing nicely with others

My Christmas wishes are:

1. Ice cream Playdoh machine

2. Legos – Giant Legos

3. Transformers

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Samuel

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. Made cards

2. Played with my sisters 3. Cleaned my room

My Christmas wishes are: 1. Paw Patrol toy 2. Robot – that cleans my room 3. Stuffed animal

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Eileen

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and

the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I help Mom and Dad! 2. I play with my brothers! 3. I share with my friends!

My Christmas wishes are:

1. a police set

2. a nerf gun and armor set 3. another batman tower Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Ben – 4 years old

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I help Mom and Dad!

2. I bake with my Mom!

3. I’m a really good friend at school!

My Christmas wishes are: 1. a Stuffy

2. Barbies

3. Dolls

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Vivihn – 5 years old

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I play with my friends!

2. I listen to Mommy!

3. I play with kitty!

My Christmas wishes are: 1. Dinosaurs

2. Baby Yoda 3. Pikachu

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Atticus – 4 years old

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I play with my sister!

2. I share my toys!

3. I do chores with Mom and Dad!

My Christmas wishes are: 1. Surprise me, Santa!

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Wesley – 5 years old

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I share with friends!

2. I tell the teacher when friends are kind!

3. I play with my sister! My Christmas wishes are: 1. Dinosaurs

2. Monster trucks

3. New puppy! Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Henry – 5 years old

City Council gives resident 60 days to repair home

Escape rooms come to Armory

Need a winter escape?

The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society is planning two escape rooms at the Armory in February.

The new event is described as a “timebound immersive adventure experience.” For those unfamiliar with escape rooms, picture a team of up to 10 people locked in a room who are tasked with finding a way to escape.

Two options will be of-

fered: “Escape from Alcatraz” or “FDR’s WWII Bunker located under Grand Central Station.” Rooms are booked for one-hour time slots and hold up to 10 people per room. Dates and times are 3-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, and 1-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers.

The historical society is also seeking sponsors to help launch the inaugural year of

escape rooms. Limited sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $1,000. A $2,000 slot for a signature sponsor has already been filled by Kathy Doucette Real Estate.

For tickets, go to https://whitebearhistory.org/escape-rooms/. For more on sponsorships, contact lisa@ whitebearhistory.org.

From WBLAHS

Sigmon-Olsen and Svir named 2022 Watershed Award winners

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — A longtime White Bear Lake resident has one request for the City Council: more time.

Specifically, 60-year-old Nan Remus asked for four more months to repair and clean up the home she’s lived in for 52 years, located in the Carlyle Court cul-de-sac.

She spoke to the council last week regarding an order of abatement she was recently given, which grants her 60 days to resolve hazardous and nuisance conditions at her property. If those conditions aren’t resolved by then, the city would file a motion for summary enforcement of the order to the Ramsey County District Court.

City Council members ultimately approved the abatement order by unanimous vote.

A citizen complaint to the city back in May alerted the city of a hole about 6 feet long and 2 feet wide in Remus’ roof, the result of water damage. The damage extended down from the roofline to the first floor and into the basement.

A subsequent inspection of the house — which found clutter in several rooms, backed-up plumbing in the bathrooms and vehicles outside the garage that were either inoperable or not licensed — led the city to believe the home wasn’t fit to live in.

Ben Eggan, the city’s building official, issued a formal written notice detailing property code violations to Remus on June 8. After that, she had 24 hours to find somewhere else to live temporarily and was given 120 days to complete repairs to bring the house into compliance with the code.

After the initial inspection, city staff contacted Ramsey County and the local food shelf to obtain financial assistance to help Remus find appropriate accommodations. She was at a hotel for a few days at first — and was briefly allowed to return to her home and live in the basement — but has been staying at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul since early July.

Remus has been trying to secure financial assistance for her home’s needed repairs. Eggan has been working with Curtis Bennett from the Ramsey County Action Program to get Remus $25,000 for repairs. As of the time of the Dec. 13 meeting, however, she hasn’t been issued that money but told the council it will be given to her.

She also recently acquired assets from her late father’s estate, which she said are worth more than $60,000.

Remus — who previously worked in criminal law — told the council she was her parents’ primary caregiver for many years at the home until her mother died of Alzheimer’s disease and her father died a few years later of prostate cancer. The house suffered water

damage while her father was still alive, late into his cancer battle.

She hired a contractor to tear out damaged cabinetry, dry out the house and install new cabinetry. However, she said the contractor scammed the family of their insurance money and quit answering calls. Another contractor she hired did what she called “a slapdash job” and didn’t finish the water damage cleanup.

Remus later tried to find a company to replace the roof but found all the roofers in the area were booked and wouldn’t take on the job. She found a roofer working on a nearby house in town a few years ago and asked him to replace her roof, which he agreed to do. However, Remus later declined his offer when she found out he was no longer up to date on his certifications.

She more recently found a construction company that’s willing to do the repairs for free, except for the cost of materials. The four-month plan would include moving out the vehicles and clearing out the debris in the house, fixing the plumbing and electrical needs and installing a new roof.

“After 52 years living in this house in White Bear Lake, which means so much to me, I think that it is more than reasonable that the council gives me four months laid out in this plan,” Remus said. “To not do so is simply punitive.”

She said she hasn’t been able to do cleanup work at her home so far because of her housing displacement.

She also told the council she fears for her life every day at the Dorothy Day Center, where she said she’s been repeatedly injured and has had to be hospitalized several times as a result.

Mayor Dan Louismet and the council members offered their sympathy for Remus and all agreed taking away her home is something none of them wished to do. However, they also argued that something had to be done about the house.

“Given the unhealthy and unsafe condition that it creates, it would be a miscarriage of justice for our duty to the citizens to not say this rises to the level that warrants abatement and condemnation of this property, or at least from our role to say, ‘We want to put this in the hands of a District Court judge to make a determination,’” Louismet said.

City Attorney Troy Gilchrist said the District Court would then review the situation and provide another date by which the issues at the house need to be corrected. Then when that date comes and goes, the city would then be authorized to demolish the house. Gilchrist also said the city doesn’t want to step into the situation if it doesn't have to.

“It's just when nothing else has worked, then at some point the city steps in and corrects the situation,” Gilchrist said.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS — The Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) is pleased to announce the winners of its annual awards, the Watershed Steward Award and the Watershed Partner Award. Each award is an effort to celebrate success stories and partnerships in water education, management and planning.

maintaining the curb-cut rain garden since 2021 and has interacted with over 100 people for conversations and education about the rain garden.

Vadnais Heights Elementary Principal Sara Svir, on behalf of the school, was the recipient for the Watershed Partner Award.

Svir and the Vadnais Heights Elementary staff have been promoting and utilizing the “Bear’s Backyard” for over a decade. Embracing the unique features of Vadnais Heights Elementary, the Bear’s Backyard includes a forest and wetland trail on the school grounds, in addition to a rain garden. The rain garden was installed in 2013 with support from VLAWMO’s Community Blue grant program.

Megan Sigmon-Olsen, a VLAWMO cost-share program participant, received the Watershed Steward Award. She began her watershed journey in 2017 when she planted a pocket prairie garden, providing a way to transform her yard to be more beneficial to insects, animals and soil.

Her love for native plants moved her to do more with the creation of a downspout rain garden and a wetland buffer. Sigmon-Olsen’s home rests on the edge of Rice Lake in White Bear Township, which is one of the wetlands that Lambert Creek travels through as it goes from Goose Lake and Whitaker Pond to East Vadnais Lake.

In 2021, she added a larger curbcut rain garden with the support of VLAWMO’s cost-share program. Unlike the downspout rain garden, the curb-cut rain garden takes water from the street and infiltrates it into the ground. This reduces the amount of water, debris and sediment that go into the storm drain, recharges groundwater and creates a more balanced watershed by adding valuable upstream storage. In addition to watershed benefits, the native plants used in each project combine together to create four regions of pollinator habitat.

Sigmon-Olsen and her family have hosted their neighborhood’s “Night to Unite.” This provides opportunities for neighbors to see Sigmon-Olsen’s rain gardens and wetland buffer up close and chat about their benefits to pollinators and the watershed. It’s estimated that Sigmon-Olsen has spent about 50 hours planning, planting and

Svir has helped to integrate the rain garden into the mission of the Bear’s Backyard, allowing students to interact with the natural space and blend it into the school’s curriculum for math, science and even artistic activities. Fourth and fifth grades have specialized in the rain garden the most by educating students on plants, pollinators, erosion and soil and water connections, in addition to all the personal life lessons that come with taking care of a garden.

Svir and staff have utilized the Community Blue grant program to purchase new plants for the rain garden. They have also been champions for rain garden maintenance, helping to keep it active by coordinating partnerships between parent volunteers, volunteers from Christ the Servant Lutheran Church and the school district grounds staff.

Nominations for the VLAWMO Watershed Steward Awards are accepted year-round. For nomination forms, criteria and more stories from past year’s winners, visit vlawmo.org/ get-involved/awards.

From press release

CONTRIBUTED

White Bear Lake resident Nan Remus speaks to the City Council on Dec. 13 to request she be given four months to repair and clean up her house, which she was ordered to vacate in the summer after the city found it unfit to live in.

CONTRIBUTED

Jim Lindner, board chair of the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization, presents the 2022 Watershed Steward Award to Megan Sigmon-Olsen at the Rotary Nature Preserve at Birch Lake.

CONTRIBUTED

Vadnais Heights Elementary Principal Sara Svir stands in between Jim Lindner, board chair of the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization, and VLAWMO Administrator Phil Belfiori while being presented with the 2022 Watershed Partner Award.

White Bear Lake Area Schools OKs final tax levy for 2023

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — The White Bear Lake Area School District’s proposed property tax levy for 2023 is a net increase of $4,812,817, or 8.4%, compared to the 2022 levy.

The vast majority of that uptick — $4,545,299 — comes from an increase in the district’s debt service fund. The debt service fund payable in 2022 was $23,672,582, while the proposed amount for 2023 is $28,217,881.

Of that $4,545,299, however, $3,072,563 is voter-approved debt service, which was scheduled in the district’s 2019 bond referendum. Meanwhile, $1,780,651 of the additional debt service fund will go toward longterm facility maintenance and $29,432 to accounts for prior-year adjustments. Finally, a reduction of $337,346 was factored into the 2023 debt service fund total.

The total proposed property tax levy for 2023 is $62,009,875.34, which the school board certified for final approval at its Dec. 12 meeting. The tax levy for school district taxes payable for 2023 is at a rate of 33.12%, which Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Tim Wald said is below the estimated tax impact approved in the district’s 2019 Building Our Future bond referendum.

Before the board OK’d the action, Wald led a truth-in-taxation presentation and public hearing related to the proposed levy.

He noted the school district’s budget year is on the school-year cycle, meaning its budget year starts July 1; the city and county, meanwhile, start their budget years on Jan. 1.

Wald also explained the process by which school district property tax levy rates are determined and the factors that play into why a given property owner would see an increase or decrease in their annual taxes.

The only role school districts have in the process is twofold: adopting a preliminary 2023 tax levy in September, which White Bear Lake did at its work session that month, and approving the final levy in December.

The other entities involved in the process are city or county assessors, the Minnesota Legislature, the state Department of Education and the county auditor.

“The county assesses the value of each personal property that has a significant impact on the property taxes assigned to that parcel. It's important to note that the school board does not play a role in assessing the value of any properties,” Wald said.

To explain why one property owner might see an increase in their taxes and someone else might see a decrease, Wald gave a theoretical example in which only two houses existed in the district and each was valued at $100,000. In that scenario, the respective owners would split a $500 levy one year by paying $250 each. The next year, when one house’s value increased to $110,000 and the other went up to $125,000, the second homeowner would pay a proportionally greater share of the tax levy — $266 — while the first homeowner would bear $234.

Wald also gave examples of a $250,000 home’s tax burden in a scenario where no property value changes happened from 2022 to 2023: $1,300 for 2022 and $1,221 in 2023. When factoring in 23.8% cumulative property value increases to such a home over a four-year period, however, a 2022 tax burden of $1,114 would go up to $1,221 in 2023.

A Vadnais Heights resident who lives in that city’s Precinct 2 was the sole member of the public who offered comments during the tax levy hearing. He asked why the state government couldn’t use some of its general fund budget surplus of $17.6 billion to help lower school district property taxes.

He received no argument on that point from the school board.

“We would agree with that,” replied Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak, which was followed by supportive laughter from the school board members.

Wald also addressed the matter of state funding for education in Minnesota and pointed out how the state’s education funding formula hasn’t kept pace with inflation since the 2002-03 fiscal year. In fiscal year 2022-23, the Legislature approved an increase of 2%, or an extra $135 per pupil, over the previous year for a total per-pupil allowance of $6,863.

To match inflation since 2002-03, Wald said it would require a per-pupil increase of $1,263 — 18.4% — for a total per-pupil allowance of $8,126.

In other action, the school board:

• Accepted the overall bid for the Area Learning Center heating, ventilation and air conditioning, restroom and window project as presented in the amount of $3,819,474.

• Accepted the overall bid for the Hugo Elementary HVAC project from Ebert Construction in the amount of $633,300.

• Accepted 12 Brosious Teaching grants from the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation in the total amount of $22,224.99.

• Approved the four strategies and action plan-specific results developed for the district’s Strategic Plan.

• Approved school board policies related to the following: Disability nondiscrimination; student parental, family and marital status nondiscrimination; testing accommodations, modifications and exemptions for IEPs, Section 504 plans and LEP students; public data and data subject requests; and crisis management.

• Approved a purchase agreement for property described as PID #113022430016, located in White Bear Lake.

• Received a presentation from Greg Crowe, president of Ehlers Public Finance Advisors, of a presale report related to the upcoming issuance of facilities maintenance bonds.

JORDAN MICHAEL:

he said makes it difficult for him to communicate and socialize with people and has caused him to feel lonely.

“I wanted to feel independent, but I realize that being independent doesn’t work for me if I don’t have the right help. I know that my parents have helped me out with it,” he said.

“Sometimes I’ve been feeling sorry for myself, but it’s that pain that makes me stronger. The more I feel this pain, the stronger I get so that I can push through the limit of doing the things that I want to do in life, even when it’s not easy for me.”

For him, the things he wants to do in life involve his singing ability, which he recognizes as a God-given gift.

“The gifts and talents that He’s given me every day are something that I’m truly thankful for. And if it wasn’t for my family, I would have never accomplished my goals or dreams,” Jordan said.

His mother, Melanie, noted that some autistic people may not seek social interaction. Jordan, however, is a social person. The problem, she said, is when people aren’t willing to get to know Jordan or become friends with him because he’s autistic.

“He kind of slips through the cracks, and it creates quite a bit of loneliness, and it’s very difficult to navigate that,” she said.

“That’s his biggest struggle right there, because he’s got so much to give and not many people are

“If you have a dream, go for it!”

Jordan got involved with a theater company for people with special needs called Theatre Exceptional in Largo. He performed as the Tin Man in a musical production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Two married, retired opera singers were in the audience of that show. The husband later became a vocal mentor for Jordan and helped him develop his voice.

JORDAN’S BOOK:

Besides being an accomplished singer, Jordan Krolak also enjoys writing and photography and combined the two in his book, “Things I Know: My Disability Does Not Define Me.”

He published the short book in 2020 with the help of his family. It includes brief reflections Jordan has on topics such as joy, beauty, nature, his Christian faith and other aspects of his personal life. He also references Bible verses that relate to each subject.

ready to give him the time and the patience and the opportunity to become friends.”

Jordan’s interest in singing started in his childhood when he began listening to Billy Gilman, a child country music star.

“I just loved to hear him sing his music. That’s when I realized that’s what I want to do. I want to sing just like him,” Jordan said.

His parents later introduced Jordan to Michael Bublé’s music, which led him to sing Bublé’s “Haven’t Met You Yet” at his eighth grade talent show at Mahtomedi Middle School.

Jordan was born in Florida, where the Krolaks lived early in his childhood. The family moved back and forth from the southern state to Minnesota a few times during Jordan’s life.

When the family lived in Florida,

Jordan’s performing career has since included shows at assisted-living facilities and memory-care units as well as the Minnesota State Fair, where he’s been a finalist several years in a row. He opened for comedian Charlie Berens and shared the stage with Minneapolis guitarist Billy McLaughlin for a cancer benefit show.

Jordan has performed at White Bear Lake’s Marketfest for three summers and sings at private events in the area, too.

“The dude has no fear. He never gets nervous. Nothing. That’s his passion and his lane is to perform,” Melanie said of her son, adding that he’s continued to take part in musicals.

His next musical theater role will be as Perchik in “Fiddler on the Roof” at Grace Community Theatre in Forest Lake. The show will run the weekends of March 24-26 and March 31-April 2.

Jordan encourages people with special needs to keep joy in their hearts and know that God made them for a purpose.

“All I know is that if you have a dream, go for it.”

What: Christmas at the Mezz

When: 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22

Where: The Mezz at the White Bear Lake Lunds & Byerlys, 4630 Centerville Road

Details: The sweet sounds of Christmas music will be in the air as singer Jordan Michael performs his final holiday show in the Mezz at the White Bear Lake Lunds & Byerlys. A gifted vocalist, Michael also works at the grocery store. The live performance is free to attend. To learn more about Michael, visit jordanmichaelstudios. com.

759236

Christ the Servant Lutheran Church

Eve Candlelight

Sunday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day 10:00 am

3495

Victoria St. N. Shoreview, MN

Christ the King Lutheran Church

Christ the King Lutheran Church

1660 Birch Lake Ave. White Bear Lake, MN 651-429-4828 www.ctkwbl.org Join us for Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship!

1660 Birch Lake Ave. White Bear Lake, MN 651-429-4828 www.ctkwbl.org

Join us for Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship!

Come, celebrate Christmas with us in person or via livestream! 760248

In person: 4 pm & 10:30 pm Livestream: ctkwbl.online.church Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion services 4:00 and 10:00pm Christmas Day 9:00 am

FROM PAGE 1

Jordan Krolak sings Christmas and classic big band-era songs during a recent private event at Roma Restaurant & Brewery in Willernie. The 26-year-old is a passionate singer and musical theater performer, and regularly sings at White Bear Lake’s Lunds & Byerlys, where he works.

IF YOU GO:

Volatility Anyone???

Volatility Anyone???

Volatility Anyone???

Volatility is in the air.

Volatility is in the air.

Volatility is in the air.

When the bulls are running, as they have for a decade plus, many become myopic and think the bulls will simply continue running.

When the bulls are running, as they have for a decade plus, many become myopic and think the bulls will simply continue running.

When the bulls are running, as they have for a decade plus, many become myopic and think the bulls will simply continue running.

The story I and my team have been sharing for a number of years is unfolding in front of our eyes today and being felt by many.

The story I and my team have been sharing for a number of years is unfolding in front of our eyes today and being felt by many.

The story I and my team have been sharing for a number of years is unfolding in front of our eyes today and being felt by many.

Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit Farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all Insurers are authorized to provide Insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.

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Everyone wants growth, clearly. Yet, there is more to the picture. What about efficiency? What does a more efficient plan even look like? Taking volatility off the table is a start and a move in a great direction.

Everyone wants growth, clearly. Yet, there is more to the picture. What about efficiency? What does a more efficient plan even look like? Taking volatility off the table is a start and a move in a great direction.

Everyone wants growth, clearly. Yet, there is more to the picture. What about efficiency? What does a more efficient plan even look like? Taking volatility off the table is a start and a move in a great direction.

Question for you is simple, yet profound…” Do you want more efficiency or growth in your overall financial plan?”

Question for you is simple, yet profound…” Do you want more efficiency or growth in your overall financial plan?”

Question for you is simple, yet profound…” Do you want more efficiency or growth in your overall financial plan?”

I am your efficiency guy. I am not your growth guy.

I am your efficiency guy. I am not your growth guy.

I am your efficiency guy. I am not your growth guy.

We, my team and I, address tax risk, longevity risk, market risk, inflation risk, sequence risk…delivering more efficiency to your portfolio. What does this solution provide… more dollars for you to spend or give.

Dr. Joy Johnson

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My team and I address, tax risk, longevity risk, market risk, inflation risk, sequence risk…delivering more efficiency to your portfolio. What does this solution provide…more dollars for you to spend or give.

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And did I mention team

And did I mention team we bring a team-based approach to you.

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we bring a team-based approach to you. • Income Allocation • Mitigate Tax Risk • Delivering more dollars to spend and give 761045 Mouldings, Doors & More mouldingsdoorsandmore.com • 651-486-7194

• Replace doors in existing jambs • Stair Parts • Lock sets by EmtekTM • Interior doors • Exterior doors • Door hardware • Mouldings (wood, paintable) • Custom door hanging White Bear • 3588 Hwy 61 M-F 9-6, Sat 9-2

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Above:

At right: Owen Knabb and Katie Bittner try to catch up with Riley Knabb on a snow covered trail at Tamarack Nature Center.

Above: Wilder and Courtney Wells recently complete a two mile loop along a trail covered with a fresh layer of snow at Tamarack Nature Center.

At left: Suzanne Wisniewski and her young Burmese mountain dog Jessie blaze a path through the snow along a portion of the Gateway Trail in Grant.

Cold arctic air, 30 degrees below the average temperature, is expected to arrive this week following the snowfall.

Get ready to brave the cold for the 2022 Christmas Bird Count

from coal to renewable energy sources, eliminating the need for the warmed water that keeps a section of the St. Croix River open all winter. Howitz expects this will affect the count numbers for waterfowl species in the future.

However, the gradual creep of climate change may also open up river waters farther and farther north over time. Soon there may be new havens for waterfowl that prefer to stay in the north to avoid hunting seasons in southern regions.

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

A pair of binoculars, an ID guide, and a healthy sense of adventure are all it takes to become a citizen scientist in this year’s Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

This century-old tradition will take place in regions across the U.S. and internationally between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, including several locations in the Twin Cities area.

On count day, groups of volunteers, organized by a count coordinator, will divide their count area—a circle with a 15-mile radius—into several routes. From dawn until afternoon, and sometimes later, count volunteers will travel these routes with eyes and ears highly tuned for the appearance of their winged quarry.

Volunteers identify and tally every individual bird they observe. It takes some practice with bird identification, but most groups include experienced birders. The CBC is a great opportunity for new birders to gain experience and confidence in bird identification, and perhaps form a new holiday tradition.

Ornithologist Frank Chapman, an early member of the Audubon Society, was the first to suggest a holiday bird census in the year 1900. Previously, many households took part in a Christmas side hunt, which consisted of killing birds for entertainment during holiday gatherings. Chapman’s suggestion redirected the hunt into

what has become the longest-running citizen science project in history.

“Christmas Bird Counts have some scientific validity, but they’re mostly recreational,” said Jim Howitz, who coordinates the St. Paul Northeast Suburban and Cedar Creek Bog counts. “People really like doing them, finding the odd species or two, and there’s a good deal of competition to see who can get the most species.”

The data collected by CBC counters in the last 122 years has added to the understanding of population trends over the decades, giving scientists an idea of how the world of birds is changing.

Although many birds have already flown south, counting birds in the winter has a lot of advantages. It minimizes identification mistakes, since there are fewer species likely to be present, and provides a good baseline to compare against previous seasons’ data. Leafless trees and shrubs also make it much easier to spot the animals in question.

Weather patterns have a lot to do with the success of the count. This is a La Niña year, which means winter conditions are likely to be colder and harsher. Waterfowl that rely on pockets of open water may be forced to move from their usual locations this year.

Some of the most reliable spots to find winter waterfowl are coal-powered electric plants, such as the Xcel Energy plant in Bayport, which happens to fall within the Northeast Suburban count circle. This is one of several electric plants that will be making the switch

Bird count data has shown that species seem to be shifting their ranges northward over time. Wild turkeys, northern cardinals and tufted titmice were once highly unusual, but are becoming a common sight in Minnesota backyards. Meanwhile, the birds that once wintered here from the northern reaches of Canada—such as evening grosbeaks, gray jays, and crossbills— don’t show up as often.

Humans are partly to blame. We have dramatically altered the landscape over time, making it more appealing to some species and inhospitable to others.

“Cardinals used to be very rare; now they’re everywhere,” Howitz said. “They nest in bushes and use feeders, which lots of people have in their yards. Ruffed grouse are much harder to find, and a lot of the open country species like horned larks and snow buntings aren’t in the fields anymore. The real winners in the long term are species that can tolerate humans.”

Some count volunteers stay at home and observe the species they see in their yards and at their feeders during the day of the count. Anyone who lives within a count circle can participate this way, and Howitz encouraged people to look at the map on the Audubon website to see if their residence falls within a count circle. For the best accuracy, home feeder watchers should count only the maximum number of a species as they can see at one time. They can submit their observations to a count coordinator to be included in the final tally.

To participate in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count or learn more, contact your local count organizer. Find contact information and a full map of count locations at www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count. Happy birding!

Winter is a good time to spot northern species such as snowy owls, which seek out open farm fields that resemble their tundra habitat.

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The tufted titmouse, a relative of the black-capped chickadee, may become more common in coming years as its range shifts northward.

PHOTOS BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Trumpeter swans are common in areas of open water, such as fast-flowing segments of the St. Croix River.

HOUSING

Now Hiring

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

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

Desired Skills & Experience: High school diploma required.

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

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

Collection Inventory Specialists

The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society seeks two Collection Inventory Specialists (CIS) to inventory the Society’s 3D object collection. For full position description and qualifications, please visit whitebearhistory.org. This is a grant funded, temporary, project position with a scheduled ending date of November 30, 2023. $19/hour, average of 35 hours/week. Please submit your resume and cover letter to Sara Hanson, Executive Director, WBLAHS, sara@whitebearhistory.org or PO Box 10543, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Applications will be considered through January 13, 2023.

Go to our website to apply, www.eamservice.com or call (651) 786-4463

ence, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275

Because of You, Our Community Thrives!

2022 has been another great year for the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation, and we thank you!

• THANK YOU to our community members, for your generosity. On December 1, at our annual Share the Joy event, we made $71,950 in grants through our Community Partners Grant Program to 21 different local nonprofit organizations. This money was donated by community members for the purpose of making these grants.

• THANK YOU to our many hard working nonprofit organizations that serve our communities that surround White Bear Lake. You are helping people and meeting needs that would otherwise go unmet, from providing support for food, shelter and transportation to supporting arts, entertainment and education.

THANK YOU all for being a part of this great community. Visit us at www.GWBLCF.org or call Kris at 651-408-5412 to learn more and to make a year-end tax deductible donation.

Thank you all for being a part of this great community! Visit us at www.GWBLCF.org or call 651-408-5412 to learn more and to make a year-end tax deductible donation.

The Grinch got up to some traffic mischief at The Waters of White Bear senior living community’s holiday party Thursday, Dec. 15. He and other Whoville denizens entertained residents and their families during the event.

A pair of Whoville denizens pose for a photo at The Waters of White Bear senior living community’s holiday party Thursday, Dec. 15. The Christmas characters charmed residents and their families during the event. — Contributed

Upcoming events:

Peyton Scott Russell. Artwork. Retrospective. 40 Years.

This February, Peyton Scott Russell will be exhibiting his work in the Ford Family Gallery in an exhibition titled “Peyton Scott Russell. Artwork. Retrospective. 40 Years.” This retrospective exhibition highlights 40 years, featuring work from Peyton’s high school years to the present. A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1991), Peyton has exhibited work from drawings, paintings, screen prints, collage, sculpture, mix-media, installations, murals and Graffitirelated crafts. This exhibition examines how graffiti art has been a genre that followed Peyton and eventually became the one craft that transcended all other mediums, earning Peyton national and international recognition. This body of work will show the various media, concepts and ideas Peyton has worked through and continues to examine with the aesthetics of Graffiti Art being at the helm of his creations. You can see the show on view Feb. 2March 3. Join WBCA for the opening reception of the show on Thursday, Feb. 2, from 6:308:30 p.m., with an artist talk from Peyton at 7 p.m.

Winter Open House:

WBCA’s Annual Winter Open House is a day of fun and free activities for the whole family, including clay experimentation, ice sculpting, dog sleds and more. Explore the gallery and dress to try some art making. This event will be happening on Jan.21 from 1-3 p.m.

Northern Lights: A White Bear Center for the Arts tradition

White Bear Center for the Arts’ Northern Lights Juried Art Exhibition is a well-loved tradition in the community. The show has been around for almost as long as WBCA, starting back in 1974 when WBCA was still known as the White Bear Arts Council. Retired art teacher and longtime WBCA teacher Frank Zeller helped to establish the show back when he was involved with the White Bear Arts Council.

In 1974, the Arts Council established a goal of hosting a gallery exhibit that drew from artists in neighboring states. From this spark of an idea, Northern Lights developed. Right from the start, it was a success. Zeller recruited a professor from the University of Wisconsin to judge the show, and he was shocked by the caliber of artists that applied that first year.

Northern Lights is now in its 49th year, and will be taking place in the art center’s Ford Family Gallery. While the show has changed venues over the years, the core of it has stayed the same. It has always been a prestigious art exhibition that draws talent from around Minnesota and neighboring states, judged by artists knowledgeable in their field. This year, the call for entries is open from Dec. 19 to Jan. 27. As always, there will be cash prizes for award winners, and an award ceremony hosted

at WBCA. All artists are welcome to submit their artwork, in any 2D or 3D mediums including but not limited to drawing, painting, fiber, pottery, photography and sculpture. If you’re interested in applying, you can visit WhiteBearArts.org/ exhibitions.

Public art piece continues to grow

If you’ve stopped by White Bear Center for the Arts recently, you’ve probably noticed the latest community art installation. The artwork stretches across the expansive atrium windows, spelling out WBCA’s mission in colorful transparent vinyl stickers: “Enrich Lives, Nourish Imagination, Build Understanding.” A rainbow of colorful squares fill in

the spaces between the words. Each square was put there by a member of the community who contributed to WBCA’s year-end giving campaign. Everyone who donates, no matter the amount, is welcome to contribute to this public art piece by placing their own colorful square on the wall. Participants are also encouraged to write a

message, if they choose. Want to have a hand in growing this public art piece? Messages sent in before the end of the year will be included on the wall. You can give online at WhiteBearArts.org. This year, all donations are matched, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Manitou Fund.

White Bear Center for the Arts | Contributed The original Northern Lights logo

White Bear Center for the Arts | Contributed

Peyton Scott Russell | Contributed

White Bear Center for the Arts |

Contributed

Edy Ward

Edy (Edee) Ward (Brogren), age 85 of White Bear Lake, joined her heavenly father Dec.1st with loving family by her side. Survived by daughter, Vicki Quinney (Glenn Brown) and son, Jim (Brenda); adoring grandmother to Mike Alger, Ben (Kristi), Tami Peterson (Scott), Jay (Veronica), Josh (Tricia); one and only GG to Dakota, Weston, Kellen, Harper, Keagan, William, Wyatt, Wade, and Hadley. Preceded in death by her parents, Joshua and Edith Bullitt; daughters, Debby and Cheri.

Edy was a long-time resident of White Bear Lake where she had many fond neighbors. She loved spending time with her friends and family, but especially her great-grandchildren. Edy was an only child who cherished sitting back and looking at her family proudly, marveling at all she had been blessed with. She had four children with her first husband Don Ward before they divorced. Edy worked at Taymark for many years, all while running White Bear Machine, a small engine business, with her then husband Wayne Brogren. Her job at Taymark led to a new line of work in wire fabrication for the business. Edy eventually sold the business to her son Jim who continues to grow it today. She loved to travel and went on many bus tour trips with friends and her in-laws Roy and Judy. Edy loved the outdoors, enjoying gardening, and her birds. She was a lover of cats, but none more than Homer who saw her through lymphoma and divorce. She had an uncanny knack for organization, there was nothing without a home or label (including all her amazing little keepsakes from her family). Edy was witty, slightly stubborn, smart, tenacious, warm and a bright light for all who knew her.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, with visitation from 10 AM until time of the service. Memorials preferred to Eagle Brook Church, YMCA of the North, and the Mayo Foundation, all of whom contributed to an extra 18 years of her bright light. Mueller MemorialWhite Bear Lake, www.muellermemorial.com 651-4294944

Richard Peter Brownlee

Richard “Dick” Hall

Richard “Dick” Hall, age 87 of White Bear Lake passed away on December 14, 2022 at Saint Therese at St. Odilia Hospice in Shoreview, MN. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and longtime resident of White Bear Lake, MN. He was born to Frank and Sara (Gleason) Hall on September 28, 1935, in Conde, SD and was the 5th of 12 children. His family moved to Centerville, MN when he was 3 years old and eventually settled in White Bear Lake. He was a 1953 graduate of White Bear Lake High School where he was a 4 year letterman in hockey and team captain. He also played baseball and was the proud catcher for his friend and future brother-in-law Don Johnson. After high school he served in the National Guard. On April 27, 1957 Dick married the love of his life and “the prettiest girl in the school”, Judith “Judy” Johnson. They made their home in White Bear Lake where they raised their family.

Dick had an easy-going demeanor and was a generous soul. He was a great story teller with a wry sense of humor. He appreciated the simple things in life and loved to spend time with friends and family. He enjoyed his Saturday trips to the “post office” to see his friends. He will be dearly missed by many.

Preceded in death by his father Frank, mother Sara, daughter Nancy, and infant daughter. Also preceded in death by siblings Jim, Janice, Don, Dorothy, Bob, Charlotte, Frank and many dear friends.

Survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Judy, children Richard (Sue) Hall, Carrie (Joe) Dardis, Cindy (Dirk) Cox, Chris (Shirley) Hall, 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and siblings Mary Anne Charpentier, Kathleen, Steve and Jerry Hall.

A gathering of family and friends was held at HONSA FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2460 East County Rd E, White Bear Lake, on Sunday, Dec. 18.

Dolores (Schesel) Patzke

Dolores passed away peacefully at St. Andrew’s Village, Mahtomedi, MN, at age 94 on December 8, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Stanley, WI, on June 10, 1928 to John (Jack) Schesel and Clydie (Broughton). She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Henry (Pete) Patzke, and son Gregory. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth (Chuck), grandchildren JP (Megan), Sarah Fritz (Jake), Steven (Karin), and five great-grandchildren Henry, Aurora, Erik, Elizabeth, and Katherine.

Born: January 29, 1953

Died: August 24, 2022

My Creed

To live as gently as I can; To be, no matter where, a man; To take what comes of good or ill And cling to faith and honor still; To do my best, and let that stand The record of my brain and hand; And then, should failure come to me, Still work and hope for victory.

To have no secret place wherein I stoop unseen to shame or sin; To be the same when I’m alone

As when my every deed is known; To live undaunted, unafraid Of any step that I have made; To be without pretense or sham Exactly what men think I am.

To leave some simple mark behind To keep my having lived in mind; If enmity to aught I show, To be an honest, generous foe, To play my little part, nor whine That greater honors are not mine. This, I believe, is all I need For my philosophy and creed.

By Edgar Guest

In the late 1940’s she trained for a career in the airline industry, starting at PanAm in Chicago. She later moved to the Twin Cities to work for Northwest Airlines, where she met her future husband. In 1952 she married Pete and supported him through his career, enjoying travel with friends and colleagues while raising their two children. Dolores enjoyed antiques, dry flower arranging, knitting, and reading. She loved her family and never wanted to miss a gathering. Those who knew and loved Dolores will remember her quick wit and love of laughter. Thank you to St. Andrew’s Village staff for their loving care. A private Memorial Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Jude of the Lake, where she was a parishioner for 70 years.

Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home.

School district taxes lower by category, but most will pay more

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Following a short presentation by Financial Director Jeff Priess and an even shorter truth-in-taxation public hearing, the Mahtomedi School Board at its Dec. 8 meeting unanimously voted to certify the pay 2023 tax levy in the amount of $15.9 million.

The levy is 1.23% less than the payable 2022 levy, Priess said, noting that the slight decrease is due to enrollment changes.

The levy may have decreased slightly, but some homeowners might see a larger tax bill anyway, because home valuations have increased.

Mahtomedi homeowners will recall their shock last spring when home market values jumped by a whopping 24%. A median home valued at $353,300 in 2022 is now valued at $439,850 for 2023, and property taxes may increase as a result.

A home that now has a market value of $350,000 will pay $1,580.04 in school district taxes for 2023. That home paid $1,595.42 for 2022. A home that now has a market value of $400,000 will pay $1,818.45 in school district taxes for 2023. That home paid $1,838.51 for 2022.

Despite the possible decrease in school district taxes, it’s likely that property owners will pay more in 2023 when the city, county, and special taxation districts are added in.

In other action from the Dec. 8 meeting:

The board formally approved $16,593.29 in donations received in November. Highlights include

$4,752 from the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) to procure books for kindergarten at Wildwood Elementary; $2,000 from the Minnesota Basketball Association for high school boys' and girls' basketball; $2,000 from the American Legion for Community Education senior programs; $1,500 from the American Legion for middle school athletics; and $1,066.47 from Kash for Kidz for the middle school student council fundraiser.

Middle school students have been given the opportunity for intervention, enrichment, course exploration and connection, after the board approved the Mahtomedi Middle School schedule redesign presented at the Nov. 17 meeting. The redesign will also allow the district to develop a fiscally sustainable schedule. The many changes ahead for students include seven 45-minute classes — a change from six daily classes of 52-minute periods.

Following the May 19 hailstorm, inspections revealed that all the district's Durolast roofs need to be replaced. The board started that process by approving advertisements for bids for roof replacement. The numbers resulting from the bidding process will determine whether the district will opt for the $11 million, 30-year-plus, multi-ply built-up roof replacement system. The district's insurance policy will cover $8.5 million for a 15-year single-ply roof system. If the numbers are right, the $3 million difference would be paid for through long-term facilities maintenance bonds, Priess said.

Following Minnesota School Board Association policy changes, the district is updating some of its own policies and taking extra time to do so. "We will do this at least twice so that the public can study the changes and comment," said Director Lucy Payne. The district did not receive public commentary, so the board conducted the third reading and approved changes to the following: Policy 208, dealing with policy develop -

ment, adoption and; Policy 410, which addresses family and medical leave; Policy 525, on acceptable use and safety related to technology; and Policy 515, dealing with protection and privacy of public records.

Mahtomedi School District No. 832 is a member of the larger Northeast Metro 916 district, which is one of four intermediate districts in the Twin Cities. Intermediate districts serve more than 20,000 students annually in areas of special education, area learning centers, career technical education and online learning, said District 916 Superintendent Val Rae Boe in her presentation. Started in 1969 to serve students with unique needs, Northeast Metro 916, like other intermediate districts, pools its resources to lower costs and offers a greater variety of specialized services for member districts.

Elementary teachers, special education teachers and specialists will spend approximately 80 hours each in staff development over the course of the year to learn the science of how the brain learns to read. This literacy program, Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), is expected to help students develop reading and language comprehension skills, said Jennifer Reichel, Lindsey Scanlon and Judy Livingston in their presentation. Teachers who complete LETRS training will have learned strategies to provide explicit and systematic instruction in foundational reading skills for all, especially those with dyslexia or those who struggle to read, the presenters said.

Two longtime school board members, Kevin Donovan and Julie McGraw, are leaving the board at the end of this calendar year. Superintendent Barb Duffrin presented each of them with the school bell of recognition. Donovan served on the board for 17 years and was lauded as a connector and champion for public education.

"He took great joy in connecting with the kids and loved to marvel at their accomplishments," Duffrin said.

Donovan said it was an honor and privilege to serve the community, the students and the staff. "We owe our students to come together and be our best selves," he said.

McGraw served on the board for eight years, starting out as chair of the 2014 levy campaign. Duffrin touted McGraw's remarkable organizational skills and steel-trap memory, which were valuable assets in her role as vice-chair/clerk. "The district's history is stored in her notes," Duffrin said. McGraw is also noted for her passion for the outdoors, especially for her contribution of the O. H. Anderson nature trail. McGraw said it was her mission to ignite the passion in students.

High School Assistant Principal Carrie Gillund recognized art teacher Alicia Wilma for her outstanding leadership inside and outside the classroom. Wilma, one of four art teachers at the high school, started teaching in 2003 and began teaching in Mahtomedi in 2013.

In her superintendent’s report, Duffrin highlighted upcoming community engagement events, such as the Elementary Roundtable Conversation at 9:45 a.m. Feb. 2 at Wildwood Elementary. Coffee & Conversations will be held at 6:15 p.m. Feb. 23 at the District Education Center (DEC). Zephyr Learning Showcase will take place at 6:15 p.m. March 23 at the DEC.

The board next meets at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, in the DEC Community Room, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.

OBITUARY

Valerie Clare (Bellinger) Ackerman

Valerie Clare (Bellinger) Ackerman passed away on December 19th In Alameda, California at the age of 88 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. She is survived by her beloved husband, Paul; their four children: Jillian Saxty (Trevor), Rob Ackerman (Karmel), Marnie Jackson (Whit) and Dr. Katherine Valois (Alain) and eight grandchildren: Isabel and Miles Saxty, Maddie and Elena Ackerman, Duncan and Ellierose Jackson and Denis and Zachary Valois.

Valerie was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on October 5, 1934, where she graduated from Jarvis Collegiate Institute in 1953. She went on to study nursing at the Toronto East General Hospital, receiving her certification as a Registered Nurse in 1956, after which she traveled to San Diego, California where she found employment in a local hospital.

It was on a blind date at a beach party in San Diego where she met her husband-to-be, Paul, a dashing, young naval officer and they were married the next year in Toronto, Canada, beginning 64 years of a wonderful life together. Valerie and Paul had three children, Jill, Rob and Marnie and adopted a fourth, their niece, Katherine. Val was always extremely proud of her four children, all of whom graduated from college, received master’s degrees in their chosen fields, found good jobs, married their ideal mates and raised wonderful families.

At the completion of Paul’s naval service, the couple went to the University of Michigan where Valerie continued her nursing career at the University Hospital, while Paul earned his MBA. Following graduation, Paul found employment with the 3M Company and the Ackermans moved to White Bear Lake in 1960. They became charter members of the White Bear Lake United Methodist Church where Val served as the first choir director and remained active in the church throughout her life.

In 1965, the family moved to the Italian Riviera on assignment with 3M, where they spent eight magic years learning the Italian language, making lifelong friends, and living “La Dolce Vita”. They traveled extensively from the Italian home throughout Europe,

the Middle East and North Africa, developing a passion for travel which continued for the rest of their lives. Paul and Val have since traveled to all seven continents and to a total of 133 countries, including such remote destinations as Antarctica, Easter Island and Bhutan, to name a few, as well as visiting all of the seven current Wonders of the World.

Valerie had a lifelong love of chorale singing and she and Paul sang with the Minnesota Chorale for fifteen years as well as other local and international choral groups performing concerts in such exciting overseas venues as Puerto Rico, England’s Canterbury Cathedral and a former Nazi concentration camp outside of Prague in the Czech Republic. Val also sang for eight years with the Elizabethan Syngers, a madrigal group which performed at the Renaissance Festival and other locations in and around the Twin Cities.

In addition to her love of singing and travel, Val has been an active member of her neighborhood book club, antique club, tennis group and numerous church activities. Following a 28-year hiatus to raise her children, Valerie resumed her nursing career in 1988 at a local day surgery center and volunteered in a hospice program. Valerie also had a lifelong love of gardening and her beautiful garden has always been much admired by those strolling by her Lake Avenue home, where the Ackermans have lived since 1973. In retirement, Val and Paul purchased a town house in Alameda, California, where they spent their winters in the company of their children and grandkids, who all live on the West Coast, and who have always remained the center and the joy of her life.

A memorial service will be held in White Bear Lake, MN at a date to be determined in the future.

Weather Tidbits

It was quite a period of snow from December 14 to 16, but let’s not forget the rain on December 13. In all, we totaled over an inch of liquid water and 7-9 inches of snow, some of it very heavy. The only silver lining was temperatures were fairly mild. Now, of course, cold Arctic air has moved in. This week’s snow should be on the lighter and fluffier side as the Christmas weekend features cold and snow. Note: My 2023 weather calendar is available at Lake Country Bookseller in Downtown White Bear Lake or visit WeathermanWatson.com to order. Thanks for your support!

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

Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com

Frank Watson

Old trophy revived; Stillwater has it with win over Bears

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER

Ancient basketball rivals White Bear Lake and Stillwater used to battle each year for what was called the Old Oil Can Trophy, which went back and forth between the two schools from the mid 1920s until the tradition faded in the 1940s.

This was the discovery of current Stillwater coach Brady Hannigan as he researched the rivalry that started in 1915-16 and has continued non-stop for 218 games.

Hannigan, son of a longtime White Bear Lake teacher, decided it was a pretty cool idea and brought it back this season. The Ponies and Bears dueled

for the Old Oil Can Trophy — a new version of it — for the first time since World War II.

It’s in Stillwater’s hands after the Ponies beat the Bears 57-43 in Stillwater. It will be up for grabs again in the rematch Feb. 2 in White Bear Lake. Hannigan’s research showed that Stillwater leads the series 132-86.

A StarTribune story noted that Bears vs. Ponies is touted as the longest uninterrupted rivalry in Minnesota. "We're claiming it until somebody proves us wrong," Hannigan said.

Hannigan and three people assisting him learned that two White Bear Lake teachers fashioned a trophy in 1926 from an oil can with lines indicating prison bars (representing the state

prison in Stillwater), a stuffed bear and pony and a large space for scores.

The old trophy is long gone, so Hannigan commissioned a new one. It’s an oil can with orange/black and red/ white streamers, Beanie Babies representing the Bears and Ponies and a three-deck wooden base made by John Schultz (Stillwater 1982) engraved with scores of every game since 1915.

Stillwater (4-1) was led by Max Shikenjanski with 22 points and Brett Hilde with 22. For the Bears (1-2), Jack Misgen netted 14 points, Jeremy Kolb 12 and Wyatt Hawks nine.

Also last week, the Bears (1-2) tipped Forest Lake 63-57 on Tuesday evening with

Misgen and Wyatt Hawks each netting 14 points, Zach Nelson 11 and Jeremy Kolb 10. Owen Waldoch had 25 for the Rangers (0-4).

Mahtomedi skaters enjoying new team, new conference

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER

Mahtomedi entered into a pairing agreement for a sport — girls hockey — for the first time in school history this school year. Former Zephyr athletes are now skating with Roseville/Mahtomedi.

“It was a little rough at first, but we are coming together. It’s working out well,” said Victoria Nelson, Mahtomedi junior who leads the team in scoring.

The Marauders – their new team name – started the season with two losses on a northern trip against Proctor/Hermantown and Duluth, got their first win against Mounds View/Irondale, and lost their fourth game 9-0 to No. 3 ranked Minnetonka.

However, they’ve won six of their last eight and hold second place in the Suburban East Conference with a 7-2 record. Last week, the Marauders (7-5 overall) beat White Bear Lake 3-1 and lost to East Ridge 5-4 in overtime.

“They are getting along really well, on and off the ice,” said coach Craig Rosenthal, who was Roseville’s coach previously. “On top of that, they are buying into our team strategy and are very coachable.”

Mahtomedi was 3-22 last season and 7-12 the year before.

“It did not go very well last year, especially after we

lost our goalie with a concussion,” Nelson said.

Roseville, meanwhile, was 16-9-2 in its third straight winning season, but was concerned about numbers.

“Both schools needed and wanted to co-op,” Rosenthal said. “Roseville had low numbers. Mahtomedi didn’t have a goalie and had OK numbers. With many players from our communities/youth programs going to private high schools, coupled by already low numbers, it forces (schools to enter into) co-ops.”

A pairing agreement was reached in May, and the two groups started getting to know each other in sum-

mer training sessions.

Nelson and her Mahtomedi mates like Rachel and Julia Fussy, Haley Moosbrugger and Rylee Bogren moved to the Suburban East Conference from the Metro East. “We knew it would be tougher competition, and that’s what we wanted,” Nelson said.

Nelson has logged 12 of the team’s 30 goals. (She had 14 goals, 10 assists last year.) Bogren has four goals.

Lily Peterfeso, sophomore from Roseville, is the goalie, holding strong with an .898 save percentage that has risen steadily since the rough start. The next-leading scorers, Olivia Martin, Ruby Eskin and Kylie Jones are from Roseville.

The Marauders’ home rink is Roseville Ice Arena. Practices are held there and at Ramsey County Arena and Polar Arena as they share ice time with the Roseville boys team.

Scoring in the 3-1 win over the Bears on Wednesday were Martin, Jones and Nelson (empty-netter). Amanda Smythe scored for the Bears (2-8).

The Marauders fell behind East Ridge 4-0 in the first period Saturday before Kylie Wiltse scored on a power play with :18 left. Still down 4-1 after two periods, the Marauders stormed back in the third with Nelson scoring twice on power plays, sandwiched around a Martin goal, to force OT. But Lily Fetch won it for the Raptors (7-2) in OT.

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED Jack Misgen, who scored 14 points, launches a jump shot against Stillwater.

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED Victoria Nelson leads Mahtomedi/Roseville with 12 goals in 12 games.

Erin Steinman, senior co-captain on the Mahtomedi gymnastics team, is a longtime reliable performer for the perennial conference and section champion Zephyrs. Currently in her fifth varsity season, Steinman is a threetime state meet participant and has made all-conference each year since ninth grade. She won all-around, uneven bars and floor exercise to lead a win over Hastings last week. “Erin is a role model who inspires her teammates with her work ethic and positivity,” said coach Debbie Driscoll, adding that she is “a coach’s dream” to work with.