White Bear Press by Press Publications

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

In 2025, the North Environmental Center in Forest Lake is expected to serve more than 40,000 customers with an anticipated collection of 600,000 pounds of electronics and 750,000 pounds of hazardous waste.

Construction of the $18.3 million facility began in September 2023. The center is now open to residents of Washington, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Scott counties.

“There are some folks on

this side of the county that could have to drive 45 to 50 minutes, and we knew that that was a barrier,” explained David Brummel, director of Washington County Public Health & Environment. “Our goal was to have equity across the county in the availability of these environmental programs. Certainly, this puts everyone in the county within 25 minutes of an environmental center … It's about making that environmentally responsible choice the easy choice. So, we want to make this easy and convenient.”

Before we say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025, it is a tradition of The

Press to look back at some of the most memorable stories of the year. In 2024, pages were filled with a variety of news, including stories about crimes, events, schools, churches, sports, businesses, city government and more. Perhaps some of the most memorable stories are the ones that feature local residents.

Washington County Commissioner Fran Miron (District 1) added, “The North Environmental Center is a prime example of our commitment to convenience, accessibility and sustainability for the residents of northern Washington County … This facility saves residents time, gas and effort.”

Washington County’s South Environmental Center is located in Woodbury. The North Environmental Center, located at 6065 Headwaters Parkway in Forest Lake, offers residents a second

location to drop off items that don’t belong in the trash like household chemicals, batteries, electronics, recyclables and food scraps.

Funding for the $18.3 project came from the Washington County solid waste fund balance, which must be spent on solid waste plan strategies. Money for the fund is generated by the county environmental charge (CEC), a 35% charge on all trash-hauling services. Ongoing operations costs will be built into the Public

SEE ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER,

White Bear

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Environmental Coordinator for Washington County Public Health & Environment Adam Fredrick shows off where hazardous materials are sorted at the new Washington County North Environmental Center.

Recently retired Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt is honored by the Association of Minnesota Counties with an Outstanding Service Award for exhibiting excellence, innovation and dedication to her work in county government. Reinhardt was elected to the Ramsey County Board in 1996 and stepped down from the role earlier this year.

Ramsey County has named Catrice O'Neal as director of Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and the executive director of the Workforce Innovation Board. O'Neal replaces Ling Becker, former Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation director, who recently took on the role of Ramsey County Administrator.

Thank You!

We wanted to Thank the Community of White Bear for Recycling their old glasses so they can be used by those in need. Look for the donation box when coming so you can gift with recycling your old glasses.

Glasses were decorated by each club member as a Thank you smile. The WBL Lions tree from the Festival of Trees

Day // E-tabs & Linked Bingo $1000 Bingo Tuesdays 6 pm

Alex Miller, a senior at White Bear Lake Area Learning Center, has been elected as one of the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs STARS state officers. MAAP officers are students who represent alternative education throughout their region, spread awareness in their community and advocate for alternative learning. This is Miller's third year at the White Bear Lake ALC and is her third year being involved in MAAP STARS. In her application, Miller wrote a speech about her high school experience, how alternative education has helped her succeed, and how she thought she could help others benefit by being a MAAP STARS officer.

Former White Bear Lake resident and Mariner High School alumnus Dr. Robin Lindbeck recently published a new resource textbook titled 'Workplace Leadership'. Lindbeck is Professor of Human Resource Development at Idaho State University.

rudysredeye.com 4940 N. Hwy. 61White Bear Lake ~ Rudy’s Redeye Grill Presents ~ New year’s Eve KIDS

Come celebrate in our ballroom and ring in the new year with dinner and dance

Italian buffet • Champagne Toast for adults

• Sparkling Apple Juice Toast for kids

• Games •DJ & Dance Competition

•Prizes (best dressed & best costume)

• Fun Bags for Kids

Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 5 pm - 9 pm

$38.00 per person (tax and gratuity included)

Call for reservations 651-653-6718

Happy Holidays

The businesses of Downtown White Bear Lake would like to thank you for all your support for 2024.

Letters received

Hello, children!

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31

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

Details: Hailed as “Paramount Prince Tribute Show”. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

NEW YEAR'S EVE NOISE MAKERS CRAFT

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 30

Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150

Second Street

Details: Kids ages 3+ can create a noise maker to ring in the new year. No registration necessary. Contact: rclreads.org

NEW YEAR'S JOY ORGAN RECITAL

When: 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31

Where: White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch Street

Details: Organ recital performed by Doug Nelson features a l mix of classics like J.S. Bach’s In Dulci Jubiloand In Dir Ist Freude, the cinematic beauty of Over the Rainbow, and festive

favorites like God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Open to the public. Contact wblumc.org

LAKE LINKS ASSOCIATION WINTER STROLL AND OPEN HOUSE

When: 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3

Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center

Details: Enjoy hot cider, treats, displays and hear about the progress on the trail and the Streetcar Park renovation, then take a stroll along the newly lighted trail segment and the decorated covered bridge. Drawing and door prizes. Contact: lakelinks.net/post/january-3winter-stroll-and-open-house

Thank you for sending your letters to old Santa! It was great fun reading them! But a “fart gun?” Seriously? Well … maybe.

I read all the letters. Thank you for sending them to Press Publications, they’re great resources for old Santa.

I enjoyed reading your requests and be assured that I will talk to my helpers and we’ll see what we can do. Thank you for all the well wishes to Mrs. Claus and the elves, too! They all said, “thank you!” Santa, Mrs. Claus and all the elves wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! With warmest wishes,

The stars told the story

More than 2,000 years ago the stars pointed to a revolution that was about to take place on earth. Astrologers, though we don’t know their names, followed the stars to see the newborn king in Bethlehem. They went to Herod, the king, and he didn’t know about it so they continued following the bright star until they found Jesus in Bethlehem. Herod went about sending a decree that male babies up to two years old should be killed.

About the Town

From my youth until this day, I feel it is important to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. However, today it is so woven with commercialism we hardly grasp the meaning. We need to know more about the life of Jesus.

Today we celebrate in many different ways. Dinners with family and friends, gift exchanges, and for some it’s travel time.

Since the ‘70s, we have taken our family to the Festival of Christmas concert at Bethel University. We did that again this year. Bethel was celebrating the 68th festival in the Great Hall at the Arden Hills campus. It’s a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season. Following the concert was a beautifully prepared Scandinavian buffet.

Throughout the concert my eyes got a little teary having 20 of our family members surround us. I think of the memories of Kathy teaching in the Bethel music department and the opportunity I had to serve on the Board of Regents for more than a decade.

Christmas memories Memories are wonderful to reflect on. The first memorable Christmas gift was a farm set from my Uncle Ed and Aunt Myrtle Olson, my mom’s sister. I must have been three or four years old. Another memorable gift was an American Flyer passenger train with the introduction of the S gauge two-rail toy train. That prompted building a large layout in the basement in 1946 at the age of 10.

Over the years memories continued, being married at the age of 18 to Joan Ostrom, building our own home in White Bear Township, and losing our first child at birth. Thankfully, Julie was born in good health a year later.

I worked at the Press above the Getty building at the age of 16 and continued until the age of 20 when the opportunity came to buy our first newspaper in Atwater in west central Minnesota. Then we purchased the paper in Olivia and I eventually came back to buy the White Bear Press and other newspapers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Making up wonderful memories are the many friendships, a growing family, and opportunities to serve community organizations as well as National Newspaper Association work. Another big highlight was serving on board leadership at Bethel University. We have had 28 foreign visitors live with us and have been able to travel to over 75 countries in the world and consult in several under-developed countries in Europe, South America and the South Pacific.

Merry Christmas, readers

Kathy and I hope you have cherished memories that will be with you for years to come. Enjoy the special traditions that you have come to enjoy. Find ways to help to those less fortunate. Take time to be with those you love and be charitable with your resources. Don’t forget our heritage, our democracy, and pray for our nation and world leaders.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

In it together: Encourage charity in children

Afew years ago, a story captured headlines: An eight-year-old girl raised $53,000 to address food insecurity in her town. With a lemonade stand. The ensuing publicity bolstered her efforts, but fame did not prompt them. Nor did the prospect of an invitation to the presidential inauguration. While many adults aspire to give back to their communities, most children do not instinctively possess these qualities. In fact, parting with their stuff is difficult. Words like "me and " mine" punctuate early utterances, helping them individuate and carve out their own space. Some have kind dispositions early on, and engage openly with families, friends, and pets. They cooperate, and try to pitch in.

Below are a few suggestions

• Limited to 350 words.

• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

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

• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and

gleaned from my own research in this area, and from my conversations with those who have spent their careers asking others to step up to the plate.

• Talk openly with children about your own philanthropy: where you choose to donate, why it is important to you, how you direct gifts, and how you feel about doing so. Ask them for their ideas. This contributes to their self-worth and helps begin a valuable dialogue.

• Charity is a central pillar of most religions, a prescribed duty in many. Highlight the need to keep supporting the missions and survival of these institutions. Yet be wary of “preaching” too much, especially with adolescents. That will only inspire a different kind of pilgrimage, e.g. their heading in the opposite direction. Tithing and routine giving is very meaningful for some families. Make it a family practice.

• Literature, the arts, history, and social studies provide opportunities for examining characters who have confronted dilemmas, resolved relationships, and gained perspective. Good

teachers know how to explore and distill these lessons. Youth leaders, coaches, and mentors communicate these values well.

• Sharing a global worldview provides context. Our planet has finite resources that demand stewardship. We all must preserve these treasures for future generations.

• Holiday giving is the mainstay of most charities. While perhaps counterintuitive, giving generously every day promises incalculable benefits.

• There are myriad ways to give without dollars: sending a meal, pet sitting, running an errand, sharing resources, lending a tool, writing a long-hand note. Now more than ever, as we are harried, pausing to take time matters.

Jeri Glick-Anderson (Senior Director of Planned Giving, YMCA of the North) contributed valuable ideas for this article. Many thanks to her.

Dr. Ken Klein is a child psychologist residing in North Oaks with his family.

BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

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

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

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

• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.

• All letters are subject to editing.

• Deadline is 5 p. m., Thursday of the week prior to publication.

• To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Gene Johnson

Movers & Shakers

Dr. Ken Klein

Winterfest brings festivities downtown for holidays

PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

A choir performs for crowds while they wait in line for a ride around downtown in a horse-drawn carriage.

Santa was at Festival of Trees to take festive pictures with families in front of the LaFrance fire engine.

The downtown White Bear Lake Winterfest celebration was once again a popular event with a full schedule of events on two Saturdays including visits with Santa, Festival of Trees display, an elf hunt, ice sculptures and horse-drawn carriage rides.

JANUARY

• After losing their son Owen to leukemia, White Bear Lake residents Dan and Susan Loftus followed through on their son’s wish to adopt a Goldendoodle and have him become a certified therapy dog. That dog, named Hutch, became certified through training at Canine Inspired Change, a nonprofit dog training organization founded by Little Canada resident Danielle Graczyk in 2010.

FEBRUARY

• Birchwood residents Nancy and Bob Brydges made a special visit to the Brydges Center in Nairobi, Kenya. The couple established the center nearly 30 years ago to provide for the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of orphaned and abused children and teens in the country.

• In honor of Valentine’s Day, Press Publications reached out to local readers and asked for submissions of a “love story” in one photo. These submissions ranged from a couple going on 54 years of marriage to a young family enjoying the holidays to a mother and son riding a carousel.

• The 2023-2024 Zephyr wrestling season saw three female wrestlers join the newly formed girls' wrestling team at Mahtomedi High School. One of those wrestlers, senior Shelby McFetridge, made history by becoming the first female to qualify for the Girls State Tournament. McFetridge placed third at the Minnesota State High School League Section Tournament the previous season.

• A special task force’s efforts to find a new governing model for the Metropolitan Council ended with widespread disagreement over what model

MARCH

• After 16 years of serving as a City Council member for Ward 3, Dan Jones stepped down from his position on the White Bear Lake City Council. Jones, who also served on the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) for 15 years, became the new creative director at the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society. Andrea West took over for Ward 3.

• After three years in the making, the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra performed “Peter and the Wolf” at the Chautauqua Fine Arts Center in Mahtomedi in honor of Wildwood Artist Series (WAS) founder Ellie Bruner. Bruner, who died of liver cancer in April 2023, had said that it was her dying wish to include a children’s concert as part of the organization’s repertoire. “Ellie was such an inspiring person,” said orchestra bassoonist Ellen Maas. “It was always her dream to include a children’s concert.”

• Heidi Dierssen, a professor of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut (UConn), became the project manager for the Space X Falcon 9 Block 5 launch. The launch is part of the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, oceanOceanystem (PACE) NASA Earthobserving satellite mission, which seeks to observe

type to adopt. The group comprises 17 appointed council members, including Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham, Democratic Sen.

global ocean color, biogeochemistry and ecology, and the carbon cycle, aerosols and clouds. Dierssen is a 1985 alum of White Bear Lake Area High School, where she was class valedictorian.

• In partnership with builder Elements DesignBuild, the city of White Bear Lake applied for a redevelopment grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to turn the old gas station at the corner of County Road E and Bellaire Avenue into nine new townhome units. The estimated total cost for the project was $230,000, $115,000 of which the city intended to cover with state funds. The grant would help builders offset extra costs unique to “Brownfield” development, which refers to commercial and industrial properties long since abandoned. These costs include the demolition of existing structures, upgrades to city water and sewer connections and sidewalk replacement among others.

Scott Dibble and Republican Rep. John Koznick. Initially formed during the 2023 legislative session, the group was created to reform the council’s government-appointment-based model approach. While some members, such as Bigham and Dibble, favored a directly elected model approach, others, such as Koznick, favored the current governmentappointment-based approach, albeit with some slight modifications. Despite the disagreement, the task force adopted several principles to guide the Legislature in considering multiple reform proposals should they be looked at in the future.

• Three brothers—Jimmy, Patrick and Max— talked about what it’s like to play on the Mahtomedi High School Hockey team together, and how family history is intertwined with the sport. Dick Redpath, their grandfather, was the founder of the Mahtomedi Hockey Association in the early 1960s. Their other grandfather, Patrick Egan I, was president of the St. Paul Saints in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

• The 617 Bar celebrated its 90th anniversary after opening in White Bear Lake on March 9, 1934. The bar was one of the first to operate in the city after the end of Prohibition in December 1933.

• White Bear Lake officially called its earliest-ever iceout on record (March 8) and possibly the shortest season ever for ice on the lake.

• Bald Eagle Lake is slated to be potentially removed from Minnesota's impaired water list. The lake was added to the list in 2002 due to its then-high levels of phosphorus and algae detected in the water. Different projects have led to an overall decrease in both levels, such as the 2014 Oneka Ridge Course stormwater reuse project and an iron-enhanced sand filter and pond project on Ramsey County Ditch 11, completed in 2020. Rice Creek Watershed District Program Manager Matt Kocian noted that the possible removal was a rare development, as less than 50 cases of lakes have been removed from the list in its history.

• St. Thomas University student/Hill-Murray School alum Brendan Bonin talked about his overseas trip to Rome, which was made possible by a special on-campus program. Bonin, who planned to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Catholic studies, said one of his trip’s highlights was seeing one of Pope Francis’ speeches at the Vatican. Bonin also read from the Old Testament in St. Peter’s Square to a crowd of thousands on Easter Sunday.

• Trisha Kauffman retired from the position of executive director for Solid Ground, where she had been since 1997. During her tenure, Kauffman expanded several of the company’s programs, including adding a permanent housing subdivision and providing rental assistance to people outside the company’s housing program. Kauffman was succeeded in her position by Diamond Hunter.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Skaters out on White Bear Lake after a late freeze.

CONTRIBUTED

Zephyr wrestler Shelby McFetridge qualifyed for state.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The landmark 617 Bar celebrated its 90th anniversary.

• White Bear Lake native and High School alum Jill Defiel shared her experiences working as a sound mixer for several blockbuster Hollywood movies. These movies include “Dune: Part Two,” in which Defiel did the international sound mix, and “The Beekeeper,” in which she did the domestic mix.

• The Lake Links Association discussed some of their proudest accomplishments around White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi. These include completing a walking/ biking trail around South Shore Boulevard in 2023 and safety improvements for bicyclists and automobiles along Wildwood Beach Road and Park Avenue. Another notable achievement was constructing a rest stop at Bellaire Beach along the trail called Saputo Station, which opened in October 2022. The station was dedicated to Lake Links co-founder Steve Wolgamont, who passed away in August of that year.

• Following two years of rehabilitation from knee injuries, Mahtomedi High School alum/Northern State University graduate Parker Fox celebrated his success on the court after joining the Minnesota Golden Gophers Basketball team last November. During his last season on the Northern State team, Fox was a first-team

Division II All-American. Fox averaged 14 minutes, 5.1 points, and 2.9 rebounds per game, shooting 68 percent on field goals, blocking 27 shots and making 18 steals. Fox played in all 34 games for his first season as a Gophers player, helping them post a 19-15 record, a massive jump from the previous season. Fox credited the trainers/ strength and conditioning staff for ensuring he was fully prepared to participate in the season.

• The Protez Foundation, an Oakdale-based nonprofit organization, hosted a special fundraiser at the Ukranian Baptist Church in Hopkins. The fundraiser was held to buy prosthetic limbs for Roman and Olexsandr, two Ukrainian soldiers who lost multiple limbs in the Ukraine-Russian War before coming to Minnesota. Established in 2022 by Yakov Gradiner and Yuri Aroshidze, the foundation helps Ukrainian children, civilians and soldiers who have lost limbs as a result of the war receive high-quality prosthetics in the United States.

• The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society hosted multiple presentations on Native American heritage as part of its Native American Education Initiative Project, launched the previous fall. The project is a brand new

addition to the society, which has only done sporadic presentations on Native American history in the past. Project Coordinator Elsa Battala said the project was launched to help educate the public on the city’s rich history of Native American lore.

• The White Bear Lake Police Department launched its brand-new drone program, led by Sgt. Isaac Tuma after its initial creation by former Chief of Police Julie Swanson the previous year. According to Tuma, the program will help locate missing individuals and assess the safety of a particular scene rather than help apprehend suspects due to concerns over violating individuals’ Fourth Amendment rights. Chief of Police Dale Hager said that the program will adhere to national, federal and state guidelines regarding the legality of drone use.

• White Bear Lake resident Michael Henderson was presented a Citizen’s Award by the Police Department for helping prevent an attempted carjacking outside of Planet Fitness on Buerkle Road.

• Vadnais Heights resident Jackie Edberg talked about her son Nathan, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances almost 25 years ago. Edberg said that while Nathan’s vanishing has led to more questions than answers, she remains upbeat about how she and the rest of the family continue to keep him in their memories to this day. “There was a friendliness about him that we all loved,” said Jackie about Nathan’s personality. “He was very much a people person who enjoyed being around others and telling jokes.”

• White Bear Lake Area Learning Center (ALC) Language Arts teacher Michelle Norcross was awarded Teacher of the Year at the district’s award ceremony. Norcross has taught in the school district for the past 13 years and currently leads several ALC programs for students beyond high school age and teachers seeking career growth opportunities.

• The remains of William F. Gusie, a 1939 White Bear Lake Area High School graduate, were laid to rest in a special burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Gusie’s remains were identified in September 2021 by members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in the

wreckage of the USS Oklahoma, which was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Gusie had worked on the ship as a 3rd Class Navy Fire Controllman.

• White Bear Lake Area High School junior Gabe Kessel was diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma, a rare cancerous brain tumor with a low survival rate. Kessel has since been doing daily radiation treatments at Regions Hospital, which have stopped the growth of new tumors and cancer cells in his body. Kessel’s family has recently contacted the University of Minnesota Medical Center, which is currently developing a special drug that is shown to slow the progress of the tumor’s disease. Kessel’s family hopes to get Gabe on the waiting list to participate in a drug trial.

• In response to reports of rising crime in neighboring counties, the city of Dellwood began rolling out a new crime prevention program. The program involves installing automatic license plate readers around the city, which Project Manager Greg Boosalis said will increase the safety margin for concerned residents.

• Derick Ngu and Thomas Dowie, two pastors from Cameroon and Liberia, established church services at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake. Ngu holds services through the Church of Cameroon in the church’s sanctuary from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. while Dowie holds services through his ministry, “Kingdom Restoration Ministries,” from 2 to 2:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Both are held on Sundays.

• Hugo resident Zoua Vue discussed her life as a foster parent. Vue cited her 16-year job as a St. Paul Public Schools teacher as inspiration to become a foster parent, as several students she taught were in foster care. Vue had previously fostered five children between the ages of 5 and 14 and currently fosters three adopted siblings, ages 7, 9 and 10. While Vue admitted getting the children used to a new routine and schedule was challenging, she has described her overall experience as “very rewarding.”

• Manitou Days has been a staple of local fun in White Bear Lake for nearly 50 years, where residents gather to enjoy a three-week celebration of fun festivities around

the city. This year’s festival theme was “All Bears United.”

• Sisters Colleen and Claudia Beckmann of White Bear Lake became embroiled in a dispute with the city over ownership of their pet pigs, Ozzie and Harriet. The sisters initially rescued both pigs from an unnamed animal sanctuary in Northern Minnesota and have kept them as pets ever since. According to City Manager Lindy Crawford, the sisters’ home was not properly zoned to allow the keeping of domestic farm animals. However, the sisters’ lawyer, Mary Wingfield, stated that the code they violated has only been in force for a few years and is not specific about what kind of farm animals residents are not allowed to have.

• Mahtomedi Fire Chief Terry Fisher announced his retirement effective Sept. 20. Fischer had been with the city’s fire department since 1993 and was promoted to chief in 2009.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Mahtomedi High School students celebrated prom with a St. Croix River cruise.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf officially opened a Community Market with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Road Construction in Mahtomedi was completed in the fall.

• White Bear Lake City Council voted to expand parking restrictions for vehicles and boat trailers in downtown residential areas.

• For the 4th Monday in a row, the A-scow races on White Bear Lake were canceled due to poor wind conditions.

• White Bear Lake High School speech team captains Miriam Elias-Danjuma and Sanyu Mwassa won first place in the National Speech and Debate Tournament.

• Evan McGuire, Mahtomedi High School senior wrestler, helped Team USA capture gold in GrecoRoman by going 4-0 with 3 pins and winning his division.

• White Bear Lake resident Andrew Lee was arrested after an armed standoff with the local police and SWAT team.

SEPTEMBER

• The Bald Eagle Art Crawl debuts this month, featuring 53 individual local artists.

• After 35 years of ownership, Eric and Kelly Hendrickson have handed over ownership of Mahtomedi's Liquor Barrel to long-term employees.

• Angela Vick, who works at Magnuson Christian School, recently won shot put and discus at the Minnesota Senior Games and earned a trip to 2025 nationals.

• Aviation mechanic Tommy Hammonds of Vadnais Heights is this years recipient of a scholarship from Benson Airport's Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 745.

• Local school districts are evaluating their policies for students cell phone use, as a new law requires them to adopt a cell phone policy by March 15, 2025.

• The Mahtomedi City Council approved planning documents for the development of a senior community

• Nuni Omot, former Mahtomedi basketball player born in a Kenyan refugee camp, will play for South Sudan in the upcoming Olympics. Lara DallmanWeiss, Olympic sailor who honed her skills on White Bear Lake, is headed back to the Olympic Games in a new, mixed-gender event.

• Groups working to bring back the Ramsey County Fair in 2025 fail to reach a deal due to cost estimates.

• White Bear Lake has multiple properties that contain restrictive covenants excluding “persona other than of the Caucasian race” in their property titles.

• Ling Becker has been selected as the new Ramsey County Manager. Becker was formerly executive director of the county's Workforce Investment Board and executive director of the Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation.

• Dozens of participants stopped at 17 establishments throughout Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi during the 36th annual Tour de Bar Bicycle Benefit Ride.

• The White Bear Lake Rotary Club and YouLEAD will hold a picnic to welcome 15 Ukrainian exchange students who will be in the area for a month to learn about Minnesota's culture, government, health car system, and other topics.

• The City of White Bear Lake is working with the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society to design a display for the 1929 LaFrance fire truck that can be viewed at the new Public Safety facility at the

upcoming open house.

• The Bald Eagle Yacht Club will celebrate its quasquicentennial. The first “gaff rig” sailboats raced on the lake 125 years ago.

• A pickle ball fundraiser is planned to help rebuild the Brydges Centre in Kenya following a fire.

• The White Bear Lake City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed change to the city's liquor ordinance, which would halt all on-site liquor sales by 1 a.m.

• Mariner Middle School is ready to open for the 2024-25 school year in the renovated former South Campus building. A Community Open House will be held before the first football game at the new White Bear Lake Area High School.

at the vacant site of the former First Christian Church.

• The Vadanis Lake Area Water Management Organization denied plans for an apartment building on a 1.75-acre parcel along Arcade Street.

• Over 200 pieces of pottery created by Mata Ortiz artists in Mexico will be displayed for sale at the White Bear Center for the Arts.

• After 31 years, Mahtomedi Fire Chief Terry Fischer is retiring.

• Caroline Grubs of White Bear Lake secured the national swivel title at the 2024 Division 1 Show Ski Nationals.

• Local food shelves report financial donations over the past couple of years have not kept pace with increased demand for services.

• The future of the Purple Line BRT is uncertain after the Maplewood City Council reversed it's prior support of the project.

• A bounce house carnival and talent show are new events that are open to the community as part of White Bear Lake Ara Schools Homecoming festivities.

• The Vadnais Heights Green Team needs more helpers to help clean 1,800 drains throughout the city as part of the Adopt-a-Drain program.

• White Bear Lake graduate Josh Cassada has retired from NASA after 11 years of service. He plans to return to the private sector.

• Plans to purchase and install an electric vehicle charger in front of City Hall failed to proceed at last week's White Bear Lake City Council meeting.

• More than 60 classmates from White Bear Lake High School's Class of 1994 gathered for a 30 year reunion.

• Residents are invited to a community meeting at Otter Lake Technologies, the business that acquired the assets of Water Gremlin earlier this year.

• Customers and community members helped Hardik Patel, owner of Controneo's liquor store, relocate to the building formerly occupied by Fraser Automotive. The new store, renamed White Bear Wine and Spirits, seeks to continue the legacy of

Liquor.

Ciresi's

JAY RENDALL CONTRIBUTED

Sailor Lara Dallman Weiss competed in the Olympics.

JAY RENDALL | CONTRIBUTED

An injured Great horned owl was rescued local raptor expert Frank Taylor.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

A young visitor rings the bell on a vintage fire engine during the new Public Safety Building grand opening.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Pumpkin decorators in Railroad Park during Fall Fest.

NOVEMBER

Year in Review 2024

• The Mahtomedi Girls Soccer Team recelaimed the state championship by beating Holy Angels 2-0 in the Class 2A finals.

• Vadnais Heights resident Marianne Baumgarten, who is in her 80s, recently achieved her childhood dream of becoming a flower girl in a wedding.

• The city of White Bear Lake and White Bear Township are in the middle of a contrct dispute regarding what the township is expected to pay for the new public safety building.

• Local presidential race results indicate Kamala Harris and Tim Walz won in all of the communities in the White Bear Press circulation area, with the exception of Dellwood, Grant and Pine Springs, which were carried by Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. Gem Lake reported a tie with 183 votes for each candidate.

DECEMBER

Year in Review 2024

• Beginning in the fall of 2025, Otter Lake Elementary and Matoska International will each have three kindergarten classrooms in which only Spanish will be spoken for half of the day.

• Lisa Beecroft, owner of Beecroft Marketing & Events, who has helped coordinate Marketfest and other local events, has accepted a position at the U of M and will be closing her business in the coming months.

• Jeffrey London, who retured home earlier than expected from a military deployment in Djibouti, Africa surprised his son, Gabriel, during class at Lakeaires Elementary School.

• White Bear Lake City Manager Lindy Crawford

• The White Bear Lake Rotary Club and Rudy's Redeye Grill teamed up with Sweet Martha's cookies to ship 60 buckets of cookies to Major Justin Bradshaw and his National Guard unit who are stationed in Kuwait.

• Railroad Park will be the location of a new holiday lighting ceremony. The gazebo and surrounding trees will be be lit during downtowm White Bear Lake's Holiday Open House.

• DECA students from Mahtomedi High School visited classrooms at O.H. Anderson and Mahtomedi Middle School to inform students about the school district's ongoing service project to collect donations for families in need of assistance this holiday season.

presented a bear to retired Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt in recognition of her nearly three decades of service to the city and county.

• Residents have sent letters to the White Bear Lake Conservation District complaining about barking dogs, parking issues and fecal bacteria harming water quality at the dog beach.

ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER: Opens for north side of county

North Environmental Center for emergency response.

Congressman Pete Stauber described the center as a “blueprint” for other counties. “You have led in a way that is sustainable, environmentally friendly and is needed,” he said. “You are going to see many centers (like this), not only around Minnesota but around the country.”

Items accepted at the North Environmental Center include hazardous materials, electronics, household sharps, recyclables and food scraps. The center also features a free product room, where residents can find usable products such as latex paint, household cleaners, automotive fluids, lawn and garden products and books.

“With all due respect to our partners Hugo and Woodbury, we are happy to no longer bring you our trash. We are happy to have this facility now in our own backyard,” said outgoing Forest Lake Mayor Mara Bain. “As a city, we are especially thankful to be out of the yard waste compost business, and we all look forward to this facility’s great success.”

The North Yard Waste Site located in Hugo has been permanently relocated to the center in Forest Lake. (The city of Hugo has yet to determine what will happen with that site.) Residents can drop off leaves, grass clippings, brush and other yard waste. Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce Chair and City Council Member Leif Erickson described the center as a “tremendous asset” to the community. “We’re so grateful for the work that was put into it by staff, by leaders to bring this to fruition,” he said. “As a local area chamber, we are excited to

see the development that is happening in this community.”

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)

Director of Resource Management and Assistance Division

Hours of operation

Monday : 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday : 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday : 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday : 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dave Benke spoke about the convenience the facility will offer to many.

“That’s one thing that you really have to have for people. Convenience has become so ingrained in our lives that you can’t go more than half a mile and expect people to follow you there. You know they’ll take the shortest path to something and sometimes that’s not always the best kind … ” Benke said. “To have a facility like this where you can drop off just about everything that you realize you don’t need anymore. I think it’s really important to make sure that that happens.”

Ramsey County also started construction of a new Environmental Service Center in fall 2023. The center, located at 1700 Kent Street in Roseville, is set to open April 1.

For more information about the North Environmental Center, visit WashingtonCountyMN.gov/EnviroCenter or call 651-275-7475.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

BROWN’S CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., the Brown’s Creek Watershed District Board of Managers will hold a public hearing to receive comments on a proposed cost-share project with the city of Stillwater to reduce sediment and nutrient loading into Brewer’s Pond by installing a storm sewer separator while replacing an existing corrugated pipe, as well as install a 20-ft deep manhole to eliminate the steep slope of the existing pipe and reduce the speed and force of the water at the outlet.

The project will be constructed by the city of Stillwater and funded through a district-wide ad valorem levy as authorized by Minnesota Statutes chapter 103B in the amount of $25,000, and city of Stillwater in the amount of $100,000. The estimated total cost for the project is $125,000. The project is planned for 2025.

The public hearing will be held at Family Means, 1875 Northwestern Ave, Stillwater, Minnesota.

Debra Sahulka, Secretary, Browns Creek Watershed District Published two times in the White Bear Press on December 18 and 25, 2024.

CITY OF GEM LAKE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE GEM LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION

December 18, 2024

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: The Gem Lake Planning Commission will consider an application for a Special Home Occupation Permit at 3907 Tessier Road to operate a photography studio out of a garage or accessory building located on the property. There will be a public hearing on January 14, 2025, during the Planning Commission Meeting. The Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at 4200 Otter Lake Rd, Gem Lake. A copy of the application and staff report will be available from the City Clerk approximately one week prior to the hearing.

Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor

Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 25, 2024.

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-09

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND ESTABLISHING THE 2025 CITY OF MAHTOMEDI FEE SCHEDULE

On December 3, 2024, the City of Mahtomedi, Washington County, Minnesota (“City”) adopted Ordinance No. 2024-09, an ordinance adopting and establishing the 2025 City of Mahtomedi Fee Schedule. The Ordinance adopts updated fees for the City for ambulance transport fees, cannabis retail registration, city equipment rental, utility rates, utility connection charges, various permits and licenses, and other city fees and charges. All other fees shall remain the same as found in the City’s existing 2024 fee schedule. The entire fee schedule can be viewed at the Mahtomedi City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 or on the City of Mahtomedi website: www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us

Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 25, 2024.

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

SUMMARY PUBLICATION - ORDINANCE NO. 2024-11

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PUBLICATION OF A SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2024-11, AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING MAHTOMEDI CITY CODE CHAPTER 7, SECTION 12, REGARDING CANNABIS AND HEMP BUSINESS REGULATIONS

On December 17, 2024, the City of Mahtomedi, Washington County, Minnesota adopted Ordinance 2024-11, an ordinance Adopting Mahtomedi City Code Chapter 7, Section 12, Cannabis and Hemp Business Regulations. Ordinance 2024-11 adopts regulations for cannabis and hemp businesses, including establishing a retail registration requirement for cannabis retail businesses and lower potency hemp edible retailers; limits the number of registered cannabis retail businesses within the city to 1; establishes a process for application for registrations and adopts cannabis retailer and lower potency hemp edible retailer operation regulations; and adopts additional regulations and restrictions on cannabis and hemp businesses.

It is hereby determined that publication of this title and summary will clearly inform the public of the intent and effect of Ordinance No. 2024-11, and it is directed that only the above title and summary of Ordinance No. 2024-11 conforming to Minn. Stat. Sec. 331A.01 be published, with the following: NOTICE

A printed copy of the full text of Ordinance No. 2024-11 is available for public inspection by any person during regular office hours at the office of the Mahtomedi City Clerk, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN, 55115 by standard mail, or by electronic mail, and at any other public location which the Council designates.

Jerene Rogers, City Clerk

Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 25, 2024.

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

SUMMARY PUBLICATION - ORDINANCE NO. 2024-12

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PUBLICATION OF A SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2024-12, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING MAHTOMEDI CITY CODE CHAPTER 11, SECTION 11.01, SUBD. 7.0 DEFINITIONS, SUBD. 9.0 SPECIFIC USE STANDARDS AND SUBD. 11.1, TABLE 11.0 A LAND USE TABLE, RELATED TO CANNABIS AND LOWER POTENCY HEMP EDIBLE BUSINESSES

On December 17, 2024, the City of Mahtomedi, Washington County, Minnesota adopted Ordinance 2024-12, an ordinance Amending Mahtomedi City Code Chapter 11, Section 11.01, subd. 7.0 Definitions, Subd. 9.0 Specific Use Standards and Subd. 11.1, Table 11.0 A Land Use Table, Related to Cannabis and Lower Potency Hemp Edible Businesses.

The ordinance adds cannabis and hemp-business related definitions to the City’s zoning ordinance; establishes performance standards for certain cannabis and hemp-related businesses; amends the land use table to add cannabis retailers, cannabis medical retailers, lower potency hemp edible retailers, and other cannabis businesses; and makes additional related changes.

It is hereby determined that publication of this title and summary will clearly inform the public of the intent and effect of Ordinance No. 2024-12, and it is directed that only the above title and summary of Ordinance No. 2024-12 conforming to Minn. Stat. Sec. 331A.01 be published, with the following: NOTICE

A printed copy of the full text of Ordinance No. 2024-12 is available for public inspection by any person during regular office hours at the office of the Mahtomedi City Clerk, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN, 55115 by standard mail, or by electronic mail, and at any other public location which the Council designates.

Jerene Rogers, City Clerk

Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 25, 2024. INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 832 MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115 MINUTES NOVEMBER 12, 2024

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Mahtomedi Public Schools was held November 12, 2024, beginning at 7:00 PM.- CALL TO ORDERMeeting was called to order by Chair Stacey Stout at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE- Present: Ryan Domin, Paul Donna, Jenny Peterson, and Stacey Stout. Lucy Payne and Kelly Reagan were not present. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA- Donna motioned; Peterson seconded; Approval of Agenda. Carried 4-0. ACTION ITEMS – A.) Approval of Donations/Grants from October 2024 Totaling $18,197.85. Domin motioned, Stout seconded; Approval of Donations/Grants from October 2024 Totaling $18,197.85. B.) Approval of Policies – Final Reading. Superintendent Barb Duffrin presented to the School Board the final reading of policies from Minnesota model policy revisions. These policies have been reviewed by the Policy committee and have been through two readings and are now in their final reading. Duffrin did explain to the School Board that Policy 806 did have a statement added from the district attorney regarding active shooter drills. 1.) Policies for review due to MSBA Legislative Updates a.) Policy 208 – Development, Adoption and Implementation of Policies b.) Policy 506 – Student Discipline (Annual Review) c.) Policy 507 – Corporal Punishment d.) Policy 524 – Technology and Cell Phone Acceptable Use, and Safety Policy e.) Policy 721 – Uniform Grant Guidance Policy Regarding Federal Revenue Sources 2.) Policy for Annual Review a.) Policy 806 – Crisis Management. Donna motioned; Peterson seconded; Approval of Policies. Carried 4-0. C.) Approval of Resolution 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. Peterson motioned, Donna seconded; Approval of Resolution 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 4-0. D.) Approval of Resolution Relating To Authorizing The State’s Safe Routes to School Application. This resolution was brought last year to submit an infrastructure grant for a sidewalk that goes from Stillwater Road to the Middle School entrance. Mahtomedi did not receive the grant, but this approval is to resubmit another resolution. Mahtomedi will be responsible for the soft costs, including engineering and planning, which would be around $35,000 to $45,000. MnDOT did mention that the chances of receiving the grant look better this year. Domin motioned, Peterson seconded; Approval of Resolution Relating to Authorizing the State’s Safe Routes to School Application. Carried 4-0. ADJOURNMENT - Peterson motioned, Domin seconded; Adjournment. Carried 4-0. Meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Submitted by Paul Donna, Acting 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 25, 2024.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED PORTLAND WOODS STREET IMPROVEMENT 2024-2

IN THE TOWN OF WHITE BEAR, RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Town Board of the Town of White Bear, Ramsey County, Minnesota, will meet at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road, in said Town on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., to consider the improvement. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing.

The general nature of the improvement is set forth as follows: construction of bituminous paving, concrete curb and gutter, storm drainage and other appurtenances thereto.

The area proposed to be assessed for such improvement is every lot, piece or parcel of land benefitted by said improvement in the area of the Town of White Bear lying and being within the following area of the Township including: Portland Woods from Portland Avenue to Dead-End, Ramsey County, Minnesota.

The estimated cost of the improvement is $462,600.00.

The Board proposes to proceed under authority granted under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429.

All persons desiring to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

Dated: December 16, 2024.

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer

Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 25, 2024.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ANDERSON LANE STREET IMPROVEMENT 2024-3

IN THE TOWN OF WHITE BEAR, RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

The general nature of the improvement is set forth as follows: construction of bituminous paving, concrete curb and gutter, storm drainage and other appurtenances thereto.

The estimated cost of the improvement is $961,100.00.

The Board proposes to proceed under authority granted under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429.

All persons desiring to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

Dated: December 16, 2024. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 25, 2024. US STORAGE CENTERS – WHITE BEAR NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE SALE

Please take notice US Storage Centers – White Bear located at 1828 Buerkle Road White Bear, MN 55110 intends to hold an auction of storage units in default of payment. The sale will occur as an online auction via www. storagetreasures.com on 1/15/2025 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Jesse Barton (2 units); Breana Legg; Dawn

SHANNON GRANHOLM PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The North Environmental Center accepts hazardous materials, electronics, household sharps, recyclables and food scraps.

• The township is extending its trash, recycling and yard waste contract with Republic Services for two more years. Town Clerk Patrick Christopherson reported, “We had extensive discussions at the Utility Commission regarding snowbird service.” At multiple meetings this past year, town residents have expressed a desire to not be charged for refuse removal if they leave Minnesota for several months during the winter. “We have decided to opt into discussions in earnest about getting snowbird service held once again so that it would be available to our residents beginning in the fall of 2025 and into winter 2026,” he added.

• Northway Tobacco 2, a shop near Emagine White Bear Theatre, will receive both a tobacco and edible cannabinoid license for 2025.

• Owners of a property on Summit Lane near Mallard Road will be able to build a 5-foot fence in their front yard after receiving a variance from the town board. The main factor behind the Planning Commission’s recommendation of approval is that this property is a “through lot,” meaning public streets border both its front and back yards.

• The board is granting a 60day extension to the Planning Commission so that a property on Birchknoll Drive with a driveway that was constructed outside the parameters of township ordinance may be fully investigated.

• The board is holding public hearings at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan.

22, regarding street improvement projects on Portland Woods—near Portland Avenue and Lake Avenue— as well as Anderson Lane, north of County Road H2 and off of Centerville Road. Per feasibility studies, both roads’ pavement sections are rapidly falling apart.

• The board approved the 2025 property tax levy and operating budget ceilings of $6,212,324 and $6,740,979, respectively, as recommended by town residents at the special meeting on Dec. 3. The board may approve a levy or budget amount lower than these amounts. Indeed, after another pass through the numbers, Finance Officer Tom Kelly recommended the budget be lowered by $2,000.

• Separately, the township’s debt levy for 2024, payable 2025, is decreasing by $108,609 to $451,874. Kelly explained that White Bear Township had excess funds in its budget from this year. Pursuant to Minnesota statute, the township must use any remaining funds to offset the debt levy for the following year. The lower number was the one reported to town residents on Dec. 3.

• The White Bear Township Board next meets at 4200 Otter Lake Road at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6. To view the livestream of the meeting, visit youtube.com/@ WhiteBearTownshipMNOfficial/ streams

Logan Gion

• The donations the district receives each month help the district's bottom line and provide more academic and extracurricular opportunities for students. The board formally accepted $30,955.77 in donations during the month of November. Highlights include $10,000 from Snap Mobile Inc. for the girls high school soccer fundraiser; $3,209 from private parties for the high school football fundraiser; $2,147 from private parties for middle school Kash 4 Kidz donations; $2,100 from school districts for the high school volleyball tournament fundraiser; and $2,039 from private parties for Grade 2 activities at Wildwood Elementary.

• In a unanimous vote, the board also approved the upcoming five-year lease with Belisle Development LLC to lease space for the Passages program at a property on 2735 County Road D. The program will move from its current space at 3132 Century Avenue N. Erickson said that the district would enjoy a reduced rate because the Passages program would not be using all the available space. The rental rates per month will start at $10,834 per month for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2026 and increase to $12,194 per month for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2030. "The new location will

provide a better space that is better suited for the programming needs of the Passages students," Erickson said.

• In her report, Superintendent Barb Duffrin noted the departure of Nicole Flesner, director of human resources, and retirement of Joan Demars, secretary to the associate principal at Mahtomedi High School.

• On behalf of the school board, Duffrin also thanked Dr. Lucy Payne for her years of service after 10 years on the board. Payne is stepping off the board after serving as board chair, as vice chair and as leader and member of several education committees since 2014. Duffrin noted that Payne has long been a champion of the performing arts, both within the district and for the Wildwood Artist Series. She was a constant presence for students in the performing arts, Duffrin said. She also predicted that Payne would soon be seen in the role of substitute teacher around the district.

The next regular board meeting starts at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, in the District Center Community Room, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.

Loretta

Harding

Mahtomedi Schools see budget and levy increase

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Property owners within the jurisdiction of the Mahtomedi School District will see an increase in the school district portion of their property taxes for 2025, after the Mahtomedi School Board approved the payable 2025 budget and levy.

The payable 2025 property tax levy has been set at $17,215,511.82. This will be an increase of $998,369.10 over the 2024 levy of $16,217,142.72. The 2025 budget and levy will fund operations taking place during the 2025-2026 school year, said the district's finance director, Tim Erickson.

The three categories that make up the total property tax levy are the general fund budget, community service and debt service.

The general fund budget for 2024 was $10.3 million, and for 2025 is $11.3 million, an increase of $983,376.86.

The community service levy for 2024 was $185,487.42, and in 2025 will be $189,243.31, an increase of $3,755.89.

The debt service levy in 2024 was just under $5.7 million and in 2025 will be just over $5.7 million, an increase of $11,236.

The largest costs for the district are wages and benefits, as education is a "people" industry, Erickson said. There has also been a 25% increase in transportation costs, as the district had to contract with a new school bus provider. Health insurance continues to be a

challenge, along with inflationary pressures, he said.

Coupled with the levy increase, the market value of homes in Mahtomedi is also up slightly. The 2024 median value home of $517,700 that paid $2,296 in school taxes is now valued at $518,200 in 2025 and will pay $2,448 in school taxes. This is an increase of $152 over the past year.

A home valued at $249,800 in 2024 that paid $1,069 in school taxes will now be valued at $250,000 and pay $1,119, an increase of $50.

The current year's budget was approved in June for the fiscal year of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Budget revisions will be reviewed throughout the year, and any changes approved by the board.

Following the compulsory public hearing, during which no members of the public commented, the board approved the payable 2025 property tax budget and levy by a unanimous 4-0 vote (Board Chair Stacey Stout and Director Lucy Payne were absent).

Next, the district must submit the adopted final levy to the Washington County Auditor by Dec. 30 and furnish the certificate of compliance with truth in taxation requirements to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publication. She can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.

The above chart compares 2024 to 2025.

andArts Culture

EMERGING ARTIST: YAHAIRA NOK-CHIDANA

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In sixth grade, Yahaira NokChidana played Violet Beauregard in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” a role played by a white actor in both movie versions. “A woman came up to me with her Black daughter,” NokChidana recalled, “and she goes, ‘… I just wanna thank you because she doesn't see people who look like her doing the things that you do.’” This past November, Nok-Chidana, now a senior, took center stage as Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde,” the role made famous by Reese Witherspoon.

“I think that people don't really understand what a privilege it is to

Wbe able to look in media or to look around you and see people who look like you,” Nok-Chidana stated. While she believes that people of color should also have new stories and original roles, Nok-Chidana acknowledges the situation is not that simple. “We are still ingrained in our past and we still carry it with us. So I think that being able to see a person of color play a traditionally white role—It’s a way for us to see how things can be or how things could have been.”

The role of Elle Woods was not simply given to Nok-Chidana, though. Since sixth grade, she has earned a spot in eight White Bear productions and two all-state choirs. Last year, she won the Hennepin Arts Spotlight Award for Best Supporting Actress in White Bear Lake Area High School’s “Little Shop of Horrors.” This summer, she was a finalist in the Minnesota State Fair’s Talent Show. Still, though Elle Woods has long been Nok-

Chidana’s dream role, she was aware of the questions people would ask should she get the part.

Part of the power of Nok-Chidana’s performance, then, came from underestimation. “Her story lies within not just the experience of what it's like to be a girl, but also like what it's like to be a person of color,”

DAN JONES MAKES HISTORY INTERSECTIONAL

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

hite Bear Lake Area Historical Society Creative Director Dan Jones frequently drives past an intersection near his house: Cedar Avenue and Dennis Lane. Cedar Avenue, Jones figured, was selfexplanatory. But who was Dennis?

Thoughts like these drove Jones to investigate the history of the White Bear Lake area street signs. At 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, Jones will present the fifth annual installment of the Historical Society’s “What’s in a Name?” series at the White Bear Lake Library.

Each past installment has focused on a different neighborhood: Downtown White Bear, Ramaley Park to Gardenette, or Podvin. Last year’s presentation started to cover Bald Eagle Lake. “We literally hugged the lake for the most part,” Jones explained. “That’s why I was like, ‘The next one we're calling Bald Eagle Revisited and Historic White Bear Township.’”

In his presentations, Jones ignores the obvious street names, mainly flora and fauna. Seemingly mundane names, though, may surprise. Elk Street, one block east of Division Avenue, for instance, used to host an Elks Club. This leads Jones to talk about the cultural meetings there and at the nearby Bald Eagle Depot in the 1930s.

WMany streets’ stories also prove handy for drivers today. Traveling up Highway 61, drivers can easily clock County Roads B through F, then much later, County Road J. Where are G, H, and I? Jones explains that Ramsey County built these roads one mile apart from one another. County Road G exists; we just know it as Highway 96. County Road H is Ninth Street, crossing Podvin Park before meeting Central Middle School. County Road I starts in Moundsview, but three different lakes interrupt it before it becomes Buffalo Street. What, then, to call the unaligned-to-mile-marker exchange from Centerville Road to Bald Eagle Boulevard? Ramsey County went with H2.

Jones also offers glimpses into a parallel history that might have been. In 1939, the town considered land between Highway 96 and Ninth Street (County Roads G and H, respectively) for a regional US aviation center, 25 years before the Lindbergh Terminal. Imagine MSP airport stretching from Lincoln to Birch Lake Elementary.

Ultimately, Jones believes the “What’s in a Name?” series makes history personal for locals. He remarked, “You might put it on your Christmas card address or return label … I think it's a way to bring history into our neighborhood.”

To watch part one of “What’s in a Name?” Visit the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society’s Facebook page, at fb.watch/wyXxYbWBw0/.

MEET DAVID HAMILTON: CPA INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ith executive director experience from Youth Farm to the Cedar Cultural Center, David Hamilton has extensive expertise coming aboard as Children’s Performing Arts’ interim executive director. Hamilton will be at the helm for the next several months as CPA’s board looks for a someone to fill the position permanently. What can, or should, a leader accomplish in such a short period?

“Usually, they come into an organization and they fix messes,” Hamilton explained before stating this is not the case with CPA. “My immediate impression of CPA is that it's a very strong impact organization in the community. I really love the work CPA does. The programming is great,

and there's a very strong passionate staff.” Hamilton specifically praised CPA’s low-cost admission options and funding to address inclusivity. Instead, Hamilton hopes to provide illuminate possibilities on where CPA could go next. “Eight hundred kids participated in performances, camps, classes and workshops this year … We know that we have certain revenue programs that are doing better than others, should we be focused more on the educational one?” he offers as an example.

Hamilton will be rooting for CPA’s success, whatever path they choose, because of the mission, programming and staff. “That's what makes it easy to be involved with such an organization,” he concludes. “I really want to see a success and have no doubt that that will CONTRIBUTED

He also commented on a possible

future for intentionally diverse programming. “So a challenge that happened post-George Floyd was that some foundations just asked every single organization to present their racial equity or DEI statement,” Hamilton said. While Hamilton stressed that having such a statement is a fine goal, he believes organizations and communities need to communicate to find a pledge that is supported, real and important. “Of course, you have to sometimes push people, but it has to be done in a learning way, in an engaging way that people can accept. Otherwise, it's not going to be successful.”

Nok-Chidana explained. “People are doubting you because of what you look like. Just because she is blonde doesn't mean that she's dumb … I have felt her story throughout my life. And I think that Elle's story is a story that can relate to so many people no matter who you are.” She, along with her director, Wendy Suoja, bet correctly—all six performances sold out. Going forward, Nok-Chidana is headed to college, then to Broadway. Such a lofty dream seems not just plausible, but likely for Yok-Chidana because she has already received the most crucial advice, the advice that gave her the courage to try out for Elle Woods. “My mom, she always says, ‘Remember Yahaira, you have the talent inside you already, you just have to show people it.’ I think that we spend so much of our lives trying or waiting to be something or to be someone, when we could realize that we are somebody already.”

JANUARY EVENTS

Explore upcoming Avenue of the Arts events with CPA, LPT and WBCA

CHASE & OVATION: A SALUTE TO THE MUSIC OF PRINCE

Location: Lakeshore Players Theater

Date: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5

Details: Chase has been traveling North America performing the music of Prince live in concert for the past 16 years. Fans of the show include many of Prince’s former bandmates and family members who all give Chase & Ovation the highest marks for reproducing Prince’s music “the way it is meant to be played, heard, and felt.”

SLEUTH MYSTERY BOOK CLUB

Location: White Bear Lake Library

Date: 1:30–3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8

Details: Guess what the collection noun is for a group of bears? A sleuth. Every month members read any book on the same theme and discuss their selections with each other. This month’s theme is Freedom/Your Choice.

WINTER OPEN HOUSE

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts

Date: 1–3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11

Details: Bundle up embrace the magic of winter with our annual, festive Winter Open House. Outside, brave the elements and watch St. Paul Winter Carnival award-winning ice sculptor John Njoes take a chainsaw to a block of ice to create an intricate work of art. Inside, make a macramé keychain take the clay wheel for a spin and more!

MISERY

Location: Lakeshore Players Theater

Date: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24—Sunday, Feb. 9

Details: A heart-pounding play based on the novel by Stephen King, “Misery” is a 100-minute thrill ride with no intermission. Romance novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes. Annie forces Paul to write her a new novel as if his life depends on it… and it does.

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READ THEN RECYCLE!

Groundwater advisory group hears updates

The advisory group for the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area (GWMA) met online via Microsoft Teams last month.

The GWMA advisory team was established to provide ongoing insights to the DNR as it implements a five-year plan approved in November 2015. The plan will continue to guide the DNR’s approach to groundwater management in the north and east metro and provide a framework within which the DNR will work with water users to ensure that groundwater supplies remain adequate to meet human needs, while protecting lakes, streams and wetlands. The plan covers all of Ramsey and Washington counties, along with portions of Anoka and Hennepin.

The public meeting included a number of updates, including:

• District Court-related activities

• Metropolitan Council water policy planning

• The next cycle of 10-year water supply planning

• An update on the White Bear Lake water use workgroup comprehensive plan

DNR Conservation Assistance and Regulations

Section Manager Randall Doneen opened the meeting with a review of activities related to the Ramsey County District Court Order. Doneen shared information about the recent contested case hearings and briefly described the findings of fact and conclusions of law and order issued by the administrative law judge in May 2024.

Following Doneen’s brief presentation, DNR Inventory, Monitoring and Analysis Section Manager Jason Moeckel described activities occurring throughout the groundwater

management area by the DNR and other organizations and agencies. Moeckel emphasized that groundwater sustainability will be something all people and organizations will be a part of, and the DNR will continue to assist in pursuing that goal.

Metropolitan Council Water Resources Environmental Analyst Lanya Ross presented work related to the Met Council’s 2050 Water Policy Plan. Ross described the input used to draft the plan, the general content of the plan, and next steps to finalize and adopt the plan. The 2050 Water Policy Plan draft received over 100 comments that are being used to shape the final plan scheduled for adoption in February 2025. Ross also shared some specifics about the northeast metro area that encompasses the GWMA, noting that the northeast subregion area showed reductions in water use since the 2010s, but recent drought years, with the addition of new homes and businesses, have increased demands for drinking water more recently.

Claudia Hochstein, DNR water conservation consultant, outlined the water supply planning process for the next cycle of 10-year community water supplier plans. Water supply plans are required by state statute and help communities anticipate demands and opportunities to use water more efficiently. Specifically, Hochstein described how the DNR is working to update requirements of the plan for water suppliers and move the submittal to an online-preferred option. Hochstein encouraged public water suppliers to review their previous plan, current DNR water appropriations permits, and water level monitoring requirements before

they embark on a new plan.

Greg Johnson, principal engineer with the Metropolitan Council, provided an overview and update for the White Bear Lake Area Comprehensive Plan. Johnson shared the recent activities of the work group to continue to develop the comprehensive plan to ensure communities in the area have sufficient drinking water to allow for growth while ensuring sustainability of surface water and groundwater to supply the needs of future generations. He provided an overview of the work group meetings and some of the results that the work group has produced to date through attendee review and feedback. Additionally, Johnson described the contracts Met Council is working through to develop water supply studies and technical analyses and to evaluate the financial implications of the proposed solutions. Johnson also described the preferred solutions by the workgroup to further evaluate for converting water supplies, reusing water, increasing groundwater recharge and reducing groundwater use, among other topics. Finally, he shared the preliminary water demand projections for 2050 and ultimate development for the White Bear Lake area, including an example of the city of Hugo’s projected development for two different growth scenarios.

Presentations provided during the meeting can be reviewed on the DNR North and East Metro GWMA webpage at www.dnr.state.mn.us/gwmp/area-ne. html.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

White Bear students learn the nitty-gritty of coffee business

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

White Bear Lake Area High School’s new coffee shop, School Grounds, recently encountered a problem. Its drip machine began malfunctioning, making the house brew undrinkable. Customers then began asking student staff members about the flavors of the available roasts and beans—a specialized subject with which the average teenager is unfamiliar.

Enter Thesis—a lifestyle brand built around coffee, skating and snow sports—which offered a presentation and flavor tasting class to the School Grounds team.

“(The students) have tasted what a good cup of coffee is or what kind of flavors you're supposed to get out of

it,” said Nutrition Services Assistant Manager Karen Hanscom. “They can talk to other people who do know what they're talking about or what they're looking for in a coffee bean.”

Senior Maria Kimlinger, meanwhile, was impressed with the marketing. “I'm not like a huge coffee drinker,” Kimlinger explained. “(Thesis) was based around their passions. I think that that was really inspiring if you wanted to go out and start a business. “It just feels like there's more genuine motives behind said business if there's passion behind it rather than just product.”

Thesis co-owner Chris Raaymakers believes Kimlinger’s sentiment is key to building a brand.

“If you look on our Instagram page, it's all about skateboarding, or it's all about snowboarding with a splash of coffee. … If I were to just post a cup of coffee every single day on our Instagram, it wouldn't go that well,” he explained.

Raaymakers’ business partner, Spencer Kimball, gave a specific example: “We'll do weird videos. One time, I took a drip coffee machine, and I just plugged it in with an extension cord at the skate park. And I made a cup at the skate park while I was skateboarding.”

While skateboarding has a reputation for being relaxed and carefree, Raaymakers’ and Kimball’s business sense came across as on point to senior Lacy Fridolfson. “Their slideshow was very put together,” she said. “I liked the fact that they were younger. They were still, you know, adjusting to life too.”

Similarly, senior Ash Rossvach felt Thesis’ challenges and strategies have given her ideas for her own business one day. “Having to connect with a broader audience and to expand the business more… It was really nice

to hear from them, so they helped,” Rossvach reported.

Seeing these critical factors all together is essential for entrepreneurial minds, but difficult for a teacher to present as a single package. Thesis, then, is a prime example of the White Bear Career Pathways Department’s efforts to connect businesses with interested students.

Explained Career Pathways Coordinator Katy Olsen, “In Career Pathways courses, we try to take advantage of every opportunity to bring the real world into our students' classrooms and subsequently let them apply their classroom learning with real-world impact.”

Put more succinctly, senior Skylar Olsen (no relation) said, “I was here more for the caffeine than the coffee. After that lesson, I am starting to see more reason to learn about the coffee.”

Logan Gion can be reached at news@ presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.

Thesis co-owners Chris Raaymakers and Spencer Kimball present coffee flavor profiles to students who work at the school’s coffee shop, School Grounds. This collaboration is made possible by the Career Pathways Department at White Bear Lake Area High School.

COPS&COURTS

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Vadnais Heights

• Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Nov. 17 recovered a large black and yellow tote containing several Amazon packages in the 4000 block of Clover Avenue. The case is under investigation.

• A Vadnais Heights woman, 20, was cited Nov. 17 in the 3200 block of Highway 61 for reckless driving and failure to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for speeding 96 mph in a 50 mph zone. The driver was made to find other means of transportation, and her vehicle was towed.

• A resident in the 900 block of County Road E on Nov. 18 reported an attempt by unauthorized persons to fraudulently use her credit card.

• A St. Paul man on Nov. 18 reported his storage unit in the 3200 block of Highway 61 broken into and several items taken. Within the stolen inventory were computer monitors, a toolbox, Harley Davidson motorcycle parts and a toy tow truck valued at $400.

• Hit-and-run to a parked vehicle was reported Nov. 18 in the 900 block of County Road E.

• The T-Mobile store in the 1000 block of Highway 96 on Nov. 18 reported two males for entering the business and stealing a watch valued at $529.99 before leaving the store.

• A Roseville man, 31, was arrested for assault and for violating an order for protection Nov. 18 in the 1000 block of County Road D, after he allegedly struck a woman, 31, during an argument. The suspect was booked into the law enforcement center pending charges.

• A construction company employee reported a burglary in the 4000 block of Labore Road Nov. 19, during which scrap metal and copper wires were stolen.

• A resident in the 4300 block of Hillview Lane on Nov. 19 reported checks stolen from his mailbox, after which someone tried to cash them at a bank.

• A White Bear Township woman reported the rear of her parked vehicle struck by a hit-andrun driver Nov. 19 while she was shopping inside a store in the 1000 block of Highway 96.

• Deputies took custody of a white pill found by a resident in the 3200 block of Labore Road on Nov. 20.

• A Vadnais Heights man, 74, was cited for misdemeanor theft Nov. 20 at the Vadnais Heights Target in the 900 block of County Road E, after he was found to be taking women’s

LAKE

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Theft was reported in the 2400 block of Orchard Lane Dec. 11. Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 1800 block of Birch Street Dec. 11.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 2100 block of Lakeaires Blvd. Dec. 11.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 2100 block of Eighth Street Dec. 13.

• Officers mediated a verbal dispute between family members in the 2100 block of Roth Street Dec. 13.

• A White Bear Lake resident was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop nar County Road E and Highway 61 Dec. 14.

• Officers responded to a fight in the 2400 block of Elm Drive Dec. 14 and arrested a 19 year old for threats of violence and domestic assault.

• A St. Paul man was arrested for an active misdemeanor warrant following a traffic stop in the area of White Bear Avenue and Woodlyn Avenue Dec. 14.

• Officers moved along a suspicious individual from a business in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road Dec. 14.

• A man was arrested for DWI Dec. 14 in the 3700 block of Bellaire Avenue.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI Dec. 15 in the area of Bellaire

clothing from the store without paying for it. He was also issued a trespass notice.

• An unidentified person was arrested for DWI Nov. 20, following a hit-and-run accident in the intersection of Vadnais Blvd. East and Vadnais Blvd. West. As expected, the arrested party was the culprit who drove off without stopping before being caught.

• A pickup truck parked outside an apartment building in the 1000 block of County Road D was reported stolen overnight Nov. 21-22.

• A Shoreview man, 34, was arrested for DWI at 2:43 a.m. Nov. 22 in the 500 block of Bear Avenue N. after he called 911, became belligerent and admitted to driving drunk.

• A purse was reported stolen from a vehicle that was broken into while parked in the 4500 block of Oakhurst Avenue Nov. 22.

• A domestic assault was reported at 10:24 p.m. Nov. 22 in the 70 block of Twin Lake Blvd., during which a woman, 21, admitted to slapping another woman in the face during an argument.

• Walmart employees on Nov. 23 reported a shoplifting incident at their store in the 800 block of County Road E on Nov. 23.

• A White Bear Lake man, 60, was cited for theft Nov. 24 after he tried to steal more than $450 worth of merchandise from the Kwik Trip in the 3200 block of Highway 61. The man, who is known to store employees, grabbed a large box intended for donation collections and filled it up with armfuls of candy valued at more than $456 before making a break for it. Luckily, store employees were on to him, because they apprehended him before he could leave the store.

• Residents in the 3800 block of Tessier Trail on Nov. 24 reported fraudulent activity on their bank account. The case has been assigned to Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) investigators.

• A Vadnais Heights woman, 40, was arrested on a warrant Nov. 24 at the intersection of Mayfair Road and Twin Lake Blvd. after she phoned RCSO deputies to turn herself in.

• A Hastings woman, 41, was cited Nov. 25 in the 900 block of County Road E for driving after revocation.

• A New Brighton woman and a Maple Grove woman on Nov. 26 reported that someone broke into their vehicles and stole credit cards, cash and a service animal certificate while they momentarily had their backs turned as they did yard work in the 300 block of Oak Ridge Drive.

• A Roseville man, 30, was cited at 12:53 a.m. Nov. 27 at the intersection of I-694 and Highway 61 for failure to provide proof of insurance. A Vadnais Heights woman, 29, was cited Nov. 27 at

Avenue and Oak Drive.

• Theft was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Dec. 15.

• Officers respinded to a disorderly conduct inciodent in the 3100 block of Century Avenue Dec. 15.

• Road rage led to a two vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 61 and White Bear Avenue Dec. 15. No injuries; one driver was cited.

• Intentional damage occurred to a vehicle parked int eh 4700 block of Centerville Road Dec. 15.

• Officers responded to a verbal dispute between family members in the 4500 block of Bald Eagle Avenue Dec. 15.

• Officers reposned to a domestic incident Dec. 15 in the 3500 block of Dell Court N.

• A man was arrested for felony domestic assault by strangulation Dec. 15 in the 2100 block fo Division Court.

• Officers removed two patrons from a business in the 2100 block of Fourth Street Dec. 16.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 2000 block of Fifth Street Dec. 16.

• Officers responded to a report of disorderly conduct in the 2000 block of County Road E Dec. 17.

• A St. Paul man was arrested for DWI after a traffic stop near Interstate 694 and White Bear Avenue Dec. 18.

the intersection of Highway 61 and County Road E for driving after revocation. A St. Paul man, 25, was cited at 12:17 a.m. Nov. 29 in the 1400 block of Willow Lake Blvd. for speeding. A Wyoming woman reported losing her purse Nov. 29 while shopping at the Vadnais Heights Target Store in the 900 block of County Road E. Deputies noted that the case lacked solvability factors, so the case is not being investigated.

• A Brooklyn Park man, 29, was cited at 12:34 a.m. Nov. 30 on Rice Street and Country Drive for driving without a license. A St. Paul woman, 42, was cited at 10:34 p.m. Nov. 30 on Highway 61 and County Road E for operating a motor vehicle with expired registration.

• A Fridley woman, 21, was arrested and cited Nov. 30 at the Walmart in the 800 block of County Road E, after she stole $112 worth of merchandise from the store.

White Bear Township

A White Bear Township man, 44, was cited for theft Nov. 21 after he was found to be stealing merchandise from Cub Foods in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive.

• A handgun was reported stolen Nov. 23 from a residence in the 1700 block of Whitaker Street. It was entered into the National Crime Information Center database.

• A St. Paul woman, 21, was cited for misdemeanor theft Nov. 25 at the Cub Foods in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive after she tried to walk out of the store without paying for more than $264 worth of merchandise. She was also trespassed from the store. On Nov. 26 and Nov. 29 deputies took two more shoplifting reports from the store, gathered evidence and spoke with witnesses.

• A Minneapolis woman, 40, was arrested Nov. 25 on active warrants out of Wright, Dakota and Washington counties after deputies responded to a civil dispute in the 1200 block of Bibeau Road. The subject was also issued a harassment restraining order short form.

• A resident in the 4800 block of Moon Lake Circle on Nov. 26 turned in for destruction a BB gun and ammunition that he no longer wanted. A Minneapolis man, 34, was cited Nov. 26 on Greenhaven Drive and Highway 96 for driving without automobile insurance.

• A resident in the 2300 block of Hoxie Avenue at 10:22 p.m. Nov. 27 reported her boyfriend for shoving her into a window. Other parties separated the couple, and the boyfriend left the scene before deputies arrived.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Stillwater felon charged with illegal possession of explosives, ammunition

A Stillwater man has been indicted and charged with possession of unregistered firearms and possession of explosives, firearms and ammunition. According to court documents, on Nov. 2, Wayne Robert Lund, 46, illegally possessed eight destructive devices not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. He was also found in possession of explosives and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Because Lund has prior felony convictions in Ramsey and Anoka counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms, explosives or ammunition at any time.

The indictment charges Lund with one count of possession of unregistered firearms, one count of possessing explosives as a felon, one count of possessing

firearms as a felon and one count of possession of ammunition as a felon. (An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.)

He made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on Dec. 11. He was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings. The case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Oak Park Heights Police Department; the Stillwater Police Department; the Saint Paul Police Department; the Saint Croix County (Wisconsin) Sheriff’s Department; and the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Department of Justice

WHITE BEAR

POLICE REPORTS

Longtime Willernie mayor lays down her gavel

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Now that she is retiring from her mayoral duties, outgoing Willernie Mayor Barb Parent will be able to take her time circumnavigating Lake Superior in her camper and maybe make it all the way around. No more will she have to cut the trip short to attend a City Council meeting on the third Wednesday or rush home to facilitate an emergency meeting.

Parent can also get back to finishing the eighth book in her series of young adult fiction she has published.

“There is also a short story in the works,” she added.

In other words, she can take up the serene Willernie life she fell in love with, such as going for walks around town, before she was appointed as a council member after the death of Council Member Lois Millner.

In 2000 she was appointed mayor to replace the retiring Claudette Munson, after the four men on council pointed to her and volunteered her. “I was hesitant, but gave it a try,” Parent said. She was reelected at every election cycle until she decided she wanted to spend more time traveling or sitting down to read with her two cats. “It's time to move on now,” she said.

For 24 years, Parent was instrumental in “keeping the town going,” as she said. That included making sure the creek stopped eroding the banks and taking homes to the ground with it; keeping the city financially solvent during a recession; testifying before the House Capital Investment Committee to procure funding from a bonding bill; dealing with infrastructure issues arising from the CSAH 12 rebuild and building a maintenance building the city can be proud of. As Parent hands over the gavel to Mayor-Elect Diane Baglio, Willernie is in the black financially.

A Madison, Wisconsin native, Parent moved to Willernie to be close to her job as a school psychologist in the White Bear Lake Area School District. About 35 years ago, a local Realtor showed her a home in Willernie that cost less per month than the residence she was living in at the time. Due to its location, location, location — surrounded by open spaces, a park and one wonderful neighbor — Parent has stayed in the house ever since.

It's important to live in the community that you're serving, Parent said. There is that built-in incentive to care that things get done or that the city will outlast a recession.

“If you live in the community you serve, the public can find you,” she added. This can be a good thing if the neighbors like you and want to chat or check on your welfare when they see you around town. But they'll also stop you on your daily stroll if they want to give you an earful about potholes or speeding cars.

Parent said she will most miss working with council members and city staff, as well as its public works directors. “It has been an honor to live in Willernie and serve the city all these years.” She said she also appreciates the help she received from her city colleagues over the years.

What Parent won't miss is having to deal with water main breaks at 1:30 a.m. Nor will she have to be concerned about that old lift station in need of major repairs.

Parent thanked council members, city staff and community for being good people to work with over the years.

“Now I might be able to walk more than one block in an hour and a half,” she said.

A retirement celebration for Parent will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at the Wildwood Public Library, 763 Stillwater Road.

GET TO KNOW WILLERNIE'S MAYOR

Willernie Mayor Barb Parent has served as mayor for 23 years, after having originally been appointed to office as a council member. Parent has been gracious enough to share a few personal tidbits and thoughts so that the community can get to know her better.

Q. Where were you born?

A. Madison, Wisconsin.

Q. Where did you grow up?

A. Madison, Wisconsin.

Q. How long have you lived in this community?

A. 37 years.

Q. What do you like best about living here?

A. I like living in a small community where I know my neighbors, and where neighbors help neighbors.

Q. What changes have you wanted to see in your community ever since you've lived here?

A. A continuing effort to clean up the yards and public

areas, a refurbishing of our buildings and parks.

Q. What things would you like to preserve in your community?

A. We are a varied and diverse community, economically and architecturally, with all ages and backgrounds. It makes for an interesting variety and mix. We will never be described as a cookie-cutter city.

Q. Why did you decide to accept the appointment to the office of mayor?

A. Originally, I was asked to fill a city council spot upon the death of a city council member. I took the position because I thought it would be interesting and a way to learn more about my community. When the previous mayor retired and asked which of the four of us on the council was going to be mayor, the others turned and volunteered me, so I ran for the mayor’s position.

Q. What do you think the voters, as well as the council who appointed you, were looking for in you?

A. Since I have been mayor for 23 years now, I hope they are pleased with what I and the council have done so far to maintain Willernie, keep us in the black moneywise, and keep us on course to keep Willernie a good place to live.

Q. What was your profession?

A. I spent 30 plus years in education. I retired from White Bear Lake School District as a school psychologist.

Q. How has your profession helped you as mayor?

A. Remaining calm under pressure and adversity, using listening skills, attempting to see the issues or the problems from different angles.

Q. What exactly are you responsible for in your role? Describe your duties.

A. It all depends on the day. I certainly am responsible for the meetings, both within the city and in other venues, for the city. I am blessed with a great city council and duties are divided between us.

Q. What new things have you learned so far in your position that you didn't know before?

A. I have certainly learned how small government works. I have also learned much about the history of our community. Lately, I have learned to read the water meters and what to do when a water main breaks in the middle of the night.

Q. Your favorite hobbies?

A. Writing, golf, camping, reading, crocheting.

Q. Retired/not retired?

A. Retired.

Q. What are you really good at that people may not know about you?

A. I am not sure I would say I was really good at writing books, but since I have retired, I have had some success in writing young adult fantasy.

Q. What fun place do you like to volunteer?

A. At the small golf course (Fox Run) I play at in the summer. At the American Family Insurance Championship golf tournament at the University of Wisconsin Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin.

Q. What are some of the top 10 things on your bucket list?

A. To drive and camp around Lake Superior and to see the Maritime Provinces in Canada.

Q. When you go out into the community, what are your favorite places to go/things to do?

I like to walk around Willernie, visit with the neighbors.

Q. What is your favorite way to unwind?

A. Sitting with my feet up with a cat on my lap, reading. Or taking time to just enjoy nature, a view of a lake, the quiet of the woods.

Q. What fun thing do you like to do that you can divulge, that no one would ever guess of you?

A. Build things in wood.

Q. What would you like the public at large to know about you and/or your community?

A. While I am a newbie to Willernie (I have only been here 37 years), I am really glad that when I moved to this area for work, I found a house in Willernie. I like the fact that we are a small city with good roads to walk or bike on, with friendly, helpful neighbors. I like knowing that my mail and packages are safe in our post office and I can run into my neighbors when I go to pick up my mail each day.

Whistleblowers settle with hockey association

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

A settlement agreement has been reached in a suit that was filed in May 2023 against the White Bear Lake Hockey Association (WBLAHA) and its former gambling manager.

The suit was filed May 30 in Ramsey County District Court on behalf of plaintiffs Bradley Naylor and Lorray Rolfer, who alleged the hockey association, along with ex-employee Christine Olson, retaliated against them for questioning fundraising practices, for questioning the award of contracting work to Olson’s husband, and being vocal about personnel who were terminated for making complaints about gambling operations.

The plaintiffs, who said they met at a restaurant after golfing with hockey association members, have been verbal on social media regarding what they consider the association’s lack of transparency.

Board meetings would be held without an agenda, according to the Complaint, and minutes would be consistently inaccurate and incomplete. (See “Whistleblowers file suit of their own against hockey association” June 14, 2023.)

In an announcement on social media, Naylor said a settlement has been reached.

“There have been a lot of changes made to the organization, and we feel most are positive with new leadership on the board and we hope they will lend an open line of communication to both the employees and the members concerns,” Naylor said. “We still would like to see more of the money raised go to reducing the cost to the kids to participate and to the employees for their efforts to bring the all the money in both on the gambling side and Bingo … We will still be monitoring operations from a distance and encourage all of you to remain vigilant and ask questions.”

Barb Parent

FILE

Willernie Mayor Barb Parent holds “Journeys Middle,” the first in a series of books she has written under the pen name B.K. parent.

FILE

Animal characters sit on top of a series of books display in Parent’s home office.

Educational Foundation to host Bear Legacy Breakfast

The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) will hold its annual BEAR Legacy fundraiser event from 8 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the White Bear Lake Area High School Student Union. This breakfast fundraiser is free, but advance registration is required. Immediately following the event, tours of the new high school and field house will be provided. All proceeds from this annual fundraising event benefit students and educators in the White Bear Lake Area School District. Online registration is available at www.wblaef.org.

WBLAS COMMUNITY SERVICES & RECREATION

ADULT & SENIOR CLASSES AT THE WB SENIOR CENTER REGISTRATION REQUIRED - 651-653-3121

Tall Snowman Acrylic Painting: Dec 19, 10am12pm, Sr Center 55+ Driver Safety: $35: Jan 16, 9am-1pm @ Sr Center | Jan 16, 1-5pmOR Online; Jan 22 5-9pm @ Sr Center

Whole Body Vinyasa Yoga: Tue, 1/7-2/25, 5:306:30pm, $84, Sr Center

Zumba Gold: Mon, 1/27-2/10, 1-2pm, $29, Matoska Elementary Seven Steps to Reverse or Prevent Diabesity

ONLINE: Wed, Jan 15, 6-7:30pm, $30

Art Journaling w/ Watercolor, Pen & Ink,

ONLINE: Fri, 1/17-2/21, 6-7:30pm, $50 Reverse Mortgages- Myths & Truths: Wed, Jan

Elder Financial Abuse Prevention: Thu, Jan 30,

Social Security: Timing is Everything: 1/30, 12-

The Root Beer Lady @ the History Center: 1/30, 8:30am-12:30pm, $54

TGI Foods! Lunch @ the Sr Center: Panera Soup 30-minute appointment (NEW 2025 Price $55). Call 651-653-3121.

Meals on Wheels: Hot or Frozen meals delivered Monday-Friday. If you are interested, know of someone who may need meals, or have questions, please call 651-653-3123.

LYNGBLOMSTEN COMMUNITY SERVICES

JANUARY 2025

Light Up Someone’s Day: Volunteer at The Gathering at Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes! The Gathering, our award-winning respite program, is looking for caring volunteers to help adults living with memory loss enjoy stimulating enrichment activities. This program offers meaningful interaction for participants while providing four hours of well-deserved respite for their family caregivers. The Gathering takes place on Wednesdays and will offer additional sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning February 2025. Become a Respite Assistant: Join The Gathering volunteer orientation and training on Wednesday, January 22nd from 9:30–11:00AM. This training session provides everything you need to know to become a valuable member of our team. Contact Melanie at 651-632-5499 or mjagolino@ lyngblomsten.org to sign up!

In-Person Memory Loss Caregiver Support Group: Family and friends caring for someone experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia are welcome. Group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 10:30—11:30 AM at Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes and is facilitated by Lisa Brown, MSW, LISW. Registration is preferred,

but walk-ins are welcome. To register, contact Lisa at (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org. Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Learn tools to take better care of yourself while caring for others and increase your self-confidence in coping with the demands of caregiving. Class meets virtually on Wednesdays, January 22—February, 3:30—5:00 PM. Free, but contributions appreciated. For more information or to register, contact Lisa Brown at (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org.

MAHTOMEDI COMMUNITY EDUCATION ADULT ACTIVITIES AT THE MAHTOMEDI DISTRICT EDUCATION CENTER (DEC) 1520 MAHTOMEDI AVE. ALL ACTIVITIES ARE HELD AT THE DEC UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

MONDAYS: Stitchers - FREE 1:00-3:00 PM, 2nd/4th Monday of Month Mahjong - FREE 1:00-3:00 PM, 1st/3rd Monday of the Month

Bingo - FREE. Monday Jan. 27 and Feb. 24, 1:303:00 PM

TUESDAYS: Cribbage - FREE 1:00-3:00 PM

WEDNESDAYS: Bridge - FREE 1:00-3:00 PM

THURSDAYS: 500 Cards - FREE 12:30-3:00 PM

FRIDAYS: Games - FREE 12:30-3:00 PM; Bridge - FREE 1:00-3:00 PM; Book Club - FREE 2nd Friday, 10:00-11:30 AM

The following requires registration: mahtomedi. ce.eleyo.com

Women Who Walk - FREE. All Thursdays Jan. 9Mar. 6, 9 AM

We help you get back to living. Every step of the way.

Strength and Balance - $139. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 14 - Feb. 27, 1:15-2 PM 55+ 4-Hour Defensive Driving Class - Virtual $35. Thursday, Jan. 16, 1-5 PM Zumba Gold - $85. Fridays, Jan. 17 - Mar. 7, 9-9:45 AM Five Keys to Retiring Fearlessly - FREE. Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6-7 PM Parents with Littles - Your Technology Safety Toolbox - Virtual. $29. Thursday, Jan. 23, 12-1 PM Mat Pilates - $110. Mondays, Jan. 27 - Apr. 7, 4:30-5:30 PM Day Trip: History Theater: The Root Beer Lady$75. Thursday, Jan. 30, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM Landmark Tours Travel Presentation - FREE. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 1-2 PM

Therapy services at Cerenity White Bear Lake help you return to what you do best. Our combination of highly trained compassionate staff and the most innovative care in the area make our community your best choice for professional therapy services.

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Steps to Review Your Housing Needs - FREE. Thursday, Feb. 13, 10-11:30 AM

• Aquatic Therapy

Social Security: Timing is Everything - FREE. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6-7 PM

Virtual Spanish: Adult Conversational Spanish (Beginner or Intermediate) - $125. See online for dates and times.

Foundation for Retirement - $49. Thursdays, Feb. 20th and 27th, 6:00-8:30 PM

CONTRIBUTED

Jeni Groppoli

Royal Credit Union names new branch manager

Royal Credit Union has announced Jeni Groppoli as branch manager II at its White Bear Lake office, located at 1400 East Highway 96. Groppoli

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

oversee daily operations of the White Bear Lake office, provide guidance and development to team members and engage with community members and local businesses.

Groppoli has 20 years of experience in the financial industry, and most recently served as a branch manager at US Bank. In this position, Groppoli is looking forward to leading a

Public comments requested on SWPPP

The city is seeking public comments on its Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), which is part of its efforts to manage and reduce pollution that can affect downstream waters. The plan’s aspects include public education and outreach, illicit discharges, post-construction stormwater management and pollution prevention/ municipal operations, among others. The full copy of the plan can be found on the city website at www.cityofvadnaisheights.com, and residents can also submit public comments on the same site.

Public feedback sought on updated Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan

Ramsey County is seeking public feedback as it works on an updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for pedestrian facilities within its public rightof-way. The plan outlines how public works will make all relevant assets ADA-compliant, including timelines and funding sources. These assets include curb ramps, crosswalks, sidewalks and traffic control signals. Any and all submitted public feedback will be incorporated into the plan presented to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners in early 2025. Those interested in submitting their thoughts can do so through an online survey at www.cityofvadnaisheights.com or by phone at 651-286-8472. Questions can be directed via email to PublicWorksADA@ramseycounty.us.

Invasive plant species found at Pioneer Park Japanese hop, also known as Humulus japonicus, was recently discovered at Pioneer Park and the surrounding neighborhood in Stillwater. This vine is listed as “prohibitederadicate” on the Minnesota Noxious Weed List. It can grow 30 feet per year and release thousands of seeds each fall. Left unchecked, the Japanese hop vines will crawl, climb and often kill off native vegetation. Seeds are dispersed by wind, water and birds. This is the first known occurrence in Washington County. If you see this plant in Stillwater, report it to Andrew Coyne, Natural Resources, at 651-430-8836 or acoyne@ stillwatermn.gov.

As the leaves change colors, don’t forget

team that is committed to serving others and fostering growth.

Party City closing

After nearly 40 years, Party City has announced it is going out of business.

The party supply chain, which has several locations across the state, told employees on Friday that it was

MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL NOTES

• As municipalities all over the state scramble to enact cannabis (marijuana) ordinances before they are required to allow sales of adult-use cannabis on Jan. 1, the Mahtomedi City Council at its Dec. 17 meeting adopted two ordinances and passed two resolutions related to the cannabis industry.

Council approved an ordinance adopting Mahtomedi City Code Chapter 7, Section 12, Regarding Cannabis and Hemp Business Regulations. Second, council passed a resolution approving the publication of a summary of an ordinance adopting Mahtomedi City Code Chapter 7, Section 12 regarding Cannabis and Hemp Business Regulations. Third, council approved an ordinance amending Mahtomedi City Code Chapter 11, Section 11.01, subd. 7.0 Definitions, Subd. 9.0 Specific Use Standards and Subd. 11.1, Table 11.0 a Land Use Table, Related to Cannabis and Lower Potency Hemp Edible Businesses. Finally, council a passed a resolution approving the publication of a summary of an ordinance No. 2024-12, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 11, Section 11.01 Regarding Cannabis and Hemp Businesses.

A summary publication paired with an ordinance means that the newspaper of record can pass a summary of the ordinance as opposed to the entire ordinance, so that the ordinance takes effect upon publication. A city of Mahtomedi's size is required to have at least one cannabis business. Three cannabis businesses have already applied for a city permit to sell lowpotency cannabis products. Although cities cannot deny sales of the product, they can draw up regulations and set up cannabis selling zones.

• Bikers and walkers throughout the city may have noticed how much safer it has been to get around town recently. The volunteers responsible for infrastructure changes that made safe walking and biking happen appeared before council to summarize their activities over the past few years. Ian Harding, Cindy Rasmussen and Lindsay Buck, as well as other members of their team, highlighted improvements to Mahtomedi's streets and roadways due to the work of the Safe Routes to School, Mahtomedi Area Green Initiative, Lake Links Association and Streetcar Park initiatives. Some notable enhancements to city streets and trails include sidewalks on 72nd Street and Warner Avenue S., near O.H. Anderson Elementary, along with a flashing beacon as part of the Safe Routes to School project.

A covered bridge was donated by the Runze family and trail lighting was installed on the Mahtomedi portion of the Lake Links Trail. A Winter Walk and Open House will be held at the District Education Center, 1570 Mahtomedi Avenue, from 5-6:30

shutting down. There is a Party City located at 3000 White Bear Ave. in Maplewood.

The retailer first declared bankruptcy in January 2023. An associate at the Maplewood location confirmed the store will close sometime in February.

p.m. Jan. 3 and on the portion of the trail just north of the District Center.

• The city accepted a $15,000 donation from the Lake Links Association and the Wolgamot Lake Links Trail Enhancement Fund of the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation for improvements at Streetcar Park.

• Expect TH 244 (Mahtomedi Avenue), the major thoroughfare near the northern portion of the Lake Links Trail and extending southward to Triangle Park, to be turned over to the city and be completely reconstructed sometime in 2026, after council approved the professional services agreement with its engineering firm, WSB. Engineering fees will take up approximately 15% of the construction costs. The city will pay slightly less than $1.4 million for WSB to design and manage the project. Additional work and engineering costs must be approved by council. The approximately 1.6 mile stretch of roadway will run from Stillwater Road to Tamarack Street.

• Among the open spaces within the city, the city has rezoned two of them. Council reguided a city-owned property on Glenmar Avenue and another property at 999 Arcwood Road by approving a city-initiated Comprehensive Plan Amendment and rezoning those two properties. The Glenmar Avenue property has been reguided from Park/Private Open Space to Low Density Residential on the 2040 Future Land Use Map and has been rezoned from C-Conservation to R1-D Low Density Residential. The property at 999 Arcwood has been rezoned from A-Agricultural to R1-B Low Density Residential.

• The property owner at 165 Hickory Street was given approval to subdivide his property into two lots. The Planning Commission at its Dec. 11 meeting held a public hearing and voted unanimously to recommend approval, subject to six conditions.

• Each year, the city renews its agreement with Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS). For 2025, the contract fee will increase 3.5% to $19,510.52. The total cost for all individual services in the city during 2024 was $7,120. NYFS is a nonprofit social service agency whose mission is to meet the unmet developmental needs of at-risk youth and families within the community.

• Due to space and staffing issues, the city will no longer be able to house impounded animals at the Otter Lake Animal Care in Hugo. As an interim solution, Northwood Humane Society in Wyoming will house impounded animals until the construction of the Companion Animal Center in Oakdale is completed in May 2025. Council approved the agreement for animal impound services with Companion Animal Care LLC for 2025 and approved the pricing addendum to the agreement with Companion Animal Care LLC for animal control services.

• The city, St. Andrew's Church

and Verizon are parties to a lease agreement related to the placement of cell antennas on the city's water tower located on St. Andrew's Church property.

Earlier this fall, the city added a new handrail to the water tower at the same time that Verizon sought permission to install nine antennas on the tower. The nine antennas are three more than were authorized in the existing lease. Council approved a lease amendment requiring Verizon to pay its proportionate share of the costs of the handrail and authorizing Verizon to install a total of nine antennas on the water tower.

• The city received a $125,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to remove ash trees infected with the emerald ash borer, as well as grind their stumps and replace the trees. The grant was executed and begun in 2024, and will continue until Dec. 31, 2027, or until all the grant-eligible work is complete. The first portion of the project was completed during the summer and fall of 2024 with an ash tree-only inventory and ranking. The next step will be to release a bid packet to remove the tree and stumps in the poorest condition. City staff received permission to bid for a contractor to perform this work.

• In his final report to council before starting a new position with the Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO), Deputy Ryan Corneia gave an update on law enforcement activities over the last 14 days.

• There were four personin-crisis calls, two thefts, two verbal domestics, two physical domestics with one arrest, two trespass cases, one drug offense, four suspicious persons calls, 48 traffic stops and two attempted fraud calls. “Fraud is always a topic we discuss,” Corneia said. The agency has recently seen an uptick in fraud calls, especially those with the elderly as victims. He reminded the public that neither the WCSO nor any other law enforcement agency would never phone people to ask for money for any reason. “Do not give out money to a phone caller,” he cautioned the public.

• Having already earned the designation as a GreenStep City, council unanimously passed a resolution authorizing participation in the Pilot Gold Leaf Challenge Program. This is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program focusing on pathways for communities to take 44 high-priority, highimpact climate action measures in partnership with the Minnesota GreenStep program.

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

Loretta Harding

SPORTS

Bear skaters win 2 more, lead SEC at 5-0

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake boys hockey is 5-0 in the Suburban East and 6-1-1 overall after defeating Forest Lake and Roseville Area last week.

The Bears have the early SEC lead with Cretin-Derham Hall and Stillwater each 3-0 in second place through Thursday.

The Bears went overtime to beat Forest Lake 4-3 with Blake Eckerle delivering the game winner just 22 seconds after the faceoff. Jack Stanius and Will Distad assisted. Eckerle also had a power play goal.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Mahtomedi tripped Columbia Heights 73-39 at home, led by 6-foot-7 sophomore Willie Roelofs with 28 points. Noah Carlson added 12 points, Mark Graff 10 and Hank Roelofs eight. Mahtomedi is 4-1 and Columbia Heights 2-5. In Mahtomedi’s 93-49 win at New Life Academy, Willie Roelofs notched 19 points (shooting 9-for-11), Kellen Johnson 17, Joe Sevenich 14 points off the bench (4-for-7 on three’s), Graff 13 (and nine assists) and Carlson 13 (3-for-4 on three’s).

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Mahtomedi’s 45-game winning streak in Metro East Conference games was snapped by Hastings 56-54 at Hastings. Keagan McVicker led Hastings (4-2) with 22 points.

Also scoring are Stanius (shorthanded) and Tyler Lalonde. Will Distad assisted on three goals. The Bears had a 36-14 edge in shots but the Rangers (2-5) were 2-for-4 on power plays with Colton Horak and Nate Peterson getting them. Horak had two goals.

The Bears downed Roseville Area 5-2, sparked by Stanius with two goals (one of them shorthanded) and two assists. Also scoring were Eckerle, Distad and Nash Roed (empty net). Leo Gabriel saved 19 of 21 shots. Jacob Villela and Grant Jakoboski scored for the Raiders (5-4).

Anna Greene had 17 points and Sarah Poepard 15 for the Zephyrs, now 4-2 overall and 1-1 in conference.

BOYS HOCKEY

Delano (5-2) handed Mahtomedi a 4-1 loss. The Tigers blanked the Zephyrs (3-6-1) until Laken Decker scored with 2:18 left in the game.

GIRLS HOCKEY

Roseville/Mahtomedi blanked Mounds View/Irondale 3-0 at home. Annie Tanner, Sophie Martin and Rylee Bogren (power play) had the goals for the Raiders (6-3-1). Lily Peterfeso made 19 saves for the shutout.

Bruce Strand

Leather & Laces kicks off competition season

Leather & Laces adult synchronized skating team’s season is officially underway.

The team recently competed at the Maplewood Synchro Classic at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, placing first in it the open adult vision.

Leather & Laces practices at Polar Arena in North St. Paul and is coached by Andrea Hall. Team members range in age from 19 to 46. Skaters hail from Hugo, Lino Lakes, Lexington, Roseville, Minneapolis, Lakeville, Bloomington, Maple

White Bear

White Bear Lake Middle School Cheerleading competed at the University of Minnesota Cheerleading Championship on Sunday, Dec.15. The team took home division champions in both traditional routine and game day. Pictured (back row, from left) are Belle Millard, Cora Morrin, Addyson Weigel, Lacey Rancour, Victoria Dowdle and Louise Cowan; (middle row) Dai Nathanson, Avery Manship, Maddie O’Connell, Finley Nicholas, Abby Bernier and Lauren Johnson; (front row) Sydalee Donnelly, Mairin Smentek, Gretchen Hayes, Rosie Wolf and Aubree Tollefson-Schenck

Grove, Eden Prairie, Woodbury, Moose Lake and Zimmerman among other cities.

The team is now preparing for the Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships in Kalamazoo, Michigan Jan.29 through Feb. 1. The team will host a beer bash fundraiser from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at Roddy’s Bar, located at 2543 7th Ave. E, North St. Paul. There will be raffles for two grand prizes, a pair of Gopher football tickets for the home opening game and a one-night stay at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Woodbury edged White Bear Lake 62-58 on Wednesday. Rithy Sain netted 15 points and Colin Piper 14 for the Bears (1-3). Gavin Krenz and Tyler Allshouse were next with seven points each.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

White Bear Lake made ten 3-pointers on the way to a 54-43 win over Woodbury. Chloe Thiessen sank four of them (two in each half) and led the Bears (4-4) with 18 points. Elise Dieterle added 13 points and Abby O’Brien eight. Woodbury was 6-for-14 on free shots and made seven three’s. The Bears were 4-for-9 on free throws.

GYMNASTICS

White Bear Lake had another solid showing but lost to an excellent Cretin-Derham Hall team 146.40 to 135.625. The Bears are 2-1 in conference. The Raiders had the top three in all-around, led by Anna Lentz with 37.35 points. Addy Mueller of the Bears was fourth with 35.85, Josie Mlejnek sixth with 34.35 and Grace Mueller seventh with 33.925. Mueller was third on vault (9.10), beam (8.90) and bars (9.05). Mlejnek was fourth on floor (9.275).

GIRLS HOCKEY

White Bear Lake lost to Park 5-3, then tied CretinDerham Hall 1-1. The Bears are 2-8-1. Madalyn Lee, who had missed eight games with an injury, drilled two goals in the first period against Park. Tally Domschot made it 3-0 in the second. Lily Howard supplied two assists. The Wolfpack then scored five straight goals, the last two by Addie Corkish in the third period. Against Cretin-Derham Hall (5-4-3), Bear goalie Macie Marston made 37 saves and Grace Kemp 23 for the Raiders. Both goals came in the second period, by Maddie Belisle for the Bears, assisted by Carlie Griffin, and Channing Haycraft for CDH.

SWIMMING

Woodbury defeated White Bear Lake 100-72 in the first dual meet of the season. For the Bears, Anthony Parada Romero won diving, and Benedict Hoefer placed third in the 200 free and 100 free.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Blake Eckerle

White Bear Lake Hockey December 25, 2024

Blake Eckerle, who will play Division I baseball, is also a hockey standout for White Bear Lake. Last week, Eckerle scored the overtime game-winner in a 4-3 win over Forest Lake, his second goal of the game, then netted the first goal of a 5-2 win over Roseville Area. The senior forward has eight goals and five assists in eight games for the Bears (6-11). He missed much of last season with injury but returned for the section playoffs and played a key role in the Bears reaching the state tournament. A catcher and infielder in baseball, Eckerle is committed to Utah.