White Bear Press

Downtown business aims to create go-to destination for St. Patrick’s Day

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

This St. Patrick’s Day locals will have another entertainment option much closer to home. A local business owner is hoping this year’s inaugural St. Patrick’s Day event will turn into one of the many things White Bear Lake is known for, like Marketfest and Manitou Days.

Corey Roberts, owner of The Minnesotan in downtown White Bear Lake, dreamed up the St. Patrick’s Day Hootenanny last year but not in time to get all of the necessary permitting in place to pull off the event. So, this fall he started planning for the big event, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 15.

“The goal for year one, our inaugural event, is making sure that we're setting that tone here year one so we have something that we can run with for decades to come,” Roberts said. “The vision is to create a longstanding tradition in the White Bear Lake area to become a Saint Patrick's celebratory destination. We feel that there's opportunity for a town like White Bear Lake to own St Patrick's Day, similar to how Anoka owns Halloween.”

Treasure hunt for neighborhood history uncovers ample gems

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After retiring as a trend analyst for a technology company, Scott Costello turned his research acumen to a new hobby: delving into local history.

“When we moved to the Lakeridge neighborhood 25 years ago, I started hearing stories about the people living here,” Costello recalled. “The population of the neighborhood has almost entirely turned over, with only a very few original homeowners still around. I worried that their stories would be lost as the older generation fades into history.”

Describing his two-year quest as a treasure hunt of sorts, Costello has put together a 28-page tome filled with interesting facts, both known and unknown, about the movers and shakers who lived in a neighborhood nestled between McKnight Road to the west, South Shore Boulevard to the north, Bellaire

Avenue to the east and County Road F to the south.

Entitled, “The History of White Bear Lake’s Lakeridge neighborhood: Schneider Bay, Lily Lake Pond, Hidden Hollow Park, and the people who shaped the neighborhood,” the booklet is the result of painstaking research. Costello read city council minutes and newspaper accounts, visited the Ramsey County records office and historical societies, studied plat maps and abstracts. A free online ancestry database maintained by the Mormon Church proved invaluable, not to mention personal accounts by family members of the deceased.

Using expertise honed by years working remotely for tech bosses in Silicon Valley, Costello said, “making the switch to history research in retirement is up my alley. I had a total blast doing it.”

As the amateur historian points out in the booklet, his neighborhood has been home to two

mayors, Brad Stanius and Thomas Newcome; three state legislators, Dr. Robert (Bob) Reif, Stanius and Newcome; two inventors holding multiple patents, Spencer Silver and Dr. George Schossow; a seagoing adventurer, Gerry Spiess; and a mink farmer, Adolph Thome, among others. It was also the site of tragedy and heroism.

Tragedy occurred in the late ’50s when a 14-year-old boy died in a cave-in. The man who rushed to save him suffered a heart attack, but survived.

“I was curious about the kid who died right under our (future) houses,” Costello said.

According to newspaper accounts, the boy was Stephen “Bucky” Young. He died on a Saturday, Aug. 11, 1957, while digging tunnels with friends into the side of a sandy gully next to Lily Lake Pond. The tunnel collapsed on Bucky, suffocating him. One of his friends

SEE LOCAL RESEARCHER,

17

Conservation district to hold hearing for marina dock variance

The White Bear Lake Conservation District (WBLCD) will hold a public hearing on March 18 regarding the Docks of White Bear Lake marina request for a variance to extend its dock lengths for the 2025 season. A bylaw amendment to adjust the WBLCD board meeting time from 7:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. will also have a first reading at the meeting.

The meeting will be held at White Bear Lake City Hall Council Chambers at 7 p.m. The public hearing will begin around 7:10 p.m. The meeting agenda will be posted three days before the meeting at wblcd@msn.com.

County seeks volunteers for advisory boards and committees

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is seeking individuals to serve on the following advisory board and committees:

• Community Health Services Advisory Committee: Advises the Ramsey County Board on public health programs and services, participates in policy development, helps determine health needs and engages in public health advocacy. There are 13 vacancies.

• Parks and Recreation Commission: Advises the Parks and Recreation Department and Board of

Commissioners on matters relating to planning, development and operation of the county’s parks, trails, open space and recreation facilities. Five vacancies are available.

• Personnel Review Board: Duties include hearing disciplinary appeals by veterans relating to discharge or suspension, reviewing other disciplinary appeals after an Administrative Law Judge has heard them, hearing nondisciplinary appeals, and reviewing the Human Resources Department as directed by the county board. One opening is available.

• Ramsey County Charter Commission has one vacancy in District 7, which includes White Bear Lake. Commission members periodically review the county charter, propose necessary amendments and recommend proposals from the public. Learn more about the openings and find an application at ramseycounty. us/your-government/volunteer/ advisory-boards-committees.

Ramsey County Service Center open at Maplewood Mall

The renovated Ramsey County Service Center is open at Maplewood Mall. Residents can visit to learn about and access county services from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, go to ramseycounty.us/servicecenters.

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We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Kelly’s Korner Bar, 7098 Centerville Road, Centerville

Details: Runners participate in a 5k or 7k hosted by the Minnesota Multisports Races. It is a St. Patrick’s Day themed run.

Contact: www.mmraces.com/shake-yourshamrock

ST. PIUS X LENTEN FISH FRY

When: 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, March 14

Where: St. Pius X, 3878 Highland Avenue, White Bear Lake

Details: Dine in or curbside to go in northeast parking lot. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. Contact: 651-429-5337 or churchofstpiusx.org

'THE BOOK CLUB PLAY'

When: March 14-23

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, White Bear Lake

Details: Comedy performance about books and the people who love them. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD SHELF

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. May register day of event.

Contact: 651-246-3638 or cityvadnaisheights.com/ foodshelf

TAMARACK NATURE CENTER PHOTO CLUB

When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd.

Details: Independent group of photographers meet the 3rd Staurday of every month to share and discuss images. All experience levels welcome. Contact: Tncphotoclubinfo@gmail.com

THE GOLDEN PATH SEMINAR: MOVE WITH SIMPLICITY, PURPOSE & PEACE

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Seminar provides resources to navigate the transition to downsize a home or move to senior living, facilitated by Sandy Erickson Tea, Realty Group. Snacks, refreshments, prize drawing. Contact: mnpropertiesforsale.com/info/the-goldenpath-program

WOMEN WALKING

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Belwin Hilltop classroom, 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton

Details: Indoor centering exercises and conversation followed by walking meditations and campfire. Registration information online. Contact: belwin.org

ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

When: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 18

Where: Bellaire Beach Park, 2499 South Shore Blvd., White Bear Lake

Details: Hike on paved streets and sidewalks. Contact: stpaulhike.com

THE WRITER'S ROOM: AN OPEN STUDIO FOR WRITERS

When: 1-4 p.m. Friday, March 21

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Avenue

Details: Write in the company of fellow writers in an inspiring space, led by Amber Guetebier. For adults and teens 16+, all levels.

Contact: 651-407-0597 or whitebeararts.org

NATIVE AMERICAN CELEBRATION

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 22

Where: Mariner Middle School, White Bear Lake

Details: Event to celebrate the Native American community open to all. Contact: manyfaceswblarea.org/events

DESIGNING GARDENS WITH NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE PLANTS FOR CLIMATE ACTION

When: 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 22

Where: Bruentrup Heritage Farm, 2170 County Road D E., Maplewood

Details: In-person program on sustainibility and environmental stewardship with “Farmer TJ” Malaskee. Contact: bit.ly/NEMCA0322

APublisher’s View

Bees

fter years and years trying to keep our bees alive over winter it looks like we might have done it. My neighbor, Paul, and I share beekeeping duties and it has been a huge help as we join forces to work on the hives and other projects. I was so excited to receive a text message from a neighbor to let me know she saw honey bees in her yard. She has one of those magnificent gardens, so I am also excited that the bees are getting out to find food. With the warmer days we have seen a lot of activity around the hives. The bees fly around and do a cleansing flight and it’s noticeable when you have a base of white snow on the ground. It is an amazing feeling to be this close to having a hive make the Minnesota winter. The main thing we did differently this year is that we changed how we treat for mites and added extra insulation and wind breaks with paper leaf bags from fall clean up. We literally built a fortress around the hives to help insulate and protect them from the wind. We have always treated for mites, but this year we upgraded to a vaporizer with a Oxalic acid (wood bleach). This vaporizing treatment requires extra safety equipment such as a respirator. As we began to study and understand this vaporization style of treatment, it’s interesting to note how Europe recommends a heavier dosage for treating mites than the US.

If you have extra time and are interested in taking on a new hobby, consider beekeeping. My recommendation is to partner with a friend or neighbor on the project, and then get a mentor or someone who is an experienced beekeeper who can help guide you through the process and be present during your first year. It’s also nice to share equipment. Not everybody needs a vaporizer or an extractor, as sharing among a neighborhood group is sufficient. In fact we pull a few neighbors together to spin the frames of honey on the same evening and share in the cleanup. It makes it more fun.

Most cities require a permit and a small fee. They typically ask you to get neighbors' permission on the permit. What continues to fascinate me is the more than 500 species of bees in Minnesota. Honeybees are not native to the US, and are not found regularly in the wild. When people think of bees I often hear them describe a yellowjacket or the wasps with long legs. Yellowjackets get a bad name because they are pests, and they’re also meat eaters. They love to bug you at a picnic or in your yard. They want meat, where honeybees want nectar. I rarely see our honeybees around us when we’re when we’re dining outdoors. If you decise to jump into beekeeping, you will need to order your bees. We buy our bees from Mann Lake and Nature's Nectar. Bees require constant weekly monitoring, but they are fascinating.

Mow in May

I’m happy to see that cities have turned back No Mow May. Although the intentions were good, it has probably caused more problems in neighborhoods and communities. Cities have turned the emphasis to planting pollinator-friendly gardens, versus encouraging residents to refrain from mowing their yards. We’ve all driven through a neighborhood in the spring and noticed somebody who thought they were doing the right thing by not mowing their lawn only to cause their neighbor to double their weed and feed treatments to keep their own yard looking good. The concept is changing for a good reason. If your children have talked to you about not mowing your lawn because it’s helping the bees, get them a shovel and help them start a pollinator-friendly garden.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

Talking tax season tips with University of Minnesota

As the tax filing deadline approaches, being prepared can save you time, money and stress. David Horn, the director of the Master of Business Taxation Program at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, shares his insights on what to keep in mind this tax season.

Movers & Shakers

David Horn

Q: Are there any significant changes this year?

A: One thing is constant: the deadline to file your tax return is April 15. However, you may file an automatic extension to file your return six months after April 15. It’s important to remember if you extend your return, you’re still required to pay any taxes owed by April 15. 2024 was pretty light with federal tax legislation for the everyday individual taxpayer. It was an election year, which often means there isn’t a lot of activity from Congress because no one wants to rock the boat. Other than brackets, deductions, and thresholds being indexed to inflation, the tax laws are mostly the same as 2023 for individual taxpayers.

• 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

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges this tax season?

A: One of the Trump administration’s first actions was to announce a hiring freeze and personnel cuts across the federal government, which includes the IRS. There is some uncertainty about how this will impact the agency during filing season; however, a reduction in IRS staffing may result in the delayed processing of returns and issuing refunds. Filing early is always a good rule of thumb. The earlier you file, the sooner your return will be processed and the sooner you will receive any potential tax refund. As we get closer to the filing deadline, contacting the IRS with questions gets more difficult.

Q: What is your advice to make tax preparation go smoothly?

Q: How do I avoid tax scams?

A: The IRS generally initiates contact through the mail. If you ever get a phone call or email from someone claiming they’re from the IRS stating that you owe money and threatening to call law enforcement, that is a scam and you should hang up. The IRS also doesn’t accept payments through unusual sources, such as Apple gift cards. That is another red flag that it is a scam. For more tips to avoid potential scams, visit irs. gov.

“Talking...with U of M” is a resource whereby University of Minnesota faculty answer questions on current and other topics of general interest.

A: It’s all about understanding your sources of income and deductions. I advise clients to go through all their financial accounts and understand where they potentially could be receiving tax documents. That may include a W-2 for wages from your employer, 1099 forms for investment and savings accounts, a 1098-E for student loans, etc. Gathering all the relevant documentation will streamline the return preparation process. Another issue affecting more people this year is increased reporting around peer-to-peer payment systems, such as Venmo and PayPal. In 2024, the threshold for reporting transactions from these services was reduced from $20,000 to $5,000. If you received $5,000 or more in payments through one of these applications for goods and services sold, you’re going to get a 1099-K document. However, using these platforms to collect expense reimbursements amongst friends and family should not be reported on Form 1099-K. Consult with a tax professional to help decipher the reporting requirements if you receive a 1099-K.

| 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 651429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Carter Johnson

Protecting education in Minnesota

Recent speculation about the future of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) is deeply concerning—not only to me, but to the dedicated professionals I serve as president of White Bear Lake Area Educators. Since its establishment in 1979, the department has played a vital role in ensuring all students—regardless of background or zip code—have access to a high-quality education.

While education is primarily managed at the state and local levels, federal funding, research and guidance help maintain consistency and accessibility across the country. DOE programs are not abstract government initiatives; they directly impact millions of students and families. Weakening or eliminating the Department of Education threatens essential programs impacting students, educators and families in Minnesota and nationwide.

In Minnesota:

-$192 million annually supports 226,000 low-income students, ensuring access to high-quality education.

-$256 million in annual funding provides critical resources for 152,000 students with disabilities across the state.

-$368 million in Pell Grants help 83,000 Minnesota students afford college.

-$27 billion in federal student loans support 789,000 Minnesota borrowers, making higher education more accessible.

-$37 million annually expands college access for low-income, first-generation and disabled students.

Nationally:

-26 million children in rural, suburban and urban school districts rely on federal education funding to stay on track academically.

-7.5 million students with disabilities depend on federally funded special education programs to access the support

they need.

-Over 10 million students from working-class families benefit from Pell Grants and subsidized loans, making higher education possible for those who might otherwise be unable to afford it.

-12 million students nationwide gain valuable skills through career and technical education programs, preparing them for the modern workforce.

Every child deserves access to the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to thrive. The resources offered by the Department of Education help to guarantee that access. I urge you to contact your members of Congress (www.5calls.org) to advocate for preserving and strengthening the work of the Department of Education. Our students’ futures depend on it.

Tiffany Dittrich

President, White Bear Lake Area Educators, Local #7286

Conflicts of interest

We have all heard “do as I say, not as I do” and “the rich get richer.” These familiar sayings certainly apply to Elon Musk and the way he is getting rich off your tax dollars. While Elon Musk, an unelected official, has been busy destroying federal agencies and eliminating grants that he says are fraud and waste, he and his companies have received $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies and tax credits. Musk has built his empire on government funding, our tax dollars, and is now the richest man in the world. Elon has our government and taxpayers to thank for his wealth.

Musk’s companies currently have 52 contracts with seven agencies in our federal government. All seven agencies have cut staff, budgets and competitors’ contracts at the direction

of DOGE, run by Musk. He has also been given access to the databases in many of these agencies, so he has access to his competitors’ financials and other proprietary information.

Musk is now positioning his company to take over an existing $2 billion contract previously awarded to Verizon to update the FAA system (yes, the same FAA where they fired hundreds of employees). This is a clear conflict of interest. Why are we OK with the richest man in the world, an unelected official, cutting critical services for all of us, while he continues to line his pockets and those who support him?

Liz Stein Vadnais Heights

Taxing wealthy hurts all

In this week’s White Bear Press (March 5), there were at least two references to tax breaks for the wealthy (“... huge tax breaks to the wealthy at our expense” and “Tax cuts for wealthy on the backs of the poor”).

These mantras, oft used, seem to make no sense to me, at least from a fiscal perspective. Reading a number of articles, the consensus showed that all income levels benefitted from the 2017 Jobs Act. Obviously, the wealthy received more, simply because they paid in more. But all levels benefited in accordance with their income and tax levels.

Further, who pays the tax may not be the one who writes out a check. Inflation is a tax, largely on the backs of the poor. The federal ATM has put more money into circulation through its deficit/debt delirium than productivity can absorb. And the traditional method of taming the inflationary beast, raising interest rates, is a tactic that adds to the federal burden, blesses those with means and further marginalizes the rest.

The luxury tax of 30 years ago was meant to extract more revenue from the rich. The rich didn’t pay the tax, however. They simply quit buying the taxed items, and the middle class in those industries paid with their livelihoods.

A friend had his taxes raised, as he crossed an income threshold precipitating a surtax. Since his tax bill was calculated off accrued income, but the money owed came out of cash; he had to lay someone off to meet the obligation. Again, who paid the tax? And last, any policy predicated upon covetousness is doomed to failure. It creates an us/them culture, a perpetual tribal warfare that marginalizes all but an oligarchic few. I trust that our compassion will be informed by a depth of wisdom and understanding that elevates all.

Compare accomplishments

In his letter to the editor on Feb. 26, George Kimball said we are turning our back on our allies. President Trump simply wants our allies to pay their fair share for their defense. We defended the freedom-loving European nations in World War II and financed their rebuilding following the war. They might not exist today if it wasn’t for America. Kimball said, “Trump unites with totalitarian Russia.” Where does he get that from? I don’t know. If you want to stop a war peaceably, you need to keep the lines of communication open to all parties in the conflict, yes, even totalitarian Russia. Mr. Kimball also said, “Republicans and MAGA followers have sold their souls to the devil — to King Trump.” I believe that’s untrue, and that the majority of American voters

White Bear Lake Area Church Directory

James Nash White Bear Lake

MAHTOMEDI

Semester 1 2024-25

9th Grade High Honors:

Mariam L. Abraham, Davlenn R. Acesor, Aisha L. Ahmad, Tamilore M. Akintola, Alaina B. Albrecht, Logan A. Albrecht, Alana G. Alvarez, Dani A. Baker, Victoria B. Barfuss, Evalyn R. Barta, Christopher W. Bennett, Brooke E. Berg, Adalyn G. Beulke, Schooner R. Bird, Charlotte C. Bishman, Lucinda E. Black, Thomas D. Boe, Aidan M. Boex, Ella R. Boulos, Margaret C. Bruner, Sophie A. Campbell, Ella M. Carion, Elizabeth J. Churchill, Jack R. Cisek, Samuel T. Coles, Quinn O. Decorsey, Isaac D. DeGrote, McKenna L. DesJardins, Naisha Didwania, Audrey K. Doriott, Colton A. Duckson, Ryker G. Dunbar, Adam J. Edwards, Owen T. Eklund, Logan M. Ellingson, Liliana J. Englund, Adeline R. Erickson, Tegan M. Evans, Fergus A. Fedie, Layla N. Franco, Autumn N. Groneberg, Naomi E. Hall, Emelia A. Hammer, Avery D. Hensel, Irina E. Hill, Harley H. Hohenstein, Sienna R. Iverson, Norah G. Jansen, Jenna N. Keane, Margo O. Kiely, Cullen R. King, Sidney R. Kolbet, Micah G. Korus, Jack M. Lindstrom, Parker T. Maas, Abigail J. Manger, Hayden W. Mans, Magdalena G. McCloy, Gavin M. McDonough, Leo T. Miller, Jaxon C. Mitchell, Andrew T. Moran, Natalie L. Moran, Elizabeth A. Moscou, Grace N. Moua, Shaela M. Murphy, Samuel K. Nasvik, Anders E. Nelson, Oliver S. Nestrud, Caleb J. Nyquist, Charlotte I. Olsen, Olivia J. Opel, Clara L. Otto, Riley K. Parizek, Charles D. Peck, Lila G. Pollock, Rose M. Prescott, Parker W. Reagan, Vincent C. Redpath, Vivienne E. Roeller, Vanessa M. Rogosheske, Vivian F. Ruzynski, Molly A. Schifsky, Estelle J. Seuffert, Glory I. Shadrack, William G. Siedow, Lila E. Stephens, Aubrianna M. Stupnik, Eloise J. Taylor, Tumsa Temesgen, McCoy R. Tennyson, Rachel G. Thalacker, Brody R. Traxinger, Evelyn M. Tykeson, Lexi H. Unger, Riley D. Vosooney, Kennedy R. Wolfsberger, Brandon W. Wright, Tensae F. Yigermal, Annika G. Young

9th Grade Honors:

Yasmin K. Abdi, Raymond R. Acesor, Hafsa M. Ahmad, Henry K. Aflakpi, Dulo J. Aman, Alia V. Anderson, Stuart C. Anderson, Theodore L. Ausland, Adelaide R. Badini, William S. Barton, Delaney E. Benz, William T. Bidon, Peyton A. Birch, Adalyn V. Bjorkman, Sophia M. Boberg, Sydney M. Bohm, Peter K. Boyum, Caleb J. Brann, Michael K. Breien, Easton J. Buche, Ursula G. Budziszewski, Lilith J. Bush, Camryn Q. Chilson, John W. Chlebeck, Han B. Connell, Caroline G. Conzemius, Levi S. Cosby, Austin R. Damlo, Isabella J. Davini, Janessa J. Davis-Harris, Chloe L. Deans, Jonathan A. DeWane, Raya M. DeZelar, William A. Donovan, Elizabeth R. Driscoll, Konur O. Drivdahl, Maxx E. Efiong, Brooklyn A. Erickson, Josephine F. Erickson, Madison E. Erickson, Xiaohan Fang, Allicia F. Farrington, Melania J. Fitzgerald, Dahlia N. Fon, John R. Gill, Kieran B. Gordon, Austin J. Gunderson, Lilia R. Haile, Dana B. Hamdan, Eve C. Hanzely, Cassia G. Hartmann, Alaina N. Hass, Elsi N. Hauer, Wesley M. Hoadley, Elise R. Hochban, Annika N. Johnson, Kallen G. Johnson, Everett J. Kirkwood, Drew W. Krampe, Lila J. Kruse, Maci J. Kruse, Laela P. Lee, Xiaobao Q. Liang, Xiaofeng H. Liang, Mason A. Mahmood, Carys Y. McNaughton, Emma Ann B. Miller-Mercier, Lilah Grace L. Miller-Mercier, Henry L. Mizinski, Ka’dyn Q. Napier, April J. Nelson, Kylie E. Nelson, Lyla M. Nelson, Berea K. Nicholson, Lily Y. Nyberg, Chase R. Olson, Genevieve A. Onyeji, Parker P. Paraschou, Joshua G. Parton, Jemma K. Pecchia, Lyla K. Peper, Kate E. Peterson, Luke W. Pfeiffer, Lucia J. Phoenix, Allana I. Pierce, Sarah V. Poepard, Aria N. Puchreiter, Adyson M. Pulver, Hailey N. Reich, Daniel J. Reierson, Carly A. Roubik, Yaslene G. Ruiz-Castillo, William G. Russell, Angel I. Saldana, Ashlee E. Schrankler, Adele H. Schroeder, Sterling R. Schroeder, Ava J. Sheppeck, Braelyn A. Skow, Roman P. Smoley, Olivia R. Sowada, Chace S. Swanson, Lucy M. Teich, Connor M. Tempelis, Kaiba S. Thiam, William P. Thompson, William M. Tronrud, Troy J. Verbout, Lailey M. Weisner, Zoey G. Williams, Odin M. Winegar, Ingrid G. Wirtz, Carter N. Wojtowicz, Jordyn R. Woodford, Lucy L. Zelch

10th Grade High Honors:

Gavin M. Adams, Elise A. Aflakpi, Emily K. Alexander, Jessica E. Aufderhar, Azariah A. Barta, Lydia L. Bartness, George R. Beckman, Cameron A. Behnke, Marija A. Berkner, Isabella S. Bixby, Rachel F. Brings, Jasper J. Buerger, Cole W. Burkel, Eli R. Buttke, Madison G. Campbell, Shawn E. Jr Carlon, Sailor P. Carlson, Halyn R. Chaffee, Coen A. Chavarria, Mabel J. Curtis, Maya K. Dahl, Lola K. Dambowy, Reginald R. DeBruin, Charles R. DeHaan, Shea O. Deneen, Cerwyn D. Dobbelmann, Annika L. Drimel, Jackson W. Drimel, Delaney A. Dumermuth, Amelia M. Englund, Katherine L. Fanta, Cullen E. Faulkner, Caitlin A. Glaser, Alexander Goldfine, Ellen K. Gruba, Natalie K. Haase, Gannon J. Hamen, Ava L. Hanson, Mahdi M. Hanson, Cameron L. Harris, Capri E. Hartmann, April M. Hoffoss, Micah J. Horsager, Isaac H. Iten, Abraham D. Jansen, Emilia L. Jensen, Kristen M. Johnson, Kaylen L. Jones, Anton T. Kastler, Adelric A. Koenig-Kali, Broderick A. Kraai, Lucas J. Kraft, Elsie M. Krull, Jessica D. Kuchar, Claire S. Langhoff, Lyla L. Lear, Jocelyn A. Lidle, Ava B. Lockbaum, Anthony M. Longen, Mia A. Loosbrock, Aritza Lopez Nandho, Amelia J. Lucke, Lily M. Lutgen, Addison J. Mack, Isabella Micetic, Reese J. Nelson, Brynna R. Newfield, Devin S. O’Donnell, Paige A. Olsen, Isaac T. Opitz, Lucille L. Petersen, Molly R. Peterson, Danielle Paulene B. Pineda, Henry A. Pompilio, Evelyn L. Richie, William R. Roelofs, Molly L. Roettger, Trevor W. Rogosheske, Yuktika Samtani, Fiona Q. Sawyer, Maria G. Schlegel, Frank T. Schwieters, Emmett C. See, Will D. Seevers, Kai A. Seidl, Senna S. Semaan, Cody D. Siewert, Adam R. Sixt, Ethan M. Stout, Eliana W. Suchy, Katherine I. Taylor, Maria J. Tkachuck, Luke A. Torgrude, Kieran J. Vik, Jozie B. Wetzel, Alayna J. Whitson, Tirzah L. Whitson, Eve C. Wiebe, Maximus D. Winegar, Alexander K. Wooi, Caroline K. Wright, Melanie Zhang

10th Grade Honors:

Lyric Y. Aceves, Evyn R. Alexander, Mejken R. Amiot, Ellie L. Anderson, Matthew N. Arumba, Brooks P. Ashfield, Amelia C. Barron, Rena M. Becker, Gavin W. Bifulk, Berkley A. Blaisdell, Finbarr D. Borowska, Lorelai K. Bracken, Ella E. Buivid, Lorraine K. Campbell, Mia M. Carlson, Noah E. Carlson, William P. Carter, Alexander J. Cepress, Sienna A. Clark, Ericdarren Daafour, Ana E. Dahl, Paige L. Detert, Anna L. Dimopoulos, Nolan J. Dock, Grace M. Doebler, Morgan J. Dupey, Erica F. Ekpruke, Hailey R. Ellingson, Thomas T. Farell, Charles J. Fernandez, Fromsa B. Feyissa, Kylie A. Flannigan, Anthony S. Foster, Charlie J. Gillet, John G. Goebel, Katie K. Gogberashvili, Samuel J. Gravley, Ruby A. Greer, Liana J. Grillo, Anya O. Hague, Ella M. Haraldson, Logan J. Hargrove, Aidan L. Hastings, Edwin L. Henderson, Emmett J. Henderson, Josephine M. Hochradel, Henry P. Honmyhr, Sadie L. Hughes, Hailey J. Hunter, Patrick D. Hurd, Reagan E. Juhl, Greta M. Lahr, Joshua S. Larson, Kenji K. Lee, Yeupheng D. Lee, Cally M. Loida, Ahnasophia I. Lorinser, Henrik S. Madson, Logan P. Malone, Reagan N. Mamer, Andersen W. Martin, Kyle A. Mathis, Alayna M. McCarthy, Evelyn R. McMahon, Emmett D. Melchert-Zimmerman, Emerson K. Meyers, Brody C. Moen, Owen M. Moffitt, Charlotte M. Monette, Liesel E. Mueller, Callie R. Mullaney, Camille K. Myhre, Lola M. Neely, Sophia E. Nelsen, Sean T. O’Connor, Grant J. Oien, Georgia L. Olson, Addison R. Otto, Logen A. Pendleton, Isabel A. Poness Ruiz, Graydon E. Poppelman, Savanna M. Pratt, Grace A. Prose, Allissa M. Robinson, Brooklyn M. Rondeau, Madeline M. Samarani, Aubrey M. Saterbak, Garrett N. Schlagel, McCauley W. Schulz, Mila S. Semerad, Grady L. Severson, Bemnet H. Shekur, Amber L. Shell, Jacob R. Sokoll, Isabel A. Steffen, James B. Theuninck, Blake A. Udelhofen, Anneliese Z. Ulschmid, Lucas J. Vander Louw, Gabrielle N. Vang, Malik J. Washington, Finn T. Wiesen, Matthew R. Wolfsberger, Sommer S. Wood, Nolan S. Wyse

11th Grade High Honors:

Bjorn Z. Anderson, Zoe A. Anderson, Joseph D. Bance, Amber J. Becker, Layla J. Befidi, Thomas M. Bengtson, Chase M. Benning Swanson, Julia M. Boogren, Jerrick J. Brown, Cael M. Brummel, Emerson A. Buckley, Aidan D. Carlson, Collin G. Carlson, Lily V. Carlson, Noah X. Carlson, Bao-Hien Chu, Julian T. Cisek, Julia M. Clayton, Alexis N. Collins, Anna S. Cosby, Betselot T. Daba, Brennan W. Dambowy, Bethel K. Darik, Casey S. DeFor, Riley S. DeFor, June E. Duclos-Beecher, Abigael E. Edwards, James S. Egan, Owen G. Eigen, Myles A. Flaherty, Sarah A. Frazer, Oliver D. Gadbois, Julia J. Gill, Mark S. Graff, Natalie J. Gruba, Chace P. Hallin, Eleanor C. Halsten, Lily V. Harnisch, Charles J. Hauer, Eli L. Hendrickson, Katie C. Hergenrader, Wyatt J. Herschbach, Rahama A. Hussein, Noelle E. Jackson, Lauren A. Jacobson, Paige M. Johnson, Kendall A. Kapfer, Kento S. Kedrowski, Ian T. Kiely, Kallie P. Kolbet, Mallory M. Langer, Teagan J. Larson, Tyler J. Leciejewski, Neven E. Leopold, Alexander W. Livingston, Alexis K. Lum, Alasdair M. MacChesney, William B. MacChesney, Evan R. Marty, Riley J. McAuley, Teagan C. McCloy, Nolan E. McCutcheon, Lexie M. McGrane, Evan J. Miller, Ashley M. Motz, Adam J. Nelson, Sophia N. Paraschou, Eve C. Porter, Caroline W. Potjer, Sahar A. Ramaley, Taelin L. Richmond, Jaelyn R. Schany, Josephine E. Schifsky, Kai A. Schwartz, Hannah A. Smith, Ruby A. Stembridge, Jackson A. Stout, Matthew J. Studenski, Jack T. Tarnowski, Louisa K. Tarnowski, Levi A. Ternberg, Ada J. Thompson, Claire D. Tofte, Grace A. Van Hout, Gavin G. Vennemann, Martina B. Villagra Phillip, Isabel M. Vipond, Joud F. Wadi, Samuel L. White, Nicholas G. Wisniewski, Taylor J. Wojtowicz, Jacquelyn M. Worden

11th Grade Honors:

Yusra K. Abdi, Jocelyn R. Aguilera, Lammi S. Ahmed, Ethan W. Albrecht, Sally H. Amundson, Ava M. Arcand, Elena N. Atkinson, Connor L. Barry, Rowan A. Berger, Ethan R. Berglund, Samuel R. Beulke, Lillyan J. Birkeland, Keely J. Bohm, Joseph V. Borovsky, Siochain E. Borowska, Maya S. Brendmoen-Butler, Robert J. JR Burkel, Avery D. Campbell, Harrison J. Carroll, Arjun Chandra, Claire N. Crothers, Maia K. Daniels, Seanna R. Davis, Lawson J. DeGezelle, Haley L. DesJardins, Easton A. DeZelar, Dawson S. Duback, Ethan J. Dvorak, Peyton J. Erickson, Seth J. Erickson, Drew M. Feustel, Brayden D. Fuerst, Kyler J. Gunderson, Alex N. Haase, Noah A. Hahn, Sanyi T. Hamine, Austin J. Hanft, Piper R. Hanson, Zachary T. Harrod, Finn J. Hemenway, Cameron P. Hentsch, Gabriella R. Hernandez, Audrey M. Hilton, Brianna L. Hilton, Aoife L. Hiniker, Nolan J. Hochban, Haley L. Hohenstein, Nicholas P. Huberty, Elianah J. Jespersen, Henry D. Johnson, Jayden T. Jones, Jaylen T. Jones, Noah M. Kamrath, Ellis L. Krause, Sydney R. Kuschke, Liam J. Kutzer, Oliver J. Lavalle, Hannah M. Lindstrom, Cody M. Loida, Madeline J. Matuzak, Grace E. McCarthy, Grady T. McKusick, Luchianna T. Medley, Payton A. Mielke, Robel G. Milion, Ryan M. Nelson, Tyler K. Parizek, Greta E. Plugge, Kayla M. Poirier, Eva I. Pulver, Layla M. Ragan, Audrey M. Reid, Danielle R. Ricci, Allison J. Rippentrop, Madeline N. Ruppel, Andrew I. Russell, Blair W. Smith, Katherine A. Smith, Ava E. Sorum, Annika M. Sowder, Trent J. Steenberg, Cullen D. Taylor, Simon A. Taylor, Alexia A. Tempelis, Lauren M. Thalacker, Aspen S. Tillges, Olivia M. Tofte, James L. Unger, SuabCua Vang, Peyton G. Whitbeck, Carter S. Whitman, Haley L. Wilson, Annika Winke, Sasha L. Wuori

simply saw a leader and doer and were concerned about the path of the previous administration of this country. President Trump told us what his plans were before he was elected; refreshingly, he hasn’t let the voters down. He has surrounded himself with hardworking, capable professionals, and it shows. I’m hopeful that all citizens of this country realize it and we can restore common sense in our nation. I urge Mr. Kimball to compare what was accomplished (or wasn’t) in the last four years and what has taken place and accomplished since Jan. 20.

Bill Kolesar White Bear Lake

Dog parks strengthen our community around healthy activities

Opposition to the dog park at Matoska has failed to prove the dog park in this current location has caused harm, nor is there a credible risk of harm in the future. The Commission testified to efforts to capture evidence supporting closure and found none. Opposition arguments are specious. The real issue is a few homeowners want to enjoy the lake absent activity on public property. It’s the “not in my back yard” mentality that precludes sharing of public assets.

Opponents claim dogs from the dog park interrupted al fresco dining on private property. Dubious. Again, the provenance of naughty dogs has yet to be determined. They could hail from elsewhere in the neighborhood or have prematurely jumped to shore during a boat landing. Unleashed and

or unsupervised dogs are not a park problem. It’s the city’s responsibility to enforce the leash law and penalize bad pet parents no matter the location.

Opponents claim it is a safety issue but fail to make a convincing argument. What exactly do they think will happen for the first time in 20 years? Alternatively, some proponents claim the real safety issue is the boat launch. Proponents claim the issue has been paraded out many times since 2002. The opposition rests on just a very few households. Then and now. Probably the same ones…

The lake levels were mentioned by the opposition as a problem for the dog park. While I believe we need to take measures to deter water from being pilfered from our aquafers to support fringe development, I’m sure the city has the authority to move buoys or close the boat launch and dog park if water levels pose danger.

The opponents also expressed concern about impact of dog waste in the lake. The water was tested and there is no danger from dogs on this point. Dog parks provide opportunities to strengthen our community around healthy activities. This should be the goal of city planning. We support deleting language requiring dogs are leashed. They could become tangled.

We all put up with unpleasant noise levels, dog poop, parking issues, screeching children. We tolerate it because we care about our shared resources, not merely the convenience of a few. The undocumented problems are just that. Undocumented.

For over a decade the city has

12th Grade High Honors:

Zakariyya J. Adams-Hladio, Audrey A. Aflakpi, Presley R. Albers, Georgia M. Alfonse, Lydia J. Armstrong, Julia B. Atkins, John L. Aufderhar, Alayna M. Bartylla, Akaycia L. Belisle, Ethan P. Boeke, Rylee M. Bogren, Betsy N. Boland, Collin E. Bromeland, Zachary D. Burge, Riley C. Burke, Evan S. Carion, Elizabeth L. Carlon, Audrey A. Carlson, Sean M. Chevalier, Janeea L. Chlebeck, Nhat T. Chu, Samuel P. Churchill, Lauren A. Clark, Addison C. Crep, Eily F. DeMars, Ana M. Detert, Katherine T. Do, Ava F. Donna, Joshua B. Drivdahl, Alexis E. Efiong, Max J. Egan, Breanna L. Elbers, Cecilia A. Emery, Kylee L. Farmer, Dorian E. Fedie, Ethan A. Felling, Reagan R. Flaherty, Logan K. Garcia, Daniel D. Gibbens, Connor J. Gray, Anna L. Greene, Ruby E. Grinstead, Benjamin A. Hammond, Samuel M. Harris, Sarah R. Haveman, Maria C. Horsager, Vincent W. Humpal, Jacqueline J. Igel, Oliver J. Jaroslawski, Kellen C. Johnson, Soleil L. Johnson, Taylor C. Johnson, Jordan M. Jonas, Hayden M. King, Mason G. Kipp, Camron A. Knapstein, Xavier J. Knauss, Oliver W. Ko, Gabriella M. Kraai, Kajia J. Krull, Cendall Q. Kurr, Sidney J. Leciejewski, Frank W. Lombardi, Wyatt T. Lorinser, Clara G. Loss, Gavin E. Maas, Matthew T. Macdonald, Oskar J. Magnusson, Kaili A. Malvey, Lauren R. Marinac, Annika J. Martin, Allison L. McCleery, Madison E. McCoy, Riley S. McGrane, Evan M. McGuire, Thomas S. Meader, Joel W. Melby, Maxwell D. Milbrandt, Reese E. Mitchell, Ashley A. Moeller, Molly A. Moffitt, Miranda J. Monteiro, Emily K. Muetzel, Greta J. Munson, Ayla R. Nasvik, Joseph T. Nelson, Maxwell R. Newcome, Elesia R. Newfield, Nellie M. Odushkin, Pierce M. Paddock, Leah K. Panagiotopoulos, Sophia K. Peer, Tyler J. Pendleton, Zoe J. Peterson, Brandon Q. Pham, Joseph A. Pipes, Cadence L. Pompilio, Eden E. Puchreiter, Indra M. Ramaley, Jacob R. Rank, Keira L. Redpath, Alexander H. Reister, Colton G. Robbins, Henry R. Roelofs, Luke T. Roettger, Audrey T. Roling, Olivia C. Ross, Esme E. Roux, Julia S. Ruzynski, Kimberly L. Ryan, Addison L. Saterbak, Zhenghong L. Schlechte, Madison C. Schmidtz, Madeline M. Schoenecker, Mason P. Schultz, Timothy A. Schussler, Gunnar J. Sellman, Joy O. Shadrack, Isabella C. Smieja, Ethan J. Sockalosky, Shey P. Sorenson, Jack T. Stepan, Wesley J. Strub, Evalyn S. Suchy, Anne M. Tanner, Mykenna H. Theuninck, Aida W. Thiam, Olivia J. Thiele, Cecelia K. Thielen, Emma G. Thron, Sawyer F. Tokay, Salina R. Traxler, Grace A. Tronrud, Luke R. Vipond, Olivia L. Wendorff, Nicholas E. Whitney IV, Abigail A. Wiebe, Winston D. Wright, Mistere F. Yigermal, Jude F. Zeck, Bodhi D. Ziemann

evaluated the activity at the dog park without seeing any of the problems being put forward by a few households.

We urge the City Council and the mayor to support the dog park and add language requiring re-evaluation in no less than five years. These unfounded complaints are costly both in terms of taxpayer dollars and volunteer time.

Bonnie Balach White Bear Lake

Wasting money on culture wars

I think everyone can agree that Minnesotans want our kids to have a first-rate education and we don’t like wasting money. We want our tax dollars to go toward creating an excellent learning environment so our children are well prepared when they graduate to be successful adults and contribute to our state and nation.

Why then are we wasting so much money on culture wars? According to a recent report – “The Costs of Conflict, The Fiscal Impact of Culturally Divisive Conflicts on Public Schools in the United States,” written by researchers from UCLA, UC Riverside, UT Austin, and American University — the 2023-2024 school year culture wars cost public schools $3.2 billion.

Where does this money go? When school districts become the center of culture wars, the school board is forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on legal fees, increased security, communications efforts, community and government relations, and recruitment of teachers due to high staff turnover rates.

For an average school district of 10,000 students, districts fighting culture wars spend an average of $812,000 in one year. Imagine what our schools could do if they didn’t have to fight off book bans and engage in other culture wars. They could hire more counselors and teachers for schools, upgrade supplies and technology, provide more nutritious meals for all students and give all kids more opportunities to discover their passions and prepare for the 21st century.

Minnesota parents don’t want their schools stuck in culture war fights. We want our schools to do one thing: teach our children well so they can be successful adults.

‘Stay out of my locker room’ Last week my/our Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake state Rep. Brion Curan voted down a bill to prevent trans boys from participating in girls’ sports. I don’t care about people’s gender preference, but now Rep. Curran is severely impacting the lives and dreams of biological females.

Eighty percent of Minnesotans agree that a simple copy of a birth certificate will decide which team you’re on. Let trans kids compete against trans kids.

Stay in your own lane.

12th Grade Honors:

Winston S. Adams-Hladio, Nathan B. Affolter, MacKlin C. Appert, Arianna J. Baskfield-Reiter, Dylan J. Bauman, Anna L. Bierwerth, Nicol F. Bondeson, Audriana L. Bostic, Nathan A. Brinker, Addison L. Briske, Garrett C. Brown, Natalya D. Brown, Braxton J. Burke, Ean S. Carlson, Dehvin D. Chu, Nicholas J. Clark, Cathryn G. Curran, Laken W. Decker, Addisyn J. DeMars, Elise F. DeMars, Malia K. Erickson, Rowan G. Flanary, Gabriela A. Fox, Silvia K. Graetzer, Leland J. Hanley, Karl R. Hochradel, Anna K. Holley, Charlotte V. Husten, Charlotte A. Irvine, Matthew T. Johnson, Evelyn P. Karle, Joshua M. Kirkwood, Dylan J. Klingbeil, Samuel J. Knapp, Anthony J. Kurn, Gunnard N. Larson, Yulian Lazutin, Ryan L. Lipovetz, Samuel B. Macdonald, Jillian G. Mack, Drake A. MacLean, Ella A. Madson, Emma N. Marty, Owen J. Mead, Owen D. Meier, Andrew Micetic, Jess B. Miller, Matheu M. Mizinski, Haley M. Moosbrugger, Julia G. Morreim, Wyatt L. Mullaney, Rhiana J. Murray, Helayna L. Nelson, Abriella L. Niehaus, James A. O’Connor, Mason D. Peterson, Khang D. Pham, Nicholas A. Pietig, Miles H. Poppelman, Tanner D. Reagan, Sophia G. Rude, Reese E. Saenger, Amber H. Schaefer, Sidney M. Schmitt, Stella M. Schroeder, Ella K. Schumann, Karin M. Sheeser, Daniel K. Short, Sienna G. Sjostrom, Nathan S. Stooksbury, Douglas W. Strand, Sriram Sureshkumar, Cadmus J. Tank, Isaac G. Tilsen, Aynslea Z. Ulschmid, John H. Vander Louw, Erika J. Verbout, Adam J. Voegele, Karen S. Wiesen, Jacob W. Wilson, Ronan R. Wise, Winston E. Wisely, Isaac K. Wooi, Alana I. Zinkgraf

Barbara Clark Vadnais Heights

Lori Humble Vadnais Heights

COPS&COURTS

BCA releases 2024 Permit to Carry annual report

The top 5 counties for 5-year permits issued by sheriffs in 2024 are:

County  -  Permits issued

Hennepin - 6,798

Anoka - 3,998

Dakota - 3,746

Washington - 3,243

Ramsey - 3,205

Year - Permits issued

2024 - 57,248

2023 - 65,215

2022 - 65,257

2021 - 106,488

2020 - 96,554

2019 - 51,404

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has released the 2024 Permit to Carry Report, which contains data submitted by Minnesota law enforcement agencies regarding applications made for handgun carry permits as well as data about permit holders. The annual report is required by Minnesota law.

Minnesota saw fewer firearms permits issued in 2024 than in 2023. Minnesota sheriffs reported to the BCA that 67,216 permits were applied for and that they issued 57,248 permits in 2024.

Sheriffs reported there were 198 permits suspended, 47 revoked, 1,545 voided and 783 denied in 2024.

Crimes committed by permit holders

Minnesota sheriffs reported that individuals with permits committed 5,340 crimes in 2024. This is the highest number since the state’s Personal Protection Act was enacted, but the percent of permit holders who committed a crime (1%) was consistent with recent years.

• Just under 3% were crimes where firearms were used in furtherance of a crime.

• Just under 54% were DWIs or other traffic offenses.

• Twenty-five percent were from the “Other” category, which includes both less-serious offenses such as city ordinance violations and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hunting, fishing and recreational vehicle violations and less common but more serious offenses such as stalking and riot.

As of press time, the total number of valid permits in Minnesota was 408,356.

The Permit to Carry Report contains data on permits to carry a firearm. Minnesota does not track permits to purchase firearms.

Minnesota sheriffs are required under Minnesota law (Stat. 624.714, subd. 20 (b)) to report their data on gun permit applications, issuances and denials to the BCA. As directed by the same statute, the BCA compiles the public information provided by Minnesota sheriffs into its annual report. The full report is available for viewing on the BCA website at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/publicservices-bca/firearms-information.

Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

Man sentenced in shootout at Doc’s Landing

Charles Edward Stevens-Thigpen, 37, of St. Paul, has been sentenced to three years’ probation for his role in a shootout outside of Doc’s Landing in White Bear Lake.

According to court documents, Stevens-Thigpen called 911 to report he was trying to drive to the hospital after being shot in the leg Sept. 24, 2023. Officers tried to contact him, but he never answered. Surveillance from the bar identified one of the shooters as Stevens-Thigpen. The other shooter was identified as St. Paul resident Kardell Baraka Otae Jackson, 41.

Thigpen and Jackson were reported to have gotten into a heated dispute inside Doc’s Landing. Jackson briefly held a pool cue as if he were going to strike Stevens-Thigpen with it. Two women and a man intervened and blocked the men from one another. Jackson quickly left the bar, and Stevens-Thigpen followed seconds later. According to the criminal complaint, both fired multiple rounds at one another before Jackson drove away.

Stevens-Thigpen voluntarily went to the police department and spoke to an investigator, where he turned over his Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun to the police.

Stevens-Thigpen was convicted of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

A parked vehicle was damaged in the 3100 block of Karth Road Feb. 26. A vehicle was reported stolen later that day in the same area, and a third report of theft from vehicle was also made.

• Officers responded to a report of domestic assault in the 3500 block of Dell Court Feb. 26.

• Officers mediated a neighbor dispute in the 1300 block of Hedman Way Feb. 26.

• Harassment was reported on Summit Farm Lane Feb. 26.

• Two vehicles had license plates stolen in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Feb. 26.

• A Spring Lake Park man was arrested on an outstanding warrant in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Feb. 26.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault in the 4700 block of Peggy Lane Feb. 27.

• A Vadnais Heights man was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault after an incident that occurred in a vehicle Feb. 27 in the area of Highway 96 and Centerville Road.

• A vehicle was stolen in the 3500 block of Hoffman Road Feb. 27.

• A dog bite resulting in minor injuries was reported in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Feb. 27. Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 1700 block of Highway 96 Feb. 27.

• A North St. Paul man was arrested following a traffic stop near Century Avenue and I-694 Feb. 28.

• An elderly person reported missing in the 2600 block of Sumac Ridge Road Feb. 28 was located by officers and returned home.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 1800 block of Birch Street Feb. 28.

• Officers responded to a disorderly conduct incident in the 4900 block of Highway 61 Feb. 28.

• Officers provided a police presence at a basketball game in the 5000 block of Division Avenue Feb. 28.

• A St. Paul woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the area of White Bear Avenue and Woodlyn Avenue Feb. 28.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1800 block of Eugene Street March 1.

• A St. Paul man was arrested for DWI after a traffic stop near White Bear Avenue and I-694 March 1.

• Officers mediated a civil issue in the 1300 block of Hedman Way March 1.

• A noise complaint was reported in the 4600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue March 1.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 2100 block of Fourth Street March 1.

• A noise complaint was reported in the 3600 block of East County Line Road March 1.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2100 block of Seventh Street March 2.

• A noise complaint was reported in the 2000 block of County Road E East March 2.

• A Mounds View man was arrested for DWI after officers were called to the area of Lincoln Avenue and Whitaker Street for a report of a vehicle stuck on the railroad tracks March 2.

• Officers mediated a dispute between residents in the 2500 block of Sumac Ridge March 2. Officers responded to a disorderly conduct incident in the 2000 block of County Road E March 2.

• Suspicious juveniles were reported at a business in the 4700 block of Highway 61 March 2.

• Fraud was reported at a business in the 4800 block of White Bear Parkway March 3.

• Theft was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road March 3.

• A missing person was located March 3 at the intersection of Centerville Road and Highway 96.

• Two people were arrested in a domestic assault incident that occurred in the 2500 block of Dell Court March 3.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 3600 block of Kenny Lane March 4.

• Officers responded to a disorderly incident in the 5000 block of Bald Eagle Avenue March 4.

• A license plate was stolen in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road March 4.

• Officers are investigating a fraud report originating in the 3700 block of Oakridge Lane March 4.

• Officers responded to a fight in the 3200 block of Highway 61 March 4.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

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

Grant

• Residents in the 1000 block of Dellwood Road N. on Feb. 9 reported an unknown individual for coming to their door to knock aggressively for more than 15 minutes before finally leaving.

• A fireball was reported for falling from the sky at 9:38 p.m. Feb. 9 on Lake Elmo Avenue N. and 75th Street N. Deputies were unable to locate the celestial incendiary.

Mahtomedi

• Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies cited a driver whose vehicle left the road on Long Lake Road at 9:11 p.m. Feb. 3.

• A male found sleeping in a closet inside a commercial building on Wildwood Road was trespassed at 9:43 a.m. Feb. 4. He left without incident after being warned that he would be arrested if he were to be found at the building again.

• Theft from an unlocked vehicle on Wedgewood Drive was reported Feb. 5.

• Supporting deputies were dispatched out to Wildwood Road and Century Avenue N. at 9:19 p.m. Feb. 5 to convince a skeptical motorist that deputies who had originally conducted the traffic stop really were licensed peace officers.

• Five vehicles received a parking ticket under their windshield wipers overnight Feb. 5-6 for violating the city's ban on overnight parking on public streets during the winter. The first citation was deposited at 1:42 a.m. on Hallam Avenue N.and Maple Street; the second at 1:58 a.m. on Dahlia Street and Mahtomedi Avenue; the third at 2:20 a.m. on Wedgewood Drive and Echo Lake Blvd.; the fourth at 2:30 a.m. on Dunbar Way and the fifth at 2:44 a.m. on Edith Avenue. Contractors in the 1000 block of Summit Avenue on Feb. 6 reported marijuana plants growing inside a home they were working on. Deputies advised the complainants that marijuana plants are now legal to own.

• A suspicious vehicle reported Feb. 6 on Briarwood Avenue and Quail Street turned out to be part of a CID special detail.

• A vehicle pulled over for equipment violation at 9:22 p.m. Feb. 6 on Highway 120 at Long Lake Road turned out to have been damaged just moments earlier after hitting a deer. Deputies filled out a motor vehicle vs deer accident report about the equipment failure and released the motorist. Meanwhile, another person had called in to request a deer tag for the carcass.

• Five vehicle owners parked all around Mahtomedi received citations from 1:19 a.m. to 6:39 a.m. Feb. 7 for violating the winter overnight parking ban. The vehicles were parked on McGregor Avenue, Hardwood Lane, Dahlia Street and Grove Street.

• Deputies assisted the Minnesota State Patrol at 1:39 a.m. Feb. 7 on Century Avenue and Long Lake Road in arresting a motor vehicle passenger for possession of narcotics, after the MSP informed the vehicle owners that their vehicle was being towed and that they were released from the scene. Prior to the tow, officers found a large white crystalline, rock-like substance identified as methamphetamine underneath the front passenger seat. Deputies took custody of the narcotics, located the front passenger and took him into custody as well. Then, the subject was handed over to MSP officers.

• An individual was arrested for DWI at 11:45 p.m. Feb. 7 on Frankland Street, following a suspicious activity report.

• The improper parking paper parade continued overnight Feb. 8 all over town, from the Historic District to the shores of Echo Lake, as 10 more vehicles were cited for violating the overnight winter parking ban.

• A Hickory Street resident on Feb. 8 reported a suspicious person going through his garage.

• A motorist on Old Wildwood Road at Wildwood Road was cited Feb. 8 for driving after revocation and for failure to provide proof of insurance. A motorist on Wildwood Road and Lincolntown Avenue was cited for speeding Feb. 9.

Willernie

• Deputies cited a motorist Feb. 9 on Stillwater Road and Warner Avenue S. for failing to stop at the stop sign.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Creating ‘longstanding tradition’ in downtown White Bear Lake

a lot of attention to (getting) the right music, (having) the right cultural experiences.”

St. Patrick’s Day Hootenanny

When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: The Minnesotan, 2186 Fourth St., White Bear Lake

Details: The Minnesotan will host live performances throughout the day by Julia Wheaton, Lost in Prati, Rince Na Chroi, Brian Boru, Some S---- Cover Band and The Whiskies. Capacity is limited, so tickets are encouraged to be purchased ahead of time at https://theminnesotan.com/pages/stpatricks-day-hootenanny.

Live music with Locklin Road

When: 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Manitou Bar & Kitchen, 2171 Fourth Street, White Bear Lake

Details: The Luck of the Irish is upon us! Manitou Bar & Kitchen welcomes back Locklin Road to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day Party

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Washington Square Bar & Grill, 4736 Washington Square, White Bear Lake

Details: There will be live music from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; the party kicks off at 7 p.m. March 15. All weekend long, a St. Patrick’s Day menu with food and drink specials will be available.

Why St. Patrick’s Day? Roberts said, “selfishly speaking,” that he is half Irish. His grandparents immigrated from Ireland and settled on a hobby farm located on Division Avenue. It is also a way for him to share his brand and the new tap lounge.

“It’s an opportunity for us to create what people can expect from us as a brand, and create festive reasons for people to come down and enjoy the Minnesotan and downtown White Bear Lake,” Roberts explained.

The new tap lounge, which opened its doors last month, is self-serve. It features 20 taps, including beers, wines, cocktails, ciders and seltzers. Other options, like soda, novelty beers and coffee, are also available.

Roberts spent a lot of time focusing on the performance lineup for the St. Patrick’s Day event.

The party will kick off with a performance of the National Anthem by Julia Wheaton. Other performers will include the St. Thomas garage band Lost in Prati, Some S---- Cover Band and The Whiskies. There will also be an Irish dance performance by Rince Na Chroi and a performance by Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band.

“With our lineup, we are guaranteeing a really good time in downtown White Bear Lake,” he said. “We paid

The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of the Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs. No specific page or position shall be guaranteed. The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.

•

During the Hootenanny, Up-In Smoke BBQ food truck will be on site and other restaurants downtown are also participating in the festivities. “We are really relying on all of the other skilled restaurants and bars in the area to provide other entertainment (too),” Roberts noted.

Washington Square Bar & Grill will have live music beginning at 5:30 p.m. as well as a St. Patrick’s Day menu that features items like corned beef and cabbage or Reuben rolls paired with an Irish whiskey flight, Irish mule, whiskey ginger or beer.

Manitou Bar & Kitchen will have live music by Locklin Road from 3 to 6 p.m.

Other businesses downtown are planning food and drink specials, including Keys Café with a corned beef and cabbage special all weekend long. On St. Patrick’s Day (Monday, March 17) Rudy’s Redeye Grill will offer Reuben rolls, Reuben skins, Guinness stew in a bread bowl, corned beef and cabbage, Reuben sandwich and chocolate lava cake with mint ice cream, and Beartown Ball & Grill will offer corned beef tacos.

“We are trying to create that go-to destination that people will remember and put on their calendar as a tradition going forward,” Roberts said.

Keys gets ‘new’ owners, new look

varieties of cakes to the bakery.

For more information about Keys, visit www. keyscafe.com.

North Oaks Car Wash becomes supper club

Fish Fry: Who will be the best?

Hearth Development breaks new ground on apartment building

and churches fit into it?

Traditionally, a fish fry is strongly associated with the Roman Catholic community, but churches and organizations of all denominations—or none—have participated.

After over 35 years, the Keys Café, located at 2208 Fourth Street in downtown White Bear Lake, has “new” owners. Sisters Jean Hunn and Carol Gregory recently purchased the White Bear Lake location from their sister Celine Dinauer and Brian Carlson. Hunn and Gregory both own and operate other Keys locations.

The ritual of fasting during the Lenten season dates to the first century CE. The practice has changed quite a bit over the centuries. It originally started as a fast and was eventually established as a 40-day abstinence from the meat of warm-blooded animals.

“My sister decided to retire, and we wanted to keep the location as a Keys and in the family,” Hunn explained of the purchase.

This form of penance was meant to recognize the suffering and forbearance of Christ’s 40 days in the desert while he was tested by the devil.

The White Bear location is currently undergoing some renovations but remains open for business. Renovations include new paint, a new host/server station, a new entryway and a new sign. “We want to create an environment that is similar to other Keys locations,” Hunn explained.

This year’s Lenten season will begin Wednesday, March 5, and last until Thursday, April 17.  Fish fries are also a way to

61 and Manitou Bar & Kitchen were finalists.

In the Hugo market, St. John the Baptist Men’s Club of St. Genevieve’s Church earned the title, followed by Blacksmith Lounge & Broaster and Cabin 61 as finalists.

What was once the North Oaks Car Wash will soon reopen as a high-end supper club and member lounge called Stone & Oak, located at 4466 Centerville Road in White Bear Lake.

In the Shoreview market, Cabin 61 earned the Best Fish Fry title and Welsch’s Big Ten Tavern and Oliver’s were finalists.

celebrate Midwestern roots, since many places in Minnesota and Wisconsin were settled by German and Polish Catholics who did not typically eat meat on Fridays.

After the renovation is complete, Hunn says the plan is to extend hours, including opening their doors on Mondays. The business also plans to add pies and more

Proximity to freshwater lakes means that a fish fry might feature fresh walleye, bass, perch, bluegill

Hearth Development has broken ground on developing a new, 39-unit senior living apartment building. The building, called “Mahtomedi Lakes,” will be constructed on the site of the old Lakeside Club, located at 10 Old Wildwood Road in Mahtomedi. Hearth Development is leading the project which, in addition to the 39 units, will feature amenities such as a golf simulator, community room, party room, rooftop patio and pet washing room. The building’s decor will pay homage to the club itself and will also include an underground parking garage for residents. The building is set to open in April 2026.

Stone & Oak will open to the public March 20, offering dinner service Thursday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m., with extended daytime hours for members. Owner Lisa Stonehouse established the location in 2019 as the home of Stonehouse Catering. Over the years, the business has offered private inhouse dining and events, but closed the space to refine the dining experience and create a unique night-out destination.

or even catfish, in addition to a more widespread choice such as cod and tilapia.

As you visit fish fries this season, think about which one you would deem “the best” because Press Publications’ Best of the Press Readers’ Choice Contest is

In the Quad market, Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill won the title followed by St. John the Baptist Men’s Club of St. Genevieve’s Church, Kelly’s Korner Bar and VFW Post 1782 as finalists.

Who will the title go to in 2025? Be sure to nominate your favorite beginning April 30 so they appear on the ballot. Then don’t forget to vote once a day.

The new atmosphere will feature tufted booth and Manchester chair seating, as well as a cozy living room area. The distinctive bar seating will offer an interactive view of the open kitchen, enhancing the dining experience.

Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 651-426-8831 or visiting www.stonehousemn. com/stone&oak.

Fry Try a local

CONTRIBUTED

Keys Café remains open for business despite an ownership change and ongoing renovation.

ERIK SUCHY PRESS PUBLICATIONS

(From left) Glen Harstad of Hearth Development; Tom Lessard, family friend and former Lakeside Club customer; Tom Sauerwein of Sauerwein Masonry; Maureen McGill, formerly of Lakeside Club; Sue Mahmood, formerly of Lakeside Club; and Greg Johnson of Hearth Development.

CONTRIBUTED

Stone & Oak will open to the public March 20 in White Bear Lake.

Chamber recognizes area businesses with annual awards

The White Bear Lake Chamber recently handed out its annual business awards for 2025. Awards included: Sustainability and Green Business, Legacy of Excellence, Volunteer of the Year, Legacy of Community, Emerging Business and Business of the Year.

Not pictured are Bill Weigel, Volunteer of the Year Award recipient, and Celine Dinauer, Legacy of Excellence Award recipient. The Volunteer of the Year Award honors an individual whose dedication, passion and generosity have made a significant impact on the chamber and community. The Legacy of Excellence Award honors a business or individual whose longstanding dedication has made a lasting impact on our community.

Sustainability and Green Business Award:

Mueller Memorial received the Sustainability and Green Business Award, which recognizes a business that is leading the way in environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. The award honors a company that not only prioritizes eco-friendly initiatives but also integrates sustainability into its operations, products or community engagement.

Legacy of Community Award:

White Bear Lake Lions Club received the Legacy of Community Award, which honors an organization or individual

that has made a lasting, meaningful impact on the community through dedication to service, leadership and outreach. The award recognizes the Lions longstanding commitment to making a difference and creating a legacy of generosity, collaboration and positive change.

Emerging Business Award: Young’s Korean BBQ is the recipient of the Emerging Business Award, which recognizes a rising business that is making a significant impact in our community through community engagement and excellence. The award honors a business that has demonstrated strong leadership, resilience and a commitment to excellence in its early years.

Business of the Year Award:

Farmhouse Style Furniture is the recipient of the Business of the Year Award, which honors a business that has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and commitment to the community. The award recognizes a business that not only excels in its industry but also actively contributes to the success and well-being of the local economy.

Taelor Johnson of Mueller Memorial Jim Francis of White Bear Lake Lions Club Sami Fidler of Young’s Korean BBQ

BUDGET TOWING

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following vehicle must be claimed by 3-26-2025 or it will be disposed of or sold:

White Pontiac Grand Am

South Dakota Plate: 1JV951; VIN: 2G2WP522651204576

Budget Towing Inc, St.Paul, MN 55102, 651-771-8817

Published one time in the White Bear Press on March 12, 2025. CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

2025 STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT SAP 219-108-002

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bids for the construction of the 2025 Street and Utility Improvement Project will be received online through QuestCDN vBid™ until Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time. Immediately following expiration of the time for receiving bids, representatives of the City of Mahtomedi will publicly view Bids at an online Bid opening meeting. Those interested in viewing the online Bid opening are welcome to join the meeting by logging on to https://zoom.us/join or calling 1.507.473.4847 and entering Meeting ID 989 7117 3667 and Passcode 188531. The as-read online Bid results will be available at www.questcdn.com following the Bid opening. The Project includes the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction complete in-place, of the following approximate quantities:

6,900 SY Full Depth Reclamation

2,060 TON Bituminous Pavement (All Types)

325 LF 12” Storm Sewer Pipe

1,390 LF 8” Watermain (Directionally Drilled)

25 LF Concrete Curb and Gutter

0.4 ACRE Boulevard Restoration 13 EACH Remove and Replace Signs

The provisions of MINN. STAT. 16C.285 Responsible Contractor are imposed as a requirement of this contract. All bidders and persons or companies providing a response/submission to the Advertisement for Bids of the City of Mahtomedi shall comply with the provisions of the statute. Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at www. questcdn.com. Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the website for a nonrefundable fee of $55 by inputting Quest project #9551410 on the website’s Project Search page.

The website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the website www.questcdn.com. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from other sources.

Bids will only be accepted via the electronic bidding service through QuestCDN.

The City Council reserves the right to reject any and all Bids and to waive any Bids received without explanation. No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days.

For all further requirements regarding Bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.

DATED: March 12, 2025 BY THE ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Scott Neilson City Administrator, City of Mahtomedi, MN Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 12 and 19, 2025.

CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

2025 PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT ON DIVISION AVENUE / TWELFTH STREET CITY PROJECT NO. 25-13

Notice is hereby given that the City of White Bear Lake will receive and accept bids ONLY through QuestCDN.com via their electronic VirtuBid online bid service until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 for the furnishing of all labor and materials to complete the following described local improvements under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429. A virtual bid opening will be held utilizing an online viewing platform. Instructions for viewing the bid opening are available upon request.

Pavement Rehabilitation on: Division Avenue (Fifth Street to City Limits) and Twelfth Street (Division Avenue to Long Avenue). Contract quantities include the following:

2,700 S.Y. Remove Bituminous Pavement

13,000 S.Y. Mill Bituminous Pavement (2”)

1,400 C.Y. Common Excavation

1,300 Ton MnDOT CL 5 Aggregate Base (Recycled)

4,900 L.F. Concrete Curb and Gutter Design B618

4,500 S.F. Concrete Walk

2,000 Ton Bituminous Wearing Course

9 Each Storm Sewer Structures

750 L.F. Storm Sewer Pipe

5 Each Sanitary Sewer Structures

20 Each Expose Water Service or Watermain

1,900 S.Y. Sod Type Lawn

5,000 S.F. Bituminous Driveway Pavement

2,000 S.F. 6” Concrete Driveway Pavement An exclusive electronic bidding process is being used for this project. Plans, specifications, bid forms and contract documents may be obtained through QUEST CDN at www.questcdn.com – Project No. 9581015 for a fee of $22.00. Bids must be submitted electronically using the QUEST CDN system, no paper bids will be considered.

A bid bond for five (5%) percent of the amount of the bid is required to submit a vBid online through the QuestCDN portal. The bid bond will be forfeited as liquidated damages if the bid is accepted and the bidder fails to promptly provide the required additional documents or enter into the contract. The successful bidder must be a “responsible contractor.” The term “responsible contractor” means a contractor as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.285, subdivision 3. Any prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that does not meet the minimum criteria or fails to comply with the verification requirements is not a responsible contractor and is not eligible to be awarded a construction contract for the project or to perform work on the project. A prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that makes a false statement under oath verifying compliance with the minimum criteria will be ineligible to be awarded a construction contract on the project, and the submission of a false statement may result in termination of a contract awarded to a prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that submits the false statement. A prime contractor shall include in its verification of compliance a list of all of its first-tier subcontractors that it intends to retain for work on the project. Before execution of a construction contract, a prime contractor shall submit a supplemental verification under oath confirming that all subcontractors and motor carriers that the prime contractor intends to use to perform project work have verified to the prime contractor, through a signed statement under oath by an owner or officer, that they meet the minimum criteria for a responsible contractor.

The City Council reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein, and to award the contract in the best interest of the City. Bids submitted after the deadline will be rejected. No bidder may withdraw its bid within sixty (60) days after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of bids.

The City Council will consider such bids at its regular scheduled City Council meeting held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

PAUL KAUPPI, P.E. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA

Published one time in the White Bear Press on March 12, 2025.

CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

2025 WHITE BEAR LAKE SPORTS CENTER

STORMWATER BMP RETROFIT PROJECT

CITY PROJECT NO. 25-08

Notice is hereby given that the City of White Bear Lake will receive and accept bids ONLY through QuestCDN.com via their electronic VirtuBid online bid service until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 for the furnishing of all labor and materials to complete the stormwater BMP retrofit project at the White Bear Lake Sports Center. This project will reduce the volume and increase the quality of stormwater runoff from the surrounding streets, parking lot, and landscape by installing a retrofitted stormwater swale with underdrain, storm sewer structure with safl baffle, and a new pretreatment structure.

Contract quantities include the following:

480 S.F. Remove bituminous walk

1,070 C.Y. Common Excavation

1 L.S. Dewatering

52 C.Y. Filter Aggregate (CV)

430 L.F. Perforated PE Pipe Drain

2 Each Storm Sewer Structures

70 C.Y. Random Riprap Class II & III

480 S.F. 3” bituminous walk

30 L.F. Wooden Fence

36 Each Deciduous Shrub Deep Cell Plug

625 C.Y. Filter Topsoil Borrow

100 L.F. Encapsulated Soil Lift

An exclusive electronic bidding process is being used for this project. Plans, specifications, bid forms and contract documents may be obtained through QUEST CDN at www.questcdn.com – Project No. 9578909 for a fee of $42.00. Bids must be submitted electronically using the QUEST CDN system, no paper bids will be considered.

A bid bond for five (5%) percent of the amount of the bid is required to submit a vBid online through the QuestCDN portal. The bid bond will be forfeited as liquidated damages if the bid is accepted and the bidder fails to promptly provide the required additional documents or enter into the contract.

The successful bidder must be a “responsible contractor.” The term “responsible contractor” means a contractor as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.285, subdivision 3. Any prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that does not meet the minimum criteria or fails to comply with the verification requirements is not a responsible contractor and is not eligible to be awarded a construction contract for the project or to perform work on the project. A prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that makes a false statement under oath verifying compliance with the minimum criteria will be ineligible to be awarded a construction contract on the project, and the submission of a false statement may result in termination of a contract awarded to a prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that submits the false statement. A prime contractor shall include in its verification of compliance a list of all of its first-tier subcontractors that it intends to retain for work on the project. Before execution of a construction contract, a prime contractor shall submit a supplemental verification under oath confirming that all subcontractors and motor carriers that the prime contractor intends to use to perform project work have verified to the prime contractor, through a signed statement under oath by an owner or officer, that they meet the minimum criteria for a responsible contractor.

The City Council reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein, and to award the contract in the best interest of the City. Bids submitted after the deadline will be rejected. No bidder may withdraw its bid within sixty (60) days after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of bids.

The City Council will consider such bids at its regular scheduled City Council meeting held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

PAUL KAUPPI, P.E.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA

Published one time in the White Bear Press on March 12, 2025.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

ORDINANCE # 35

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 3, SECTION 6-5, AND SECTION 7 OF WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE #35 (ZONING) REGARDING CANNABIS BUSINESSES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on February 19, 2025, Ordinance No. 35 was amended by the Board of Supervisors of White Bear Township, Minnesota.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that because of the lengthy nature of the ordinance amendment, that the following summary of the ordinance amendment has been prepared for publication.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that Section 3, Section 6-5, and Section 7 of Ordinance No. 35 has been amended.

A printed copy of the whole ordinance is available for inspection by any person during the Township’s regular office hours.

Approved for publication by the Board of Supervisors of White Bear Township this 19th day of February 2025.

BY: Ed Prudhon, Chair

ATTEST: Patrick Christopherson, Clerk-Treasurer

Published one time in the White Bear Press on March 12, 2025.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

MINUTES FEBRUARY 10, 2025

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

A meeting of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 112 at District Center, 4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1) Chair Arcand called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2) Roll Call - Present: Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Beloyed, Daniels, Ellison, Skaar. Absent: none. Ex-Officio: Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak. 3) Pledge of Allegiance. 4) Ellison moved and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5) Beloyed moved and Thompson seconded to approve the consent agenda consisting of: a) Minutes for Board meetings on January 13, 2025, and January 27, 2025; b) Invoices based upon a random sample, all of which met the standards and guidelines as set by the School Board; c) Resolution regarding acceptance of gifts with thank you letters directed to the donors; d) Field trips; and e) Resolution regarding personnel items. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. PUBLIC FORUM. INFORMATION ITEMS 1) Student Recognition - Students who participated in the Legally Blonde Fall Musical as a cast member, orchestra member or on the technical team received honors from the Hennepin Theatre Trust Spotlight Awards and were recognized and congratulated. 2) Superintendent’s Report - Dr. Kazmierczak invited community members to join him at the upcoming Coffee with Dr. K on February 27, 2025. He mentioned how to nominate a teacher for the WBLAE Teacher of the Year Award. He spoke about the District Service Center move to 2399 Cedar Avenue in White Bear Lake. He finished with information about K-12 enrollment and Kindergarten Spanish Dual Immersion Program Registration for the 2024-25 school year. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1) Mid-Year Update on Academic Progress - Dr. Alison Gillespie, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning along with Jen Babiash, Director of Teaching and Learning and Cynthia Mueller, Principal on Special Assignment/ District Literacy Specialist provided a mid-year update on academic progress. 2) First Reading of School Board Policies: a) 505, Distribution of Non-SchoolSponsored Materials on School Premises by Students and Employees; b) 599, Academic Recognition; c) 610, Student Field Trips, Fees, and Fines; and d)

999, Partnerships. The policies listed above will be on the March 3, 2025 or subsequent agenda for a second reading. OPERATIONAL ITEMS 1) Daniels moved and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the action on Annual Resolution Directing the Administration to Make Recommendations for Reductions in Programs and Positions and Reasons Therefore. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried BOARD FORUM. ADJOURNMENT - Ellison moved and Thompson seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:09 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Kathleen Daniels, clerk. Published one time in the White Bear Press on March 12, 2025. INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624 WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110 MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Abbreviated Minutes-complete information available from the Superintendent’s office or online at www.isd624.org. A work session of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 112 at District Center, 4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1) Call to Order - Chair Arcand called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2) Roll Call - Present: Thompson, Arcand, Ellison, Skaar. Absent: Beloyed, Daniels, Streiff Oji. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1) Update on MDE After School Community Learning Grant Programs - Tim Maurer, Director of Community Services and Recreation and Nicole Oswald, Assistant Director of Out of School Time Programs, provided an update on MDE After School Community Learning Grant Programs. 2) Mariner Middle School Update - Dr. Alison Gillespie, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, and Dr. Christina Pierre, Principal of Mariner Middle School gave an update on Mariner Middle School. 3) Willow Lane Elementary Update - Dr. Alison Gillespie, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, and Matt Menier, Principal of Willow Lane Elementary gave an update on Willow Lane Elementary School. 4) Student Transportation Primary Vendor Proposal - Tim Wald, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, Dave Johnson, Director of Transportation, and Tom Watson, owner of Watson Consulting, provided an overview of the expectations for the primary student transportation vendor and the RFQ process. ADJOURNMENT - Ellison moved and Skaar seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Jessica Ellison, acting clerk. Published one time in the White Bear Press on March 12, 2025.

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT #624 2399 CEDAR AVENUE, WHITE BEAR LAKE, 55110 NOTICE TO BIDDERS Independent School District #624, White Bear Lake Area Schools, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, will receive sealed bids for: PARTIAL ROOF REPLACEMENT WHITE BEAR LAKE HIGH SCHOOL – NORTH CAMPUS Until 9:00 A.M. April 4, 2025, at the White Bear Lake Public Schools, District Center, Building Operations office, 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110 at which time and place all bids will be opened and read aloud in the board room. Bidders are invited to attend. Bids received after 9:00 A.M. will be returned unopened.

A Pre-bid meeting will be held at White Bear Lake High School – North Campus, 5045 Division Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN at 9:00 AM on March 28, 2025. Contractors are to meet at main entrance.

Bids shall be upon bid forms provided within specifications. No oral, telegraphic, or telephonic proposals or modifications will be considered. Separate envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked (PARTIAL ROOF REPLACEMENT WHITE BEAR LAKE HIGH SCHOOL – NORTH CAMPUS) with the name and address of the bidder and the date and hour of the opening, addressed to Kevin Fernandez, Director of Building Operations.

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

Bidding documents, including the Bid Form, Drawings and Specifications, will be available upon request by email to Andrea Noonan, RSI Building Envelope andien@roofspec.com. The copies will be available March 12, 2025. The following information must accompany the request: Contact name, email, Company name, mailing address, street address, and phone numbers. Hard copy sets will also be available for pick up upon request.

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

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

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

Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 12 and 19, 2025. OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Twin City Marketing

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2585 Hamline Ave N #C, Saint Paul, MN 55113

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

Web0x LLC

2585 Hamline Ave N #C, Saint Paul, MN 55113

I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: February 4, 2025

Signed: Clayton Johnson Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 5 and 12, 2025. OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA

SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Oasis Enterprise Holdings

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 18202 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven MN 55391

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business. OASIS Enterprise Holding Group LLC 18202 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven MN 55391

I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: February 24, 2025

Signed: Peter Kubiak Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 12 and 19, 2025.

Is there a levy in Mahtomedi School District’s future?

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Students, families and anyone living within the Mahtomedi School District should be ready to make a levy decision within the year.

During their presentation at the Feb. 24 Mahtomedi School Board meeting, Superintendent Barb Duffrin and Director of Finance and Operations Tim Erickson warned the board that the district will use up its operating funds within a few short years without the passage of a levy.

As with most school districts in Minnesota, the Mahtomedi district will face a deficit of approximately $2 million each year due to inflation, increased expenses for services, flat enrollment and projected loss of revenue sources. In fiscal year 2024-25, the district made $700,000 in reductions, primarily at the secondary level and also districtwide.

To account for the approximately $2 million shortfall projected for fiscal year 2025-26, the district plans to reduce the budget by approximately $1.2 million and make up the difference with $792,000 in money drawn from the general fund.

Although the cuts are already happening, the district is still looking at red numbers in the budget balance sheet for the next few years (as seen in the chart).

The reductions and adjustments that the district has planned for the 2025-26 fiscal year were discussed and partially approved at the Feb. 24 meeting. Two

of the items headed for reduction were pulled prior to the vote. Those two items will need to be put back onto the cutting board, or other cuts must be found, before the 2025-26 budget can be settled.

The first item receiving a reprieve was the 20% increase in activity fees, which would have brought $56,000 in revenues, and the second was the removal of high school activities with low enrollment that would have saved $4,500.

Overall, the district's financial team offered a four-part approach to finding $2 million.

The first set of revenue adjustments was to increase athletic fees by 20%, return class sizes to pre-pandemic levels and start a cost-sharing plan for facilities with Community Education. The district is looking at some $500,000 in total revenue adjustments from this category to offset the expense reduction it will need to do.

The second set of adjustments will involve savings of approximately $425,000, as the district can reduce the number of grade sections at the elementary level. Class sizes would be at least one student greater than the 2024-25 student metro average. The district can reduce high school and middle school sections based on current enrollment and student course choices. The district can make other staffing changes by reducing facilities and grounds staff hours, restructuring technology support and reducing extra service contracts.

The third set of adjustments involve reductions in purchased services,

SCHOOL BOARD NOTES

• Prior to March 1 of each year, the Native American Parent Advisory Committee (NAPAC) must meet to discuss and vote on the "resolution of concurrence" to let the public know whether the district has been meeting the needs of its Native American students, said Ali Middlebrook, districtwide social worker and representative for NAPAC. The annual vote of compliance is required, according to Minnesota Statutes Section 124D.78, subdivision 1. Any school district with 10 or more Native American students enrolled must establish a NAPAC. Currently, the Mahtomedi district has 44 students who identify as Native American, from 29 families, who are attending school from Grades K-12. The district's NAPAC (formerly known as the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee) voted "in concurrence.”

• In his report, Student Representative Max Newcome updated the board

on student activities throughout the district. The Student Council, of which he is a member, is planning for the spring parents' night out and for prom.

O.H. Anderson students went ice fishing on White Bear Lake, held a food drive and held Ice Cream Day. The middle school performed "Shrek" during the final weekend in February. The high school held schoolwide Valentine's Day Bingo. A number of students and teams participated in the state tournament.

• In her report, Superintendent Barb Duffrin noted that volunteers are still needed for the Mahtomedi High School Career, Internship and Volunteer fair to be held April 11. The Community Education Summer 2025 catalog is now available on Eleyo. Printed catalogs will be sent to district families in early March. Summer registration opens at 8 a.m. March 19.

• Mahtomedi High School students were state champions in the Real World Design Challenge for the 10th time,

Revenues over or (under) expenses

which would save approximately $104,500. Some of these services include substitute teachers, utilities, commercial insurance and travel for professional development. The district could also reduce the number of programs with low participation and transportation costs for athletics and activities, purchases of supplies for facilities and grounds, and curriculum resources and planning from teaching and learning.

The fourth proposal would use $792,000 from the fund balance. According to district policy, the fund balance should be used to provide stability for District 832 students, staff, taxpayers and bond rating agencies. In addition, the school board must strive to maintain a minimum unassigned general fund balance of 8% of the total general fund expenditures.

The projected fund balance percentage after using $792,000 is projected to be 8.28%. That represents 29 days of cash on hand to pay expenses, Erickson said. "We're using the fund balance to keep us going," he said. "But we need the levy, or else the fund balance will be used up."

What staff is recommending for increasing class sizes still keeps the district lower than other districts, Duffrin said. "We can look at this for next year and then go back. Some of

as Team Zap earned first place. Team Zap's drone created to deliver supplies to an active wildfire location earned its members a spot in the national competition. Team Phoenix earned one of the four wild card spots for the competition, to be held May 2-4 in Washington. D.C.

• Alex Goldfine (Class of 2027) became the first state debate qualifier from Mahtomedi in the category of Congressional Debate.

• Max Nelson (Class of 2022) took 12th place in the men's visually impaired cross-country ski sprint classic and ninth place in the men's visually impaired 10K classic. Zhenghong Schlechte (Class of 2025) placed 23rd in the men's standing cross-country ski sprint classic and 24th in men's standing 10K classic.

• In upcoming events, Zephyr Gala Tickets will be on sale through March 31; spring break runs from March 10-14; the next Zephyr Learning Showcase

the things on the list have allowed us to rethink how we do things, and we might have chosen some of the items on their own eventually anyway. We will always look at enrollment and course offerings, but we're having to do it more this year," she said.

After unanimously approving the partial list of reductions and adjustments, staff was asked to come back to the board with more recommendations.

On April 28, the board is expected to approve operating and facility amounts, On May 26, the board will review the preliminary 2025-26 budget and take action on (levy) ballot language at that time. At the June 9 study session, the board will have an additional opportunity to discuss the preliminary 2025-26 budget before taking action to approve the final budget on June 23. "A successful levy would change the above picture," Erickson said.

"It's an awful reality to be in, but it's a decision that has to be made," said Board Treasurer Ryan Domin.

Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs.com  or 651-4071200.

will be held before the next school board meeting on March 24, with a guest appearance by the Real World Design team; and Family Outreach for grades nine through 12 will be held on March 27 and April 3.

• The board conducted the second reading on the way to ultimately approving updates to four district policies. The vote to formally update the policies will take place at an upcoming meeting. These policies are: Policy 515, Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records (draft); Policy 613, Graduation Requirements (review); Policy 620, Credit for Learning (board review) and Policy 808, namings.

The board next meets at 7 p.m. Monday, March 24, in the District Center Community Room, 1520 Mahtomedi Avenue.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE PUBLIC NOTICE

THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: May 16, 2022 ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $178,500.00

MORTGAGOR(S): Isaiah F. Smock and Sarah Mae Mager Smock, married to each other, as joint tenants MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Jay Dacey Mortgage Team Inc, its successors and assigns TRANSACTION AGENT: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. MIN#: 101593310000016206 SERVICER: Nationstar Mortgage LLC. LENDER: Jay Dacey Mortgage Team Inc. DATE AND PLACE OF FILING: Ramsey County Minnesota Recorder on May 20, 2022, as Document No. A04947906. ASSIGNED TO: Flagstar Bank, FSB by an Assignment of Mortgage dated 11/08/2022, and recorded on 11/14/2022 as Document No. A04970756 Nationstar Mortgage LLC by an Assignment of Mortgage dated 11/11/2024 and recorded on 11/13/2024 as Document No. A05045628. LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lot 3, Bauer`s Rearrangement Record of Ramsey County, Minnesota PROPERTY ADDRESS: 860 Ohio St, Saint Paul, MN 55107 PROPERTY I.D: 072822340120 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Ramsey THE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: One Hundred Seventy-Nine Thousand Six Hundred Thirty-Three and 13/100 ($179,633.13) THAT no action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that there has been compliance with all pre-foreclosure notice and acceleration requirements of said mortgage, and/or applicable statutes; PURSUANT, to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: 10:00AM on April 10, 2025 PLACE OF SALE: 360 Wabasha Street N, Suite 111, St. Paul, MN 55102 to pay the debt then secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any actually paid by the mortgagee,

on the premises and the costs and disbursements allowed by law. The time allowed by law for redemption by said mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns is 6.00 months from the date of sale. If Mortgage is not reinstated under Minn. Stat. Section580.30 or the property is not redeemed under Minn. Stat. Section580.23, the Mortgagor must vacate the property on or before 11:59 p.m. on October 10, 2025, or the next business day if October 10, 2025 falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. “THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.” Dated: February 19, 2025 Nationstar Mortgage LLC Randall S. Miller and Associates, PLLC Attorneys for Assignee of Mortgage/Mortgagee Edinburgh Executive Office Center, 8525 Edinbrook Crossing North Suite #210 Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Phone: 952-232-0052

Our File No. 24MN00267-1 A-4834907 02/19/2025, 02/26/2025, 03/05/2025, 03/12/2025, 03/19/2025, 03/26/2025

Published six times in the White Bear Press on February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2025.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Innovative

this business.

CSDZ,LLC 2727 GRAND PRAIRIE PKWY WAUKEE IA 50263

I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section

Loretta Harding

MAHTOMEDI

DR. JOY JOHNSON 651-653-3802

DR. JOY JOHNSON 651-653-3802

DR. JOY JOHNSON 651-653-3802

4100 BELLAIRE AVENUE WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

4100 BELLAIRE AVENUE

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

4100 BELLAIRE AVENUE WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

Local veteran celebrates 100th birthday

Friends and family members gather around WWII Veteran Bill Kruschel, second from right, to sing happy birthday during a recent gathering at the White Bear Lake VFW to celebrate his 100th birthday. The gathering was one of several celebrations he attended last week and included his 96-year-old brother Fritz, sons Jeff and Bill, daughter Kathy and friends who made the trip from Germany for the occasion. During WWII he attended the US Navy Medical Corps school and served as a Navy Corpsman with the 1st Marine Division in the South Pacific, including the island of Okinawa. When he returned home in January 1946 he said that he had to wait 6 weeks to legally get a beer because he hadn’t turned 21 yet.

From trees to the breakfast table: Learn to make maple syrup at state parks

March is that time of the year when the sun is higher in the sky, the snow is melting and plants are getting ready to come back from dormancy. These are indications that tree saps are starting to flow, which means it’s maple syrup season. Five Minnesota state parks are offering programs to introduce people to the history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used.

Participants will learn how to identify and tap the right kind of tree as well as how to boil the sap until it is sweet enough to serve on pancakes, waffles or ice cream.

Programs will be offered at the following state parks:

• Fort Snelling State Park: March 2, 9, 16, 29 and 30

• Lake Bemidji State Park: March 22

• Nerstrand Big Woods State Park: March 15, 16, 22, 23 and 29

• Whitewater State Park: March 1, 8, 15 and 22

• Wild River State Park: March 22, 29, April 5 and 12 Minnesota is home to five native species of maple trees, and all produce sap that can be made into maple syrup. Sugar maples are the preferred tree for maple syrup, as the sap from sugar maple trees has the highest concentration of sugar. Typically, the best time to collect tree sap has been between mid-March and mid-April, when temperatures

are in the high 30s to mid-40s during the day and below freezing at night. It usually takes 30 to 40 gallons of tree sap to produce one gallon of pure maple syrup. Due to space limitations, some programs require advance registration. For more information about events or how to tap trees and make maple syrup, visit mndnr.gov/maplesyrup. The maple syrup programs at Minnesota state parks are free, but vehicle permits are required to enter the parks.

Department of Natural Resources

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LOCAL RESEARCHER: Historian digs up archives for Lakeridge neighborhood

ran for help to the nearest house at 2311 Lilac Lane. Owner Arnold “Arnie” Lees grabbed a shovel and ran down the hill to save Bucky, but it was too late.

A Minneapolis Tribune article reported that Lees suffered a heart attack at his home after frantically trying to dig Bucky out of the gully. He survived but succumbed to a fatal heart attack about a year later. Bucky was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Young of Floral Drive.

The area was being graded in preparation for a future housing development platted as the Bacchus Lakeridge Addition, which included new streets named Joy Avenue and Lakeridge Drive.

Developer Ken Bacchus, also featured in the book, built many of the homes in south White Bear Lake during the Baby Boom era. Joy Avenue, the street where Costello lives, was named after his daughter Joye.

Costello didn’t know Bucky’s name at first, only that the tragedy occurred in his neighborhood. He reached out to Jane Bacchus, Ken’s daughter, who suggested he talk to her brother-in-law, John Eklund, who grew up on South Shore. It was from him that Costello got a last name.

The Minnesota Historical Society has a Minnesota death index based on county. He found 30 Youngs in the database. After eliminating female names, he whittled it down to 15. Using FamilySearch.org, he found a Young who died at 14 on Aug. 10, 1957. “That was the ‘aha’ moment,” Costello said. “His name was Steve. I went to the library and looked up newspaper articles starting the next day, and there it was on the front page. It was really dramatic.”

He also talked to Lees’ son Jiggs, a local musician, who said his parents bought the house in 1954. Jiggs was 8 years old when his father died.

Costello’s treasure trove of area history includes names like Peter Schneider, for whom Schneider Bay (the correct spelling) is named and the origins of the South Shore area. According to the author, the oldest transaction on his home’s abstract of deed is the transfer of land from the United States government to Merrick Burton in 1853. “Prior to that, it would have been obtained by the United States through the 1837 land cessation treaty with the Dakota tribe,” Costello said. From Burton, the land went to Frederick Schneider and then to Peter Schneider Sr., Peter Schneider Jr. and a few others as property was divided. By 1885, Schneider junior owned much of the land along the bay.

Visual interest was added on every page through the use of illustrations, maps and photos of people featured in the booklet.

Included among the notables were:

• Thomas Newcome, mayor, judge, city attorney and legislator, who died in 2011 at age 87. He was one of the original homeowners on Joy Avenue and largely responsible for the establishment of Hidden Hollow Park, a complicated goal that took nearly five years to achieve. Seems the landowners, the Harold McGree family, had plans to build townhomes until the city acquired the parkland through eminent domain.

• 3M scientist Dr. Spencer Silver, who lived at 2286 Lilac Lane, mink farmer’s Adolph Thome’s original home. In 1968, Silver discovered the removable adhesive eventually used in Post-it Notes. When he retired in 1996, Silver held more than 22 US patents. He died in 2021.

• Thome owned the land that eventually became the Bacchus Lakeridge addition. Before it was developed, he filled in half of Lily Pond, forming a ridge that went around the south side to Myrle Avenue. That is why the neighborhood is called Lakeridge. Myrle Avenue is likely named after Myrle Day Smith (18911947), the wife of Clarence E. Smith, who platted the Goodrich Homesites subdivision in 1949 with business partner Harold Goodrich.

The streetcar that traversed the Lakeridge neighborhood on its way to downtown White Bear used the ridge that later became a trail on the northern edge of Hidden Hollow Park. The streetcar line was no more after Wildwood Amusement Park shut down in 1932.

• Gerry Spiess, who built Yankee Girl in his garage at 2387 Floral Drive. Spiess, of course, is the sailor who crossed both the Atlantic and the Pacific in the 10-foot plywood boat. Spiess also coined the name for Hidden Hollow Park, which bordered his house. Spiess won a contest to name the park in 1974. He died in 2019 at age 79.

• Dr. Robert Reif, (1921-2011), the city’s well-known doctor, whom Costello calls the “Renaissance man of Schneider Bay”. There is much information about this fascinating man in the book. People may not know that he was passionate about hockey, which explains the perennial rink on Lily Lake Pond behind his South Shore Boulevard home, now owned by Reif’s son Tony.

• The inventive Dr. George Schossow was a family practitioner who lived on Lilac Lane. He held 17 U.S. patents on inventions such as vaporizerhumidifiers, a method of treating sleep apnea, a heat exchanger and much more.

International fame came in 1983 when Schossow helped save the famous Austrian Lipizzaner stallions. The Piber Lipizzaner stud farm lost 34 horses to a form of equine herpes, according to a United Press International report. The doctor wrote to the farm urging its veterinarians to administer amantadine, an antiviral drug he was using experimentally to treat human herpes infections. The drug cured the

stallions and Schossow was given free tickets to their next U.S. tour, some of which he gave to neighbors. Schossow died at age 90 in 2017.

Although he thinks he’s “mostly done” with the neighborhood notables, more stuff seemed to pop up, requiring Costello to add a few paragraphs to his work. He also talks about the origins of street names, buried power lines and the 25-year-old Snyder Bay Beach Club, a shared dock association of which Costello is a member. Snyder, he added, was chosen for its simpler spelling.

The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society recently reprinted the booklet in its newsletter and Costello had 50 copies bound into books. That was a bit pricey, he said, so he doesn’t think he’ll have more made. Readers are welcome to read the Lakeridge history online, however, at https://tinyurl.com/ mrxdc6kd.

Digging up history is something the retiree thoroughly enjoys. Costello also writes a monthly newsletter for his neighborhood that talks about lake level (he serves as a White Bear Lake representative on the Lake Conservation District) and other newsy tidbits.

Next up is a possible project involving farmers with surnames familiar today who cleared the land in the south White Bear area. But the clock is ticking. Observed Costello, “We have to get this stuff down before there is no one left to tell the story.”

FROM PAGE 1

SCOTT COSTELLO | CONTRIBUTED

Clockwise from upper left: Ken Bacchus; Tom Newcome; Spencer Silver; Dr. George Schossow; 1904 streetcar; Stephen Young; 1885 map; 1917 streetcar map; Hidden Hollow Park; Lily Lake Pond; grave marker for Myrle Day Smith; Gerry Spiess; Brad Stanius; Dr. Robert Reif; and Peter Schneider. Scott Costello is pictured center, holding a copy of a recent White Bear historical society newsletter that ran a reprint of his book.

The Lakeridge neighborhood is nested between McKnight Road to the west, South Shore Boulevard to the north, Bellaire Avenue to the east and County Road F to the south.

STUDENT NEWS

The following students were named to the dean's list or received academic honors at a college or university in Fall 2024:

Bemidji State University: Jesse Flores of Mahtomedi; Luke Calbraith and Elliot Sisterman, both of White Bear Lake.

Georgia Institute of Technology: Brandon Goodwin of White Bear Lake; Jack Allaben of White Bear Lake.

Hamline University: Ian Cran, Dallas Duckson, Laura Hardy, Charles Jacka, Christopher Marquez-Gutierrez, Jaycee Manchi, Tate Johanning and Ty Peterson, all of White Bear Lake; Alexandro Lopez-Ioranca and Katey Lundberg, both of Vadnais Heights.

Luther College: Hannah Coy of Mahtomedi; Jack Morrison of White Bear Lake.

Milwaukee School of Engineering: Ryan Malvey of Birchwood; Cordell Steiner of White Bear Lake; Tyler Christianson of Vadnais Heights. North Dakota State University: Quinn Whitehead of Mahtomedi.

North Iowa Area Community College: Sonya Potthoff of White Bear Lake.

Northern Michigan University: Isabella Fontaine and Jordyn Schmittdiel, both of White Bear Lake. Saint Mary's University: Kendall Rolling of Dellwood; Grace Feyereisen of White Bear Lake. St. Cloud State University: Quinlan McCollow of Willernie.

University of Iowa: Alexa McKusick, Nicole Olson, Addie Teeters and Megan VanOstrand, all of White Bear Lake; Kathryn Vosika of Mahtomedi. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Lily Marchant of Mahtomedi; Evan Fischer, Abby Healy, Greta Kunze, Hannah Mudgett, Annika Swanson and Annika Norman, all of White Bear Lake.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: Mavrick Cook of Dellwood; Jake Larson and Grace Newman of Mahtomedi; Maeve Sokolowski of Vadnais Heights; Natalie Andres, Rachel Chesley, Ryan Goetz and Tyler Grewe, all of White Bear Lake.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Jaeger Hosmer of White Bear Township.

OBITUARIES

Gloria Jean (Hippe) Lott

Age 79, of White Bear Lake, MN. Passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025. Born on May 25, 1945, in Minneapolis, MN, Gloria lived a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. She graduated from Johnson High School in 1963. Not long after graduation, Gloria married the love of her life, Charles Lott, on February 13, 1965. They exchanged vows in St. Paul, MN, beginning a love that would span nearly six decades.

Gloria was a talented bookkeeper, meticulously managing finances with her sharp mind and attention to detail. Yet, it was her character outside of work that truly showed Gloria’s good sense of humor and spicy attitude. She brightened every gathering with her laughter and playful quips, often saying “Yeppers!” or “You betcha!”

Darlene M. Ascheman (nee Parker)

“Her Love, Generosity, & Hugs will be Greatly Missed.”

Gloria had a deep love for flowers and found joy in cooking and baking delectable treats for her family. Her heart delighted in listening to Elvis Presley, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren. Not one to shy away from adventure, she loved to travel and sightsee, always seeking new experiences.

Preceded in death by parents, Henry & Joy Hippe; and two baby girls, whom she held close in her heart. Gloria is survived by her loving husband, Charles Lott; children, Eric Lott of White Bear Lake, MN, and Holly (Jamie) Bampfield of Covington, TN; grandchildren, Jade Lott, Riley Bampfield, and Shelby (Troy) Glover; great grandchildren, Ruby Schultz, Nora Schultz, Caroline Glover, and Cohen Glover; siblings, Elaine (Kevin) Hulse and Steve Hippe; her cousin & best friend, Lois Paige; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, MN. Gathering from 3:00-4:00pm with Celebration of Life starting at 4:00pm. Memorials preferred to any animal adoption service.

Mueller Memorial, 651-429-4944 www.muellermemorial.com

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Age 75 of White Bear Lake. Born on December 25, 1949 and passed away on March 5, 2025. Survived by husband of 53 years, Jim; children Eric (Mary), Ryan (Molly), Cory (Charlotte), Dena, & Tony (Amy); 15 grandchildren; 1 great grandson; siblings Barbara Jorgensen (Bruce), Jacque Parker (Gina) & Robert Parker (Cindy Petersen) and much extended family & many friends. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, March 18th at 11:00 AM at ST. MARY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake. Visitation Monday, March 17th from 4-7:00 pm at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake and one hour before the Mass at church on Tuesday. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward.

Arrangements MuellerMemorial.com, 651429-4944.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly ac-

The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

Thomas Russell Sweet

age 82, passed away on March 3, 2025 at New Perspective Senior Living in White Bear Lake, MN after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

He was born on September 30, 1942 in Sioux Rapids, Iowa to the late Harold and Mary Jean Sweet.

He was married to Melody for nearly 60 years. After serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, he and Melody established the rest of their lives in White Bear Lake. He spent his career working with adults and children as a speech pathologist for the State of Iowa and the Minnesota Health Department. He was an active member of South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake and a member of Gideon’s International. His faith in Jesus never wavered and he is now at home with the Lord for all of eternity. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Tom always prioritized his family. He loved gardening, fishing, hunting, woodworking, cigars, traveling with Melody and spending time with his two sons and four grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his wife Melody; sons, Brad (Kris) and Mark (Kim): grandchildren, Ben (Macy), Rachel (Misho), Joe and John; his brothers, Bill (Karin) and Clark (Jane); his cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends gathered to celebrate Tom’s life at South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church, at 10:00AM on Monday, March 10, 2025 with a service at 11:00AM. Burial was at the Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Mahtomedi.

Alan Lohrke

“Entirely entrusted to God’s mercy” 51, died unexpectedly on February 4, 2025. Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Saint John’s the Evangelist of Little Canada, 380 Little Canada Rd E, Little Canada. Visitation at 10 AM followed by 11 AM service and luncheon.

Carol Maureen Donohoe

88, of Roseville (formerly of Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake).

Passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025 due to complications from dementia.

Preceded in death by parents Alvin and Inga; brother Donald; husband Philip; and son John.

Survived by children Jim, Tom (Rebecca), Bob (Beth), Laurie (Jorge); daughterin-law Sue; grandchildren David, Bryan (Alana), Erin, Jordi, Patricia and Kathleen.

Maureen earned a Bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf in 1958, and worked as an RN at St. John’s Hospital in St. Paul. Later she volunteered as a reading tutor at Willow Lane Elementary, and in hospice support. Through Redeemer Lutheran she was involved in various church and outreach causes, such as the choir, Holiday fair, helping sew the quilts the Redeemer quilters donated to young families and many others.

Maureen loved traveling with family and friends, visiting distant countries, learning history and experiencing different cultures.

A luncheon was provided at the Church following the Committal service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. In Lieu of flowers or in memorial, Tom’s family has chosen South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church. Sandberg Funeral And Cremation Services handled the arrangements and service. S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

Funeral service was held on March 10, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, White Bear Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org.). Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 6514219-6172.

Phyllis J. Kaiser (nee Peterson)

Age 95, of White Bear Lake, went home to the Lord on February 22, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard. She is survived by her children, Karen (Mark Hamer), Terry (Michelle Martin), and Patti (Don) Kaiser-McCarthy; 7 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Phyllis grew up on the East side of St. Paul and attended Johnson High School. When she was 17, she met Leonard Kaiser through mutual friends. After they were married, they settled in their home to raise their family in White Bear Lake. Phyllis was a talented and amazing seamstress and while her kids were growing up, she had her own quilting business. In retirement she went to work for Bear Patch in downtown White Bear Lake and loved it so much- she worked there until she was 83 years old. Phyllis will be greatly missed. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, March 18th, at the Church of St. Pius X, 3878 Highland Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, with visitation an hour prior at the church. Private interment at Evergreen Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Caring for Cats, an all-volunteer, no-kill shelter in North St. Paul, MN; www.caringforcatsmn.org. Mueller Memorial-White Bear Lake, www.muellermemorial.com 651-429-4944

Ronald Dean Sampson

of White Bear Lake, MN, passed away peacefully at home on February 21, 2025.

Born on September 29, 1940, in Estherville, IA, Ronny graduated from Dolliver High School and Mankato State. He served six years in the National Guard and had a 34-year career with State Farm Insurance, retiring in 1999. Ronny married Carol Sevold in 1967, and they raised three daughters.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Christy (Mike) Mergen, Angie (Seth) Siegle-Pugh, and Nikki (Jeremy) Nelsen; six grandchildren; sister, Karen (Wendell) Hanson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Hazel Sampson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 25, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3770 Bellaire Ave., White Bear Lake. Visitation at 10 AM, service at 11 AM, with a luncheon following. Memorials may be directed to Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Allen L. Theroux

Age 77, of White Bear Lake.

Preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Marie. Allen is survived by his loving wife of 55.5 years, Faye; son Brent (Tonia); grandchildren Jonathan and Audrey; siblings Calvin (Nancy) and Marciel; brotherin-law Daniel (Laura) Chouinard; and nieces and nephews. Allen served as a medic in the Army while he was stationed in Germany. He owned and operated the Bellaire Barbers for close to twenty years. He retired from the Post Office after 20 years of service. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM, Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the CHURCH OF ST PIUS X, 3878 Highland Avenue, White Bear Lake, with a visitation one hour before Mass at Church. Private Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred.

Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172

SP TTED

1. Vadnais Heights Elementary celebrated Read Across America day. One of their activities was reading by flashlight in forts! Students had the option to read one of their favorite books or select a new read from the traveling cart before choosing a comfy spot with friends. White Bear Lake Area Schools, contributed 2. Representatives from the city of Vadnais Heights recently visited the Capitol for Day on the Hill, an event where advocates meet with Minnesota legislators to discuss issues and share their stories. Pictured (from left) are City Administrator Kevin Watson, City Council Member Jerry Moynagh, Rep. Heather Gustafson (District 36), City Council Member Kelly Jozwowski and Mayor Mike Krachmer. — Contributed

3. The White Bear Lake Area High School varsity cheerleaders recently competed at the National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida. In a division of 34 teams, the Bears advanced to the final round of competition in the Small Non-Tumbling Division I Game Day division, earning second-place honors and bringing home silver medals. Pictured (front row, from left): Presley Manship, Angelina Marino, Keira Keese and Madisyn Hood; Middle row: Addison Pierce, Willow Maxwell, Katelyn Kaehler, Holly Anderson, Briana Caliendo and Mikaela Caliendo; back row: Ali Carnes, Anna Lindholm, Avery Bach and Reyna Piper. — Contributed

3-pointer helps Bears return to state tourney

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The Bears have earned their second consecutive trip to state, and third in four years, with a 40-39 win over Roseville Area before a huge crowd at Gavin Court in the Section 4AAAA finals Thursday evening.

The Bears, 20-9 overall, are 15-3 since New Year’s. They are seeded eighth and face top-ranked Maple Grove (26-2) to open the tournament Wednesday, 10 a.m., at Williams Arena.

One reason for the resurgence is the shooting of Chloe Theissen, whose job is to hang loose in the corner in case the Bears can’t get to the hoop. Against Roseville, the 5-foot-11 junior guard came through with a higharching three-pointer that hit nothing but net to give the Bears a 40-38 lead with 50 seconds left.

“I knew I had to make one more basket to give us the lead,” said Theissen, who hit three treys in the first half, “I knew as soon as it left my fingertips that it would go in.”

Elise Dieterle seconded that: “I rebound for her when she shoots them in practice, so I knew when she shot that one that it was good … It looked amazing, and I knew we were

ahead even though I missed those free shots.”

Roseville’s Maddie Sundberg was fouled shooting with eight seconds left. She hit the first free shot but missed the second. Dieterle pulled down the game-saving rebound. She was fouled and missed two freebies, but the Raiders had only 4.5 seconds to work with, and missed a hope shot at the buzzer.

Dieterle sank 18 points with three 3-pointers while going 1-for-6 at the line. “It was really nerve-wracking, especially with the big crowd,” said the senior forward about the free shots. Theissen totaled 15 points. Addy Post had four points and Abby O’Brien three.

Sundberg sank 12 points, Kiyanah McGriff 11 and Mira Jackson nine for the Raiders (15-14), who had toppled No. 1 seed and conference champ East Ridge 57-50 in the semifinals. It was a duel of No. 3 and 4 seeds as the No. 3 Bears beat No. 2 Stillwater 46-42 in the semifinals.

The Bears led 30-26 at the half, then had an ugly last 18 minutes as the Raiders outscored them 13-10. Coach Jeremy Post lamented that the Bears “didn’t do much right” in the second half. “In the first half,” he said, “we couldn’t have played much better, but

we didn’t have enough of a lead.”

Post credited Roseville’s rugged defense: “The girls were already tired at halftime. Roseville always puts so much pressure on the ball that you can’t get into a rhythm or get to the basket. It’s hard work to play them.”

Fortunately, they had Theissen down in the corner.

Other pairings at state are No. 4 Lakeville North against No. 5 Brainerd at noon, No. 2 Eastview against No. 7 Anoka at 2 p.m., and No. 3 Hopkins against No. 6 Chaska at 4 p.m.

Zephyrs lose at state to St. Cloud Cathedral, Northfield

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The Mahtomedi hockey team, who won their section after an 8-15-2 regular season, lost in the first round Wednesday to St. Cloud Cathedral 4-0 at Xcel Energy Center, and to Northfield 4-2 in the consolation round Friday at Mariucci.

Mahtomedi finished 11-17-2. With 16 of their 23 players in grades 9-10-11, valuable state tournament experience was gained. A freshman, Brock Gutterman, had both goals.

The Zephyrs had 28 shots to Cathedral’s 27, but the Crusaders got goals by Joey Gillespie in

Zephyr

cagers ousted on last-second shot

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Mahtomedi lost a thriller to St. Paul Johnson 53-52 in the final second of the Section 4AAA semifinals Saturday in St. Paul. The Zephyrs, who had won eight straight games, finished 18-10.

“A very tough loss,” coach Keith Newman said, “after another game where our guys had hung together to come back, which was a trademark of our second half of the season.”

Johnson scored the game-winner at the buzzer after inbounding with 1.4 seconds left. The Cougars had just deflected a pass out of bounds.

“They lobbed it to the front of the basket,” recounted Newman, “and after it was tipped twice, their post caught and released it just before the

buzzer and it went in.”

Hank Roelofs sank 16 points on 8-for-10 shooting and blocked five shots. Willie Roelofs had 11 points and 16 rebounds, Jacob Wilson 10 points and six rebounds, and Mark Graff 10 points, six assists and five rebounds.

The Governors (20-6) were led by Tyrel Pride with 13 points, Robert Stuckey with nine and Rino Camp with eight.

Mahtomedi trailed 51-48 with 40 seconds left. Hank Roelofs blocked a shot and scored on the other end.

Noah Carlson rebounded a missed Governors free shot. Roelofs, 6-foot-7 sophomore, was fouled and made two free shots for the lead with 5.9 seconds left.

Mahtomedi beat Hill-Murray 64-48 on Wednesday in the first round. Willie Roelofs netted 18 points, Graff 17 and Wilson 11.

the first and third periods and Bo Schmidt in the second. Cathedral goalie Keaton LeGrand made 28 saves for the shutout. Wes Strub had 24 for Mahtomedi.

St. Cloud Cathedral, last year’s state champion, reached the state finals again and lost to East Grand Forks 2-1 in overtime.

Against Northfield, Gutterman’s first goal was assisted by Devin O’Donnell, and his second was assisted by O’Donnell and Brayden Fuerst. Jackson Chesak was in goal, making 37 saves. For Northfield (24-5-2), four players had a goal each.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Chloe Theissen

White Bear Lake Basketball

March 12, 2025

Chloe Theissen, whose 3-pointer gave White Bear Lake a 40-39 section finals win over Roseville, has been a key factor in the Bears’ strong second half of the season. They’ve won 12 of their last 14 games, with Theissen hitting double digits in 10 of them, mostly on 3-pointers. “As Chloe got better, we got better,” said coach Jeremy Post. “She has made big shots in a lot of games.”

Bears’ Gabriel gets top senior goalie award

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED

Leo Gabriel’s career ledger included 18 shutouts.

Leo Gabriel of White Bear Lake was named winner of the Frank Brimsek Award as the senior goalie of the year.

The announcement was made at the Mr. Hockey program at St. Paul RiverCentre. Mason

Kraft of state champion Moorhead was named Mr. Hockey.

Gabriel posted a 1.73 goals-against-average and a .928 save percentage,

while compiling a 14-8-3 record with five shutouts. Over his three-year career, Gabriel, known for excellent reflexes and lateral movement, went 49-23-4 with 18 shutouts, one of them against HillMurray for the section title as a junior. Other finalists were Holy Angels’ Luke Marsalek and Moorhead’s Charlie Stenehjem.

The Mr. Hockey and Frank Brimsek awards are selected by a panel of NHL scouts, junior scouts and coaches and media members from around Minnesota. Both awards are presented by the Minnesota All Sports Alliance.

Bruce Strand

PHOTOS BY BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED Elise Dieterle playfully took her turn cutting down the net, a championship game ritual.

JASON WACHTER MSHSL

Guarding the net were goalie Wes Strub, Joey Pipes (2) and Ryan Lipovetz (25), against St. Cloud Cathedral’s Bo Schmidt (17) and John Hirschfield.

White Bear Lake players, beaming, posed with their hard-earned section championship trophy. Coach Jeremy Post was hugging daughter Addison, the team’s point guard.

Township drafts ordinance amid hazy statute for cannabis growth and retail licenses

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The White Bear Township Board of Supervisors recently passed an ordinance regarding buffer zones and license limitations for marijuana growth, transport and retail.

These types of business will not be allowed within 1,000 feet of a school. They also cannot be within 500 feet of a licensed day care, drug treatment facility or public park. This brings the township into compliance with statutes from the newly established Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).

“This whole business of cannabis is a loose process at the moment. It doesn’t have a lot of answers,” said Town Supervisor Steve Ruzek. “But we have to move forward… Going off of what we know today, I think the Planning Commission did a very decent job of going through the types of businesses and putting this ordinance in place.”

The urgency to pass this ordinance stems from a statute provision, which allows Ramsey County to

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP NOTES

• Rhumbline Real Estate Partners owes over $51,000 in late fees to White Bear Township because the business did not renew the rental license for the townhouse complex Cottages of White Bear Lake when they took over the property in February 2024. “We have never received an official letter or notice from the township,” said Chad Venne, a property manager with Rhumbline. According to Venne, Rhumbline was unaware the rental license for the property needed to be renewed and only discovered they were delinquent when they renewed their business license. The company that sold Cottages of White Bear Lake to Rhumbline did not notify the township of the sale, hence the outdated records and rental license.

Town Attorney Chad Lemmons responded, “It is the obligation of the seller to notify the township. It’s not the township’s obligation to determine if a property has been sold or not. The township is not in any violation.” Town Supervisor

cap applications for cannabis retail locations after 44 approvals, or one per 12,500 residents. Municipalities without relevant zoning ordinances in place are not eligible and will not receive the associated taxable business revenue.

Before passing the ordinance, the board made two notable deletions. Clauses requiring cannabis-related businesses to have a 1,000-foot barrier between each other, off-sale liquor vendors and churches drew concern from Town Attorney Chad Lemmons.

“Because this statute is meant to be so encompassing— it’s occupying the field—we’re pretty much bound by the terms of the statute. And since it’s silent on that, you have to assume they never meant for those buffers to be in place,” Lemmons explained.

Town Supervisor Chair Ed Prudhon found the clause regarding churches redundant since all three places of worship within township limits run licensed day care facilities anyway.

During a public hearing on the matter, township resident and commercial building owner Jim Faulkner requested that the township ease buffer restrictions

Steve Ruzek added, “You do have recourse against the parties you felt wronged you. … That’s not us.”

The board appreciated Rhumbline’s situation, however, and lowered the late fee to $10,000.

• White Bear Township, in partnership with the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization, is submitting a proposal for grant funding to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for $865,500. The grant money would be used for the Polar Lakes Park Water Reuse Project, an initiative that would transition the park’s irrigation from potable (safe-to-drink) groundwater to wetland-basin water that is already present in the park’s watershed. Once installed, this new irrigation system would save 3.7 million gallons of potable water per year.

• Otter Park will receive a handicap-accessible sidewalk from the road to the playground while Brandlwood Park will add four

WHITE BEAR SCHOOL BOARD NOTES

• Director of Community Services and Recreation Tim Maurer and Assistant Director of Out-of-School-Time Programs Nicole Oswald gave an update on the Afterschool Community Learning Grant effective through 2025. The grant allocates $1.4 million through June 2027 to provide student enrichment and transportation

Bear Lake

Calvin Eken is an intelligent, hard-working member of my 5th grade class at Lincoln Elementary. Calvin continually pushes himself to learn more and strives to always do better. Calvin’s dedication, focus, and determination to never give up always pays off for him. Calvin’s continued drive for knowledge is always at the forefront. I have no doubt that Calvin will keep achieving amazing things in the future and I can’t wait to see all of his great successes that are still to come. I know that Calvin will keep looking for ways to challenge himself, will continue to believe in himself, and will never give up! I am very proud of Calvin and all that he continues to do.

on business applications that deal with the logistical elements of cannabis distribution. “A transporter is somebody who has nothing more than the appropriate license from OCM, an appropriate vehicle, a computer and an office,” Faulkner noted.

“There’s going to be some refinement,” Ruzek responded to Faulkner. “You’re not going to write a perfect ordinance when we don’t have a clear vision of what the cannabis rules are.”

One such unclear area is the status of licenses for cannabinoid products—marijuana-plant derivatives, such as hemp or CBD oil. Because these licenses are also now issued under OCM, any licenses which the township issued previously may technically become void. “They haven’t issued any licenses yet,” Town Planner Evan Monson said, “so we’re in this weird limbo.”

Regardless, OCM will begin receiving applications for cannabis retail operations based on a lottery system this summer. Recreational marijuana dispenseries could open this fall.

concrete picnic-table pads, one of which will be handicap accessible.

The board approved a quote for the project from Paragon Paving for $13,385.

• Township resident Bob Leeper brought a public eyesore complaint against his neighbor’s property.

According to Leeper, the neighbor’s yard has an unregistered boat and trailer as well as at least five unusable vehicles. The neighbor’s usable vehicles are parked illegally on a nearby abandoned lot.

“It’s degrading the value of our neighborhood,” Leeper explained, “and I would like to try and sell my house sometime soon. But there’s no way that I can if someone drives down the street and sees this.”

Leeper previously brought this issue to the board during the Aug. 7, 2023, board meeting and has since been in contact with Building Official Mike Johnson. Town Administrator Patrick Christopherson confirmed Johnson spoke with the neighbor at length as recently as March 3.

options for extended day programs, both after the school day and during the summer. Much of the grant goes to cover staff expenses and bringing in community vendors for enrichment partnerships. Past partnerships have included DASH sports, Lakeshore Players and Language Sprout.

“Bringing in the community partnerships is great because it aligns with the strategic plan and the mission of the district to bring the community into the schools,” commented board member Angela Thompson.

• Registration for 2025 extended day summer programs is open now through March 31. Additionally, Oswald is looking for qualified adult volunteers to help with the district’s summer enrichment courses. The programs especially need “Read Aloud” guests for younger age groups. Warned Maurer, “It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be energetic and don’t be surprised if you’re asked to dance a little bit at the end.” If interested, contact nicole.oswald@isd624.org.

• Principal Christina Pierre updated the board on Mariner Middle School’s first year. “Our entire staff and student body moved from one building to another. We’re a new school in some ways, but in other ways, we have some longevity to look back on,” she explained. Pierre then presented a joint statement on the new school’s identity, drafted by students, staff and families: “At Mariner Middle School, we love our diversity, we want our community to feel like a family, we value our students’ unique strengths and we commit to the success of every learner.” After the presentation, board member Dan Skaar commented, “I don’t see anything about academic achievement. Academics and education is our primary goal under the state mandate.”

Mariner Middle School Associate Principal Ryan Clark reported that the student body has been enjoying new spaces, especially the auditorium, flex classrooms and maker space. Going forward, Clark hopes to foster a greater

“Everybody tries to be Minnesota nice, then it comes to a point where you just can’t be nice anymore. … We always try to negotiate these things, but sometimes it gets to the point where we have to go to court,” commented Town Supervisor Chair Ed Prudhon. Should the neighbor not comply with the violated ordinances, Johnson has the authority to cite them criminally. Lemmons and Ruzek cautioned, however, that if the neighbor refutes the citation in court, the issue could stretch over many years before reaching a conclusion.

The White Bear Township Board next meets at 7 p.m. Monday, March 17, at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road. To view the livestream of the meeting, visit youtube.com/@ WhiteBearTownshipMNOfficial/ streams.

Logan Gion

sense of student belonging. “What our students have told us is that they feel a really strong sense of connection with the staff and the adults in our building, but their peers can be a little less predictable,” informed Clark. “If they’re already working on it, recognizing that they need to figure out how to build relationships among themselves, then that’s a big win,” board member Angela Thompson commented.

• The district’s current contracts with First Student and Metropolitan Transportation Network expire July 31. According to Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Tim Wald, ISD 624 has long used a combination of district services and contract providers, simultaneously receiving the knowledge of a regional or national company while maintaining local control. “Our employees are local employees who have significant loyalty to the school district, to the families of White Bear Lake,” stated Wald. Transportation contract consultant Tom Watson reported that five regional busing companies responded to the district’s request for quotations. “The law says we are to disclose that we have offered the contracts … to the lowest [cost], responsible service provider,” explained Watson. The district’s department of transportation will finalize contract negotiations by March 14. The board will hear contract recommendations for busing and transportation on March 24.

The White Bear Lake Area School Board next meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 24, at the new District Service Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Ave., White Bear Lake, for its monthly work session. The public may also livestream the meeting from isd624.org/about/school-board/ meeting-materials.

Logan Gion

Calvin Eken Lincoln Elementary School