Learning from loss: Scam victim, detective share tips to protect others
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Imagine getting a phone call from your child in tears who tells you their bank account is empty.
That’s exactly what happened to Hugo resident Lisa Hippe. But it wasn’t just her daughter Jasmine’s account. The accounts that belonged to her and her husband Ted were also drained — to the tune of over $40,000.
“The reality of ‘Oh my God. What did I just do?’” hit,” Hippe said. “I hate this. It’s never going to leave me.”
Hippe received a text message asking her if she had recently charged something. She responded “no” to that text and was subsequently contacted by
someone claiming to be a part of a Huntington Bank fraud alert investigation team, working with the FBI. The person told her that they were investigating bank employees at local branches for transferring money out of customers’ accounts.
“He told me that my accounts had been compromised,” Hippe explained. He told her that he could see wire transfers were set up to transfer her money out of her accounts. To protect her money, she was advised to withdraw all of the money from her account and to put it on a “safe” Chase card that the scammer loaded onto her phone.
The scammer told her that there was a $20,000 withdrawal limit, so Hippe headed to Maplewood and subsequently
Council schedules public hearing for downtown trees
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Residents who want to weigh in on whether four mature trees downtown should be preserved or removed as part of the downtown parking lots project should plan to attend a public hearing on April 8.
Council Member Andrea West requested a public hearing after reading letters in the Press and hearing from people in the community about the topic.
White Bear Lake.
“I was in front of the bank, and I was freaking out, but he told me there was an undercover cop inside the bank, so I was
“He was playing on my fear. That’s what got me going first was the fear that somebody was going to take all of my money,”
Lisa Hippe Hugo Resident
safe,” she recalled. “He made me feel comfortable … I was not thinking about a scam. It was not even in my realm.”
Hippe said she was convinced it was legit because the person knew all her account numbers.
“He was playing on my fear. That’s what got me going first was the fear that somebody was going to take all of my money,” she said.
She said another convincing factor was that he was able to load the “safe” card onto her phone. She realized it was a
SEE SCAM, PAGE 23
“I thought it would be a good idea to actually hear from the community in a public hearing,” West said. “I think that there was an understanding that there would be the ability to have public comment about the parking lots … I just want to give the space to do that. I myself haven’t decided one way or another, so I really would like to hear from the community.”
SEE DOWNTOWN TREES, PAGE 13
Frassati still discovering its identity decade after merger
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
After a decade, Frassati Catholic Academy is still trying to find its identity and what it means to be “Frassati.”
The K-8 Catholic school, located on Bald Eagle Avenue in White Bear Lake, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this school year.
“We are only 10 years old. I see Frassati Catholic Academy like the child of the parents of St. Mary of the Lake and St. Pius X,” said PJ Butler, who took over as principal last July.
In 2010, as part of the Archdiocesan strategic plan, it was decided to merge St. Mary of the Lake (1914-2014) and St. Pius X (1955-2014) schools serving the White Bear Lake community. In September 2014, Frassati Catholic Academy opened with a renewed vision for Catholic education, serving families in the northeast
SEE FRASSATI CATHOLIC ACADEMY, PAGE 19
White Bear further defines Spanish dual immersion program
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
White Bear Lake Area School District’s world language steering committee is currently designing the program, interviewing teaching candidates and accepting enrollment for the Spanish dual immersion program.
Last October, the White Bear Lake Area School Board approved the option for fall 2025 kindergarteners attending Otter Lake and Matoska Elementary Schools. As opposed to a full immersion program, White Bear’s dual immersion program will have 80% of a child’s day in Spanish, 20% in English. “When we reach fifth grade and go into middle school, it’s going to be dual language,” explained Matoska International Principal John Leininger. “We’re going to be proficient in both English and in Spanish.”
Leininger says that nearly 100 students are already enrolled.
“It’s already one of our larger programs,” he said, adding that three dual-immersion teachers are being onboarded with interviews for more currently underway.
Otter Lake Elementary Principal Angela Nelson says the program’s mission statement, in both English and Spanish, was drafted by district volunteers and approved by parent focus groups: “Our global learners will thrive in a dynamic, bilingual, and biliterate
““It’s already one of our larger programs.”
John Leininger
Matoska International Principal
environment that nurtures curiosity, values high academic achievement, embraces cultural heritage, fosters a love for learning, and collaborates with family and community to ensure success in a diverse, interconnected world.”
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jennifer Babiash said, “Our board-approved curriculum we have been using for all of our programming at the elementary—they have Spanish versions of that.” Currently, language arts, social studies, social and emotional development and math will be in Spanish
while all specialist classes (phy ed, art, music, etc.) will be in English. This summer, the design team and incoming staff will also partner with the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) through the University of Minnesota to learn daily lesson best practices.
Steering Committee Member Ayan Ibrahim says the program will be an investment for test scores. “By the time students are in fifth grade, you see them scoring twice as high as their classmates,” Ibrahim stated. “It takes a little bit of time in the beginning because they’re learning a new language.”
Nelson added that support systems will be in place for students struggling in Spanish proficiency as well as English proficiency. “Relationships with families will be critical through the process,” Nelson said.
Leininger concluded, “I’m especially proud to be part of a system that listens to our families, listens to our community and says, ‘We hear you, we know what you are asking for, and we are going to develop this and pull this together.”
For more information on ISD 624’s Spanish dual immersion program, visit www.isd624.org/academics/ immersion.
SENIOR HOUSING DAY
WHAT’S HAPPENING
When: Noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 2
Where: White Bear Lake Senior Center, 2484 E. County Road F
Details: Learn about senior housing options in the area, how to age in place, and resources to help the transition.
Contact: 651-653-3121
FAMILY ACTIVITIY DAY
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 5
Where: South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church, 2480 S. Shore Blvd., White Bear Lake
Details: Model car display and make-and-take, model train display by train museum, cupcake decorating, quilt display by the quilt group, light refreshments. Contact: sstwbl.org
BEAUTIFUL VISION: THE ESSENTIAL SONGS OF VAN MORRISON
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, White Bear Lake
Details: Mick Sterling leads a tribute concert featuring the hits of Van Morrison. Ticket information online.
Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org
COMEDY SHOW
When: 6:30 and 9 p.m. Saturday, April 5
Where: Running Aces, 15201 Running Aces Blvd., Forest Lake
Details: Headliner Amber Preston featuring Brendan Gay. Ticket information online.
Contact: runaces.com
FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE AND LIONS WAFFLE BREAKFAST
When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, April 6
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Volunteers needed for Career Fair
Mahtomedi Community Education is hosting a Career, Internship, and Volunteer Fair for Mahtomedi High School students on April 11 at Mahtomedi High School, and they are looking for businesses and community organizations to participate. Businesses and organizations will visit with students about careers and potential employment, internships or volunteer opportunities. The event runs from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants are welcome to stay for the entire event or can indicate a specific shift of time to volunteer.
AMERICAN LEGION POST 507 AND AUXILIARY 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 6
Where: Dugout, 96 Mahtomedi Avenue
Details: Community is invited to a free open house with food, door prizes, memoribilia, and more in honor of th 100th birthday of KramerBerg American Legion Post 507 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 507/ Contact: facebook.com/people/American-LegionUnit-507-Auxiliary
Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E County Road F
Details: Tour the North Fire Station and climb aboard a fire truck. Belgian waffle breakfast, learn about fire safety, visit with personnel from Ramsey County Sheriffs office, Vadnais Heights Parks and Rec, and Special Olympics Minnesota. Diabetes, vision and hearing screenings.
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, White Bear Lake
Details: Performance is a blend of bluegrass: classic, gospel, and original and other selections. Ticket information online.
The event provides students with a valuable opportunity to engage with community members, local businesses and organizations. Those interested in sharing expertise with local students can email communityed@ isd832.net or visit www.mahtomedi. k12.mn.us.
Donate to the Class of ’25
Senior Party
The White Bear Lake High School Class of 2025 will hold its senior party on June 5, and the volunteer committee is looking for help from local busi-
Details: Hike paved trails through the park, approximately 5 miles.
Contact: stpaulhike.com
LUTHER COLLEGE SPRING CONCERT
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, April 6
Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi
Details: Luther College music ensembles, including, the Nordic Choir and Symphone Orchestra, perform Mozart's Requiem in D minor. Purchase tickets online.
Contact: tickets.luther.edu
MOVIN' & GROOVIN'
When: 9-10:30 a.m. Monday, April 7
Where: Normandy Park Education Center, 2482 County Road F E, White Bear Lake
Details: Join White Bear Lake Early Childhood program for a morning of movement, play and music. For children birth-age 3.
Contact: 651-653-3100 or bit.ly/2SQQPUs
FUTURES IN BLOOM
When: 7:15 a.m. Thursday, April 10
Where: Century College East Campus, Lincoln Mall, 3300 Century Ave. N., White Bear Lake
Details: Annual fundraising event includes breakfast, student testimonials and Century's dental clinic expansion. RSVP.
Contact: century.edu/giving/futures-in-bloom-2025
nesses and the community to make it a success.
Donations of items that can be given as prizes to graduating students are being sought, including gift cards; tickets to athletic events; autographed jerseys, posters or pictures; gift baskets; and other merchandise or items that recent graduates will enjoy as they pursue their next steps. The committee is also looking for donations of $25 for the Class of ’25, or monetary contributions of any amount to help with food and other party expenses.
Donations are requested by May 30. Those interested in making a dona-
tion can contact Heather Gysbers at hgysbers@gmail.com.
Gold Star Spouses Day April 5
Gold Star Spouses Day will be observed Saturday, April 5. A Gold Star spouse recognizes those surviving loved ones of military members who lost their lives in the line of duty. This recognition of the sacrifices made by military spouses is a memorial for the fallen, a remembrance day for the survivors, and an appreciation for those who are sometimes in danger of being overlooked for their support and service to the country.
OPINION
Save the little libraries
My mom loves to read. If you have ever been in one of her book clubs or Bible studies you know her happy place is basking in the warm sun reading a never ending supply of books. Similarly, my wife can tune out anything going on around her when she's reading a good book. I'm guessing in both cases, reading has also been a way to pass the time late at night while waiting up for teenagers to get home.
Publisher’s View
Carter Johnson
Growing up, a trip to the library required an extensive search of the card catalog to locate just the right book. Local libraries have since evolved not only as a place to check out books with a lot less hassle, but also as centers for free community programs and events. The community recently celebrated 40 years of service by White Bear Lake Library's Branch Manager Therese Sonnek. Therese has surely seen changes to the library in that time. Like the newspaper business, local libraries have had to make adjustments to meet the needs of today's readers, but continue to be as relevant as they always have been. Congratulations and thank you, Therese.
Recently we have been hearing more debate about what books are appropriate to have in school and community libraries. A couple of years ago we had a story in the paper about library books containing certain topics being hidden in the White Bear Lake Library. Now we are seeing books-all of the booksbeing taken from the little libraries around our neighborhoods. It’s disheartening to read about little libraries being wiped out. Are they taking books because they’re upset about the content? Are people robbing these little libraries to resell books and make money? When my parents downsized and we moved all the stuff out of their house there were tons of books, and I have to admit I scanned a bunch of them to see if they were worth anything. A majority of them were valued around a dollar, which means we might have gotten a few cents per book if we wanted to go through the rigamarole of reselling them to a second hand bookstore. We ended up taking a couple of truck loads of books to donate to the Ramsey County Library in Roseville, where they could be sold at an annual Friends of the Library used book sale.
People do love the little libraries. In my neighborhood, I have seen people of all ages stopping to donate a book or check out the inventory. I think some even have games and puzzles. I'm not sure what the solution is to keep the little libraries stocked. Putting up cameras, getting fingerprint readers, or requiring membership to participate in trading books seems extreme. One neighbor recommended writing “Little Library” on the book. I just hope those who may be clearing out the little libraries would understand how much joy and free entertainment they bring to many of our neighbors. Big Ben memories
Grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant, I ran into Ruth Cochran. The Cochrans were well-known for being the owners of the restaurant Big Ben’s in White Bear Lake in the 80s, at the location that is now Beartown. Ruth told me the story of how her family with 11 kids was written up in the paper because they had accidentally left one of the kids at a gas station. A person who was at the gas station offered to drive her sibling home, pulling in right after the rest of the family who hadn’t realized she was missing.
When I think of Big Ben’s, I remember that it was an institution in our community one that bring memories of first jobs or family celebrations.
Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
My bipartisan approach to benefit our district
The Minnesota Legislature has been through a series of historic developments this year. The Minnesota House returned to a 67-67 tie following a special election in Roseville. Committees are now co-chaired by Democrats and Republicans and are comprised of equal numbers of members from both parties. I'm incredibly excited about the important work before the Human Services, Judiciary, and Public Safety committees this year. These areas are vital to our community, and I'm honored to contribute.
Legislator
Lingo Brion Curran
In my unique position as an Assistant Caucus Leader within our shared governance in the House, I've consistently emphasized the importance of working across the aisle to address the pressing issues our constituents are asking us to solve. As a legislator deeply committed to disability justice, consumer protection, and systemic accountability, I've worked on targeted legislation directly impacting Minnesotans’ lives.
The bipartisan work between GOP Representative Bernie Perryman and myself on HF286 demonstrates the type of collaboration our constituents deserve. This legislation, a city of White Bear Lake priority since 2021, addresses the serious issue of sex trafficking highlighted by a 2020 case where a "massage therapist" operated a trafficking ring in both White
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Bear Lake and Woodbury. Our bill authorizes local government to conduct more in-depth background checks, including access to the national criminal history database. When faced with critical issues like human trafficking, our constituents expect us to set aside party affiliations and work together to ensure the safety of their families I'm proud to deliver tangible results for Minnesota.
Our communities face multifaceted challenges that require nuanced, thoughtful solutions. For example, HF44 represents a significant step forward in consumer protection, mandating transparency about ortho-phthalates in products. These harmful chemicals have silently threatened our health for too long, and it's time we empower consumers with knowledge to make informed choices.
Disability rights remain at the forefront of my legislative priorities. The current system is riddled with obstacles preventing access to essential services. HF2406 directly tackles the unconscionable eightmonth wait times for MnCHOICES assessments. Prolonged delays aren't mere bureaucratic inconveniences, but life-altering obstacles that erode independence, increase caregiver burden, and compromise the health and safety of vulnerable Minnesotans. Families are forced into impossible situations - watching their loved ones struggle without critical help, sacrificing their own economic stability to provide care, and experiencing mounting emotional and financial stress.
Ramsey County is hiring 80 new workers just to catch up, which underscores a systemic breakdown that fundamentally betrays the
basic human dignity of people with disabilities, transforming what should be a supportive system into a gauntlet of frustration. I’ll keep working to ensure we get this problem addressed. In an era of increasing political volatility, judges and their families face unprecedented threats. My bill to strengthen judicial security by protecting property records is a critical response to this concern. We cannot allow intimidation to undermine the integrity of our judicial system.
Accountability in public services is equally crucial. My proposed legislation to address childcare assistance program (CCAP) fraud is about protecting resources. By establishing robust anti-kickback policies and enhancing data protections, we're working to ensure every taxpayer dollar is used as intended – to support hardworking Minnesota families.
These bills represent a commitment to creating a more just, transparent and supportive community. They reflect a belief that government can and should be a force for positive change, addressing real-world challenges with compassion and precision. As we continue to navigate complex social and systemic challenges, collaboration remains our greatest strength. These bipartisan efforts demonstrate that when we focus on practical solutions and shared values, we can make meaningful progress for all Minnesotans.
Brion Curran is the Minnesota Representative for district 36B
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• 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.
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• 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.
Cleanup thank you
Thank you to the nearly 100 volunteers who took part in the 2025 lake and park cleanup event earlier this month. Despite some weather-related complications, this year's event was a great success. Volunteers collected about 800 pounds of trash from parks surrounding White Bear Lake. During the more than two decades of this annual cleanup event, more than 1,630 volunteers have collected an estimated 8,000-plus pounds of trash from the lake and/or surrounding parkland.
Next year's lake/park cleanup is set for Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Jim Schuster Mahtomedi 2025 Lake Cleanup Co-Coordinator
Event deepens understanding
On behalf of Many Faces, I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the Native American Celebration a meaningful day of honoring and learning.
Thank you to the White Bear Lake School District and the American Indian Education Program for their partnership and support. A special thank you to the volunteers, vendors, learning stations and workshop leaders who shared their time and talents. We are especially grateful to the Intertribal Drum and Dance Troupe and the students from the Indigenous Peoples Task Force for bringing their traditions and voices to this gathering.
The event was a reflection of our mission — to strengthen the community by providing opportunities to listen, learn, reflect and engage in conversations and actions that promote equity, diversity and inclusion. It was inspiring to see so many people come together to honor Indigenous traditions and deepen our understanding.
Sara Nephew Chair, Many Faces of White Bear Lake
Kudos to Many Faces
I had the pleasure of attending the Native American Celebration hosted by Many Faces at Mariner Middle School. Thank you to the White Bear Press for promoting this event.
It was a wonderful event that was informative, uplifting and engaging. I am very hopeful that there are more events like this.
Kate Brown White Bear Lake
How we got here
Quoting Nikita Khrushchev, leader of the Soviet Union: “We do not have to invade the United States, we will destroy you from within. You Americans are so gullible. No, you won’t accept communism outright, but we’ll keep feeding you small doses of socialism until you’ll finally wake up and find you already have communism. We won’t have to fight you. We’ll so weaken your economy until you’ll fall like overripe fruit into our hands.”
The Democrat Party’s actions have played a major role of making Khrushchev’s quotes come to
MDE launches public feedback portal
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) recently launched a public feedback portal at education. mn.gov for parents, students, teachers and community members to submit detailed accounts of the ways recent executive orders and federal education cuts are impacting schools and children across our state. “Instability and uncertainty are not strategies, but collaboration is,” said
life. Gov. Walz has stated to his students that life under Chinese communism is a system in which “everyone shares” and gets free food and housing. Now our public school students get free lunches: a coincidence? Do you remember during COVID, Walz initiated a tattletale hotline to tell on your family or neighbors who weren’t following his lockdown? How about parent rights? The government knows better about your child and strips you of the right to care for them, especially if they have been indoctrinated with gender confusion. Sen. Heather Gustafson stated that as a teacher she “will never out/report my trans students to anyone.” I assume “anyone” includes parents. Furthermore, Minnesota is a sanctuary state for trans children denying parental rights.
Paraphrasing 'Men Have Forgotten God’: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s 1983 Templeton Address: “Within Marxism is hatred of God as the principal driving force. Militant atheism is central to achieve its diabolical ends. Communism needs to control a population without religious and national feelings, which entails the destruction of faith and nationhood. I currently see destruction of the traditional family through sexual perversion of our culture, especially our children, as well as hatred of our country being promoted by the Democrat Party.
It is my opinion Biden’s DOJ used the FACE Act to intimidate pro-life activists, even using a SWAT team to arrest. 97% of FACE Act prosecutions were against pro-life Americans (all small doses of socialism). We need to save our country: stop voting for Marxism/communism.
Democracy being silenced
The voice of democracy has been silenced around the world. It is another sad day for the U.S. as the Trump administration has shuttered the Voice of America along with Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia.
Originally created by the U.S. government after World War II as a platform to spread Western messaging during the Cold War, Voice of America in more recent years has provided news and information in nearly 50 languages to an estimated weekly audience of more than 354 million people. Many of VOA’s correspondents report from war-torn regions and authoritarian regimes where independent media is stifled or nonexistent, so dictators all over the world are clapping in approval. Trump is making us a weaker country. Legally, the executive branch cannot eliminate funding and agencies, but they are doing it anyway and taking their chances in the courts. I have great concern with a president and his staff that break the law first to see how the chips fall.
Is that where we are headed? The silencing of democracy and a society without the justice system as guardrails? The Trump administration has already banned the Associated Press from the White House because they will not bow down to him and use the phrase “Gulf of America.” He has
Commissioner Willie Jett. “In Minnesota, we know strong public education relies on policy decisions that are based on the real experiences of students, families and educators. In the face of unpredictable federal action, MDE will amplify Minnesotans’ stories as we continue to advocate for the stability, resources and policies schools need to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
Filip Jancevski is an Academic Achiever in my class this year. He was chosen because of his strong character and consistent daily effort learning and practicing math, reading and writing. He has been chosen over and over again as a "safe, kind and trustworthy" person by his peers. Filip does quality work on the things he is asked to do and knows when to put in his best effort but is not worried about making mistakes because he said, "mistakes help you learn the right thing and also help you practice being disappointed about making a mistake." Filip says his favorite part of school is seeing friends and being with them in the classroom and
called the press “enemy of the American people” and wants to unravel the funding of NPR and PBS. Trying to put a lid on facts and a free press is not the country we have built together, have fought for and are proud of. Let’s stop this suppression and lawless behavior before it is too late. Call your elected officials.
Cheesebrow
Reconsider tree removal
I was dismayed to read in the Press this week that the city plans to remove four heritage oak trees from downtown White Bear Lake for parking lot improvements this summer. In my view, this is short-sighted and will bring more harm than good to our charming and historic community. Consider that these trees have been providing shade, air filtration, habitat and carbon sequestration for a century or more. We will not be able to replace what they provide for another five generations after planting new trees. And for what? Parking? There is ample parking if people are willing to walk a block at times. This proposal is foolish and unnecessary. I sincerely hope the city will reconsider this plan.
Treat, teach children the same
Well, the state of Minnesota is putting a new coat of paint on an old shed.
Ethnic studies under a new title. Having read the information, I have been able to find this is no different than what was in the curriculum in the past. If you're white, you're racist. If you are a person with any other pigment, you are owed more. What has happened in history cannot be changed. For years I worked in a multicultural environment. The time has come to treat our children all the same. I’ve met people from more countries than I can name. They all had the same dreams and wishes to be treated all alike, have a loving family life, a roof over their head, food on the table, and to love and raise their children. Now the state wants to teach Indigenous culture, ethnicity and the like.
I can only see this idea leading to bad outcomes. Teach them all alike. Start with reading, writing and arithmetic.
The sooner they are taught they are all the same, the sooner we can get over racism.
Upcoming Games
April 1 - 6 vs. Columbus Clippers
April 8 - 13 vs. Omaha Storm Chasers
Nancy Johnson Vadnais Heights
Jenn
Vadnais Heights
Britta Hansen White Bear Lake
Patrick Kenny White Bear Lake
COPS&COURTS
WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• Criminal damage to property was reported in the area of Seventh Street and Highway 61 March 19.
• A man was issued a citation for theft in the 2600 block of County Road E March 19.
• A White Bear Township woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 5000 block of Lake Avenue March 20.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue March 20.
• A Brooklyn Center woman was arrested for felony drug possession and on a misdemeanor theft warrant following an investigation in the 4600 block of White Bear Parkway March 20.
• Officers mediated a dispute in the 1900 block of Pine Street March 20.
• Officers responded to a civil problem in the 2100 block of 12th Street.
• Two dogs running at large in the 2000 block of Birch Street were returned to their owner March 20. A dog running at large in the 3400 block of Emerald Drive was also reunited with its owner March 20.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for fifth-degree drugs and DWI after officers found him asleep behind the wheel in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road March 21.
• A Ham Lake man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 3200 block of Highway 61 March 21. Officers mediated a civil issue in the 4900 block of Stewart Avenue March 21.
• Fraud was reported in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road March 21.
• Officers responded to a possible violation of a protection order in the 2100 block of 12th Street March 21.
• Obscene words were written in dirt on a vehicle in the 5000 block of Division Avenue March 21.
• Officers responded to a civil issue in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue S. March 21.
• Officers assisted Ramsey County
deputies with a suicidal person in a vehicle in the area of Highway 61 and County Road E March 22. A man was trespassed from a business in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road March 22.
• Officers responded to a verbal argument between two people in a vehicle in the 2600 block of County Road E March 22.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 3500 block of Century Avenue March 22.
• Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 2100 block of Roth Place March 22.
• A White Bear Lake woman was arrested for felony drugs, gross misdemeanor DWI and gross misdemeanor child endangerment after officers pulled her over for driving the wrong way near County Road D and Century Avenue March 23.
• A St. Paul woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop at Lydia Avenue and White Bear Avenue March 23.
• A driver pulled over in the 3600 block of Bellaire Avenue March 23 was found to have a sign-and-release warrant for theft, and a new court date was issued.
• Officers assisted EMS personnel in the 2600 block of County Road E March 24. The patient refused medical services and was arrested on a multitude of warrants.
• Suspicious activity was reported in the 2300 block of Spruce Place March 24.
Officers mediated a dispute between neighbors in the 1300 block of Hedman Way March 24.
• Officers mediated a neighbor dispute in the 1600 block of Goose Lake Road, Gem Lake.
• Mail theft was reported in the 3700 block of Highland Avenue March 25.
• A Vadnais Heights man was arrested after being stopped on County Road E East March 26 on an outstanding warrant for providing/ selling liquor to a minor in Scott County.
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:
Birchwood
• The driver of a blue pickup truck was cited Feb. 24 on Hall Avenue and Jay Street for failure to stop at a stop sign.
• Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies cited another motorists Feb. 24 on East County Line Road and Cedar Street for speeding 43 mph in a 30 mph zone.
• Residents on Hall Avenue on Feb. 25 reported receiving multiple phone calls about their Amazon business account and their assets. All of this phishing resulted in no loss of funds.
Dellwood
• Deputies conducting radar speed patrol on Dellwood Avenue on Feb. 25 found one speeding violation in 30 minutes and cited the driver.
Grant
A motorist who ran a red light along Highway 36 was mailed a citation for that offense on Feb. 26, after admitting to the deed.
• A USIC truck was reported “doored” Feb. 26 in the 10000 block of 60th Street, while parked on the side of the road with no shoulder. When the driver opened his door, it was struck by a Cadillac driving past, and sustained major damage to its front quarters. The Cadillac sustained minor damage.
• A key and $5 bill were reported found Feb. 26 on top
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township:
Vadnais Heights
• A Vadnais Heights woman, 69, was cited for speeding Feb. 23 in the 4500 block of McMenemy Street.
• A Robbinsdale woman, 42, and a St. Cloud woman, 31, were cited for theft Feb. 23 in the 800 block of County Road E, after they were caught stealing from the Walmart store.
• A Vadnais Heights woman, 31, was cited at 11:46 p.m. Feb. 23 in the 1000 block of County Road D after she refused to disable a vehicle alarm going off repeatedly for no reason. Her actions were in violation of the city's noise ordinance and vehicle car horn statute.
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office (RCSO) deputies took a report from a resident in the 400 block of Oak Grove Lane on Feb. 24 about a package stolen off his front step.
• A White Bear Lake man, 32, was trespassed from a business in the 700 block of County Road F on Feb. 27 after he was found to be drunk and causing a disturbance.
• A purse was reported lost Feb. 27 while its owner was shopping at the Walmart store.
• Loss prevention employees at the Marshall's store in the 900 block of County Road E on Feb. 27 reported a case of shoplifting. The caller was able to provide suspect information.
• An Oakdale man 66, was arrested Feb. 28 after he was caught stealing merchandise from the Walmart store. The suspect was an employee and was cooperative during the investigation
• A Little Canada man, 56, was cited Feb. 28 in the 3500 block of Willow Lake Blvd. for driving after revocation.
• An Apple Valley woman, 37, was cited March 1 at the junction of I-35E and I-694 for driving after revocation.
White Bear Township
• Deputies on Feb. 24 responded to a report of shoplifting at Cub Foods in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive. A suspect male was positively
of a trash can in the 11000 block of Julianne Avenue N. and not by the person it may have been left for.
Mahtomedi
• Deputies at 8:49 p.m. Feb. 23 responded to a report of active vehicle tampering on Wildwood Road. On arrival at the scene and not finding any signs of activity at all in the area, the caller wasn't unsure if it was an actual person or a shadow. As deputies left the scene, The Shadow remained the prime suspect.
• While on speed patrol along Long Lake Road on Feb. 24, deputies stopped two cars for speeding within 45 minutes and cited both drivers. Deputies cited another motorist for speeding on Long Lake Road and Berwick Lane later that day.
• A North Dakota motorist was cited Feb. 24 on Century Avenue N. and Wildwood Road for failure to provide key documentation necessary for driving on the public roadways, after deputies conducted a mobile data computer check. The citation included registration that expired in 2024, failure to provide proof of insurance and failure to produce a driver's license.
• Deputies cited another motorist at 2:10 a.m. Feb. 25 on Long Lake Road and Century Avenue for driving without a license and failure to possess vehicle insurance. Another motorist was cited on Wildwood Road and Lincolntown Avenue for speeding, and a third driver was cited at 2:23 a.m. Feb. 28 on Century Avenue for driving after revocation, following a traffic stop for illegal window tint.
• A Fedex package reported signed for and not received by a Stillwater Road resident on Feb. 26 turned out to have been received and signed for by office staff.
identified and contacted via phone. He then went to the business to pay for the items.
An unlicensed trailer was reported found Feb. 24 near Bellaire Beach in the 2400 block of South Shore Blvd. The trailer was then towed to the RCSO impound lot.
• Residents in the 4000 block of Oakmede Lane on Feb. 24 reported a muskrat from the nearby railroad tracks for running into their yard and taking up a defensive position under their back steps. After the family dog became too interested in engaging with the “fur ball,” deputies captured the muskrat from the wrong side of the tracks and relocated it next to Fox Meadow Park.
• A resident in the 1200 block of Birch Pond Trail on Feb. 25 reported fraudulent activity on her bank account.
• A shopper at Cub Foods reported losing her driver's license in the store on March 3.
• A Vadnais Heights man, 52, was arrested at the Cub Foods store on Feb. 26, after he was caught stealing merchandise from the store. Deputies responded to another shoplifting report from the Cub Foods store on Feb. 28. On March 1, a Vadnais Heights woman, 43, was cited for shoplifting from the store.
• A tire on a truck parked in the 5600 block of Portland Avenue was reported slashed Feb. 26.
• A resident in the 1500 block of Highway 96 on Feb. 27 reported finding several dead rodents in her yard. She said that for almost a year, deceased rodents have been showing up in her yard, and recently a dead cat was found. The complainant suspected the involvement of poison, but could not identify the source.
• A resident in the 2700 block of Martin Way on Feb. 27 reported fraudulent activity on her bank account.
• A resident in the 5500 block of Bald Eagle Blvd. W. on Feb. 28 reported his house and shed broken into, with thousands of dollars’ worth of belongings stolen.
Loretta Harding
The package was found and handed over to the complainant.
• Berwick Place residents reported their vehicle stolen from their driveway overnight Feb. 27-28, after the keys were left in the vehicle.
A Wildwood Road resident asking deputies to remove someone from a trespass list Feb. 28 was told he would need to discuss the issue with property management who doles out the trespass notices. Deputies did advise the complainant that trespass notices remain in place for one year.
• Deputies issued a new round of traffic citations at the end of the week, starting with a citation for speeding at 3:57 p.m. Feb. 28 on Long Lake Road at Berwick Lane. At 8:30 p.m., a motorist on East County Line Road and Wildwood Road was cited for no functional license plate lights and no insurance. At 5:49 p.m. March 1, a motorist was cited for driving after revocation, following a computer check of a licence plate.
• Following multiple Feb. 28 complaints of motorists moving orange traffic cones on Iris Street and Hallam Avenue to drive under a downed wire, deputies arrived on scene to move the cones back into place.
Willernie
• Deputies conducted two traffic stops for stop sign violation at the corner of Stillwater Road and Warner Avenue N. during the evening of Feb. 24 and Feb. 27 and cited both drivers. The second driver was also cited for expired registration.
Loretta Harding
SPORTS PREVIEWS
White Bear Lake is led by seniors Bailey Eddicus and Lainey Eddicus, both all-conference last year when the Bears placed third in the conference and second in the section.
Other varsity players back are Maddy Vang and Sydney Phiel, both SEC honorable mentions, and Aubrey Reigstad. Captains are Bailey Eddicus, Lainey Eddicus and Maddy Vang.
“The girls golf team should make strides throughout the spring,and compete to stay in the top three teams in the conference, and compete for the section title,” said coach Craig Nasvik.
Schedule:
April 15 — Conference at Tanners Brook, noon April 17 — Conference at River Oaks, 1:30 p.m.
April 21 — Conference at Eagle Valley, 3 p.m.
April 28 — Conference at North Oaks, 3 p.m.
April 30 — Invitational at Oak Glen, 11 a.m.
May 5 — Conference at Troy Burne, 10 a.m.
May 6 — Invitational at St. Croix National, 9 a.m.
May 7 — Invitational at Troy Burne, 9 a.m, May 9 — Invitational at Emerald Greens, 10 a.m.
May 12 — Conference at Midland Hills, 2 p.m.
May 14 — Invitational at Oak Glen, 11 a.m.
May 15 — Conference at Gross National, 12:30 p.m.
May 19 — Conference at Stillwater CC, 3 p.m.
May 22 — Conference finals at Oak Glen, 8 a.m.
White Bear Lake expects to be a contender, led by freshman Easton Fiddle, a state qualifier in seventh grade (31st place) and eighth grade (28th place), and senior captain Jack Stanius, also a state qualifier. Both were all-conference.
The Bears were third in both the conference and section in 2024. Also back who saw varsity action are Thomas Pederson, Magnus Benz, Ryan Kissner, Gavin Elgard, Blake Munyer and Mason Jurkovich.
“With the returning veterans, the boys golf team should compete for the conference and the section title this spring,” coach Craig Nasvik said. “The focus for the Bears is to come together as a team and be at our best come tournament time.”
Schedule:
April 9 — Invitational at Troy Burne, 9 a.m.
April 10 — Invitational at Bunker Hills, 9 a.m.
April 14 — Conference at Prestwick, 1 p.m.
April 16-17 — Invitational at Blackwolf Run, 9:30 a.m.
April 21 — Conference at North Oaks, noon April 25-26 — Invitational at
BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE TRACK & FIELD // BOYS
White Bear Lake has three returning state qualifiers in senior Vaughn Larson (1600), junior Easton Miles (long jump, ninth place) and Tomi Animasaun (long jump, 110 and 300 hurdles).
The Bears, who were fifth in the conference and second in the section last year, have a new head coach, Seton Foster. Among the graduates was a star sprinter.
Others back from last year’s section lineup are seniors Maxwell Popp (1600), Tyrese Behnken (hurdles), Peter Gogra (sprints), Connor Erickson (hurdles), Malik Doumbia (triple and long jump), Trace Dotstry (triple jump), and Matt Hunter (throws); junior James Wallek (pole vault); and sophomores Grayson Anderson (sprints), Alex Brown (throws) and Wyatt Stachowiak (throws).
"The new group of underclassmen appear almost ready to contribute in a big way," Foster said. Asked about the team's season prospects, he said, "It's too early to tell but we have a solid group of athletes."
Schedule:
March 29 — at MNMankato, 11 a.m.
April 10 — Invitational, home, 4 p.m.
April 11 — at East Ridge, 3:30 p.m.
April 19 — at Stillwater, 10:30 a.m.
April 23 — at Mounds View, 4 p.m.
April 30 — Invitational, home, 4 p.m.
May 6 — at Eagan, 3 p.m.
May 20 & 22 —
Suburban East meet, home, 3:45 p.m.
Edinburgh, 7 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
April 29 — Conference at Highland National, 8:30 p.m.
April 30 — Invitational at Troy Burne, 9 a.m.
May 1 — Invitational at St. Croix National, 9 a.m.
May 5 — Conference at White Bear Yacht Club, 10 a.m.
May 8 — Invitational at Oak Glen, 11:30 a.m.
May 12 — Conference at Bunker Hills, 9 a.m.
May 14 — Invitational at Oak Glen, 11 a.m.
May 16 — Quad at Bunker Hills, 7:45 a.m.
May 19 — Conference at Troy Burne, 10 a.m.
May 20 — Invitational at Victory Links, 9 a.m.
BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE VOLLEYBALL // BOYS
Boys volleyball is a new MSHSL sport this spring and White Bear Lake has a team, coached by Megan Danley, who played for Woodbury and has coached girls in Mankato and a club team.
Danley, a PE and DAPE teacher, said 28 boys made the team after tryouts, split evenly into varsity and junior varsity.“Thirteen of them played on the (club) team last year,” said Danley. “A couple others have found ways to just play for fun in the past.”
Danley said scrimmages are coming up to sort things out with regard to teams.
As for forming a new team, she said, “The volleyball aspect is the easy part. The challenging part is the organization and getting everything ready.
Thankfully, Brian Peloquin (activities director) has been awesome, helping me start as a
first year varsity coach.”
Schedule: April 3 — Woodbury, 6:30 p.m.
April 15 — at Roseville Area, 7 p.m.
April 17 — East Ridge, 6:30 p.m.
April 18 — North St. Paul, 6:30 p.m.
April 21 — Twin Cities Academy/ Great River, 6:30 p.m.
April 22 — at Irondale, 7 p.m.
April 24 — Stillwater, 6:30 p.m.
April 29 — at Woodbury, 7 p.m.
May 1 — Forest Lake, 6:30 p.m.
May 5 — Centennial, 6:30 p.m.
May 6 — at Cretin-Derham Hall, 7 p.m.
May 8 — Mounds View, 6:30 p.m.
May 13 — at Park, Cottage Grove, 7 p.m.
May 15 — at Hmong Academy, 5 p.m.
BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE TRACK & FIELD // GIRLS
“We’ve got a lot of talent returning this year,” coach Brianna Seibel said. “In these first few weeks, we’ve seen some promising young, new athletes, and in our first meet, we had a number of personal bests. The coaches are excited for what the season will hold.”
They have strong returning throwers in junior Karen Enow (state qualifier in discus and shot) and freshman Pearl Niemoja. The sprint group includes four members of a state-qualifying 4x200 team: seniors Lys-Aurele d’Almeida, Grace Bailey and Alyssa Hamlin and sophomore Maddie Compton.
Others back from last year’s section lineup are seniors Sophia Haley (sprints), Josie Mlejnek (high jump, pole vault), Grab Laszlo (800), Amelia Nachtscheim (hurdles), Amelia Ahrens (hurdles), Gabrielle Bohrer (sprints), and Grace Conroy (hurdles, long jump); juniors Grace Kaszlo (800), Lyka Johnson (sprints), Brooke Johnson (sprints), Brynn Heinsohn (800), Clara Blauer (800) and Lydia Moore (pole vault); sophomores Erika
Bailey was 29th in the state cross country meet and second in the section meet last fall.
Schedule:
April 1 — Invitational, home, 4 p.m.
April 8 — at Roseville Area, 3:30 p.m.
April 16 — at Mounds View, 3:45 p.m.
April 22 — Invitational, home, 4 p.m.
May 6 — at Eagan, 3 p.m.
May 20 & 22 — Suburban East meet, home, 3:45 p.m.
BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE GOLF // GIRLS
BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE GOLF // BOYS
Jack Stanius
Easton Miles
Most of a White Bear Lake team that was sixth in the conference and second in the section last season is back this spring.
Milhofer (1600), Vanessa Fyksen (jumps), Arianna Minor (high jump), Claire Jozwowsi (hurdles) and Khloe Pankonien (triple jump); and freshmen Logan Bailey (3200).
Karen Enow
SPRING 2025
BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE BASEBALL
Led by a half-dozen players set for college teams, White Bear Lake has a chance for a strong 2025 season. Most of last year’s 13-10 team returns.
“We are very solid across all levels. Strong pitching, depth at pitching,” acknowledged coach Ryan Fitzpatrick. “Experienced players at every position. We get to be very competitive in practice and this will make us very strong going into our season. We are contenders.”
The senior-heavy team includes catcher Blake Eckerle (committed to Utah), center fielder Evan Newlander (Concordia St-Paul), first baseman Kevin Zollinger (Winona State), second baseman Tyler Allshouse (Bethel), third baseman Jace Lombardi (Bethel), and shortstop Owen Farrington (Wisconsin-Superior).
Other returning lettermen are seniors Owen Mortimer (pitcher), Isaiah Weber (right field), and Jonny Wong (left field), and sophomores Jackson Kolb (pitcher) and Miles Oklobzija (outfield).
Eckerle, also a pitcher and outfielder, hit .444 with two homers and 14 RBI’s last year.
Schedule:
April 9 — East Ridge, 4:30 p.m. April 11 — at Roseville Area, 4:30
SPORTS PREVIEWS
SOFTBALL
pm.
April 14 — Woodbury, 4:30 p.m.
April 16 — Forest Lake, 4:30 p.m.
April 17 — at Stillwater, 4:30 p.m.
April 21 — Park , 4:30 p.m.
April 23 — at Cretin-Derham Hall, 4:30 p.m.
April 25 — Irondale , 4:30 p.m.
April 26 — Rochester Mayo, 11 a.m.
April 28 — Mounds View, 4:30 p.m.
May 2 — at East Ridge, 4:30 p.m.
May 5 — Roseville Area, 4:30 p.m.
May 7 — at Woodbury, 4:30 p.m.
May 9 — at Forest Lake, 4:30 p.m.
May 12 — Stillwater, 4:30 p.m.
May 14 — at Park, Cottage Grove, 4:30 p.m.
May 16 — Cretin-Derham Hall, 4:30 p.m.
May 17 — at Centennial, 10 a.m.
May 19 — at Irondale, 4:30 p.m.
White Bear Lake returns its ace hurler and four other starters from a 15-8 season, 12-6 in conference. Lily Martin, junior right-hander, pitched every inning as a rookie last year, posting a 1.68 ERA and 199 strikeouts in 125 innings.
Also back is her catcher, senior Aubrey Parker, junior outfielder Lauren Elias (who hit .387 with 11 runs), senior outfielder Maddy Belisle (.269, 16 runs), and junior outfielder Maddie Pearson (.295, 11 RBI’s). Martin and Elias were all-conference.
“We have a lot of leaders and great athletes on this team,” assessed coach Jill Renneke. “We should be strong in the circle, on defense and on offense. We should be contenders in our conference.”
Stepping into the lineup this year will be senior Kendall Kotzmacher (utility); junior Brynn Johnson (outfield); sophomores Lauren Simmons (infield), Aubrey Lund (infield), Kendall Roeser (infield), Anessa Pena (outfield), Allie Casemore (catcher), Peyton Kotaska (outfield) and Teagan
LAKE LACROSSE // GIRLS
Kotzmacher (outfield); and freshman Leila Otto (pitcher).
Schedule:
March 31 — at Park, 4:30 p.m.
April 2 — at Woodbury, 4:30 p.m.
April 4 — Stillwater, 4:30 p.m.
April 7 — Irondale, 4:30 p.m.
April 9 — Forest Lake, 4:30 p.m.
April 11 — Cretin-Derham Hall, 4:30 p.m.
April 14 — East Ridge, 4:30 p.m.
April 16 — at Roseville Area, 4:30 p.m.
April 17 — at Stillwater, 4:30 p.m.
April 21 — at Mounds View, 4:30 p.m.
April 23 — Park, 4:30 p.m.
April 25 — Woodbury, 4:30 p.m.
April 26 — at Stillwater, 4:30 p.m.
April 28 — at Stillwater, 4:30 p.m.
April 30 — at Irondale, 4:30 p.m.
May 2 — at East Ridge, 4:30 p.m.
May 5 — at Cretin-Derham Hall, 4:30 p.m.
May 7 — at Forest Lake, 4:30 p.m.
May 9 — Mounds View, 4:30 p.m.
May 12 — Mounds View, 4:30 p.m.
May 14 — Centennial, 4:30 p.m.
May 15 — Tartan, 4:30 p.m.
White Bear Lake has a good chance for a strong season as only six of 28 variety players last year were seniors on a team that was 9-7 overall and 6-3 in the conference. They are coached by Brandon Husak.
Their top scorer (Preston West) graduated. The next five are back: Ben Lockwood, senior attacker (28 goals, 20 assists); Finn Karni, senior midfielder (2713), Wyatt Raleigh, sophomore attacker (25-12), Charlie Woodcock, senior midfielder (23-5) and Gavin Hunt, junior attacker (9-8).
Others back who played in every game are senior midfielders Griffin Ziccardi and Isaiah Livers and long-stick mid Donovan Morris; junior defender Tanner Olsen; and sophomores Eli Lalonde (attack), Liam Maloy (mid), Adrian Eicher (defender),
Miles Perchman (defender), Owen Specker (mid) and Reid Vikstrom (goalkeeper).
Schedule: April 10 — at Hudson, 7 p.m. April 12 — Benilde-St. Margaret’s, 11:30 a.m, April 15 — at Roseville Area, 7 p.m.
April 17 — East Ridge, 7 p.m.
April 22 — at Ironclad, 7 p.m.
April 24 — Stillwater, 7 p.m.
April 29 — at Woodbury, 7 p.m.
It’s a start-over year for the Bears, who had 13 seniors last year, 11 of them four-year starters, on a team that was 5-4 in the conference. Coach Colleen Cameron thinks the next group shows promise.
“They were great mentors to the girls now filling their shoes,” coach Cameron said about the graduates, “but this year brings new opportunities for a refresh.”
Returning starters are seniors
Chloe Zender (defense) and Grace Castro (midfield), juniors Kylee Lehman (midfield) and Olivia Simpkins (attack), and freshman Rylan West (defender), who was an all-conference pick.
Cameron said she’s “really excited” about the opportunities for the new starters. That group includes juniors Georgia Wickland and Ava Maas (midfielders) and freshmen Ella Johnson (attack) and Macayla Helmberger (midfield).
“I think our defense will be a huge strength of ours,” the coach said,
“as well as our low-in-the-zone play.”
Schedule:
April 10 — at Mahtomedi, 7 p.m.
April 12 — at Hill-Murray, noon
April 15 — Roseville Area, 7 p.m.
April 17 — at East Ridge, 7 p.m.
April 21 — Irondale, 7 p.m.
April 24 — at Stillwater, 7 p.m.
April 29 — Woodbury, 7 p.m.
May 1 — at Forest Lake, 7 p.m.
May 6 — Cretin-Derham Hall, 7 p.m.
May 8 — at Mounds View, 7 p.m.
May 13 — Park, 7 p.m.
May 20 — art Edina, 7:30 p.m.
May 21 — Tartan, 7 p.m.
White Bear Lake has a good chance to be a conference contender this spring with a veteran squad coming off a 9-7 season when they placed fifth in the Suburban East. The Bears return three all-conference players and 10 lettermen.
“Since we are returning 90 percent of our lineup, including several all-conference selections, I hope to be near the top of the conference standings this season,” coach Paul Kolenich said.
All-SEC players back at 1-2-3 singles are seniors Will Fleming, Andrew Kolenich and Colton Knutson.
Also back are eighth-grader Brooks Peltier (4-singles), freshman Mason Moeller (1doubles), sophomore Asher Ludwig (2-doubles), and four more doubles players: senior Jack Fleming, juniors Joseph Karls and Keenan Griffin, and sophomore Chris Herr.
BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE TENNIS
Blake Eckerle
Lily Martin
Finn Karni
SPORTS PREVIEWS SPRING 2025
ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI BASEBALL
Coming off a state runner-up 22-5 season, Mahtomedi graduated most of last year’s starters, including four of their five all-conference players.
They’ll rebuild around Ethan Felling, senior left-handed pitcher and center fielder, an all-conference, all-state tournament and all-metro pick. He hit .419 with 28 RBI’s and 21 runs, and had a 4-0 pitching record and 0.85 ERA.
Also back from the state lineup is Andrew Sokoll, senior pitcher and infielder. Coach Robert Garry and his staff will be putting in a mostly new lineup.
Schedule:
April 7 — at North St. Paul, 4:30 p.m.
April 9 — Two Rivers, 4:30 p.m.
April 12 — Maple Grove, 11 a.m.
April 14 —at Hastings, 4:30 p.m.
April 16 — Simley, 4:30 p.m.
April 17 — at Hill-Murray, 4:30 p.m.
April 19 — Centennial, 11 a.m.
April 21 — St. Thomas Academy, 4:30 p.m.
April 23 — at Tartan, 4:30 p.m.
April 25 — South St. Paul, 4:30 p.m.
April 26 — Hudson, 11 a.m.
April 28 — North St. Paul, 4:30 p.m.
April 30 — at Two Rivers, 4:30 p.m.
May 3 — at Mankato West, 1 p.m.
May 5 — Hastings, 4:30 p.m.
May 7 — at Simley, 4:30 p.m.
May 9 — Hill-Murray, 4:30 p.m.
May 12 — at St. Thomas Academy, 4:30 p.m.
May 14 — Tartan, 4:30 p.m.
May 16 — at South St. Paul, 7 p.m.
ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI SOFTBALL
The Zephyrs, coached by Matt Robinson, were 7-17 last year, 3-11 in conference and 2-2 in the section.
Two of their top hitters are back: senior catcher/infielder Julia Ruzynski (.386) and senior pitcher/infielder Malia Erickson (.324). Erickson was the main pitcher.
Other returning starters are senior Cendall Kurr (third base, outfield); senior Annika Martin (outfield); and freshman Ava Sheppeck (catcher, infield, outfield).
Likely to step into the lineup are sophomores Maya Dahl (outfield) and Kristen Johnson (outfield, first base).
Schedule:
April 3 — North St. Paul, 4:30 p.m.
April 8 — Hastings, 4:30 p.m.
April 10 — South St. Paul, 4:30
p.m.
April 14 — at Visitation, 4:30 p.m.
April 15 — at Hill-Murray, 4:30 p.m.
April 17 — Two Rivers, 4:30 p.m.
April 19 — at St. Paul Highland Park, noon
April 21 — Totino-Grace, 4:30 p.m.
April 22 — at Simley, 4:30 p.m.
April 24 — at Tartan, 4:30 p.m.
April 25 — at South St. Paul, 4:30 p.m.
April 28 — at North St. Paul, 4:30 p.m.
April 30 — at Hastings, 4:30 p.m.
May 2 — at Duluth Denfeld, 4:30 p.m.
May 3 — at Duluth East, 11 a.m.
May 5 — Hill-Murray, 4:30 p.m.
May 7 — at Two Rivers, 4:30 p.m.
May 9 — Simley, 4:30 p.m.
May 13 — Tartan, 4:30 p.m.
May 14 — at Holy Angels, 4:30 p.m.
Led by all-stater Jacob Wilson, Mahtomedi has a good chance to capture a fifth consecutive Metro East title.
Wilson placed third in the state Class 3A meet last year. In the MEC, Wilson was individual champion and Thomas Meader ranked third. Both are seniors.
Others back from the team that won conference and placed third in Section 4AAA are seniors Tony Kurn and Karl Hochradel, junior Mark Graff, and sophomore Brooks Ashfield.
Also competing for varsity slots are senior Wyatt Mullaney, sophomores Malik Washington and Sean O’Connor and freshman Leo Miller.
“We should be in a good spot to compete for our fifth consecutive MEC title,” coach Jeff Poeschl said. He said Cretin-Derham Hall is the Section 4 favorite but “if we play well, I think we have a chance to put some pressure on, and maybe pull an upset.”
ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI TENNIS
Mahtomedi is coming off a 25-3 season in which they reached the state semifinals. Five of 10 starters graduated, and the Zephyrs have a new coach.
“We lost five seniors but retained a lot of younger talent, and a second-place finisher in the state,” said Ben Kula, who became coach after Aaron Freer stepped down. “We should still be contenders in both the conference and section.”
Brandon Pham was on doubles teams that placed second in state last year and third the year before.
Pham enters his senior year with a 111-15 record. Normally at 2-singles, he’ll move up to No. 1 this year. “Brandon comes in as likely the state’s No. 2 ranked player,” said Kula, “and will be a great strength at the top of our lineup.”
Seniors Zach Burge and Luke Roettger were all-conference along with Pham. Other lettermen back are seniors Max Milbrandt and John Aufderhar; juniors Eli Hendrickson, Collin Carlson, and Kento Kedrowski; and sophomores Gannon Hamen, Ethan Stout and Emmett See. A seventh-grader, Tyler Chesak, could crack the lineup.
Kula said there’s great depth which “will allow us flexibility to find out what lineups work best for us based on the opponents.”
Kula previously coached boys tennis at St. Paul Central and girls tennis at St. Paul Academy from 2019-2022.
Schedule:
April 8 — Hill-Murray, 4
at
17 — Tartan, 3:30
at
1 — at Rochester Mayo, 4:30
In addition to the experienced players back, Poeschl said that Washington, ineligible last year as a transfer, “should make our top four stronger,” Post said, “and positions 5-8 will be very competitive.”
Schedule:
April 9 — Invitational at Troy Burne, 9 a.m.
April 14 — Invitational at Hastings, 10 a.m.
April 23 — Conference at Emerald Greens, 12:30 p.m.
April 25-26 — Invitational at Eden Prairie, 7 a.m.
April 29 — Conference at Highland National, 1:30 p.m.
May 2-3 — Invitational at Majestic Oaks, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.
May 6 — Mid-Conference at Oak Glen, noon
May 12 — Invitational at White Bear Yacht
Brandon Pham
Julia Ruzynski
Ethan Felling
SPORTS PREVIEWS SPRING 2025
ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI GOLF // GIRLS
Mahtomedi could be a Top Ten team with five of their top six returning from the lineup that placed third in the Metro East Conference, won Section 4AAA and placed eighth in the state meet.
The veterans are seniors Audrey Carlson and Alayna Bartylla, juniors Lily Carlson and Lexie McGrane, and sophomore Reagan Juhl. Making all-MEC were Juhl (second place) and McGrane (sixth). At the section, Juhl was fourth, McGrane fifth and Carlson ninth. Juhl was 48th and McGrane 50th at state.
This group has “grown as players and leaders,” said coach Matt Huss. ”They have increased their potential and expectations through mental and physical growth as golfers.”
Challenging for varsity slots, he said, will be senior Indra Ramaley, sophomore Sailor Carlson, freshman Grace Moua,
and seventhgrader Rory Juhl.
Huss is delighted with the turnout of 37 players.
“Largest team we’ve ever had,” he said. The Metro East, he said, is very competitive, especially Hill-Murray and Two Rivers.
Schedule:
April 9 — vs. Simley at Oak Glen, 3 p.m.
April 10 — vs. North/Tartan at Oak Glen, 3 p.m.
April 15 — vs. Two Rivers at Oak Glen, 3 p.m.
April 17 — Conference at Emerald Greens, 3 p.m.
April 22 — vs. Hasting at Hidden Greens, 3 p.m.
April 28 — vs. Hill-Murray at Keller, 3 p.m.
April 29 — Mid-Conference at Oak Marsh, noon
May 7 — Conference at Loggers Trail, 3 p.m.
May 12 — vs. Hill-Murray and Two Rivers at Stillwater CC, 1 p.m.
May 13 — vs. South St. Paul at Southview, 3 p.m.
May 15 — Invitational at Bunker Hills, 11:30 a.m.
May 20 — Conference championships at Highland National, 9 a.m.
May 28 & 30 — Sectional at Goodrich
ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI LACROSSE // GIRLS
Mahtomedi should be a Metro East contender, led by three returning all-conference players from a 9-6 team that placed second in the conference.
They are goalie Addie Demars, defender Kimmy Ryan, and midfielder Annie Tanner, all seniors. Three of the top four scorers are back (goals-assistspoints): Tanner (42-16-58), junior Brooklyn Kragness (20-1636) and senior Reese Saenger (11-8-19). DeMars had a .529 save percentage.
“We are hoping to build on what we’ve implemented the past few seasons,” coach Ann Burns said, “and come out of the gate strong and ready to compete.”
Schedule:
April 10 — White Bear Lake, 7 p.m.
April 16 — St. Croix Prep, 7 p.m.
April 21 — Hudson, 7 p.m.
April 25 — Hastings, 7 p.m.
April 29 — at Simley, 7 p.m.
May 2 — at Tartan/North St. Paul, 6 p.m.
May 6 — at St. Paul/Two Rivers, 7 p.m.
May 9 — Hill-Murray, 7 p.m.
May 12 — at Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper, 7 p.m.
May 15 — at Roseville Area, 7 p.m.
May 17 — at Hermantown/ Proctor, 12:30 p.m.
May 20 —at Cretin-Derham Hall, 7 p.m.
May 22 — Mahtomedi, 7 p.m.
ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI LACROSSE // BOYS
EVAN HEINSCH
Mahtomedi returns three of four all-conference players from the 2024 team that was 4-1 in the Metro East and 6-9 overall.
The are midfielders Gunnar Sellman and Ned Whitney and defender Hank Roelofs. Also back is Sam Churchill, an allmetro pick at face-off specialist. All are seniors. “I expect Sam Churchill to be among the state’s best in save percentage,” coach Mike Narow said.
Other returning players are seniors Connor Gray, Miles Poppelman, Jackson Bossert, Frankie Lombardi, Oskar Magnusson, Sam Knapp, Mason Peterson and Landon Kruse; juniors Seth Erickson and Julian Cisek; and sophomore James Theuninck.
The goalies will be senior Jack Stefan and freshman Koen Veenis.
“We have a very experienced senior class who have played together in our program for many years,” Narow assessed.
“We expect to be competing for the section championship for a chance to go to state. We are excited to have another tough schedule this year including continuing our battle with White Bear Lake.”
Eight players have committed to college teams: Churchill and Magnusson to Bellarmine, Kruse to Detroit Mercy, Roelofs to Maryville, Lombardi at Montevallo, Gray to St. John Fisher and Ethan Sockalosky to Aurora.
Schedule:
April 12 — Maple Grove, 9:30 a.m.
April 17 — at Eagan, 6:30 p.m.
April 24 — New Prague, 7 p.m.
April 25 — at Hastings, 7 p.m.
April 29 — Simley, 7 p.m.
April 30 — St. Thomas Academy, 7 p.m.
May 2 — Hudson, 7 p.m.
May 6 — St. Paul/Two Rivers, 7 p.m.
May 9 — at Hill-Murray, 7 p.m.
May 13 — Duluth, 7 p.m.
May 15 — at White Bear Lake, 7 p.m.
May 20 — at Mounds View, 7 p.m.
May 22 — at Wayzata, 5:30 p.m.
Mahtomedi’s track-andfield squad has over 100 athletes including 18 seniors, and eight who qualified for the state meet last year.
Jodie Tester is the head coach for both the boys and girls.
“Coaches are excited about the talent they are seeing from the athletes in the first two weeks,” Tester said, “and looking forward to an awesome season.”
The boys were Section 4AA champions last year, with most of the
coming from seniors, and fourth in the Metro East. The girls were second in the section and fourth in the conference.
Returning athletes who medaled in individual events at state are junior Andrew Russell, second in high jump; Harlow Berger, third in shot put; senior Kaili Malvey, sixth in long jump; and senior Olivia Thiele, sixth in the 400. Malvey also excels in triple jump and hurdles. Thiele runs all the sprints.
Isabel Vipond (hurdles), Jacqueline Worden (throws) and Natalie Jackson (throws).
Schedule:
April 3 — at St. Thomas Academy (also South St. Paul), 4 p.m.
April 10 — at Hastings (also Two Rivers), 4 p.m.
April 15 — Mahtomedi Invitational, 4 p.m. April 22 — Metro East meet, home, 4 p.m. April 30 — White Bear Lake Invitational,
4 p.m.
May 1 — at Tartan (also Hill-Murray), 4 p.m.
May 6 — Section true-team at Forest Lake, 3 p.m.
May 13 —Metro East meet at Tartan, 3 p.m.
May 17 — St. Francis Invitational, 10 a.m.
May 20 & 22— Metro East championships at Two River, 3 p.m.
May 28 & 30 — section at St. Anthony Village
points
Others back who scored points last season are Evan Caron (800), Gavin Kruse (sprints), Gabby Fox (distance),
ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI TRACK & FIELD
Harlow Berger
Addie Demars
Audrey Carlson
Sam Churchill
BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED
| CONTRIBUTED
WHITE BEAR LAKE
a $25 gift card to Jimmy Johns. Congratulations to the 2nd runner up, Tonia Roemer who received a $25 gift card to Jimmy Johns.
Congratulations to the 3rd runner up, Andi Galvin who received a chicken dinner from the Blacksmith Lounge. Congratulations to the 4th runner up, Peter Schmit who
EASTER WORSHIP
EASTER MASSES
Holy Thursday, April 6
The Lord’s Supper 7:00 pm (with incense)
Good Friday, April 7
Veneration of the Cross 7:00 pm
Holy Saturday, April 8 Easter Vigil Mass 8:00 pm (with incense)
Easter Sunday, April 9 Mass 9:00 am (with incense)
April 13, Palm Sunday - 10 AM April 17, Maundy Thursday - 7 PM
At Christ the Servant
April 18, Good Friday - Noon & 7 PM April 20, Easter Sunday - 9 & 10:30 AM
3676 Centerville Rd Vadnais Heights | cslcvh.org
In partnership with Lakeview Lutheran Church | 1194 County Rd C E
Christ is Risen!!
Come celebrate the Good News
Palm Sunday, April 13: worship at 10:15 am
Maundy Thursday, April 17: Tenebrae service at 6:45 pm Easter, April 20: Youth Fundraiser Egg Bake 9 to 10 am
Kids Easter Egg Hunt 9 to 9:15 am
Worship at 10:15 am
Drinking water site sample volunteers needed
White Bear Township is updating a sampling program to test for lead/copper in drinking water and is looking for volunteers to collect samples at their residence or business. There is no cost to have water tested by an accredited laboratory, and results will be shared with participants.
The sampling helps make sure drinking water is safe and meets the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) requirements for lead and copper.
Expectations for volunteers can be found on the township website, ci.white-bear-township.mn.us/ CivicAlerts.aspx. The website also includes a link to the drinking water sample site volunteer questionnaire.
Call 651-747-2775 with questions about the program. WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP BRIEF
DOWNTOWN TREES: Should they stay or should they go?
The City Council has already directed city staff to order the plans and specifications for the downtown parking lot reconstruction project this year. Four parking lots are proposed to be included in the project, including Lot 1 (Third Street and Banning Avenue), Lot 2 (Fifth Street and Banning Avenue), Lot 3 (Fifth Street and Cook Avenue) and Lot 4 (Fifth Street and Cook Avenue). (See “White Bear Lake City Council moves forward with parking lot project” March 26.)
The second letter details that a professional arborist from Rainbow Treecare found that the three trees in the center of the parking lot were good candidates for preservation.
For Christians, Lent is a season of solemnity, where people practice self-denial and atonement.
Lent is the period leading up to Easter when Christians commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
So how do fish fries at local restaurants, Legions and VFWs 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.
Based on a preliminary review, the revised layout for Lot 2 would gain approximately 15 stalls but would require the removal of four mature oak trees. The city’s Environmental Advisory Commission has sent the council two letters regarding the benefit the trees provide and the concern for their removal.
One of those letters reads in part, “These oaks show no signs of imminent death, are an asset to the community and have been protected for generations.”
“They are very much alive and have developed good buds leading into the 2025 growing season,” the letter reads in part. The fourth tree immediately behind Ace Hardware is in a state of decline, likely due to the restricted root zone and the drought. The Environmental Advisory Commission asked the council to preserve the three healthy trees.
Council Member Bill Walsh wanted to know if the public hearing would interfere with the schedule that is already in motion. Public Works Director/ City Engineer Paul Kauppi said even though it is “a tight schedule” there is time to allow for the public hearing.
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. 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.
This year’s Lenten season will begin Wednesday, March 5, and last until Thursday, April 17.
“We did factor into the schedule to review preliminary plans to review the ACE parking lot and some options,” Kauppi explained. “We can continue to move forward with the plans and can adjust if the council gives us a different direction April 8.”
Fish fries are also a way to
decision to preserve or remove the trees has yet to be decided. “More information is needed to decide on which trees stay or go, and (the council) did not make a decision to remove them,” clarified City Manager Lindy Crawford.
Fish Fry: Who will be the best?
If the council decides it wants to preserve the trees, Kauppi said that lot would stay the way it is today with perhaps the addition of one or two parking stalls and some modifications to improve flow.
Council Member Diane Hughes asked city staff to bring information about the horticulturist’s findings on the trees in question to the public hearing discussion.
Council Member Kevin Edberg questioned whether the public hearing discussion would be limited to the specific trees that may be impacted by the downtown parking lot construction, or if it could be a broader discussion on trees throughout the entire city.
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.
It should be noted that the
Proximity to freshwater lakes means that a fish fry might feature fresh walleye, bass, perch, bluegill
followed by Blacksmith Lounge & Broaster and Cabin 61 as finalists.
In the Shoreview market, Cabin 61 earned the Best Fish Fry title and Welsch’s Big Ten Tavern and Oliver’s were finalists.
“We have had a whole lot of individual topics that might all fall under the topic of urban forestry …” Edberg said. “Is this an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, get a bunch of conversations going
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
on tree-related topics that inform us how we think about all this other stuff?” West said that although she thought that would be a valuable conversation to have, she was concerned it might “muddy” the concerns for the trees in that parking lot. Crawford assured there would be more opportunities for public comment when it comes to trees and boulevard
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.
trees down the road once that ordinance language is drafted. Following the public hearing April 8, the council will review preliminary plans in April and likely approve plans and specifications at the end of May.
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.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@ presspubs.com.
Try a local
ERIK SUCHY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the mature trees downtown near lot 2 (Fifth Street and Banning Avenue) April 8.
14 WHITE BEAR PRESS
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of White Bear Lake will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 4701 Highway 61 N. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public comment regarding the possible removal of trees located in the 5th Street/Banning Avenue parking lot during reconstruction of downtown city-owned parking lots. All persons who desire to be heard on the matter will be given the opportunity at the April 8 meeting, or people may submit written comment to clerk@whitebearlake.org.
Caley Longendyke, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 2, 2025. INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 832 MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115
MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Mahtomedi Public Schools was held February 24, 2025 beginning at 7:00 PM.- CALL TO ORDERMeeting was called to order by Chair Stacey Stout at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE- Present: Ryan Domin, Paul Donna, Jenny Peterson, Kelly Reagan, Stacey Stout and Drew Whitson APPROVAL OF THE AGENDADonna motioned, Domin seconded, Approval of the Agenda. Carried 6-0. ACTION ITEMS – A.) Approval of Donations/Grants from February 2025 Totaling $4482.19. Reagan motioned; Donna seconded; Approval of Donations/Grants from February 2025 Totaling $4482.12. B.) Approval of 2025 – 2026 Budget Reductions and Adjustments-Superintendent Duffrin began the discussion of the proposed Budget Reductions and Adjustments for FY 2025-2026, reminding the board that the budget cuts have been discussed in the past few meetings. The PowerPoint shown tonight is relatively the same as the one shown at the Study Session on February 10, 2025, with a few adjustments from the feedback received. Duffrin explained that the school board had some options in the study session, and the input is to take action from these options. Duffrin reminded the school board, that they are facing a challenging budget and have made 700,000 reductions this year for 2024/2025, prior to these next adjustments as Mahtomedi is estimating two million in budget cuts for 2025/2026. Donna motioned, Whitson seconded; Approval of 2025 – 2026 Budget Reductions and Adjustments. Carried 6-0. ADJOURNMENT - Reagan motioned; Peterson seconded; Adjournment. Carried 6-0. Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Submitted by Kelly Reagan, Clerk. A full version of the minutes are available at www.mahtomedi.k12. mn.us. Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 2, 2025.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.
832
MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115
MINUTES MARCH 17, 2025
A Study Session of the Board of Education of Mahtomedi Public Schools was held March 17, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM.- CALL TO ORDERMeeting was called to order by Chair Stacey Stout at 6:00 p.m.ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE- Present: Present: Ryan Domin, Jenny Peterson, Kelly Reagan, Stacey Stout and Drew Whitson. Also present: Peter Leatherman; Morris Leatherman Research Company; Artemis Ettsen, Wold Architects & Engineers; Barb Duffrin, Superintendent; Alice Seuffert, Director of Communications; Jennifer Reichel, Director of Teaching and Learning; Jennifer Reichel, Director of Teaching and Learning; and Leslie Lovas, Executive Assistant to Superintendent & School Board. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDADomin motioned, Peterson seconded, Approval of Agenda. Carried 5-0. Paul Donna entered the meeting at 6:02 p.m. DISCUSSION/INFORMATION ITEMS – A.) Stacey Stout reviewed the School Board Calendar meeting schedule for 2025- 2026. The dates have remained almost the same, and additional meetings will be added as needed. Vice Chair/Clerk Kelly Reagan indicated that the Monday meetings conflicted with her work schedule and that she would like to have a future conversation regarding the Monday change. Chair Stacey Stout motioned for a recess at 6:06 p.m. The meeting was called to order at 6:17 p.m. B.) Residential Survey. Peter Leatherman, from the Morris Leatherman Research Company, presented the results of the residential survey to the school board. Leatherman began the discussion with the survey methodology and purpose, including the survey’s dates, the 500 randomly sampled residents, the average time of each call, and other data. C.) Facilities Plan Review. Artemis Ettsen, from Wold Architects & Engineers, updated the school board on the long-range plan for facilities. Ettsen began with Phase 1, including District-wide Safety and Security and High School Arts, Athletics, and Agency. Phase II would lean on a Public-Private Partnership for Academic and Community-use space. Ettsen advised the school board that in the Phase 1 request, they would ask voters to consider a $25-$30 million request on November 4, 2025, to assist in rebuilding the aging infrastructure and upgrade the Safety and Security of the buildings, athletics, modernization, arts, ADA access and air quality/fire alarms. ADJOURNMENT - Domin motioned, Whitson seconded, adjournment. Carried 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Submitted by Kelly Reagan, Clerk. A full version of the minutes are available at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us.
Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 2, 2025.
MICHALSKI STEEL, INC.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF INTENT TO DISSOLVE Michalski Steel, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the “Corporation”), does hereby submit the following Notice to Creditors and Claimants of Intent to Dissolve pursuant to Section 302A.727 of the Minnesota Statutes:
1. The Corporation is in the process of dissolving.
2. The Corporation filed a Notice of Intent to Dissolve with the Minnesota Secretary of State on March 20, 2025.
3. The address to which written claims against the Corporation must be sent is: Michalski Steel, Inc. c/o Insitu Law, PLC, Attention: Daniel J.S. Becker, Esquire, 60 S. 6th St., Suite 2800, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
4. The date by which all claims must be received is July 1, 2025.
5. Any claim not received by the deadline will be barred. Executed as of the 21st day of March, 2025.
MICHALSKI STEEL, INC.
By: /s/ Gary Michalski, CEO
Published four times in the White Bear Press on April 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2025.
US STORAGE CENTERS – WHITE BEAR NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE SALE
Please take notice US Storage Centers – White Bear located at 1828 Buerkle Road White Bear, MN 55110 intends to hold an auction of storage units in default of payment. The sale will occur as an online auction via www. storagetreasures.com on 4/16/2025 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Breana Legg; Deborah Busse; Brittney Randolph; Mike Goede; Charles Jerde; Sarah Emerson; Deadonna Isaac. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 26 and April 2, 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: Talent Workz
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2537 Eagle Trace Ln
Saint Paul MN 55129
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.
Parris DeAndre Jones
2537 Eagle Trace Ln
Saint Paul MN 55129
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: March 17, 2025
Signed: Parris DeAndre Jones
Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 2 and 9, 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:
Skyfire Technologies
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:
5443 FEATHER CT, WHITE BEAR LAKE MN 55110
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.
Norseman Trading Company LLC
5443 FEATHER CT, WHITE BEAR LAKE MN 55110
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: March 13, 2025
Signed: Charles Brandt
Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 26 and April 2, 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:
Integrative Services
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 1235 LARPENTEUR AVE W ROSEVILLE 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.
Vetcor of Minnesota LLC
141 LONGWATER DR STE 108 NORWELL MA 02061
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: March 14, 2025
Signed: Stephanie Barbieri
Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 26 and April 2, 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: St. Francis Animal Hospital
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 1227 LARPENTEUR AVE W ROSEVILLE 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.
Vetcor of Minnesota LLC 141 LONGWATER DR STE 108 NORWELL MA 02061
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: March 14, 2025
Signed: Stephanie Barbieri
Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 26 and April 2, 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: Northland Sheds
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2712 Snowdrift Cir E, Maplewood, MN 55119
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.
Biskey Builders LLC 2712 Snowdrift Cir E, Maplewood, MN 55119
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: March 14, 2025
Signed: Kurt Biskey
Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 26 and April 2, 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: insaneCookies.us
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2775 Lexington Ave N, Apt 104 Roseville, 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. Reliance LLC
2775 Lexington Ave N, Apt 104 Roseville, 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: March 17, 2025
Signed: Anuja Dilip Sarate Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 26 and April 2, 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: Transwest Trucks Lauderdale
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2500 BROADWAY DR LAUDERDALE 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. Boyer Ford Trucks Inc 4631 ODESSA AVE NE SAINT MICHAEL MN 55376
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: March 6, 2025
Signed: Derick Guilbault Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 26 and April 2, 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: La Guadalupana Supermercado
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 178 Cesar Chavez St Saint Paul MN 55107
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.
ACM Business Group, Inc 18202 Minnetonka Boulevard 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: March 16, 2025
Signed: Alexander Pina Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 2 and 9, 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: Fort Road Cannabis
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 899 RANDOLPH AVE SAINT PAUL MN 55102 USA
3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business
I
I
by
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: March 5, 2025
Signed: Ryan Springstead Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 2 and 9, 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
The
and
Assumed Name,
address of
corporation that may be conducting this business. NORDHAVEN LLC 1937 County Road E East White Bear Lake MN 55110
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: March 21, 2025
Signed: Andrew D Reuss Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 2 and 9, 2025.
OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE
CERTIFICATE OF EXISTANCE AND REGISTRATION
I, Steve Simon, Secretary of State of Minnesota, do certify that: The entity listed below has been filed under the chapter of Minnesota Statutes listed below with the office of the Secretary of State on the date listed below and that this entity or filing is registered at the time this certificate has been issued.
Name: Stone & Oak
Date Filed: 11/22/2024
File Number: 1513961000033 Minnesota Statutes, Chapter: 333 Home Jurisdiction: Minnesota This certificate has been issued on: 03/19/2025 Steve Simon, Secretary of State, State of Minnesota Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 2 and 9, 2025.
CLERK’S CORNER – Greetings from the Township! In case you missed it, the Township hosted its annual statutorily required Annual meeting on March 11. One of the unique characteristics of a Minnesota Township is the direct contributions & impacts our residents have on the budgeting process, & at this meeting as well as the final budget & levy meeting the first Tuesday in December, that right is exercised. The 2025 budget under which we are now operating put the Township at the second lowest tax rate in all of Ramsey County. Our elected officials, staff, & advisory boards are very proud that we were able to achieve this standing despite significant financial impediments & need. That being said, your tax dollars will be at work again this spring, summer, & fall as we continue our 10-year street management program to solidify our status as a highly desirable place to live in a very competitive
market. Keep your eye on the Township’s website for ongoing updates on how your neighborhood is impacted throughout the 2025 building season.
TOWNSHIP’S ANNUAL MEETING REVIEW – White Bear Township held its Annual Town Meeting on March 11. The Annual Town Meeting is where residents in attendance vote to approve a resident to moderate the meeting, the previous year’s meeting minutes, meeting agenda, & preliminary property tax levy. This year’s meeting was again moderated by Bob Kermes & had approximately 22 residents in attendance. Representatives from the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office & Sheriff’s Office were also in attendance as well as Senator Gustafson & County Commissioner Jebens-Singh. Residents received an update on the Town’s finances from the Town Finance Officer, Tom Kelly, after which
• Lakeshore Players Inc. plans to host a fundraiser gala on May 15. The nonprofit organization has been granted a temporary liquor license for the event.
• Midwest Ski Otters will pick up a second charitable gambling location. The Midwest Ski Otters will now conduct charitable gambling at Cabin 61 and Washington Square Bar & Grill, after the Lions Club discontinued its charitable gambling at Washington Square.
• A public hearing on the city’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) has been scheduled for the April 22 council meeting. The city maintains a SWPPP, which is required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for its municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) general permit. The goal of the SWPPP is to improve the quality of the stormwater runoff discharged from the city’s storm sewer system. The SWPPP describes how the city proposes to accomplish improved stormwater quality through implementation of six minimum control measures (MCM’s) that are required by the MPCA.
• The city will use Community Development Block (CDBG) grant funding (not to exceed ($183,000) to modernize and repair the elevator in Pioneer Manor, located at 2225 Sixth St. The elevator in Pioneer Manor is original to the building, which was built in 1993. Generally, elevators have a useful life span of 20-25 years before they require major updates. In addition to proactively modernizing the system, the project allows for the repair of the piston and jack assembly, which will ensure the elevator’s ongoing functionality.
• The White Bear Lake Lions club has donated to the police department for an indoor drone (DJI Avata). Police Chief Dale Hager explained that the two drones the department currently uses are for outdoor use only. “These drones are smaller and designed to get into tight spaces,” he said.
Hager added that the department recently had a serious situation where it had to send in one of its officers, and everything turned out okay, but the department could have deployed an indoor drone to ensure it was safe before the officer entered. The drone is currently on backorder.
• Ramsey County Commissioners Mai Chong Xiong
they approved a 2026 preliminary property tax levy of $7,307,500. The 2025 Annual Town Meeting can be viewed on the Town’s website.
COMPOST BINS & RAIN BARRELS
ARE NOW ON SALE – The Recycling Association of Minnesota is selling compost bins for $80 +tax & rain barrels for $100 +tax. Ramsey County residents can receive a $20 discount on the compost bins by ordering online at RecycleMinnesota.org & entering promo code “RAMSEY.” Pick up your preordered items on Saturday, May 3 at the Ramsey County Environmental Center in Roseville. Quantities are limited, so act fast!
STOP WATER POO-LLUTION! Always pick up after your dog & put their waste in the trash. Pet waste, even in small amounts, contains water pollutants like E. coli & phosphorus. When left on the ground,
(District 7) and Kelly Miller (District 6) along with Josh Olson, Ramsey County director of community development, recently visited the council to request the city’s support for a statutory change to expand use of the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to include Economic Development Authority (EDA) powers.
Olson explained that the change would clarify eligible uses within the HRA while giving cities the option to opt in or opt out. A city that chooses to opt in will receive the greatest flexibility of eligible programming. In addition to the current portfolio of affordable housing and redevelopment programming, business programming will be provided. A city that chooses to opt out will continue to receive the current portfolio of affordable housing and redevelopment programming.
Council Member Bill Walsh questioned why a city would want to opt out. “It is just an available resource,” he said. Council Member Kevin Edberg agreed. “It is an option that we have, and I don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t want to take advantage of it.”
Crawford added, “It is a great opportunity for a partnership and services that we really can’t offer at a city level. We have one economic development and housing coordinator.”
The council ultimately approved a memorandum of understanding in support of Ramsey County’s efforts.
• The city sent out over 400 letters to property owners around the high school campus requesting feedback on proposed parking changes. Public Works Director/City Engineer Paul Kauppi said the city received approximately 40 comments from people, most of them inquiring about what permit parking would entail. “Overall, the project was very well received,” he said.
The city is moving forward with the proposed changes, and will make one additional change, per resident request.
Parking restrictions will include:
• No parking along the south side of Garden Lane
• No parking along both sides of Bald Eagle
pet waste can wash into streets & Flow into our local lakes & streams. To help promote proper disposal of pet waste, Dogi
Pot pet waste stations have been installed throughout the Town for resident use.
SPRING STREET SWEEPING & HYDRANT FLUSHING TO BEGIN –Within the next few weeks, spring street sweeping will begin, & operations should take 2.5 – 3 days to complete depending on weather & if there are no equipment issues. Once street sweeping is completed, Public Works staff will begin the spring hydrant flushing which should take 7 – 10 days to complete. Some residents may experience discoloration in the water. Residents can open their lowest level faucet to clear the line. It is not advisable to wash clothes if the water is discolored.
Avenue (from Ninth Street to the city’s northern border)
• Removal of the parking restrictions on 12th Street, which will change to permit parking.
Resident-only permit parking will be implemented on Garden Lane, 11th Street, 10th Street, Walnut Street, 12th Street and Campbell Circle. Permit parking will no longer be necessary in the city code for former South Campus (Mariner Middle School).
City staff are working on amendments to the parking ordinance and will bring that back to the council this summer for adoption. The city will need to request that Ramsey County eliminate parking along the portion of Bald Eagle Avenue that is under county jurisdiction (9th Street to northern city limit). The city will also ask the county to evaluate the intersection of Ninth Street and Bald Eagle to determine whether a stop sign is warranted as well as street lighting and pedestrian crossings.
• The council recently held a closed session, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.05, Subd. 3(b)), regarding active litigation (city of White Bear Lake vs. The Estate of Thomas C. Schumann and Jacon LLC) and potential litigation (fire service contract dispute with White Bear Township). The council tabled the settlement agreement with Schumann/Jacon.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at City Hall.
your local board of appeals and equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to your county board of appeal and equalization. For more information, call the Washington County Assessor’s office at 651-430-6175. Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 2, 2025.
CITY OF GEM LAKE RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON MS4 PROGRAM
March 27, 2025
The Gem Lake City Council will discuss the MS4 Program. The MS4 Program regulates stormwater runoff in the City of Gem Lake. There will be a
Shannon Granholm
WHITE BEAR LAKE CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
Permit parking will be added to Campbell Circle.
Volunteers help facilitate Friday fish fries
Above: Volunteers Mark, Brian and Shelly keep the food line moving during a recent St. Pius X Lenten Fish Fry event in White Bear Lake. They were among the dozens of volunteers who helped serve more than 800 meals — consisting of fried and baked fish and a variety of side dishes and desserts — during the popular seasonal ritual leading up to Easter. The last of three installments of the event, a winner in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Best of the Press contest in the Best Church Dinner category, is scheduled for Friday, April 11. Find more information at churchofstpiusx.org/spxfishfry.
A St. Pius X volunteer strikes a pose during cleanup duties.
Above: A sign outside the Church of St. Genevieve welcomes visitors during a recent St. John’s Men’s Club Fish Fry in Hugo. The fish fries are Fridays from 4:307:30, and continue through April 11. Volunteer Tim Rudy, at left, drops a batch of hot, freshly cooked fish fillets on a platter.
Response to letter
To answer Tom Nitti’s letter of concern that veterans’ benefits will be cut hard.
First of all, I’ve talked with people who know how Congress works. Benefit compensation levels are set by Congress in each year’s budget and that is something that won’t change.
Second, the Trump administration’s main focus is to cut waste, fraud and abuse in every bureaucracy, including the VA.
Third, equipment expenses will be cut next, following some personnel cuts.
Fourth, the likelihood of
cutting veterans’ benefits is slim. Trump knows how unpopular that would be! I hope this knowledge will calm the nerves of our vets.
Fran Knothe White Bear Township
Keep the oaks
When I read in the White Bear Press that the city is contracting to cut down the oak trees in the parking lot behind the hardware store, the following lyrics popped into my head. It is from Big Yellow Taxi,
by
Joni Mitchell. The line goes, “They paved paradise and put in a parking lot.” The line may not exactly square with the city’s proposal to expand the parking lot by cutting down the oaks and replacing them with smaller trees. But the line led me to wonder once again how we balance out the opposing needs of humans for sustenance and serenity. All too often, the balance tends to favor business interests, especially when financial gain is at stake.
The oaks in the current parking lot were put there many years ago. I like to think that whoever planted them had
in their heart a wish to prepare a place for future generations to sequester and contemplate a majesty that suggests our place in something larger than the crankling hops of our daily race. They impart a sense of permanence, perseverance, and resilience. Keep the oaks and you keep a place in which to expand our capacity for wonder. Have imaginations become so impoverished that other solutions cannot be found? The trees are at once a hope and a history much more meaningful than faded photographs that draw us into the pathos of lost time.
I find it strange and sad that the oaks are planned to be taken down for consideration of a few parking places. I know I would feel their absence profoundly for the spurn of a gift from the hopes of generations past. As the oaks stand, let that hope prevail. Let us acknowledge that hope and send it forward as a signal to future generations that we saw beyond the fray.
Have confidence in your financial strategy
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FRASSATI CATHOLIC ACADEMY: Enters new decade ‘quite strong’
metro area through a regional school.
“Frassati is not identical to or a continuation of Saint Mary's or St. Pius. We are our own separate entity,” Butler explained. “There is a real joy in seeing your child grow and letting the child grow. There are great attributes from the community of Saint Mary's, and there are different great attributes from the community of St. Pius. I like to see Frassati as taking what's great from both communities. Like a child, a child has a little bit of mom and a little bit of dad.”
For the 2014-2015 school year, 253 students enrolled.
Brenda Barrett taught at St. Pius for about eight years before reapplying and reinterviewing for a position at Frassati. Over the years she has taught all of the grades a variety of subjects, but she currently teaches Spanish (grades 3-8) and art (grades 5-8).
“I remember teaching a seventh grade class that had 27 kids,” Barrett recalled of the years right after the merge. Now, the average class size is around 15.
In addition to then managing the larger class sizes than teachers were used to, Barrett said it was also a learning curve for the teachers from the two different schools.
IF YOU GO
TO THE HEIGHTS GALA
When: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, April 4
Where: Dellwood Country Club, 29 East Highway 96
Details: The evening will be dedicated to supporting Frassati Catholic Academy and its mission to foster a nurturing environment where students can flourish academically and spiritually. The elegant night will include northern Italian cuisine, live and silent auctions, and celebration. For more information, or tickets, visit https://frassatiwbl.org/to-the-heights-gala.
DID YOU KNOW
“You would think … everybody's kind of the same, but the culture was a little bit different in the two parishes. So, there were some growing pains as people tried to get used to just being one school,” she explained.
The school has also shifted its academic focus over the years.
“When the school started, I think STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) was really hot. We were a STEM school, and we really focused on that,” Barrett recalled. “Not that we don't (focus on that anymore). Our kids have technology; our kids have science; our kids have math … but the focus has changed.”
One thing that hasn’t changed, Barrett says, is a commitment to a Catholic education. “There has always been an emphasis on the values of a Catholic school; there has always been an emphasis on treating each other well,” she said.
Since Frassati’s inception, there have been two principals and one interim principal.
Like other Catholic schools around the country, Frassati saw a historic uptick in enrollment during the pandemic, as Catholic schools remained open while many public schools transitioned to online learning. In 2020, enrollment was at 205 students, followed by 243 in 2021, 270 in 2022 and 254 in 2023.
This school year, enrollment is just under 200 students. Butler says students come from White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Hugo, Lino Lakes, North Oaks and other northeast metro suburbs. “As a regional school, we are not limited by the boundaries of the parishes,” he said, adding that he hopes to see more students from Lino Lakes and Hugo as the cities continue to develop.
Pier Giorgio Frassati was a joyful spirit who loved the outdoors, especially mountain climbing. He dedicated much of his spare time to taking care of the poor and the sick. In 1925, Frassati died of polio at the age of 24.
“We are coming of age …” Butler said. “Part of that coming of age is showing up on the map. I think we have an opportunity to make our presence known.”
The school will celebrate its 10th anniversary at the “To the Heights Gala” scheduled for April 4 (see pullout box for more information).
This summer, the celebration will continue as Pier Giorgio Frassati, whom the school is named after, is canonized (officially declared a saint) by Pope Francis on Aug. 3. A group of about 40 people will travel to Rome for the occasion. Butler will go and Barrett hopes to go too.
Butler said many schools never get to experience their namesake being declared a saint. “This is a huge deal,” he said.
Looking ahead to the next decade, Butler says Frassati is “poised for something beautiful.” “(A transition) is never super easy. I think the fact that we have weathered the storm of transition. We have weathered the storm of COVID and the difficulties that followed. We are entering into this new decade quite strong.”
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
White Bear Lake Area Church Directory
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED Frassati is located along Bald Eagle Avenue in White Bear Lake.
St. Mary of the Lake was in operation from 1914 until 2014 when it merged with St. Pius X to become Frassati Catholic Academy.
Find letters inspiring
I was inspired to write this letter by the thoughtful, intelligent letters to the editor I read in the March 19 White Bear Press. Thank you, Ross Culverhouse, for pointing out that we taxpayers are being scammed by the GOP tax plan. Trump, Musk, and their rich friends will benefit from $4.5 trillion in tax cuts while we, the public, pay the principal. If we have to pay off this government loan by paying taxes, Mr. Culverhouse points out, we should each receive the principal or a tax refund of $13,500. Mr. Culverhouse cautions us to wake up. You did wake me up.
Jeff Luxford touched me also with his letter about cutting down the four trees that were preserved downtown at 5th and Banning to create 4/5 more parking spaces. Shortsighted. These trees are one hundred years old. Respect your elders! With some planning, I believe we can keep the trees and add some parking. I often park in White Bear and enjoy walking around the downtown. One of the reasons I chose to move to White Bear Lake was the natural beauty of the city. Even the downtown has trees and plants that enhance the beauty of this area. I find more beauty in trees than in parking spots. Just me. It took over a hundred years for these trees to grow. One day to remove them? Really? Are we not already losing too many ash trees to the emerald borer? Elms to disease? Jeff, with you. Amy Varner thoughtfully pointed out that protestors of Elon Musk defacing and painting Teslas are labeled “domestic terrorists” by Donald Trump. However, those who attacked our capital on Jan. 6 killing a Capitol police officer and 3 others, and wounding another 150 Capitol personnel, and were erecting gallows to hang the vice president were
pardoned for their “patriotism?” The contradiction here is baffling and wrong. No matter what side of the aisle you claim.
Finally, I applaud veteran Dick Ottman’s letter reprimanding Secretary of Veteran Affairs Collins for cutting $2 billion of medical services for veterans. Money that is used for doctors, cancer treatment, surgeries, psychological, emotional, physical traumas, and more. Disrespectful of those who have, do, and will serve.
Kudos to the White Bear Press for printing these letters. I will renew my subscription. I am proud to read thoughtful commentary from my neighbors in White Bear Lake and surrounding communities.
Bob Bartlett White Bear Lake
Consider other options
When a city has an Environmental Advisory Committee that sends letters to the city council about benefits of keeping trees in the parking lot on 5th and Banning, why would the city council discount their expertise? Is 15 slots worth the loss of such grand trees? Doesn’t the presence of the trees add to the uniqueness of downtown White Bear Lake? Has anyone completed the cost analysis per parking slot for the removal and pavement work for 15 additional parking slots?
If you wish to show support for keeping at least 1-2 of the trees in the parking lot, consider 1) attending the public comment segment of the April 8 meeting, 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers; 2) writing to your council representative; 3) putting a support token (sign, ribbon, etc.) at the base of the trees. Maybe we need to arrange
a day to meet at the trees to show our citizen support for keeping 1-2 trees so we don’t lose a bit of unique identity and beauty for downtown White Bear Lake.
Parking is precious in White Bear Lake, whether it is near the lake or near downtown. The city installed ‘do not park’ on several side streets near the lake in an effort to lessen traffic issues and maintain some uniqueness to the neighborhoods and lakefront. Perhaps having at least one of the four downtown parking lots be a paid lot will help with vehicle turnover.
If you have opinions about the removal of the trees, please share them with the city council soon before construction bids are approved.
Sonja Irlbeck White Bear Lake
Time to be done with dog beach issue
A few thoughts on recent writings in the White Bear Press about the Matoska dog beach. The article didn’t note that over 700 people signed a petition to keep the beach, including more than 30 living within three blocks of the park, some of whom moved here to be near the dog beach. In voting to keep the beach, the Council did listen to the neighbors. If five households don’t like congestion from Marketfest, is council member Walsh suggesting the City should “listen to the neighbors” and curtail it? Or does it also require a council member with a particular animus to amplify a small number of voices? Some took issue with council member Engstran suggesting that kids make as much noise as dogs, and that if disturbance is the issue, the city should close both the swim beach and the dog beach. This echos
CLASSIFIEDS
comments by pro-beach signers that there are usually none to a few dogs at the beach at any one time, and in line with 100 site visits by the Parks Commission. Beach dogs were less of a disturbance than auto traffic, other park users, boaters, or the local homeowners’ lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and dogs. I’m guessing Mr. Engstran was making the point that the park belongs to all residents of White Bear Lake, looking out for his constituents at little burden for local homeowners.
I can’t agree with the Mayor that a large number of people simply can’t enjoy their property; I would characterize it as a few households that can’t be pleased. There is always a balance between public good and private nuisance, but here it isn’t close. Complaints of the few don’t outweigh the overwhelming support from the community or the added revenue to downtown businesses. Continuing this saga discounts the Parks Commission’s volunteer time, effort, and recommendations. Past searches for alternatives have been a bust, the DNR won’t let us modify the shoreline or sand the lake bottom. It’s time to be done, leave it be.
Think again about trees
The idea of removing four large oak trees in order to enhance parking convenience appears to be an environmental and ethical offense. Not an easy choice. Cars and concrete to be preferred over beauty and environment? Please think again. Rev. Alan James Grant
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Minnesota
SCAM: A woman’s fight to raise awareness after devastating bank scam
scam when Jasmine called her and called the sheriff’s office right away.
“I told them this is what happened, and I want you to meet me at the bank tomorrow so I can get my money out of the ATM, and he said, ‘I’m sorry, but that money is no longer yours, it’s gone.’ That broke me.”
Hippe is retired and Ted is hoping to retire soon, too. “We work all our whole lives to support ourselves and our families ... We are looking at him being retired sooner than later, paying our house off and being in a good spot, and now we have to start from zero again,” she said.
“I don’t want to go anywhere. I don’t want to buy anything online … I’m freaked out about paying my bills. I’m not comfortable,” she explained.
Perhaps a positive is that Hippe has learned a lot through this process about scams, what to watch out for and how to protect herself and her family going forward. She offers the following tips:
• Stay vigilant on your accounts and check them weekly.
• Change your passwords frequently and don’t use repeat passwords.
• Check your credit reports.
• Check your homeowner’s insurance to see if it offers identity theft protection.
• Be aware of what is going on in the news.
“I just want to bring awareness,” she said “I want people to be aware of what is going on out there … It is happening to too many people, and it breaks my heart.”
Press Publications reached out to Hippe’s bank. “While we cannot comment on specific customer accounts, we take allegations of fraud seriously and conduct a thorough review,” said Kris Dahl, a spokesperson for Huntington Bank. “We remain committed to educating customers on safeguarding their finances and recognizing fraud and scams. Fraudsters continually evolve their tactics, often using sophisticated methods to deceive individuals.”
Scams circulating today
Sgt. Joe Zerwas, who is part of the investigations division with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, said there are several scams circulating right now, but the main three are: the grandparent scam, scammers posing as police and IRS-related scams. The grandparent scam is when someone claims
Tax scams
Under this scam, a con artist calls you posing as a representative of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), United States Department of the Treasury or law enforcement agency and demands a large payment on back taxes or some other purported debt. The con artist will often threaten you with arrest, jail or legal action to pressure you into making an immediate payment. Sometimes, the con artist will ask you to provide your bank account information, which they can use to empty your bank account. Other times, the con artist may instruct you to send the payment via a wire transfer or a reloadable card. After the money is sent, the scam artist disappears, and the money is typically lost for good.
Fake check scams
While these scams take a variety of forms, they typically begin when the scam artist sends you a real-looking check that is fake. You are instructed to deposit or cash the “check” and send some money back to the scam artist or a third person. After the money is sent, the check given to you bounces. By then, the money is generally lost for good. If you receive a check from someone you do not know, and that person asks you to send back some portion of the proceeds from the check, use extreme caution. You are almost certainly being targeted by a fake check scam.
Reloadable card scams
For years, scam artists conned people into sending them money via money-wiring services like Western Union and MoneyGram. Increasingly, however, scam artists are asking
that your grandson/granddaughter is in jail, and that you need to pay money immediately to get them out. “People fall for it all the time,” Zerwas said. “… They make it sound like it’s an urgent matter, so they don’t call their grandkid.”
The police scam is when someone calls you and claims to be with the sheriff’s office and demands that money be paid or a warrant will be issued for your arrest. Often, they will use an app on their phone to change how the number shows up on your caller ID, and they use the real names of sheriff’s office employees.
The IRS scam is when they claim that you are delinquent on your taxes. If you don’t pay the money immediately, they say, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. Often they will make up a badge number and a case number to make it sound legitimate.
“They talk people into paying their taxes with an iTunes or Apple gift card,” Zerwas said. “These guys are very good at what they do. They do this all day long every day, so they know what to say and what not to say to get people to buy in.”
Zerwas added that 75 to 80% of the scams that are reported to the sheriff’s office involve gift card payments. “Once the money is transferred, it is gone. There is no way of recouping it,” he said. “They have instant funding with those gift cards versus waiting for a transfer from a bank.”
One thing that all the scams have in common is a sense of urgency. Zerwas says the scams continue to become more believable and more demanding.
“A lot of times when it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true,” he said.
Zerwas urges people to pay attention to who is contacting them. For example, if someone from Xcel Energy contacts you and demands money or your power will be turned off, are you an Xcel customer? If someone calls you and claims you have won a sweepstakes, did you enter a sweepstakes contest?
Should someone fall victim to a scam, they should report it to the sheriff’s office right away. Zerwas explained that although many people report a scam, he guesses many don’t call because they feel dumb or embarrassed for believing it.
“Make sure you report it; otherwise they are just going to victimize someone else,” he said. “If there is a way we can track them down, at least we can prevent them from doing it again.” Zerwas noted that “the vast majority” of these scams lead overseas, which can make the recovery of lost funds nearly impossible, but there are some success stories.
Types of scams
people to forward them money using reloadable cards. These cards are sold at stores and have a serial number that is used to transfer funds from the card. You can designate how much money to load onto the card at any given time and can use the card to make payments to companies or transfer funds to another card. If you provide the card’s serial number to a scam artist, however, the scam artist can drain all the money from the card.
Computer scams
These scams generally begin with a call or email from a con artist posing as a representative of a well-known company, such as Microsoft or Norton. The scam artist typically claims your computer has been infected with a virus or is not working properly because of an error. The scam artist then says that he can remove the virus or fix the error for a fee if you allow him to remotely access your computer, usually by going to a website. In some cases, the scam artist uses this access to steal personal or financial information on your computer, which can be used to commit the crimes of theft or identity theft. Other times, the scam artist may attempt to install malware on your computer, which may allow the scam artist to control the computer remotely, or rogue applications that display fake security alerts to convince you to pay for a useless service.
Lottery scams
Lottery scams typically begin with an unexpected email, letter or phone call from a scam artist who claims you have won money in a lottery or sweepstakes. This seemingly good
Tips
• Check your credit report at least once a year and report inaccuracies. Many people first learn they are victims of identity theft by discovering inaccuracies on their credit reports. Minnesota residents can obtain a free credit report every 12 months from the three major credit bureaus by calling 1 877 322 8228, online at www. annualcreditreport.com, or by writing to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
• If you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, there are certain steps you should take to protect your identity. First, call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 and the Minnesota Department of Revenue at 1-800-652-9094. Second, complete an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039) and submit it to the IRS. Third, place a fraud alert on your credit report by calling the three major credit bureaus (Equifax: 888-766-0008, Experian 888-397-3742 or TransUnion 800-680-7289.
• If an unknown party has your bank or credit card information, you should immediately contact your financial institution.
• Report criminal activity to your local police department and sheriff’s office.
A few months ago, a detective received a call about a woman who believed she was scammed. The scammer had sent texts and phone calls pretending to be from the bank the woman utilizes. The scammer utilized high-pressure tactics, a sense of urgency and an elaborate scheme to convince her to transfer money into a new account. Unknown to the woman, this new account was directly linked to the scammer.
As soon as the detective received this call, she began to work to track down records, identify accounts, freeze funds and ultimately was able to recover the scammed money that remained in the account. The detective was able to present a check to the woman and her family with the money that was recovered earlier last month.
For more information about scams, visit www. ag.state.mn.us/consumer/Scams.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
news might quicken your pulse, but do not let it override your good judgment. Invariably, the scam artist will ask you to send money to pay purported taxes, insurance or other fees to claim the winnings. Or, the scam artist may ask for your bank account information, supposedly so your winnings can be directly transferred into your bank account. The scam artist uses this information to empty your bank account. Once the money has been sent, contact with the scam artist is cut off, and the money is lost for good.
Phishing
Phishing scams take many forms and target people using several forms of communication, including email, phone calls, text messages and fake websites. In most cases, the scam artist impersonates a bank, government agency or other legitimate company to lure you into disclosing your personal or financial information, which is then used to commit the crimes of theft and identity theft.
Intimidation scams
Scam artists may impersonate the IRS or Minnesota Department of Revenue to intimidate people into making payments on supposed back taxes. The scam artists often threaten people with arrest, lawsuits and imprisonment, and demand they make immediate or unconventional payments. These criminals will say anything to try to get people to send them money and may call over and over to wear down potential victims.
Preparer fraud
Many taxpayers use tax professionals to help them prepare and
file their tax returns. Most preparers do great work, but some bad actors promise guaranteed refunds and then charge exorbitant fees or “skim” money from their client’s refunds.
Tax relief companies
In some cases, tax relief companies provide anything but relief. The most unscrupulous operators use deceptive marketing tactics and charge hefty up-front fees but then fail to deliver the promised help. To make matters worse, these companies sometimes make mistakes that end up costing taxpayers even more money.
Refund anticipation loans and checks
Although these loans sound like a slick way to get your refund quickly, they typically come with high interest rates and costly fees. In most cases, the IRS and the Minnesota Department of Revenue can deposit taxpayers’ refunds directly into their bank account or onto a prepaid debit card within three weeks without any added fees.
Sham charities
Sham charities—often created after a natural disaster—prey on the generosity of citizens. These scam artists solicit cash donations and goods but then provide little or no charitable assistance. Sham charities also sometimes falsely claim that donations are tax deductible. Be aware that only donations made to IRS-qualified charities are tax deductible.
The Office of Minnesota Attorney General’s Office
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
White Bear Lake man charged in pedestrian death
Christopher Ronald Olson, 46, of White Bear Lake is facing three several counts of criminal vehicular homicide after he allegedly fled the scene of a crash in White Bear Township March 27.
Police responded to Birch Lake Boulevard North and White Bear Lake Parkway at 4:22 p.m. Witnesses reported that the woman was walking in the crosswalk when the driver, later identified as Olson, drove through the intersection and hit her. The woman was reportedly sent flying 30 yards before hitting the pavement. She died at the scene.
According to the charges, Olson left the scene of the accident, but a short time later arrived at the White Bear Police Department where he acknowledged that he struck the woman with his car.
Olson registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.154 in a preliminary breath test, and a level of 0.08 in a second test around four hours after the crash. Olson has two prior DWI convictions.
Olson’s next court appearance is April 17.
OBITUARIES
Extra distracted driving enforcement in Minnesota in April
Got a social media post that’s tempting to check? Eager to see the latest trending video? Or feeling pressured to hold your phone and read that text from work? Whatever it is, drivers should be off the road and safely stopped before reaching for their phones.
Distracted driving can quickly turn deadly, which is why law enforcement and traffic safety partners are teaming up with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) this April for extra enforcement and awareness.
The hands-free cell phone use law means drivers can’t hold their phone in their hand, period. Accessing or posting on social media, streaming videos, checking that box score or searching online for information on a device while driving is against the law in Minnesota, even in hands-free mode.
Multitasking behind the wheel is a deadly risk, said OTS Director Mike Hanson.
“Trust me, if you're involved in a fatal crash, you won’t be thinking about that text you almost missed,” said Hanson. “Drivers, put the phones down while you’re on the road — your focus will save lives.”
In 2024, distracted driving
Katherine E. Ternus
“Kay”, “Kate”
Age 81, of Stillwater, passed away March 22, 2025. She will be sadly missed by husband, Gerald; children, Judy (Bob) Goebel, Joe (Sara Love) Ternus and Suzanne Rhodes; grandchildren, Ben, Will and Jack Goebel, Taylor Schmidt, Abby Ternus and Connor Rhodes; brother, John (Gerry) Kuesel; sister, Karen (David) Newell; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, April 11, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church, 700 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi. Visitation Thursday, April 10, 2025, 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater, and one hour prior to the Mass at the church. The mass will also be live-streamed through the church’s channel online. (https://tinyurl.com/5n7y4tsy) In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Presbyterian Homes of Stillwater (https://preshomes.org/give/) or the Mahtomedi Food Shelf (https://tinyurl.com/2jzkk2ra). Arrangements with Bradshaw Funeral and Cremation Services, 651-439-5511.
Mary Mannheimer Hauser
Born October 23, 1932. Died March 4, 2025. Born in St Paul, Mn to Isabelle and Carl Mannheimer. Preceded in death by her husband Louis; brother Carl; sister Sue. Survived by her sister Elsa (Barney); children Steven (Vivian) and Susan (Brian) and grandchildren Louis, Lia, and Maya. 50+ years of public service with City of Birchwood Village, Washington County, Metro Council and nonprofit organizations. A memorial service will be held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Maple St, Mahtomedi on Saturday, April 26 at 10:30AM. Memorials can be made to Solid Ground www.solidgroundmn.org.
was a factor in at least 29 fatal crashes in Minnesota and an estimated 137 serious injuries. To help keep people safe, officers, deputies and troopers will be participating in the distracted driving extra enforcement and awareness campaign that runs April 1-30. The campaign urges drivers to put distractions away and focus on driving safely. OTS coordinates the campaign with funding provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The campaign includes overtime enforcement and advertising in support of the Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program.
Between 2019 and 2024, there were 115,643 citations involving distracted driving in Minnesota.
Distracted driving consequences
Hands-free cell phone law: The law allows a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone. Remember, hands-free is not necessarily distraction-free.
• Drivers using a phone without it being hands-free device can face fines or worse.
The above chart shares the number of serious injuries and fatalities from 2019 through 2024.
• $100 or more including court fees for a first offense.
• $300 or more including court fees for a second and/or subsequent offense.
• Motorists who injure or kill someone while violating the hands-free law can face a felony charge of criminal vehicular operation or homicide.
Drive smart and join Minnesotans driving distraction-free
• Cell phones: Park the phone by putting it down, activating the “Do Not Disturb” feature, silencing notifications, turning it off, placing it out of reach or going hands-free.
• Music and other controls: Pre-program radio stations and arrange music in an easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and ventilation before traveling.
Katherine Mae Fagen (Soderbeck)
• Navigation: Map out the destination and enter the GPS route in advance.
• Eating and drinking: Avoid messy foods and secure your drinks.
• Children: Teach children the importance of good behavior in a vehicle and model proper driving behavior.
• Passengers: Speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behavior and offer to help with anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road. Visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s HandsFreeMN. org website for more information.
Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety
Myrtle Stella John
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved wife, mom, and grandma, who left us on March 20, 2025, surrounded by family. She was the heart and soul of our family, always there to listen, offer advice, and support us in every endeavor. Katherine’s heart was full when it came to her family—she and her husband were endlessly proud of their three kids, loving them fiercely and cheering them on every step of the way. Katherine embraced her sons-in-law and daughter-in-law as if they were her own, and her grandchildren were her greatest joy. She had a remarkable gift for recognizing and celebrating the unique qualities and interests of each grandchild, making them all feel deeply loved and special. We will remember her at every gathering where the desserts outnumber the people, at every sporting or school event where she would be cheering us on, and at our 5k walk/runs where she would happily dress in costume or walk the entire route with any or all the grandkids. To the very end, she was positive, appreciative, and never gave up. We will miss her every day and cherish her for a lifetime. Katherine didn’t want a service and instead asked that we celebrate her by living life to the fullest. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in her name to support breast cancer research. Love, Rick, Danielle, Brittany, Derek, Mason, Clayton, Isabela, Wesley, Margaux, Elliana, Abigail, and her granddogs Mishka and Jade.
Susan Ann Kordosky
Age 70, of Gem Lake. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 11:00 am at ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH, 380 Little Canada Road, Little Canada with visitation starting at 10:00 am. Arrangements MuellerMemorial.com - 651-429-2944
Age 98, died peacefully on March 24, 2025, after living a long, happy and most fulfilling life.
Born in the Wembley area of London, Myrtle qualified as a teacher in England and taught at a number of schools before and in the early years after marrying Wyn John, her husband of 67 years. A devoted wife and mother to four children, Myrtle supported her husband throughout his career, first accompanying Wyn to Egypt, where he was stationed with the RAF and, ultimately, to Minnesota, when Wyn’s work for 3M brought the family to Lake Elmo in 1975.
Growing up, Myrtle was a competitive swimmer, winning many trophies in backstroke. She also had a lifelong passion for tennis—playing well into her sixties. In later life, Myrtle and Wyn lived on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul before moving to the Waters in White Bear Lake. Together, they enjoyed traveling around the United States, to Europe, and to visit relatives and friends back in the UK. They also enjoyed going to the Guthrie Theater, the Ordway and cultural events around the Twin Cities.
Myrtle’s family would like to thank the nurses at the Waters and Hospice of the Midwest for the wonderful care they gave Myrtle in her last days, as well as all the Waters staff and residents for the touching send-off they gave Myrtle after she passed.
Preceded in death by her loving husband, Wyn John, parents Walter and Emma Atkins, sisters Joan and Marjorie, sister-in-law Gwyneth, their respective spouses, and daughter-in-law Kelly John.
Survived by daughter Rhiannon O’Connor, MD (Scott), sons Rhys (Kari), Owen (Chris) and Warren, sister-in-law Isobel, as well as many nephews, nieces, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
For details, visit the Mueller Memorial website at muellermemorial.com. Please make any donations to Opportunity Partners: (opportunities.org).
MAHTOMEDI & WILLERNIE
The new face of Mahtomedi’s south end
LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Does anyone know what's happening with that vacant lot?
For the past three years and longer, this question has been bouncing around the southern half of Mahtomedi.
Three lots in this part of town have been sitting vacant for years, while not even City Hall could predict the future for the three parcels.
The first vacant lot drawing attention has been the old BP gas station at the southeast corner of Long Lake Road at Century Avenue.
For a decade or longer, the K station, formerly known as the BP station and, before that, the Amoco station, has been out of business.
The convenience store and car wash were left behind, creating an attractive nuisance for squatters and vandals.
But on March 18, 2025, motorists driving by did a double take as machinery quickly brought down the buildings and eventually cleared away the rubble. A quick phone call to city staff revealed that no one knows how long the lot in its current condition will sit there. City Engineer John Sachi said that the owners demolished the building and have not confided their plans to anyone. The city will probably learn more about the future of the site when applications for permits start arriving at City Hall. This could take another decade.
It's a different story for the two
other vacant lots. The house at the top of Old Wildwood Road at the junction with Wildwood Road was razed in 2022, shortly after the city signed off on a developer's agreement with Zawadski Homes of Shoreview to build five high-end single-family homes. That lot also sat vacant for approximately two years until the fall of 2024, when the trees were cut down and grading began. After financing was secured and buyers started signing up for one of five houses, construction on the first house began last fall.
The first house in the Old Wildwood Oaks development is nearing completion, and three more homes have been excavated with foundations laid. Only the fifth home remains unsold. Per the agreement, the developer spent the week of March 25 installing a retaining wall made of rocks resembling large bowling balls
around the first built house. Another retaining wall in the development was installed earlier.
The developers have done what they were supposed to do, according to the developer's agreement, Sachi said. They have installed a pond, the storm sewer and the retaining wall, as they were required to do. Workers have been good about parking off the street, according to agreement. "So they have complied, and all they need do now is pull the individual building permits before they build each house to ensure the building fits within the grading plan," Sachi said.
Of all the three previously vacant lots, Old Wildwood Oaks is closest to completion.
The third lot of interest is the site of the old Lakeside Club at 10 Old Wildwood Road, which will be developed into a 39-unit apartment complex. After supporting weeds
for more than 32 months, activity has begun in earnest as soon as the first 50-degree day arrived in March. As with many developments, a long pause followed city approval while the builders secured financing. Now, interest rates have stabilized, Sachi said. "They have pulled all their building permits and have installed everything they needed to, per the developer's agreement," he said. "Now they must simply comply with the agreement moving forward."
On June 7, 2022, Hearth Development, which bought the property from the Mahmood family, received approval of a site plan review and four variances for the 4-acre parcel. Slightly more than half of the property will remain as wetland. The city had set 20 conditions for the developer to meet before the project could be approved. During the process, many neighboring residents were adamant in their concerns about the three-story, 39-unit apartment building, saying it was out of place in the single-family neighborhood.
To date, the 48-stall underground garage is being excavated to accompany 25 surface parking spots, seven bicycle spaces, a community room, rooftop deck, a patio and a fitness center. Each unit will have a balcony, and all exterior lighting will be directed downward. Expect the addition of two fire hydrants.
This summer, visitors to the south end of town will have plenty of activity to look at other than weeds growing taller.
The old BP gas station at the southeast corner of Long Lake Road and Century Avenue.
The house at the top of Old Wildwood Road at the junction with Wildwood Road was razed in 2022
The former Lakeside Club at 10 Old Wildwood Road.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The gas station has been demolished but plans for the site remain a mystery.
Construction of one of the five houses began last fall.
The building has been demolished and development of a 39-unit apartment building known as “Mahtomedi Lakes” has begun.
If
651-407-1200 | presspubs.com
Calendar
Giving bluebirds a place to call home
Hoping to attract more bluebirds to the area, White Bear Lake resident George Brown spends spring days putting up special boxes in efforts to boost the population.
Brown is the Ramsey and north Washington County Coordinator for the Bluebird Recovery Program (BBRP) and has been monitoring bluebird boxes for 25 years.
“I like birds,” Brown replied when asked why he volunteers. “My mother loved birds, too, so I probably picked it up from her.” Although he never saw a bluebird growing up, the songbird is found in every county in the state.
In fact, Minnesota has one of the most successful bluebird recovery projects in the country, according to the BBRP.
Every week, from the beginning of April to the middle of September, Brown visits the boxes, noting if there is a nest, or eggs, or baby bluebirds inside. He also records how many babies fledge (leave the nest). If there is nesting material from squatters, it is removed. Data is then reported to the recovery program, which posts monitoring results on its website.
Brown originally maintained a “bluebird trail” that stretched from Stacy to North Branch along I-35. When it became clear the trail was too dangerous to monitor near the freeway, boxes were relocated to the Dellwood Hills Golf Course.
Eventually he added a trail of boxes at Oneka Ridge Golf Course in Hugo (monitored by someone else) and last year, installed 22 bluebird boxes at the White Bear Yacht Club golf course. The birds like open spaces and often return to the same box year after year.
Populations declined significantly from the 1930s to the 1960s due to
habitat loss and competition from other cavity-nesting birds, especially starlings and house sparrows, but bluebirds have made a comeback. Normally 70 to 80 birds fledge from his boxes in a summer, noted Brown, and he’s optimistic 2025 will have similar numbers. “We saw bluebirds at both golf courses, so they’re here,” he said.
Statewide, numbers have been stable the last few years. In 2024, the state had 4,307 nest sites. Volunteers reported 14,477 eggs, 12,439 hatchlings and 11,592 fledged. In 2023, 11,636 bluebirds fledged. When southern Minnesota birders started the project in 1979, only 22 bluebirds were counted.
The Bluebird Recovery Program of Minnesota has coordinators in 33 counties to help with issues and share their bluebird knowledge. Go to bbrp. org for contact information, upcoming events, how to attract bluebirds and more. There are also plans online for nest boxes, including the Gilbertson PVC box, Brown’s favorite. “Someone could make a few bucks making the boxes,” he added.
For his dedication to the project and successful fledging results, Brown was named Bluebirder of the Year in 2010. He is also a past commander of VFW Post 1782 and is active at the district level.
The BBRP coordinator wants people to know he is looking for a successor, and is happy to mentor his replacement. He’s also willing to help homeowners place boxes in their yards. “I enjoy it and I’m happy to do it,” Brown said. “I’m not looking for accolades, I just like to see bluebirds.”
Debra Neutkens
Frank Watson
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
George Brown places Eastern Bluebird nesting boxes at Dellwood Hills Golf Course.
Hungry days-old baby bluebirds.
Male bluebird at a meal worm feeder in the Brown’s yard.
Bears bid farewell to longtime track coach
BY BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Tom Paulson always had a specific pitch when recruiting kids to join the track and field team.
“If you want to be stronger, quicker, or faster, join track,” he would say. “That is what we do. Your other sport coach will be impressed.”
Paulson made kids stronger, quicker or faster for 47 years, 39 of them with White Bear Lake, and the last 34 as head coach. He retired after the 2024 season but will remain in the sport as manager for the Bears home meets.
Asked what he especially likes about track and field, he explained, “The culture of the boys track program was that everyone was included and valued. Track is a great sport because everyone can be successful and improve if they are willing.”
Paulson took over a strong Bear track program in 1991 upon the retirement of Ron Sass, whom he had assisted for five years, and continued that tradition. The Bears regularly placed in the top three of the Suburban East. The Bears captured the MSHSL Section 4 championship seven times between 1987 and
2019. They’ve won the section true team title 15 times in the 37 years it’s been held, good team depth being a hallmark of the program. The Bears were true team state champs in 1987.
Paulson has coached nine individual state champions, starting with Dan Lynch, who won both long- and triple-jump in 1988. He counts 135 individual state entrants and a total of 205 entrants counting relay teams.
“Watching student athletes accomplish more than they ever imagined has made me proud,” said Paulson.
Paulson was in cross country, basketball and track at Mabel-Canton High School, graduating in 1973. He got his degree from Winona State and started his coaching career at Mazeppa 1977-85. In 1986, he arrived at White Bear Lake.
Several Hall of Fame coaches rubbed off on Paulson. His high school track and country coach was Verdon Hasleiet. He was an assistant to Bears boys basketball coach Jim Galvin in addition to Sass. He competed for years against Stillwater’s Scott Christensen and Mounds View’s Ross Fleming.
Hasleiet “taught me the love of running,” Paulson said. Galvin guided him “by showing me the value
Bears, Zephyrs announce Athena Award winners
Among many qualified athletes, two stood out in their respective high schools to be recognized with this year’s Athena Award. All schools participating in this program, named for the Greek goddess of wisdom and skills, choose their top all-around senior girl athlete to attend an Athena Awards event, slated for St. Paul RiverCentre on April 16. Three-sport athlete Maddy Belisle is White Bear Lake’s choice for the Athena Award. Belisle is a returning all-conference outfielder in softball. She was named the hockey team’s top defenseman. She played doubles on the conference runner-up tennis team and got all-
CONTRIBUTED
Maddy Belisle is a hockey, softball and tennis athlete for White Bear Lake.
SEC honorable mention. Track and volleyball standout Kaili Malvey is Mahtomedi’s choice for the Athena Award. Malvey was section long jump champion and placed sixth at state last spring, also qualifying in 100 hurdles. She was conference champion in high jump and second
This Week In SPORTS
WHITE BEAR LAKE SOFTBALL
Wednesday: at Woodbury, 4:30 p.m.
Friday: Stillwater, 4:30 p.m.
Monday: Irondale, 4:30 p.m.
GIRLS TRACK
Tuesday: at Roseville (7 teams), 3:30 p.m.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Thursday: Woodbury, 6:30 p.m
The story in the March 26 edition of the Press, “Greene tallies 1,548 points, 2nd for Mahtomedi girls” contained an error. The story stated Greene is second on the all-time points list for the Zephyrs, behind her sister, Ali Greene. The all-time points leader for
CONTRIBUTED Kaili Malvey excels in volleyball and track for Mahtomedi.
in long jump. Malvey’s agility and explosiveness also made her an allconference hitter on the volleyball team that won conference and section titles and placed fifth in the state tournament. She’s gone twice each in volleyball and track.
MAHTOMEDI
BASEBALL
Monday: at North St. Paul, 4:30 p.m.
TRACK
• Thursday: coed triangular at St. Thomas Academy, 4 p.m.
TENNIS
• Tuesday: Hill-Murray, 4 p.m.
SOFTBALL
• Tuesday: Hastings, 4:30 p.m.
the Zephyrs girls is Emma Grothaus, a 2018 graduate who set Zephyr records of 1,890 points, 1,061 rebounds and 196 blocked shots that season. Ali Greene is second with 1,678 points, and Anna Greene is third with 1,548 points. We apologize for the error.
of coaching for life.” From Sass he learned ‘how to elevate athletes to a higher standard.” Coaching against Christensen and Fleming “motivated me to recruit and raise the bar.”
Paulson said he’s had many outstanding assistants, most notably Doug Hicks with sprinters for over 30 years, Dan Destache with hurdlers and pole vaulters for over 20 years, and Dan Kovacich with distance runners for over 20 years.
Kovacich, also the cross country head coach, enjoyed his two decades on Paulson’s track staff "because he was organized and wanted to win." Kovacich, who got to know Paulson when running for the Bears in high school, added, “He never gave up on kids. He wanted them to be the best student/ athlete they could be. When you coached with Tom, you wanted to impress him because of the passion he had for the sport.”
A technology education teacher, Paulson retired from the classroom in 2013. Like many devoted coaches, he stayed with his team for another dozen years.
“The relationships you build with athletes, parents, and other coaches are life long,” he said. “I really enjoyed being called Coach.”
BOYS TRACK
White Bear Lake placed eighth of 30 teams in an indoor meet at Minnesota State-Mankato to open the season. Top Bear finish was by Maxwell Popp, second in the 3200 with 9:55.25. In the 60 meter hurdles, Tyrese Behnken placed fourth in 8:48 and Tomi Animasaun fifth in 8.54. Animasaun was also fifth in long jump with 20-2 1/2. The 4x200 team placed sixth in 1:37.64 with Nathaniel Asiedu-Mensah, Peter Gorga, Grayson Anderson, and Behnken. Matt Hunter was eighth in shot put with 46-4. Isaac Kolstad was 11th in the 800 in 2:07.17.
BOYS HOCKEY
White Bear Lake had four allconference picks and two special award recipients after placing third in the Suburban East. The Bears were 12-3-1 in conference, 16-8-3 overall. Making all-SEC are forwards Jack Stanius and Blake Eckerle, goalie Leo Gabriel, and defenseman Will Distad, all seniors. Distad was SEC Defenseman of the Year. Gabriel was SEC Goalie of the Year and got the Brimsek Award as the state’s top senior goalie. Honorable mentions went to juniors Tanner Olsen and Nate Celski and freshman Nash Roed. Scoring leaders (goals-assists-points) were Stanius (21-23-44), Eckerle (14-20-34), Roed (11-14-25), and Distad (3-20-23). Gabriel had a .928 save percentage and 1.73 goals-against-average.
Team awards went to Gabriel (MVP), Roed (top rookie), Michael Gibson (most determined, and Hobey
Baker), Kellen Beck (most improved), and Noah Norman (leadership, and alumni scholarship).
GIRLS HOCKEY
White Bear Lake has three allconference players after a 7-17-2 season including 3-11-2 in the Suburban East. They are senior forwards Talia Domschot and Amanda Smythe and junior forward Maddie Lee. Getting honorable mentions were seniors Maddy Belisle and Grace Bailey and sophomore Lyla Beck, all defensemen. Team awards went to Domschot (MVP, best offensive, Hobey Baker), Belisle (best defensive), Lee (most determined) and Ava Maas and Olive Holvig (most improved). Scoring leaders (goals-assists-points) were Domschot (14-22-36), Lee (14-1730), and Smythe (11-18-29). Macie Marsden, sophomore goalie, had an .876 save percentage.
BOYS BASKETBALL
White Bear Lake has two allconference picks after posting a 14-12 overall record and 9-9 in the Suburban East. They are junior forward Colin Piper and senior guard Rithy Sain. Getting honorable mentions were seniors John Johnson and Korey Raheem. Piper, who led with 15.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, was named team MVP. Johnson averaged 10.8 points and 6.4 rebounds, Sain 10.2 points,Raheem 9.2 points and 3.7 assists, and Gavin Krenz 6.3 points. Piper led with 32 blocked shots. Johnson made 39 steals and Sain 37.
1 6 2 3 5 4
1. Nancy Calderon with her daughter Natalia and grandkids Kieran and Lucas Hofman celebrate the first day of spring on White Bear Lake. — Nancy Calderon | Contributed
2. Work on Wildwood Rowhomes continues at 2502 County Road E near Bellaire Avenue. Element Design-Build is constructing nine townhomes in two separate 2-1/2 story buildings. White Bear Lake’s building inspection department says the contractors have started to frame the 2nd building and the project remains on schedule. — Carter Johnson | Contributed
3-4. Thursday afternoon visitors to Carlson Chiropractic Clinic in White Bear Lake got the opportunity to meet and play with some puppies during a recent Healing Hearts Rescue Puppy Party. An adoption was reported following the recent event. — Contributed
5. Protesters gather outside of the Tesla dealership in Maplewood. — Contributed 6. A sailboat out on White Bear Lake Friday, March 28. — Mark Sather | Contributed
7. Community members gathered at the district’s Senior Center for a National Vietnam War Veterans Day event. Attendees enjoyed a program led by members of the Auxiliary and White Bear Lake VFW Color Guard and they were given the opportunity to share stories from their experiences. Veterans were also honored with a welcome home ceremony from the Daughters of the American Revolution. — WBLAS | Contributed
8. White Bear Lake High School gymnast Brielle Runningen receives the 2024 Sue Nereson Memorial Award at the team’s year-end banquet at the Dellwood Country Club. Runningen is pictured with Bill Nereson, son of Sue Ann Nereson, a White Bear gymnast who died in 1977. — Contributed
