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L KER

Vol. 2 • No. 3 • September 2- December, 2024

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WELL-STOCKED LAKES • FALL LAKE CALENDAR • BALD EAGLE ISLAND • CATAMARANS Press Publications

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Just Sold Luxury White Bear Lakeshore Home 34 Peninsula Rd, Dellwood

Another White Bear Lakeshore Home Sold by Rathmanner & Co. By following our 3-Steps to a Successful Sale and Marketing Plan, our sellers maximized their sale price with limited showings when we matched a buyer from our pre-approved list with their home. Our team has perfected our process to ensure a smooth transition for all our buyers and sellers. Thinking about selling in 2024 reach out today for more information!

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The Cargo Manifest Fishery

Welcome to the fall issue of The Laker!

Port of Call

LOCAL LAKES WELL STOCKED p. 4A, 6A

Log Book

Shore Leave GARDENS GRACE LAKE HOMES p. 1C, 5C

MARITIME

p. 7A

Port of Call

Shore leave

WBL CONSERVATION DISTRICT p. 5A

Riggings FAST CATS p. 1B, 3B

WATER PATROL p. 9C

LAKE AVENUE HOME HAUNTED? p. 3C-4C

Map WHITE BEAR LAKE p. 8A

Landing CUDDLING LOONS p. 6C

It’s a spectacular time to be on the water as the summer season comes to an end. We all contemplate that bittersweet day when the boats and docs come out. The beautiful homes are revealed around our lakes as the trees shed their leaves. Grab a sweatshirt and enjoy those last cruises and paddles around the lake.

It’s an exciting time to view migrating waterfowl like black and white-winged scoters stopping over, seaducks, Gadwalls, Buffleheads, Greater and Lesser Scaup. Three merganser species will be traveling through: common, hooded and red-breasted.

In this edition, we talked to three muskie guides about the status of the game fish on our local lakes. A well-stocked White Bear Lake was the source of the winning catch in the Metro Muskie Tournament and Bald Eagle is just as popular.

Underwater archaeologists repeated a survey conducted over a decade ago, scanning the bottom of White Bear Lake to look for wrecks. The Maritime Heritage Minnesota team will follow up with dives on anomalies they found interesting.

The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Water Patrol Unit gives readers a primer on life jackets and other safety tips. The island property finally sold on Bald Eagle Lake. A boat builder talks about his fast cats. Mizu shares some special recipes and check out the calendar for events around town.

Before you mouse-proof your boat with dryer sheets and shrink wrap for winter, remember to send us summer highlight photos and story ideas for next year’s issue. Email ppinfo@ presspubs.com. We hope you enjoy this issue.

Cover photo by Paul Dols | Press Publications

©2024 The LAKER is proudly published by Press Publications.

4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110 The LAKER will return Winter 20242025

SEPTEMBER 2 - DECEMBER, 2024 | THE LAKER

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FISHERY ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

LOCAL LAKES WELL STOCKED but experts warn of troubled waters ahead

By Debra Neutkens

You should know:

Editor

Two of the best muskie lakes in the metro are White Bear and Bald Eagle.

Fishermen who angle for Minnesota’s biggest sport fish in those lakes have mostly the DNR to thank.

“Finding the best muskie fishing is as easy as looking at stocking,” observed pro-angler Josh Borovsky, an expert guide who publishes a newsletter called “Musky Insider.” (Note the name can be spelled two ways).

“I look at numbers of muskies stocked per surface acre of water and Bald Eagle is one of the best in the state,” noted Borovsky. “It’s a very good density.”

White Bear has a lower density, but is still good, he said. The DNR uses White Bear as a dump lake, according to Borovsky, which means it gets the leftovers after other quotas are filled.

That also means fish can be of different ages.

“I’m generalizing, but you’re more likely to bump into a muskie on Bald Eagle than White Bear Lake. They are only a few miles apart though, so it’s easy to go from one lake to the other.”

A self-proclaimed “muskie nerd,” Borovsky tracks how the resource is managed through spreadsheets.

He analyzes correlations between stocking, number of fish caught and size of muskies to find the best lakes.

Anglers looking for muskie guides can check out websites for McMahon, Borovsky and Froeschle, respectively, at www.twincitiesmusky. com; www.promuskieguide.com and froeschlefishing.com.

Contributed Mahtomedi muskie guide Ryan McMahon holds a 46-inch muskie caught in Bald Eagle Lake in June on a jerk bait called a Barfighter.

He compiles the information from a database maintained by Muskies Inc. Stocking the state’s lakes with baby muskies is an issue near and dear to Borovsky’s heart. “We have a big problem in Minnesota right now,” he said. “Muskie fisheries are declining due to drastic reductions in stocking.”

The longtime guide is one of many muskie fishermen who worry about fishing pressure as popular lakes no longer produce trophy fish.

“When Mille Lacs crashed, fishing pressure quadrupled on other lakes,”

DNR stocking report | Contributed

4A THE LAKER | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024

said Borovsky who admittedly gets very vocal about the issue. “Even with catchand-release, if you’re catching more fish, more will die even if the delayed mortality rate stays the same. It’s often overlooked — we have to take care of the ones we catch.”

“The numbers aren’t great,” agreed Ayden Froeschle, a fishing guide who won this year’s Metro Muskie Tournament on White Bear Lake.

Time on the water and practice are keys to his success, Froeschle said.

He chose the northeast metro lake based on its deeper basin and stocking records, something to which he also pays close attention.

The DNR provides 10 years of stocking data by species on its website dnr.state.mn.us.

Like Borovsky, Froeschle worries about population pressure for the big fish, especially when popular lakes like Mille Lacs and Vermillion show a decline in density.

Water temperature is another concern. Metro muskie lakes like Bald Eagle, White Bear and Minnetonka are getting too warm.

Borovsky said his policy is if the surface temperature is more than 80 degrees, he cancels the trip. “We will kill fish unintentionally,” he warned.

“That’s why I go to northern lakes in the summer.”

Considered the fish of 10,000 casts, catching a muskie can be a lifelong goal for some anglers. “People travel to catch them so they’re good for tourism and they’re really fun to catch,” noted Ryan McMahon, a 15-year muskie guide who lives in Mahtomedi. His favorite month to fish? September.

“There are only about 100 lakes managed for muskies in Minnesota,” McMahon pointed out. “A good portion don’t get fishing pressure, but some get a lot. More lakes need to be stocked. It takes 10 years to kick out a big fish.

“I feel lucky to have two great muskie lakes at my fingertips. Going forward, we need more muskie waters in Minnesota. We need to continue stocking the big lakes.”

The DNR is working on a long-range muskie plan, Borovsky said, so there is hope for the future. Short term, however, there is another controversial topic that won’t help the population.

New technology called forward facing sonar is “game changing,” he warned.

A fish finder allows anglers to see fish moving in real time as far as 100 feet away.

“The technology is a topic discussed on a daily basis in my boat,” McMahon said. “The muskies can’t hide. They are being targeted so they can’t swim around without a bait dropped on their head.” The Mahtomedi guide said he’s choosing not to use the sonar.

Fortunately, his clients are purists who don’t want to fish that way.

“It takes away everything I enjoy about muskie fishing,” McMahon exclaimed. “It takes away the anticipation, the excitement and the buildup to the moment of catching a trophy fish, which is why I became obsessed about catching them in the first place.”

CONTINUED ON 6A

INFORMATION FOR LAKE USERS, AREA RESIDENTS, AND LAKESHORE PROPERTY OWNERS

Preserving White Bear Lake for Future Generations White Bear Lake Invasive Species Update • 33.43 acres of Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) were treated with DNR recommended and approved herbicides on July 25. Please see the treatment map for more information on the 16 treatment areas. A survey of EWM was conducted in late June to determine which areas required treatment. During the survey weed growth was sampled at hundreds of locations around the lake.

2024 Lake Use Study The WBLCD is conducting a lake use study on White Bear Lake this summer and fall. The study will include: 1. Counting boats using the lake on peak and nonpeak days 2. Completing a shoreline boat inventory 3. Lake resident and lake user survey questionnaires 4. Trend analysis for lake level, water quality, aquatic plants and fish The WBLCD would love your input. Please use the QR code above to access the questionnaire for lakeshore residents and dock/slip users.

• Non-native phragmites will be surveyed and treated in the fall. Please watch our social media for more information.

• No evidence of starry stonewort was found but users of the lake need to stay vigilant about this very dangerous invasive species. It will take help from all lake users to prevent starry stonewort from entering WBL.

2025 Dock Permits Permit applications for commercial and noncommercial docks are due by October 15, 2024.

Please see our website for more information.

Thank you

to all the volunteers that helped with our first annual Manitou Days Lake Clean-Up.

CALL TO ACTION

Four Ways You Can Help Protect WBL Now 1. Lakeshore residents and dock/slip users: Please consider filling out a survey for our Lake Use Study 2. Learn more about Starry Stonewort: It will take everyone’s help to keep it out of WBL 3. Multi-user and commercial docks: get your permit information to us

by October 15, 2024

LET’S CONNECT

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or check out our website Website: wblcd.org Facebook: “WBLCD” www.

Instagram: “WBL Conservation facebook.com/WhiteBearLakeDistrict” ConservationDistrict

4. Stay up to date: follow us on social media

wblcd.org | wblcd@msn.com | 651.429.8520

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024 | THE LAKER

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FISHERY ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ MUSKIE MASTERS | FROM 4A The technology can put guides in a tough position, however. Do they use the new sonar or not? “I know guys like Josh (Borovsky) who don’t like it, but at the same time, they can’t drop guys off at a dock who talk to another boat that just caught six (using the sonar),” McMahon said.

“It remains to be seen how this will affect muskie populations,” observed Borovsky, who has two in his boat. “We are catching more muskies because of it and like I said, catching more fish means we’re going to lose more fish. The technology also allows fairly inexperienced anglers to be more successful at catching muskies. I’d be OK if the technology was banned.”

As an aside, McMahon holds an fundraiser every September on Pelican Lake called Western MN Muskie Outing. The weekend Photos contributed includes fishing, seminars, dinner and raffle. Ayden Froeschle with one of four muskies he caught on White Josh Borovsky caught this 53.5-inch monster muskie in Lake Money raised goes to stocking muskies Bear Lake June 8 to win the Metro Muskie Tournament.

Vermillion. He fishes colder northern lakes every summer.

The yellow card in his mouth is a tournament ID that keeps in lakes not meeting quotas around the anglers honest. state. This year’s date is Sept. 27-29. If interested, contact McMahon through his website www.twincitiesmusky.com or email twincitiesmusky@gmail.com. ◼

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◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ LOG BOOK

SEARCHING FOR STORIES FROM OUR MARITIME PAST

By Debra Neutkens Editor

Licensed archaeologists Ann Merriman and Chris Olson are on the hunt, not for treasure, but for historical artifacts on the bottom of White Bear Lake.

The duo are repeating work conducted more than a decade ago in their quest to find what maritime experts call “cultural anomalies.”

You may have seen their hard-tomiss yellow motorboat strangely crisscrossing White Bear Lake late July.

Using the latest sonar technology, Merriman and Olson are revisiting anomalies discovered in 2012 while searching for new objects of interest.

They scan the periphery of the 2,400acre lake first and then “mow the lawn” in a lattice-like pattern that guarantees a more thorough sweep.

Although they haven’t had a chance to evaluate their latest data, Merriman said she’s pretty confident they’ve picked up wrecks they didn’t spot before.

“We will compare the new anomalies to the old (from the 2012 study) and determine if they’re worth revisiting,” Merriman said. “There are a couple that look like small boats and one weird, rectangular-shape anomaly on the west side of an upper lobe of the lake.

It’s about 20 feet long. It could be a barge or maybe a dock. There is also something in about 60 feet of water. It could be a wreck. I put an exclamation mark by that one. I do think there are more wrecks in this lake than we’ve found so far.”

The husband-and-wife team have

Paul Dols | Press Publications Underwater archaeologists Chris Olson and Ann Merriman head out in their research/dive boat, Anomaly 51, to survey the bottom of White Bear Lake.

Carter Johnson | Press Publications The transducer is conveniently mounted on the bottom of a dive ladder.

honed their individual roles as they survey state waterways. Merriman takes notes while focused on the scanner while Olson watches the GPS to keep the boat moving in straight lines.

They are the only two licensed maritime archaeologists in the state.

Both Merriman, from Delano, and Olson, from Mora, hold master’s degrees in maritime history and nautical archeology. Merriman went on to earn a PhD in Egyptology, specifically ancient Egyptian watercraft models. They met in graduate school at Eastern Carolina University.

The couple founded the nonprofit Maritime Heritage Minnesota (MHM) 20 years ago to “document, preserve and conserve the state’s finite maritime cultural resources.” Between the two of them, they have explored underwater wrecks in Greece, Civil War-era wrecks near the eastern seaboard, as well as wrecks in Bermuda and the Great Lakes. Merriman even had the rare

Carter Johnson | Press Publications Ann Merriman looks for anomalies on a screen as they crisscross the lake.

Contributed Newer sonar technology displays a sharper image of the yacht club's judge's boat, which was scuttled in 1960.

steamer that was intentionally sank near Big Island in Lake Minnetonka in 1926. “It was yellow and also called the ‘White Bear’ by the Twin Cities Rapid Transit Company,” Merriman said.

“There are three steamers from the company on the bottom of Minnetonka that were named after stops along the streetcar line. All are protected archaeology sites.”

Self-funded, Merriman and Olson continue their mission through MHM because they feel that Minnesota’s maritime history is unique to the state’s culture.

“Our goal is to educate people so they know the difference between archaeology and treasure hunting.

Objects on the bottom of lakes and rivers belong to all of us,” Merriman said. “Touch but don’t take. One artifact taken off a wreck can keep us from identifying it and learning its story or as much of its story as we can reconstruct through research. That has happened many times.”

The MHM team plan to repeat the scan when the weeds are down. “This wasn’t the perfect time of year to do this, but we’ve had to postpone for various reasons,” Merriman said. “And last year, we ran out of time.” They hope to schedule a follow-up scan late fall or early spring 2025 to further investigate objects of interest that may be a cultural resource, a rock or a tree branch.

“The new sonar will save us time when we decide to dive on stuff,” Merriman pointed out. “It narrows down what we should take a closer look at and makes our job easier.”

For more information on MHM, go to www.maritimeheritagemn.org ◼

opportunity to dive on the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor.

Their latest White Bear Lake survey revealed sharper images of boats the pair discovered the first time around.

“We got excellent sonar images of the four wrecks we’ve documented,” Merriman shared. “And much better images of the judge’s boat.”

The 1942 ChrisCraft that served as a judge’s boat was owned by the White Bear Lake Yacht Club and intentionally scuttled in 1960. They also got clearer images of a rare, pre-WWII steel workboat, an aluminum rowboat and a square stern canoe on the bottom. (See The Laker, Vol. 1, No. 2 “Shipwrecks of White Bear Lake”).

Small wooden boats are of special interest to the maritime researchers, who are confident they’ll find one beneath the surface of White Bear.

“There are interesting rectangular things worth looking at in shallower water,” Merriman shared. “A couple anomalies look like small wooden boats we’ve documented in every lake we’ve dove on except White Bear Lake and Waconia. We’ve seen enough of these that they could be small wooden boats.

One had to make it to the bottom of White Bear.”

Added Olson: “Smaller boats are important to us because they are the type of boats that get lost in history.

There are no written records.”

Asked about the 1899, 80-foot steamer “White Bear,” rumored to have burned and sank in Mahtomedi Bay, Merriman replied, “We’re pretty sure it’s not there.”

She thinks people are confusing the steamer on White Bear Lake with a

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024 | THE LAKER

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8A THE LAKER | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024

LAKER CALENDAR 12th Annual Gloria’s Shortest Marathon

SEPTEMBER

When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 Where: Corner of Bald Eagle Ave. & 3rd St., White Bear Lake Details: Fundraiser for the White Bear Area Food Shelf begins with a White Castle card feed followed by a oneblock run/walk/roll. See registration information online.

Contact: whitebearfoodshelf.org

Taste of White Bear Lake

When: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 Where: Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Rd. Details: Sample food and beverages from local establishments while supporting White Bear Rotary programs. Also music, silent auction, games and more. Information online Contact: tasteofwhitebearlake.com

OCTOBER Trolling for Trophies Youth Fishing Camp

23rd Annual Bear Water Run

When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 Where: White Bear Lake Details: Kids ages 11-17 can try to catch the illusive Muskie. Registration information online.

Contact: fishingforlife.org

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 Where: Ramsey County Beach, 5050 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Ten or 20-mile course options around White Bear Lake. Event benefits the White Bear Lake Lion’s Club programs. See details and registration information online.

Contact: whitebearlions.org/bearwater-run

Run for the Apples

Bald Eagle Lake Art Crawl

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 Where: Locations around Bald Eagle Lake Details: Visit with a variety of artists, crafters, and musicians around the lake.

Free.

Contact: belartcrawl.com

From Barry: The Perfect Pop Songs of Barry Gibb and The Bee Gees When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave. Details: Mick Sterling presents the early work of the Gibb brothers in a tribute concert. Ticket information online.

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

One Last Tri

When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 15 Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave. Details: 4 race options include shortened swim, longer bike through horse country, and run along the lake.

Barbecue follows race. Ages 10+.

Details and registration information online.

Contact: mmraces.com/one-last-tri

Contributed

Lake Links Association Bike Ride Around the Lake

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 Where: Saputo Station rest stop, Bellaire Beach Details: Family-friendly, guided 10-mile bike tour around White Bear Lake with groups departing every 10 minutes.

Contact: lakelinks.net

Bald Eagle Yacht Club Quasquicentennial

When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 Where: St. Croix Boar and Packet, 525 S. Main St., Stillwater Details: Celebrate 125 years of the Bald Eagel Yacht Club community.

Contact: beycmn.org

White Bear Township Day

When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 Where: Polar Lakes Park, 1280 Hammond Rd. Details: Free community festival with live music and entertainment, vendor market, demos, car show, kids activities, Bingo, food trucks, beer garden and fireworks show.

Contact: whitebeartownship.org

Shaun Johnson and the Big Band Experience

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 Where: Chautauqua Fine Arts Center (Mahtomedi High School), 8000 75th St. N. Details: Performance by Emmywinning singer/songwriter and member of Tonic Sol-fa. Ticket information online.

Contact: wildwoodartistseries.com

Fall Fest

When: Sept. 26-28 Where: Downtown White Bear Lake Details: Celebrate the harvest season with shopping and dining specials, scarecrown stroll, live music, polka & pumpkins in Railroad Park.

Contact: downtownwhitebearlake.com

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 Where: Jacobson's Pine Tree Apple Orchard Details: 5 mile trail walk/run through the orchard, strawberry fields and pumpkin patch. Age group awards and apple treats. Early registration incentives. Kids fun run at 10:30 a.m.

Proceeds support Strive scholarship program.

Contact: whitebearrotary.org

Ladies of the Lake Quilting Show

When: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 & 26; Sunday Oct. 20 & 27 Where: Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Rd. Details: Display of quilts made by members of local guild.

Contact: pinetreeappleorchard.com

Mitchell Hall & The Tennessee Trio: A Tribute to Johnny Cash When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave. Details: Tribute concert to the Man in Black. Ticket information online.

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

Candy Crawl

When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Where: Downtown White Bear Lake Details: Family-friendly trick-or-treating event at downtown businesses.

Contact: downtownwbl.com

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024 | THE LAKER

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LAKER CALENDAR Mahtomedi Public Schools Music Faculty Concert

Jingle Bear 5K and Kids Fun Run

NOVEMBER

Winterfest

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 Where: Chautauqua Fine Arts Center (Mahtomedi High School), 8000 75th St. N. Details: Showcase of Mahtomedi school district music faculty. Ticket information online.

Contact: wildwoodartistseries.com

When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave. Details: Run for all ages and abilities.

Registration includes jingle bells for shoes. Holiday costumes, dogs on leashes and strollers welcome.

Contact: mmraces.com

When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 & 14 Where: Downtown White Bear Lake Details: Community festival has included horse-drawn carriage rides, visit with Santa, strolling carolers, specials at local shops and restaurants.

Contact: downtownwhitebearlake.com

Bald Eagle Half Marathon When: 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 Where: 5767 Hugo Rd., White Bear Township Details: Quiet course around Bald Eagle Lake and surrounding countryside, followed by pancake breakfast.

Contact: mmraces.com

The OK Factor: Have Yourself an OK Christmas

Kowalski’s Strive 10 Miler and 5K

When: Noon Sunday, Nov. 3 Where: Boatworks Commons, 4495 Lake Ave. S. Details: 10 mile course around White Bear Lake; 5K on path along lake.

Proceeds support Strive scholarship program.

Contact: whitebearrotary.org

Hard Water Ice Fishing Expo When: Nov. 16-17 Where: National Sports Center, 1750 105th Ave. NE, Blaine Details: Latest gear, seminars, demos, Clam Ice Fishing Pros and kids trout fishing pond.

Contact: nscsports.org/hardwaterexpo

Holiday Open House

When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 Where: Downtown White Bear Lake Details: Kick off the holidays by shopping locally at downtown retailers and restaurants.

Contact: downtownwhitebearlake.com

‘A Christmas Carol’

When: Nov. 22-Dec. 15 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.

Paul Dols | Press Publications

Scare in White Bear

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Where: Memorial Beach, 4958 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Family-friendly 5K race on a torch-lit path along White Bear Lake. Costumes encouraged. Kid’s fun run at 6 p.m. Halloweenie roast, kids party, and costume contest for people and dogs follows. Registration and details online.

Contact: mmraces.com/scare-in-white-bear

Details: Classic holiday story performed by Lakeshore Players.

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

Fast Before the Feast

When: 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28 Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave. Details: Thanksgiving Day 5K, 10K and Turkey Dash with courses along White Bear Lake and through downtown.

Registration information online.

Contact: mmraces.com

10A THE LAKER | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024

DECEMBER St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show

When: 1-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 8 Where: St. Paul RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd.

Details: More than 190 exhibits geared to the die-hard and winter sports enthusiast, seminars and giveaways.

Contact: stpaulicefishingshow.com

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave. Details: Celebrate with the classical crossover duo as they celebrate the holidays with traditional carols, seasonal songs and original versions of holiday favorites. Ticket information online.

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

ONGOING EVENTS Mahtomedi Area Farmers Market

When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, through Sept. 30 Where: Veterans Memorial Park Details: Local growers, artisans and community resources.

Contact: ci.mahtomedi.mn.us

White Bear Farmers Market When: 8 a.m.-noon Fridays, through October 25.

Where: Clark Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets Details: More than 50 vendors and growers each week.

Contact: whitebearlake.org

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12A THE LAKER | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024

THE

L KER Vol. 2 • No. 3

SECTION B

FAST CATS product of local boat builder

By Debra Neutkens Editor

Fast, efficient, simple.

Those three words best describe a unique catamaran designed by a team that included an aerospace engineer and a Mahtomedi boat builder.

The engineer was Bill Roberts, whose jet engine expertise with Pratt & Whitney aircraft involved F16 fighters and the SR71 Blackbird, the fastest plane in the world. He was also a lifelong sailor who spent his spare time racing catamarans. Tom Haberman, a boat builder and catamaran enthusiast, met Roberts at a marine trade show in Chicago in the late ‘70s and was blown away by both the designer’s intellect and the clean design of a prototype boat called a SuperCat. Formulae Racing Sailboats, a South Florida company co-owned by Roberts, was looking for dealers to market the multihull cat. Haberman, who owned Aquarius Sail Inc. in Mahtomedi, agreed to become a Midwest dealer.

Five years later, he bought the SuperCat name and all

that went with it and moved production to Minnesota.

That was 40 years ago.

At the time, Haberman’s shop was located in the back of the old fire department where Ralph’s Super Market once stood. In 2000, he moved to larger space in the Hallberg Marine complex in Wyoming.

The SuperCat’s design included several unique, patented features. One was the elliptical hull shape to reduce the pitchpoling tendency of multi-hull sailboats. The design has become an industry standard in multi-hulls of all sizes, Haberman said.

Not one to stay idle, Roberts remained involved in high-performance catamaran design. He again teamed up with Aquarius to introduce the SC22, a stretched version of the original SC20. Eventually there was a SuperCat 15 (aimed at the Hobe cat market), a 17 and 19 and later, Roberts designed the RC27 and RC30 (for Roberts Catamarans). In 2000, the popular ARC22 (Aquarius Roberts Catamarans) came online. Nameplates changed CONTINUED ON 3B

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024 | THE LAKER

1B

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2B THE LAKER | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024

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◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ RIGGINGS FAST CATS | FROM 1B

Paul Dols | Press Publications Two ARC22s and a smaller SC17 are kept at the White Bear Lake Yacht Club.

as the SuperCat underwent subtle design changes. “It was hard to keep up,” Haberman admitted.

A former Hobe cat sailor, Haberman maintains there is no comparison to the SuperCats.

“Bill desired to design the ultimate sailboat,” Haberman said. “He wanted to create the fastest, safest and most maneuverable cat on the water. So he decided to build a ‘super cat.’ He was a hell of a sailor who was familiar with aircraft performance. A catamaran is actually an airplane on water after all, with the sail a wing standing on end.”

The SuperCat is a technical boat, “God-awful fast,” but simple, too, Haberman continued. “That is key.

The boats are clean, slender and very efficient with a high finesse ratio – meaning width of the hull versus the length. They are very smooth.”

The ARC22 set a record last year for the Mug Race, an annual 38-mile race down the St. John’s River in Florida.

Billed as the world’s longest river sailing race, it is open to all sailboats with a mast height of 44 feet or less. The record was set by Roberts’ son Eric.

Eric repeated the Mug win in 2024.

“Bill raised the standard for catamaran design and sailing,” Haberman noted. He became close friends with the expert sailor, a “brilliant and fascinating man” who sadly passed away in 2019 while preparing his RC30 for an upcoming race.

There have been changes to the boat over the years. Masts are made of carbon instead of aluminum and carbon fiber is more commonly used for the hulls. Haberman personally owns an 18-footer (only a few were built) but said the 17s are most popular. He’s also

working to boost interest in catamarans at the White Bear Yacht Club’s sailing school.

The pandemic hit Aquarius hard and he’s a one-man shop now, but Haberman stays busy doing restorations and repairs on sails, trampolines and canvas. He also repairs broken masts and has fixed a few for Debra Neutkens | Press Publications Tom Haberman, a lifelong sailor, builds A-scow owners. He still takes custom and restores catamarans in his Wyoming orders for the cats and only sells direct. boat shop.

Their boats are found all over the world.

Prices range from $20,000 for the SC17 to a lofty $75,000 for the allcarbon ARC22. “Don’t ask about the RC models,” he grinned, which are well into six figures.

White Bear sailor Andy Kruse, who happens to be Haberman’s neighbor, said the SuperCat is “very fast and fun, especially when the wind is over 15 mph. Tom has been in the sailing industry for years,” he commented.

“He’s traveled the world promoting the Carter Johnson | Press Publications sport and SuperCats.”

SC stands for Super Cat. There has been immense satisfaction bringing Roberts’ work and designs to life the last 40 years, Haberman stated.

“We have an extremely loyal fan base.

Many owners are on their second, third or fourth SuperCat or RC model as their choice for fast, comfortable, sailing enjoyment.”

Retirement is something Haberman prefers not to consider. “This keeps me going,” admitted the boat builder, who spends winter months downhill skiing.

“I know I gotta quit someday, but my life is oriented around boats. I’m not ready to give that up.”

Carter Johnson | Press Publications For more information on Aquarius An older model Super Cat was spotted at Sail, visit the website at www.aquariusMatoska. sail.com. ◼

Contributed An ARC22 flies on White Bear Lake. The sailors are Tom and Matt Haberman.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024 | THE LAKER

3B

LOG BOOK ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

NAME NOW OFFICIAL FOR ST. GERMAIN BAY After years in the making, a sign along Trunk Highway 244 officially names an inlet south of the Dellwood peninsula St. Germain Bay. The bay’s name appears on some maps, according to a family member, but it has not been official, until now.

The lake conservation district board OK’d the expenditure in 2021 but waited for final approval from the Dellwood City Council since the sign is on city property.

The sign memorializes generations of a family whose members have resided near the shores of White Bear Lake since the Civil War. Patriarch George St. Germain, who served on the conservation district for 40 years, didn’t live to see the sign, but daughter Lori knows he’d be proud. George died in April at age 84.

“It would have been touching for him to see it. Still it’s done and it’s a great legacy for the rest of the family. So many generations have lived here,” she said.

George, the fourth generation, lived on Echo Street his entire life. He told the Press in 2021 that the bay is

The boathouse sat on the lake at the southern end of Echo Road for about 80 years. Boats were rented and bait and candy sold from the green and white building that now sits in the St. Germain’s backyard.

named after his grandfather, Joseph St. Germain, who started a Boat Livery on the lake in 1908.

Debra Neutkens ◼

Photos Contributed The family of George and Judy St. Germain gather by a sign that officially designates a bay in their name. Patriarch George knew a sign was planned but died before he could see it. Pictured, from left, Garrett (grandson), Claire (granddaughter), Sydney (Garrett’s spouse), Judy, Lori Gunasekera (daughter), Sid Gunasekera (spouse to Lori) and Aidan Gunasekera (grandson). Not pictured, son John St. Germain.

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◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ SHORE LEAVE

KEEPING INVASIVE SPECIES AT BAY

Debra Neutkens | Press Publications DNR watercraft inspector Cal Stenso, in green vest, checks a boat for invasive species at the Ramsey County boat launch on White Bear Lake. Watercraft are inspected for zebra mussels and aquatic vegetation. Boaters are asked to pull their plugs and drain the water. The water can carry invasive larvae or fish diseases, according to Stenso, who said they want boats “clean, drained and dry.” Ramsey County is at the boat landing several days a week to inspect boats. A decontamination unit in the parking lot provides a high-pressure, high-temperature water supply used to rinse boats that have been in the water more than 24 hours or have visible zebra mussels and/or attached plants that resist removal. Stenso said a public schedule of when and where the unit is located can be found on the DNR website “so anyone who needs a decontamination can go to the website and find where we’ll be.”

Ellen Maas | Contributed In early spring, while waiting for the Loons to arrive and set up shop, the young Great Horned owl family near Matoska Park fascinated and delighted owl lovers from all over Minnesota.

The fuzzy little owlets were inseparable during the first several weeks, post-hatch. Eventually, they “branched out” and could be seen climbing up trees and making short flights to neighboring trees. Like clockwork, the family “dispersed” in June.

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SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024 | THE LAKER

5B

RIGGING ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

RARE CHRISCRAFT AN HEIRLOOM The 70-year-old ChrisCraft doesn’t get out as much as it used to, but it always garners attention on White Bear Lake, said owner Ford Nicholson.

His grandfather, Richard Ordway, bought the boat new in 1954 and enjoyed annoying White Bear Lake water skiers and sailors with its huge wake. “Sailors would curse at him when he cut them off,” Nicholson said.

The six-cylinder, 158-hp MBL engine can power the 22-foot mahogany woodie to 30 mph.

“For its time, the boat is quite fast,” noted Nicholson, who added he prefers cruising at 8 mph when out for a leisurely spin.

Called a Custom Sedan,

the boat has a permanent vinyl roof that makes it distinctive, Nicholson said. “My grandparents didn’t like the sun. But it does get hot under there for the driver.”

The ChrisCraft classic is named Columbine, after the flower. “The name came before the horrible shootings in Colorado,” the Dellwood owner noted. “We thought about changing the name but we haven’t gotten around to that.”

Nicholson plans to pass the boat down to his son John, who lives on the island. “He’s in the will to get it,” he said. “It’s a beautiful boat.”

Debra Neutkens ◼

803570

Paul Dols | Press Publications

6B THE LAKER | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024

Contributed Atherton Wiseman at his new home on Bald Eagle Island.

BALD EAGLE ISLAND SELLS for half original ask Minnesota.” The family also owns a hobby farm in Corcoran.

Two additional family members will also be enjoying lake life — a pair of golden retrievers that love to swim.

“Anyone close to the island may have a greeting from them,” Wiseman said. “It’s a challenge to get them out of the water.”

The move-in process has been slow.

Personal items were moved via jet-ski after closing in July, which wasn’t too efficient. Improvements have finally been made to the dock, however, so the pontoon is in place, making the process easier. They also still have the barge.

No major changes are planned for the property. “(Former owner) Nathan Landucci did such a great job with the house and the landscaping,” Wiseman noted. “He had a fantastic eye for every tiny detail inside and out. We love it.”

As the Press reported in past stories about the island, Landucci did an extensive remodel to the home before listing the property in 2020. He’d purchased it in 2016 from original owners Jane and Nick Van Brunt, who built the home in 1985. A premier auction house based in southern California put the home up for bid in 2023 with a $3.5 million start value but the home did not sell.

Debra Neutkens ◼

803365

First listed for $6.6 million in early 2022, the property at 1 Bald Eagle Island has sold. Selling price for the five-bedroom, 6.5 bath, 9,400-square-foot home was reportedly $3.25 million.

The buyer is Atherton Wiseman, who said his dream has been to own lake property.

“I’d been looking for property for a while and was thinking further out of the metro, but I kept coming back to that listing. We didn’t find a home on a lake, we found a home in a lake,” he joked. “It was too cool to pass up.”

Wiseman will be sharing the large home with his blended family, at least part-time.

They include mom Adrienne, who works at the Bell Museum and looks forward to island birdwatching, and three younger siblings, a sister and two brothers.

Asked about the inconveniences of four-season travel to the home, Wiseman admitted they aren’t sure about island life in the winter. “A lot depends on our comfort level with the Hovercraft,” he said. “If you’ve seen it, you’ll know it does not inspire confidence. Cross your fingers for us when the water is partially frozen.”

Wiseman is a plant engineer for UPS, a position he’s had for eight years. Yes, the island price tag was hefty, so he politely explained that he co-manages one of the family’s overseas businesses. “We recently sold off some property there and had funds to invest in a property here in

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024 | THE LAKER

7B

803518

8B THE LAKER | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024

THE

L KER Vol. 2 • No. 3

SECTION C

Paul Dols | Press Publications The garden areas surrounding Si and Vicki Ford's lakeside home are a combination of traditional decorative flowers and pollinator friendly areas of native plants. Si is the resident weed control expert. The Fords pose in an area near the front of their home filled with native, pollinator friendly plants. A hollyhock blooms near the Ford's home. Hollyhocks drop seeds and bloom every other year.

GARDENS GALORE GRACE WHITE BEAR LAKE Intro by Ellen Maas Special to The Laker

Selecting gardens around the lake was a fun assignment. Over the years, while running, now walking, around the lake, I have been blown away by all the spectacular gardens along the route. Several of my friends in the St. Paul Garden Club were happy to share their gardens with The Laker.

All agree that this was a banner year for weeds.

CONTINUED ON 5C

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024 | THE LAKER

1C

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2C THE LAKER | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024

◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ SHORE LEAVE

Contributed One of 15 York family reunions. According to Barb York, “we did something special for every niece and nephew when they turned 16, including carriage rides on Lake Avenue, a Western line-dancing party with chuckwagon and band on the porch, horse sleigh rides for winter birthdays, etc. This year’s theme was for my niece whose last name is Schyler and she lives in Hollywood."

FRIENDLY SPIRIT MAY INHABIT LAKE AVENUE HOME

By Lynn Nelson Special to The Laker

Does a playful ghost still inhabit 4621 Lake Ave.?

Former residents believe it could be the spirit of a young girl named Mary Melissa (Missy) French, who died by fire in the home in the 1960s. The French family lived in the home from 1963 to 1985.

When asked if she thought the house was haunted, former owner and Realtor Lindsay Collins said: “I did feel it was haunted. We have a lot of fun stories. One night my then-husband and I were in our bedroom talking, and the door opened and no one answered – it had been latched shut, and the kids were asleep in their bedrooms. My youngest child was in the front bedroom (where the child allegedly died). She didn’t hear it or see it, but she was very little.

“This happened before we even knew about the French family story. (The spirit) was very playful, sweet and gentle – it often opened and shut doors.

For example, the doors on the second-floor deck

would open in summer and winter, and you could hear little footsteps above.

“Eventually, we’d just laugh and say ‘Cassie’ is playing with the doors again. We gave the spirit a nickname before we learned the story.”

York family spent 30 years at 4621 Lake Ave. In the home’s 140-year existence, only seven families have lived there.

Barb York and her family moved into the house in 1988. They bought it from someone who had purchased it from the French family and planned to flip it.

The house didn’t have a front porch at that time.

The stove in the kitchen was from Roberto’s Italian Restaurant, complete with a griddle top and two ovens. Next to it was a milk machine. “That kitchen fed a lot of people over the 30 years we lived in the house,” York said.

Like the Collinses, she and her husband Bob also sensed a spirit in the house. “We would go to bed at night and the heat would go up, and we’d turn it down,

and it would go back up.

“Eventually, I put an image of Our Lady of Czestochowa with the Blessed Mother’s protection up in the hall - nothing ever happened again,” York recalled. “Our experience was extremely peaceful after that.”

York says 4621 was made for gathering and her memories are primarily about the many people who spent time in their home.

“People would flock to the house,” she said. “For 20 years, we had family reunions in July - there were 75 people at the last one.”

An active member of St. Pius X in White Bear Lake, York hosted a variety of church-related activities. She recalls that many years after hosting a Moms in Touch group, a lady came back and knocked on the door, saying “I loved the peace I had in your house.”

The Yorks also were visited by many members of the French family, who wanted the chance to visit their former home again.

CONTINUED ON 4C

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024 | THE LAKER

3C

SHORE LEAVE ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ HOME | FROM 3C “That was the kind of house it was - it had to be shared,” York said.

2015-2022 major remodeling Lindsay Collins and her family lived in the home from 2015 to 2022. Early on, “We had an environmental engineer come look at it. They recommended new joist beams, which lifted six inches of floor sag.

“We remodeled extensively, but we kept the original trim and kept the house the same as much was possible.

In addition to a new roof and insulation, we added a master bath, because the original upstairs bathroom was very small.

“And when they lifted the floor, it damaged the cabinets and we had to do a kitchen remodel, but we kept the butler press and other charming items; we wanted to preserve as much as we could.

“It would have been cheaper to knock it down, but I love squeaky wood floors, old-fashioned trim, the grand front doors, big windows. …”

The renovation was done by her uncle, Jim Baker of Baker Home Management. Collins admits caring for an older home is a lot of work, and she has moved to a smaller place.

“It was so amazing to sit on the veranda and to watch everyone go by.

My oldest son’s life goal is to rebuy it.”

In an interview with the current owners in late July (who wish to remain unnamed), they said the story of the friendly spirit was news to them. They added that they thoroughly enjoy watching “life go by” from the large private porch of their home. Their plans for the historic home is to build a garage – theirs has been shared with neighbors for at least 75 years – and to do some landscaping.

The current owners said they “love living on the lake, even in the winter.”

John and Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Matheis purchased the lot for their summer cottage in 1883. John was a German immigrant who developed a prosperous carpet, wallpaper and drapery business in downtown St. Paul. A sketch of the house and many others from the era are included in a booklet called “All About White Bear Lake”, which was published in 1890 and is distributed even today by the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society.

These interior pictures were taken after an extensive remodel by the former owner.

The kitchen received an extensive remodel.

Editor’s Note: The author’s family lived at 4621 Lake Ave. in the 1940s through the early ‘60s. For the story and photos of that period of the home’s history, see https://www.lakeavenuewbl.com/ post/4621-aka-430-and-51-lake-avenue

◼

The house was part of the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society’s home tour program Fall of 2019.

The author’s mother, Barb Chapman Nelson, lived in the house when she was a teenager, and she enjoyed regaling WBLAHS volunteers with stories on what it was like to grow up there. Here she talks to Ellen Hiniker, former city manager.

4C THE LAKER | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024

Photos Contributed The Collins family around the dining table at Christmas, 2021.

◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ SHORE LEAVE GARDENS | FROM 1C

In the late summer, Penny Rendall's White Bear Lake garden features a variety of plants, including red bee balm, brown-eyed susans and cleome flowers.

Photos by Paul Dols | Press Publications Along with more traditional decorative plants, Tracy Stutz ,far right, and her husband Todd have also carved out some space in their Dellwood yard for a pollinator garden created in honor of Todd's father Stanley.

A monarch butterfly overcomes gusts of wind coming off White Bear Lake and lands on a blazing star plant in the pollinator garden.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024 | THE LAKER

5C

LOON LANDING ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

Trying to capture Loon reflections can be challenging. The light, wind, and sun angle all must be in perfect alignment.

This foraging Loon did not disappoint.

805726

Ellen Maas | Contributed The Loon parents reward their chick with neck snuggles, which have been on display with increasing frequency, as they prepare to leave their chick on its own in the coming weeks.

Now 11 weeks old, with flight feathers all in place, the Loon chick should be airborne soon. The chick continues to follow its parents’ cues, finetuning Loon behaviors, including the wing flap, which often looks like a maestro leading an orchestra.

6C THE LAKER | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024

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◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ PORT OF CALL

DAY IN LIFE OF WATER PATROL Q: What is your typical day as a water patrol officer?

A: The Water Patrol Unit is responsible for a variety of public safety activities, including patrolling the county’s 82 lake basins and 18 miles of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, so there’s a lot of work to do on a daily basis.

We also have a lot of boats, motors, and other equipment to maintain, which is something we’re always doing. It’s an ongoing process to make sure we are ready to keep people safe, whether we’re on patrol or responding to an emergency situation.

Q: How long is a shift and are you on the water only during daylight hours?

A: Deputies with the Water Patrol Unit typically work 10-hour days, starting at noon and ending at 10 p.m.

Of course, members of the unit are always on call, so if someone goes under and needs help or if there’s an emergency, we can get there quickly, launch our boats and get out on the water as soon as possible.

Q: What infractions do you most commonly see?

A: We see a lot of people not putting life jackets on their children, which is dangerous and illegal. Unfortunately, we see impaired boaters on the lakes.

And then there are times when people don’t seem to be aware of local lake ordinances, so we see speeding and wakes in prohibited areas.

Q: Do you issue citations daily and what are the most common warnings?

A: Our deputies have the discretion to take the enforcement action that is necessary for each individual circumstance. Often, deputies will issue warnings and reminders. In other cases, such as an impaired boater, arrests are made.

Q: In the early season, do boaters receive more warnings than tickets?

A: It really depends on the situation.

Our goal is to educate the public and water safety issues to avoid problems before they turn into life safety issues.

Contributed Members of the Ramsey County Water Patrol, responsible for the public's safety, cruise 18 miles of river and 82 lakes.

Q: In a boating emergency, what number should be called? What about a non-emergency?

A: 911 is the best number to call for both emergencies and nonemergencies.

Q: What are the most common water-related wildlife calls you receive? What do you recommend regarding wildlife and the lakes?

A: As always, if possible leave all wildlife alone. Our most common call is injured birds. Usually, we collect those birds and bring them to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Roseville. All injured Raptors go the Raptor Center in St. Paul Q: How often do you tow boats and what is the most common reason?

A: We tow a couple times of week.

The issues with boats are wide ranging.

From no starts, hitting objects in the water, or just poor boat maintenance.

Q: What type of training did this job require?

A: DNR enforcement training.

NASLBA boat operators’ course and BWI training. Instructor courses for DNR ATV operations, Youth Firearms

instructors, snowmobile safety instructor.

rescues get a lot of attention, we prefer to prevent them in the first place.

Q: Do you work in teams?

A: Yes, our Water Patrol Unit works in teams. We typically have XX deputies in a boat for patrol. Rescues and searches require a more robust team that can include divers, drone pilots and the Water Patrol deputies.

Q: How many different patrol officers cruise the lake or is it just a few?

A: We typical have more staff on the weekends during the boating season. We can have upwards of four deputies, plus a supervisor working the weekends. During the week, our numbers are one to two deputies working, plus a supervisor.

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: Drunken boating.

Q: How does WBL compare with other county lakes?

A: White Bear Lake is a popular lake, with a lot of people fishing, boating, tubing, skiing and jet skiing. It’s the place to be in the East Metro, so we like to have a very visible presence on the lake all summer long.

Q: What is the most important thing about your job?

A: We try to focus on preventing emergencies, so the education we do—the youth safety classes, the life-jacket giveaways, the one-on-one conversations we have with people on the lake—are really important.

While our emergency responses and

Q: What advice would you like to give boaters?

A: Wear a life jacket. People think it won’t happen to them, but it does. And it happens fast. Wearing a life jacket can save your life.

Q: Is speed an issue on WBL? Are boaters following no-wake zones?

A: The speed limit on WBL is 35 mph.

Most boaters follow the speed limits.

Most of our No Wake zones are in Commercial Bay and we generally have no problems in that area.

Submitted by Ramsey County Water Patrol Unit ◼

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 - DECEMBER 2024 | THE LAKER

9C

GALLEY ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

Pork & Shrimp Gyoza Makes 40

MIZU Sparkling Plum Martini Ingredients:

2oz Hakutsuru Plum Shochu 1oz Haku Vodka 2oz Brut de Blanc 1oz House Mix 5 Drops Shiso Bitters

Directions:

Combine shochu, vodka and house mix in shaker with ice.

Shake and strain into martini glass. Add bitters and top with sparkling brut. Garnish with orange twist.

Filling Ingredients: 1# Ground Pork 1# Diced Shrimp 1.5oz Ground Ginger 1.5oz Ground Garlic 1 cup Chopped Scallion 3/4 cup Tamari Gluten Free Soy Sauce 2 Tablespoons Salt 2 Teaspoons White Pepper

Ponzu Sauce Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon Mirin 1 Tablespoon Sake 3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice 1/3 Cup Tamari Gluten Free Soy Sauce 2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar 3 Tablespoons Water 1 4 Inch Piece Kombu

Wrappers 40 Gyoza Wrappers

Directions: Make Ponzu Sauce Simmer Mirin and Sake for one minute. Remove from heat a cool to room temperature. Combine Lemon Juice, Tamari, Vinegar, Water, Kombu along with Mirin-Sake Mixture. Steep Overnight. Strain through fine strainer or cheesecloth.

Make Filling Make the filling by gently mixing everything into a homogenous paste Add a tablespoon of filling into the middle of a round gyoza wrapper, lightly moisten the edges and pleat and press together the edges Cook Gyoza Bring a small pot of boiling water to boil.

Heat a small skillet on medium with a Tablespoon of oil. Have cover available for use during next step.

Boil 4 gyoza for 15 seconds. Remove from water and set on towel to drain excess water for 10 seconds. Carefully transfer to skillet and cover skillet cooking on one side for 60 seconds.

Remove from heat, garnish with scallions and serve with ponzu sauce.

Recipes courtesy of Daron and Nicole Close

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