Mounds View students encourage change, propose climate education bill
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Mounds View High School seniors Julia Gronert, Margaret McGann and Jonin Morgan are at the forefront of expanding climate change education through Youth Environmental Activists (YEA), a network for Minnesota youths acting on the systems perpetuating the climate crisis.
YEA is a part of Climate Generation, an organization that was created in 2006 by polar explorer and educator Will Steger to help build climate literacy, amplify personal connections to climate change and develop community collaboration.
The seniors joined the group within the last year. Gronert joined YEA in February of last year.
“I was kind of having an existential crisis about the environment and I was like, ‘I need to find something that I
can do to get involved.’ I was looking for so long to find somewhere … and I found YEA, and I was like, ‘Oh, this sounds perfect,’” she said.
Morgan joined YEA shortly after Gronert brought him to a meeting.
“This is my second year,” Morgan explained. “I am really passionate about government environmentalism. So, I thought it was a really cool opportunity, and I was really excited to go to
the first meeting.” McGann started attending the meetings around four months ago after hearing Gronert and Morgan talk about the group.
“I heard Jonin and Julia talking about it a lot, and I heard ‘environment’, and I was like, ‘I’m in!’” she said. “I went there, and it was totally different than I thought. I thought ‘Wow, this is really cool,’ and
Taste of Shoreview: Food fest and community fundraiser
The Youth Environmentalists Activists put on a Youth Climate Justice Summit to discuss environmental justice and climate change.
‘Mean
Girls the Musical’ at Mounds View High School
BY RITA LAMATSCH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Looking for a local musical production that’ll be fetch? Consider checking out “Mean Girls” at Mounds View High School (MVHS), running May 1-4. The musical, based on the 2004 movie, captures the comedy of the original film while it adjusts some of the content to be appropriate for audiences 12 and older. You won’t want to miss the fabulous singing and dancing that accompanies the story MVHS theater students are telling at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday (May 1-3) and at a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday (May 4).
For those unfamiliar with the plot: Cady Heron grew up on the African savanna observing lions and other predators, but nothing could prepare her for the cutthroat culture and wild ways of a U.S. high school. Cady must learn to navigate unwritten social dynamics and cliques, especially “The Plastics,” a trio of frenemies led by the ruthless Regina George. When Cady
SEE ‘MEAN GIRLS’, PAGE 2
We Do the Heavy Lifting for
and her new friends Janis Sarkisian and Damian Hubbard implement a scheme to end Regina’s reign, Cady learns you can’t take on an apex predator without getting hurt. In the end, they all learn valuable lessons about authenticity and true friendship.
“The show doesn’t shy away from the fact that it’s about real teens dealing with real issues around relational aggression,” said codirector Dan Perucco. “During our first readthrough, the cast discussed just how relatable and relevant the situations and themes in the show are.”
Junior Maris Ward plays Cady Heron, a role she’s always dreamed of playing. “I think we both struggle with the balance of trying to fit in while also trying to be ourselves,” said Ward. Along with the message of being true to oneself, Ward says not
rushing to judgment about a person’s character or motives is important: “Be nice to people, because you never know what they’re going through.”
Senior Jayda McAdams, who plays Regina George, agrees it’s important to “think deeply about what things in a person’s life could have motivated them to turn (out that way).” McAdams also points out that we might connect with characters
Where: Mounds
Details:
“Mean Girls” for the
Contact: www.mvtheater.org/ tickets-1
the final song of Act 1 that captures the pure joy of what it’s like to be on stage,” he said, citing this as his favorite scene because it epitomizes the thrill of a live production. “Every student is part of this moment, and they are having so much fun. You can just feel the energy radiating off the stage. It’s a show-stopping moment, for sure.”
think her ability to just be herself no matter what is a beautiful thing, and it is a quality we should all strive to
Mounds View Choir Director Sarah Kitzman, the show’s music director, hopes “the audience leaves feeling entertained, of course, but also with a deeper appreciation for how complex high school dynamics can be. What stands out to me as a teacher is how spot-on it is about the social landscape of high school. The characters are exaggerated in a fun way, but the situations they face—trying to fit in, navigating friendships, dealing with rumors— are very real for students.”
“I hope the audience has an absolute blast watching this entertaining cast, and walks away feeling joyful and inspired!” said choreographer Jen Haider, who loves the show because its great songs offer many opportunities for creative choreography while also having a deeper meaning. “The message that I hope audiences take away is authenticity. Staying true to your authentic self will, in turn, surround you with others who will also support who you are.”
The show is a nonstop rollercoaster of fun, says co-director Colin Perucco. “There’s a dance break in
New to the program this year, MVHS Theater’s co-directors Dan Perucco and Colin Perucco identify three values as the guiding vision for the school’s theater program: community, education and quality. These values foster a balanced approach for the more than 100 students involved in the program by building connections, creating learning opportunities and being part of work students can be proud of. It’s also inspiring the next generation of artists to share their gifts with the world.
“I am planning on pursuing a theater degree in college!” said Sidler, who’s graduating this spring. “This department created my love for theater, and I can’t wait to further that passion in college!”
Fellow senior McAdams plans to complement her college education with theater. “Post high school, I intend to have a dual major in art and occupational psychology. I have looked into staying active in the theater community at my university by joining their community theater program.”
The co-directors say you don’t need ESP(N) to know that “Mean Girls” will be a highly entertaining show, staged by an incredibly talented group of high school students.
“Every department is absolutely crushing this show,” said Colin Perucco. “The cast is bringing the show to life on stage in such a fun and joyful way, while the set crew, costuming and tech are giving it their all to make the show look and sound its absolute best.”
“The show is hilarious and entertaining, filled with catchy music and eye-popping choreography,” said Dan Perucco. “It’s pure fun.”
Junior Maris Ward will play Cady Heron.
cast rehearsing for the show, which runs from May 1-4 at Mounds View High School.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
SHOREVIEW’S SPRINGFEST
When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580
Victoria St. N.
Details: Shoreview celebrates Earth Day.
Events happening in Haffeman Pavilion and the lower-level parking lot of the Community Center. Activities include music, food trucks, kid’s activities and more.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov.
ONGOING EVENTS
DROP IN MAH JONGG
When: 1 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Bring your tiles and your friends for drop-in play. All levels welcome. No registration required. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700.
500 CARD CLUB
When: 12:30 p.m. Mondays
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Cards and conversation. No partner required. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700.
CURRENT EVENTS
RAMSEY COUNTY RECYCLING
When: 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
Where: Roseville Skating Center Banquet Facility, 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville
Details: Beth Carrano will discuss the County’s recycling program.
‘PUFFS’
When: 7 p.m. April 24-April 27
Where: Irondale High School, 2425 Long Lake Road, New Brighton
Details: Follow Wayne Hopkins, an ordinary boy sorted into the most overlooked house at a magical school in England, and his friends Oliver and Megan. Through seven chaotic years, the Puffs strive to find their place and prove they’re more than just background characters. Put on by the Irondale Drama Department. Contact: ihsdrama.org
THE WRITER’S ROOM: AN OPEN STUDIO FOR WRITERS
When: 1-4 p.m. Friday, April 25
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Details: Write in the company of fellow writers in an inspiring space, led by Amber Guetebier. For adults and teens 16+, all levels.
Contact: 651-407-0597 or whitebeararts.org
‘ANYTHING GOES’
When: April 25-May 18
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, White Bear Lake Details: Revival version of the classic, Golden Age musical by Cole Porter. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org
ART AND ASANAS
When: 9-9:45 a.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum, Details: Tara Willits, instructor at The Mindfullness Movement, will lead you through yoga and guided mindfulness to help you unwind, relax and refresh. Registration is required through The Mindfullness Movement website at www. themindfulnessmovement.net.
Contact: www.themindfulnessmovement.net/artand-asanas
EQC SPEAKER SERIES: RESIDENTIAL ENERGY PROGRAMS
When: 7-8 p.m. Monday, April 28
Where: City Council Chambers, Shoreview City Hall, 4600 Victoria St. N.
Details: Learn about available rebates and programs for energy efficient and renewable energy projects for your home from the Partners in Energy program and Xcel Energy. Part of the 2025 Environmental Speaker Series. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov
55+ SENIOR HOUSING FAIR
When: 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, April 29
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Visit representatives from a variety of local senior living facilities, services that can help you age-in-place and other 55+ housing related companies. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700.
RAMSEY COUNTY METRO WATERSHED DISTRICT
INFO SESSION
When: 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 29
Where: Roseville Skating Center Banquet Facility, 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville
Details: A representative will discuss the duties of the watershed district in regulating the use, and improving the quality of surface water in the District.
AARP SMART DRIVERS
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, May 6
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Taught by AARP trained instructors. Learn safe driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Register a week before class through the Parks and Recreation catalog. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700
Editors note: See Earth Day events on page 7.
Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity that our daughter took advantage of this second semester of her junior year in college. We recently returned from visiting her in Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhagen has consistently been rated as one of the happiest places on Earth.
Publisher’s View
Carter Johnson
Our 11-hour flight from Minneapolis left on a Monday evening and with the time difference and a short layover in Amsterdam we arrived around 2 p.m. the following day. We checked into our accommodations in the city center and my son immediately took a nap. Amy and I walked around while we waited for Abbey to finish class. The streets were quietly alive with bicycles everywhere, distinctive architecture, benches, trees and cobblestone streets and sidewalks. It was reminiscent of Disney World.
I could not wait to see Abbey. While we were walking around, I pulled up her location on my phone and a saw she was just a few hundred feet away, so I made a point to run into her, and I surprised how emotional it was, for me, anyway.
It was great to meet some of her new friends and visit with some of her University of Colorado Boulder classmates who are also there for the semester.
We also quickly learned that the happiness comes at a high cost- Denmark is expensive for residents as well as tourists. A few shopkeepers and restaurant workers, when they realized we were Americans, joked that our bill included an extra tariff.
Study abroad programs are pretty common in colleges and universities across the country these days. It was a requirement for Abbey’s architecture major, and she chose to focus her semester on furniture design, as many iconic chairs were created by Danish designers.
What I didn’t realize is that many of the study abroad programs are separate organizations, so American students are not actually attending college classes at a foreign university. For instance, Abbey’s program is through an organization with offices in St. Paul, which has a partnership with the University of Minnesota. She has made lasting friendships with many students from other American universities, though she hasn’t met many Danish students.
The other fascinating aspect is how much students travel while studying abroad. Abbey has class four days a week and flies off to a different destination almost every weekend. She’s finishing up her semester with a few last bucket list trips. This past Easter weekend she traveled to Rome with a friend from high school who is also studying in Copenhagen. They had booked tickets to the Colosseum in advance but were turned away when they arrived. As bad luck would have it, their tickets were scheduled for the exact same time that JD Vance was there for a private tour with his family, so they shut it down to tourists.
I hadn’t been to Europe for nearly 30 years since I traveled there for a J-term in college, and it was a great trip. I look forward to going back.
Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
The quiet strength of the rule of
law
I’ve been thinking a lot about the law lately. It’s in the headlines daily, and what triggered my reflections was a jury summons from Ramsey County District Court. I know people who dread jury duty but I love it. This is my fourth time being called, including twice at the federal level. While I don’t relish the long periods of sitting and waiting, I’m proud to serve. I find the process captivating, the cast of legal professionals fascinating, and the law itself— well, it never fails to intrigue me.
My appreciation for the law sparked early. The first time I was summoned to federal jury duty, I was just 19, and had only voted once. Over a nine-month period, I sat with 11 jurors and four alternates through a high-profile trial, watching the courtroom drama unfold: witness after witness, skilled defense attorneys, compelling evidence, and precise procedures. I gained a quick, immersive education in how American justice functions.
• Limited to 350 words.
• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
That experience helped shape my career. I spent four decades working for a legal publisher, deeply involved in understanding and distributing legal information. I read the law at state and federal levels, collaborated with law firms, federal agencies, and courts. My professional life kept me close to the rule of law. It also offered me something more: a window into how laws operate—or sometimes don’t—in other countries.
While working in the Philippines, one of our prospective employees—highly qualified and applying for a legal two-week work visa—was repeatedly denied, without explanation. Only after corporate intervention was it approved. Why the delay? She was a skilled woman, and authorities feared she might not return following her orientation at our U.S. corporate offices. Legal on paper, arbitrary in practice.
In a South American country, a cab driver scammed me out of $60. He pretended my fresh ATM bills were counterfeit, swapped them with fake currency, and returned the counterfeits to me—then tossed our group out of the cab. We had his name and license number, but local law required tourists to report crimes to the “tourist police,” who had no jurisdiction in
such cases. Unlawful, no justice, no restitution.
Even peaceful, permitted protests can be met with intimidation. In that same country, I witnessed a group of teachers protesting legally for fair wages amidst 18% inflation. They were on a closed street with a valid permit. Yet just a block away, police vans sat with rooftop mounted automatic firearms—a silent, chilling counterpoint. These weren’t dramatic injustices. But they were unsettling reminders of how fragile the legal process can be in some parts of the world—subject to discretion, inconsistency, and, sometimes, fear.
That’s why, despite our own system’s imperfections, I have a deep appreciation for the consistency and structure of American law. Here, we have the expectation—if not always the flawless execution—that laws will be followed, that citizens will be informed, that due process matters.
The rule of law in the United States is not just a phrase—it is a promise. And it is one we should treasure and never take for granted.
SHOREVIEW PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
• 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.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p. m. , Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to shoreviewnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Sue Denkinger is the mayor of Shoreview.
Movers & Shakers
Sue Denkinger
Response to David Krause’s letter
I am writing in response to David Krause’s letter in the April 8, 2025, Shoreview Press, which was written as a response to Tom Dolan’s letter of March 25. In Mr. Krause’s letter, he writes “As I am sure you are aware, President Trump is keeping his promises. You know, the ones got him elected by a ‘large margin’.”
Trump did not win by a “large margin.” According to Reuters, Trump got 49.9% of the popular vote in the 2024 election, meaning more people voted against Trump than voted for him. Trump got 49.9% of the popular vote; Harris got 48.3%, a difference of 1.6%. Trump won the Electoral College by winning the battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. He carried those three states by a total of less than 230,000 votes, which is 0.15% of the people who voted for either Trump or Harris nationally. Trump continuously claims he won in a “landslide.” The facts show otherwise. I will close by quoting the last paragraph from Mr. Krause’s April 8 letter. “I don’t know where you get your information from, but it is virtually all backward and untrue.”
Keith Loewen Shoreview
The truth hurts
An April 8 letter attacking my March 25 letter illustrates the magnitude of misinformation that convinces some Trump is competent. A CEO in his first administration called Trump “a moron;” who doesn’t read pertinent information; governs on “this is what I believe.” Generals called Trump “a fascist.” Trump appeals to fear, hatred and ignorance; is anti-democratic; thinks he alone is qualified to change America and the world’s economy — based on his limited knowledge, grievances and whims. After his first term, 150 historians rated Trump the “worst” president.
BUSINESS BRIEF
Drones serve as helpful tool for Xcel Energy
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
Trump is keeping some promises — to billionaires. Promises to ordinary people — typified by “lower prices on day one.” “Common sense” Heritage Foundation suggestions are a far right wish list neutering our federal government. Numerous people have read “Project 2025”; books written point to specific pages and subsequent Trump policies.
Trump is NOT doing a “good job.” He inherited an economy “the envy of the world” and is slowly ruining it.
Trump ignores court orders, attacks the legal community and judges opposing him. Former judges express fear for America’s “rule of law.”
Research 1947-80 versus 1981-2025 incomes, wealth, tax rates, taxes paid. Republican presidents slashed top marginal tax rates in half. In 1956, the height of American power, we had one billionaire. On 12/31/24, we had 813 billionaires. Wealth created by American society and government is no longer shared with its workers. “The love of money is the root of all evil.” (I Timothy)
All fact-based analysis shows Trump cannot achieve $2.6 trillion in cuts unless he cuts Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Why is an unelected billionaire given power to arbitrarily destroy federal government? Neither he nor his unvetted accomplices have shown wisdom nor accuracy in damage they’re perpetrating.
Trump is a cancer on America; the Kremlin celebrated his election; our worldwide friends are frightened. Farmers, businesspeople and analyses say Trump’s anti-immigration policies will raise your prices and damage our economy.
“Trump weakens cyberdefenses amid danger.” (4/10/25). “A step-bystep checklist toward autocracy.” (3/26/25). “CFPB drops several enforcement actions” (3/2/25); partial list of Trump corruption, incompetence, sabotage. “The truth shall set you free.”
Tom Dolen Shoreview
Xcel Energy says it takes a proactive approach to maintaining its electric grid.
“Safety and reliability for our customers and the public is our priority,” said Theo Keith, senior media relations representative for the company. “We have full-time drone pilots and use local contractors to assist our frontline workers with inspecting our infrastructure across Minnesota and the seven other states we serve.”
Keith explained Xcel has used drones for several years to augment in-person, on-the-ground patrols across its coverage area.
Report laser strikes against aircraft
Laser strikes on aircraft continue to pose a serious threat to aviation safety. These strikes can cause dangerous flash blindness, disorienting pilots and increasing the risk of accidents. Such incidents are particularly hazardous for low-flying aircraft like helicopters, where the laser’s reflection can create a mirrorlike effect inside the cockpit.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is addressing
Drones can be useful in photographing pole tops to identify issues that are hard to view from the ground level. In addition, drones can also be an effective tool for quickly inspecting long segments of power lines during escalated operations, such as outage restoration efforts.
“We’re always exploring new technologies and programs to maintain and improve the performance of our grid, a practice that helps us proactively manage our electric system and effectively respond when severe weather strikes,” Keith noted.
this issue through its law enforcement assistance program (LEAP), which works with local and federal agencies to identify laser hotspots and apprehend offenders. These strikes are illegal, with penalties including up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and additional FAA fines.
Both pilots and crew should report laser strikes using the FAA’s laser beam exposure questionnaire, which can be completed online at www. faa.org. The public can also help by emailing incidents to laserreports@ faa.gov.
Mosquito control activity is underway for 2025
The snow has melted, and the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) is taking preventative measures to reduce the summer onslaught of nuisance and disease-carrying mosquitoes in the Twin Cities.
An added tool to assist with operations this year will be more treatment drones that have been added to the MMCD fleet. For the first time in 2025, drones used to treat mosquito larvae in standing water will be used in every county of the district.
Other activities of the MMCD include surveillance and treatment to reduce the risk of disease and annoyance caused by mosquitoes, black flies and ticks in an environmentally sensitive manner. Each year field staff at MMCD monitor and treat wetlands that breed mosquitoes with a fleet of trucks, helicopters and drones. Many of our seasonal staff begin working in April and residents of the seven-county metro area may notice the green or white trucks with the MMCD logo or staff on bikes or on foot wearing brightly colored “Mosquito Control” vests.
Some of the activities that MMCD may be doing in your community include:
• Wetland surveillance: determining if ponds or swamps have mosquito larvae present.
• Catch basin surveillance: pulling off grates and inspecting neighborhood catch basins to
determine if mosquito larvae are present.
• Ground larval treatments: applying control materials to a wetland, structure or catch basin by hand or with a backpack.
• Helicopter larval treatments: applying control materials to a wetland via helicopter.
• UAS/drone larval treatments: applying control materials via drone.
• Setting or collecting traps: surveillance helps MMCD determine where and what types of mosquitoes are active.
The control materials and methods used by MMCD are regularly tested for safety and only applied when surveillance indicates they would be effective. Larval control, which is the most common form of treatment, consists of dry granules or pellets applied to standing water. The active ingredients are specifically designed to target mosquito larvae or adults with minimal impacts on non-target insects. The control materials are not harmful to people, pets or wildlife. For a complete list of control materials used, visit MMCD.org.
Scheduled treatments including planned helicopter activity are posted daily on the MMCD website. At times MMCD employees may need to cross private property to access and check areas for mosquito larvae. If you have questions about mosquito control activities or concerns, call the MMCD front desk at 651-645-9149 or visit MMCD.org.
PUBLIC NOTICE
For several years, Xcel Energy has utilized drones to
COPS&COURTS
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Shoreview:
• Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies on • March 7 took a report of a bicycle stolen from the 3500 block of Owasso Street. The case is under investigation.
• An Andover man, 18, was arrested for domestic assault March 7 in the 500 block of Cardigan Road after he assaulted a woman during an argument. The male was transported to the hospital for mental health treatment and cited.
• Deputies on routine patrol near Hodgson Connection and Hodgson Road at 4:44 a.m. March 9 were flagged down by a woman who reported being assaulted the previous day at a restaurant on Arcade Street in St. Paul. She was transported to Regions Hospital for treatment of injuries and put in touch with St. Paul Police Department officers.
• A resident in the 1400 block of Paul Kirkwold Drive on March 10 reported fraudulent activity on his checking account.
• Deputies on March 10 responded to a report of a tent surrounded by a large amount of trash in a park near the intersection of Park View Drive and County Road J. On arrival at the homeless tent establishment in the north end of Rice Creek Park, deputies instructed the tent’s owner to leave the area. On March 14, a homeless man was reported for burning garbage in the 1600 block of Hall Street. Deputies spoke with the complainant and the homeless man about the individual, who had been camping along Rice Creek Parkway south of County Road J.
• Domestic assault was reported March 10 in the 4000 block of Lexington Avenue N. Deputies arrived on scene to gather suspect information.
• A resident in the 3400 block of Centre Street reported neighborhood kids for knocking on her front picture window in the middle of the night on March 10-11. The complainant wanted the incident documented.
• An Oakdale woman, 38, was cited at 3:01 a.m. March 11 at the intersection of Lexington Avenue N. and I-694 for speeding.
• An Anoka woman, 32, was cited March 11 in the
900 block of Cannon Avenue for failure to stop at a stop sign.
• A teenage male reported his bicycle stolen at 5:54 p.m. March 11 while he was using the Shoreview Community Center in the 4500 block of Victoria Street N. A Blaine man reported that someone had damaged his cell phone at 8:06 p.m. March 11 while he was using the community center.
• Hit-and-run to a moving vehicle was reported March 12 in the 4600 block of Victoria Street N.
• The Holiday gas station in the 3400 block of Rice Street reported that a driver had struck the car wash with a vehicle March 12 before leaving the damaged car wash behind.
• A Lino Lakes man on March 13 reported that someone had smashed out the passenger-side exterior mirror on his vehicle while it was parked in the 5900 block of Lexington Avenue N.
• A resident in the 3300 block of Kent Street on March 14 reported a man with whom she’d previously had a relationship for threatening and harassing her, both in person and on social media.
• Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) deputies on March 14 took several calls from complainants in the 4500 block of Victoria Street N. about their cell phones, which were stolen while they were using a hot tub at the Shoreview Community Center. The case is under investigation.
• Three residents in the 3500 block of Cohansey Street on March 15 reported their mailboxes hit by a vehicle that left the scene after doing the damage.
• A wallet was reported stolen March 15 from the 4500 block of Victoria Street N.
• A Cottage Grove woman, 33, was arrested for DUI March 15 at the intersection of Lexington Avenue N. and Red Fox Road.
• A Mora man, 23, was cited for speeding March 16 at the intersection of I-694 and Lexington Avenue N.
• A vehicle was reported broken into March 16 in the 3500 block of Owasso Street and a handgun stolen.
• An Oakdale man, 21, was cited March 16 in the 3200 block of Rice Street for failure to drive with lights illuminated after sunset.
• Deputies took custody of two bicycles that were left at the intersection of Harriet Avenue and Victoria Street N. on March 17.
• A Maple Grove woman on March 17 reported that someone had fraudulently opened a credit card account in the 600 block of Taylor Avenue by using her maiden name. The complainant had suffered no financial loss at the time of her report.
• Deputies at 4:41 a.m. March 18 deployed a drone to keep watch over the RCSO Swat Team while it served a search warrant in the 800 block of Martha Lake Court.
• A Shoreview man, 64, was cited March 18 at the intersection of I-694 and Victoria Street N. for driving after revocation and failure to provide proof of automobile insurance.
• A Lino Lakes woman, 28, was cited for speeding at 10:12 p.m. March 18 at the intersection of Hodgson Road and County Road I. A Minneapolis man, 27, was cited for speeding at 10:33 p.m. March 18 on Hodgson Road at County Road I.
• A Spring Lake Park man, 36, was arrested March 20 in the 1000 block of Gramsie Road for violating an order for protection (OFP). Deputies responded to another harassment OFP report March 20 in the 300 block of Oakwood Drive but didn’t find enough evidence to support a citation or arrest.
• A Shoreview man, 63, was arrested at 7:10 a.m. March 21 in the 5900 block of Alameda Street after he was caught stealing a spatula set, a bottle of cooking oil and a laptop computer from a church in the 4800 block of Hodgson Road.
• A hotel in the 1000 block of Gramsie Road on March 21 reported that a guest paid for their room with a stolen credit card, after deputies responded to a suspicious activity report.
Loretta Harding
To celebrate Earth Day, multiple communities and local organizations will be hosting various events from informational talks about the climate to park cleanups.
CLIMATE TALK WITH DR. MARK SEELEY: CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON OUR NATIONAL PARKS
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Seeley discusses which of our National Park sites are being impacted by climate change, and what their future holds. Part of Earth Day and National Parks Week. Registration required through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov.
EARTH DAY/ARBOR DAY COMBO WALK FOREST BATHING
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 25
Earth Day calendar
Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Details: Join expert Forest Bathing guide David Motzenbecker for an immersive experience of Shinrin-Yoku, the ancient Japanese practice of forest bathing. The guided walk will offer unique invitations that encourage you to experience the forest in deeply personal and transformative ways. Registration required through the Washington County Parks website. Contact: washcoparks.usedirect.com
EARTH DAY CLEANUP
When: 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 26
Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township
Details: Help tidy up the grounds and trails at Tamarack Nature Center. Remove invasive plants and get the garden ready for planting. Preregistration required. Contact: 651-266-8500
Earth Day tidbits
• The stage was set for change with the publication of Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestseller “Silent Spring” in 1962. The book represented a watershed moment, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries as it raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and the inextricable links between pollution and public health.
EARTHFEST 2025
When: Saturday, April 26
Where: Wild River State Park, 39797 Park Trail, Center City
Details: Annual celebration of spring hosted by the Friends of Wild River State Park. This daylong event features fun and educational activities for the entire family.
Contact: friendsofwildriver.org/earthFest.php
SHOREVIEW’S SPRINGFEST
When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Shoreview celebrates Earth Day. Events happening in Haffeman Pavilion and the lower-level parking lot of the Community Center. Activities include music, food trucks, kid’s activities and more.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov.
BY THE NUMBERS
• Senator Gaylord Nelson recruited Denis Hayes, a young activist, to organize the campus teach-ins and to scale the idea to a broader public, and they choose April 22, a weekday falling between Spring Break and Final Exams, to maximize the greatest student participation.
• The theme for Earth Day 2025 is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.
• The push for environmental reform gained momentum on April 22, 1970, when the first Earth Day was celebrated. Then-Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin put Earth Day on the national stage following a large oil spill that struck off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day.
SCHOOL BRIEFS
Mounds View students recognized at State Science Fair
Students from Mounds View High School recently completed in the 88th annual Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul. A total of 424 middle and high school students from 59 schools across Minnesota participated. Participating students advanced from regional science fairs throughout Minnesota to compete in the state event. Visit mnmas.org/2025-ssefawards to see the full list of award winners.
District teacher named finalist for Teacher of the Year award
Edgewood Middle School social studies teacher Zoe Kourajian has been named one of 12 finalists for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. She was selected as a finalist from a
CALENDAR BRIEFS
Senior and Safety Wellness Fair takes place May
1
The Mary Ann Young Center, in collaboration with the Minnesota Valley Police Department (MVPD) and community partners, will host a Senior Safety and Wellness Fair on Thursday, May 1. The event will take place at the St. Louis Park-BlaineMounds View (SBM) Fire Station 3 located in Blaine.
The event will feature a variety of activities, including health screenings, a vendor fair, snacks and door prizes. Preregistration is required to attend. For more details about the event and instruction on how to sign up, go to BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister or call 763-786-9375.
group of 142 candidates. The winner will be announced Sunday, May 4.
Northeast Metro 916 presents annual District Art Show
The Northeast Metro 916 will celebrate the creative talents of students from across the district at the annual District Art Show from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at Quora Education Center, 70 West County Road B2, Little Canada. The art show will showcase a diverse range of artwork that reflects students’ unique voices and experiences. The event will highlight how art serves as a powerful outlet for self-expression, imagination and connection beyond the classroom, while also introducing innovative techniques and creative coping strategies for navigating stress. For more information, visit www.916schools.org or call 651-4155500.
Ramsey County Library Friends puts on used book sale
Ramsey County Library Friends will hold its annual spring used book sale from Thursday, April 24 through Sunday, April 27 at the Roseville Library. Shop a large selection of paperbacks, hardcovers, audiobooks and more. There will also be jigsaw puzzles for sale.
The sale will take place from 10 a.m.7:30 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon-4 p.m. Sunday.
The Roseville Library is located at 2180 Hamline Ave. N. For more information, go to rclfriends.org/ booksales.
million metric tons of global plastics million tons of plastic currently in our oceans million plastic bottles are purchased each minute worldwide trillion plastic bags used each year billion cigarette butts littered in the US each year comprising nearly 20% of all litter years a tree must live to have a meaningful impact on the environment million hectares of forest cover shrinkage each year of all carbon emissions come from food gallons of water go into a single pound of beef
• Shoreview resident Becky Landon proposed three suggestions to the city staff and city council to consider with regard to the community center. The first was to add a Farmers Fridge, which provides organic sandwiches and salads. Second, she asked whether staff would consider creating a designated time for children ages 10 and under to use the basketball courts. Lastly, Landon asked whether staff would consider playing different channels on the televisions in the gym rather than just the news.
• Killmer Electric Co. will be responsible for the 2025 street lighting replacement project after the council accepted its bid of $628,012. Shoreview’s infrastructure replacement plan and capital improvement plan includes funding to replace the city’s aging streetlights. Many of the city-owned lights were installed in the 1970s and ’80s and are at the end of their lifespan. This year’s project includes the replacement of 41 streetlights in multiple neighborhoods. The total estimated cost for the project is $665,012, which includes construction, engineering and administration costs. The project will be funded from the streetlight fund.
• TK Elevator will update the electrical and mechanical systems of the community center elevator after council accepted its quote of approximately $103,370. The elevator is original to the building and has not received any updates to the electrical or mechanical systems. The project consists of upgrading the elevator controller, interior car electrical panel and buttons, hallway panels/buttons and other various
supporting equipment. The project will be funded through the city’s 2025 capital asset replacement fund and is scheduled for completion in September during the annual pool shutdown.
• The council will support proposed legislation by Ramsey County to expand its Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) for Economic Development Authority-related (EDA) activities. The bill being presented this legislative session would allow the county to use its HRA levy powers for EDA activities for business assistance, where cities can choose to opt in.
• Construction at the former Union Gospel Mission site has begun. According to Mayor Sue Denkinger, one of two model homes currently being built can be seen from the road. It is located toward the back of the development.
• The Taste of Shoreview will take place from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at the Shoreview Community Center, according to Council Member Cory Springhorn. The event helps pay for the fireworks show at the Slice of Shoreview.
• Council Member Shelly Myrland announced that Northeast Youth and Family Services will hold its annual leadership lunch Wednesday, May 14, at the Vadnais Heights Commons. Registration is required; register through the Northeast Youth and Family Services website. Lunch will be provided.
The next Shoreview City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, May 5, in council chambers.
Madeline Dolby
SHOREVIEW CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
CLIMATE CHANGE: Bill would create educational materials for all schools
FROM PAGE 1
I started learning so much that I had never known about.”
The three are all leaders in YEA. Morgan explained that this means they are responsible for planning different projects and events. The group meets every Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Climate Generation office. Morgan added that they have networking time, where the public is welcome to join. It is an opportunity to learn about various topics, such as fast fashion.
“We have something called ‘radical hospitality,’” said Morgan about the program. “They always make it a goal to have a nice spot for you to sit, or warm food for you to eat. I think that nurturing environment really helps to create policy and to create new plans for projects and to move our visions forward.”
“It creates an environment where it is open and free, people can speak how they feel and it’s not competitive. It is more of an environment where you can disagree and build off of each other’s disagreements rather than pushing each other down,” he added.
McGann said that since joining YEA, her eyes have been opened to new perspectives.
“I feel like I always come out of there learning so much and having a different awareness, because people are all bringing their own stories and sharing and talking about what has been affecting them,” McGann said. “I think my eyes have been opened a lot more.”
Currently, McGann said that YEA leaders are focused on teaching members about the Climate Justice Education bill. If it passes, it will require the Minnesota Commissioner of Education to create educational materials for all schools that is based around climate justice.
Climate justice is a framework that focuses on fairness and equity in addressing climate change, ensuring that burdens and benefits of climate action and impacts are distributed equitably, particularly focusing on the rights and needs of marginalized communities.
“It is really about creating this curriculum that teachers can use in their classrooms. And I think that the biggest thing is that it’s very interdisciplinary; any subject teacher can teach this curriculum,” Morgan explained. “So, it is just about having that
resource available to teachers to teach their kids because right now, there’s nothing like that in the state.”
Gronert said that most students do not receive a good climate change education. Last year was the first year where earth and science courses became a requirement in schools.
“This is just aimed at making sure that they do,” she added. “And also, that it includes how minorities are disproportionally affected by climate issues.”
“I would add that the cause of why we have this bill is that these (marginalized) groups that we talked about are impacted disproportionally. Most of the climate change policies do not directly help these communities,” McGann added. “These communities that are affected the most are excluded from the actual policy decisions. What our bill is doing is demanding equitable solutions for these groups.”
Earlier this year, YEA held the Youth Climate Action Summit. Hundreds of students from across the state attended. Attendees participated in workshops and learned about the bill. As part of the summit, small groups went to the Capitol to speak to representatives about the bill.
McGann said students and community members can get involved by speaking to legislators about the
bill. Gronert added that the community is welcome to attend meetings during networking time to learn more about the bill and help.
Morgan added that being a part of the YEA community makes climate change seem more manageable.
“Climate change is scary, and being able to find a community that is so supportive and welcoming is nice, and makes this big, scary issue become more manageable and allows for solutions to open up in your mind and makes solutions realistic,” he explained.
“The program is extremely call to action,” McGann added. “We talk about the fast fashion industry and then we hold our own clothing swap to do our own part in reducing our consumption of clothing and reusing clothing. It’s not just learning; it is every single week we are doing something to do our part.”
Currently, YEA is waiting for a hearing date from the House of Representatives for the bill.
The Climate Generation office is located at 2801 21st Ave. S. #110, Minneapolis. For more information about Climate Generation and YEA, go to climategen. org/youth-environmental-activists.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-431-1226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com.
PUBLIC NOTICES
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: Just Super Deals
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 4240 Highland Dr., Shoreview, MN 55126
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.
Greenology Digital Services
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: April 4, 2025
Signed: Ashwin Malgi
Published two times in the Shoreview Press on April 22 and May 6, 2025.
CITY OF SHOREVIEW, MINNESOTA ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
MAINTENANCE BUILDING FUEL SYSTEM REPLACEMENT SEH NO. SHORE 183296
Notice is hereby given that Online Bids will be received by the City of Shoreview until 1:00 PM, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, via QuestCDN for the furnishing of all labor and material for the construction of Maintenance Building Fuel System Replacement.
The bid opening will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud:
MAINTENANCE BUILDING FUEL SYSTEM REPLACEMENT Bid Opening Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM (CDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone: http:// bit.ly/4j1lusr Or call in (audio only)
+1 872-242-7640,,505143847# United States, Chicago Phone conference ID: 505 143 847# Any person monitoring the meeting remotely may be responsible for any documented costs. Message and data rates may apply. Major components of the Work include: The installation of a new underground multicompartment fuel tank, fueling dispensers, piping, components, site work, concrete pavement, electrical component installation, and restoration.
The Bidding Documents may be viewed for no cost at http://www.sehinc. com by selecting the Project Bid Information link at the bottom of the page and the View Plans option from the menu at the top of the selected project page. Digital image copies of the Bidding Documents are available at http:// www.sehinc.com for a fee of $30. These documents may be downloaded by selecting this project from the “Project Bid Information” link and by entering eBidDocTM Number 9604700 on the SEARCH PROJECTS page. For assistance and free membership registration, contact QuestCDN at 952.233.1632 or info@questcdn.com.
For this project, bids will ONLY be received electronically. Contractors submitting an electronic bid will be charged an additional $42 at the time of bid submission via the online electronic bid service QuestCDN.com. To access the electronic Bid Worksheet, download the project document and
click the online bidding button at the top of the advertisement. Prospective bidders must be on the plan holders list through QuestCDN for bids to be accepted. Bids shall be completed according to the Bidding Requirements prepared by SEH dated April 10, 2025.
In addition to digital plans, paper copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from Docunet Corp. located at 2435 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55441 (763.475.9600) for a fee of $150.
A pre-Bid conference will not be held for this project.
Bid security in the amount of 5 percent of the Bid must accompany each Bid in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.
A Contractor responding to these Bidding Documents must submit to the City/Owner a signed statement under oath by an owner or officer verifying compliance with each of the minimum criteria in Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.285, subdivision 3.
The City of Shoreview reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein and to award the Contract in the best interests of the City of Shoreview.
Tom Wesolowski, PE, Public Works Director, Shoreview, Minnesota
Published two times in the Shoreview Press on April 22 and May 6, 2025. CITY OF SHOREVIEW, MINNESOTA
NOTICE OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
2025 SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION
CITY PROJECT 25-03
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids for the construction of Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation shall be received online through QuestCDN vBid until Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., local time. Immediately following expiration of the time for receiving bids, two or more designated officers or agents of the City of Shoreview will publicly view bids at an online bid opening meeting.
Those interested in viewing the online bid opening are welcome to join the meeting by logging on to https://zoom.us/wc/join or calling 312-626-6799 and entering meeting ID 811 5284 5467 and passcode 162527. The as-read online bid results will be available at questcdn.com following the bid opening.
Said bids to be for the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction, complete and in place in accordance with the plans and specifications for the following estimated quantities of work:
7,500 LF 9” Cured-In-Place System
4,300 LF 9” Cured-In-Place System Easement
1,200 LF 15” Cured-In-Place System
2,700 LF 24” Cured-In-Place System
200 LF Re-Installment of Services
The provisions of MINN. STAT. 16C.285 Responsible Contractor are imposed as a requirement of this contract. All bidders and persons or companies providing a response/submission to the advertisement for bids of the City of Shoreview shall comply with the provisions of the statute.
Bidding documents can be viewed at questcdn.com and may be downloaded from the website for a fee of $22 by inputting Quest project 9626253 on the project search page. Contractors submitting an electronic bid will be charged an additional $42 at the time of bid submission via the online electronic bid service QuestCDN.com. For assistance and free membership registration, contact QuestCDN at 952-233-1632 or questcdn.com.
Bids will only be received and accepted via the online electronic bidding service through QuestCDN and shall be in accordance with the bidding documents as prepared by the City of Shoreview Public Works Department. Bidding documents are on file with the city engineer and may be seen at the city hall, public works department.
Bids will be not considered unless accompanied by a bid bond payable to the City of Shoreview, for five percent (5%) of the amount bid to be forfeited as liquidated damages in the event the bid is accepted and the bidder fails to
enter promptly into a written contract and furnish the required bond. All bidders for contract amounts of $100,000 or more shall require contractors, sub-contractors, and vendors which have 40 or more full-time employees to submit a copy of their affirmative action certification for the current period after their bid, before construction.
The owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein and to accept the bid deemed in their best interest. It is expected that the City of Shoreview will consider the bids at their council meeting on May 5, 2025.
By Order of the City Council /s/ Brad Martens
City Manager, City of Shoreview, Minnesota
Published two times in the Shoreview Press on April 8 and 22, 2025.
CITY OF SHOREVIEW
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON VACATION OF PUBLIC DRAINGAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS WITHIN RICE CREEK CORPORATE PARK LOTS 1 AND 2, BLOCK 3 AND OUTLOTS C AND D.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a hearing will be held before the council of the City of Shoreview at the City Hall Council Chambers, 4600 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Ramsey County, Minnesota, at 7:00 pm on Monday May 19, 2025, to consider a proposed vacation of a public drainage and utility easement, within the property located at 1801 Park View Drive legally described as follows: The utility and drainage easements dedicated in the plat of RICE CREEK CORPORATE PARK, which lie within Lots 1 and 2, Block 3 and Outlots C and D. AND The drainage easements per Document No. 3425483. BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Brad Martens, City Manager Published two times in the Shoreview Press on April 22 and May 6, 2025. MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 621
INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR FRESH PRODUCE VENDOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Notice is hereby given, that Independent School District No. 621, Shoreview, Minnesota, will receive sealed proposals for FRESH PRODUCE products request for proposal for the period from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, according to the specifications and conditions which may be obtained from the office of the Manager of Nutrition Services, Independent School District No. 621, 4570 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Minnesota, 55126. Bids shall be submitted in form and manner contained in the specifications and the conditions, which are adopted by reference, in this invitation for proposals.
Sealed bids must be received in an envelope marked “FRESH PRODUCE VENDOR” for ISD No 621” in the office of the Manager of Nutrition Services, 4570 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Minnesota, 55126, no later than Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. No changes can be made in any bid except in the manner provided by law, and no bid may be withdrawn for 30 days without consent of the school board. In the operation of the Child Nutrition Programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against, write immediately to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington D.C. 20250 QUESTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO: Heather Schmidt, Nutrition Services Manager, 651-621-6024 Published two times in the Shoreview Press on April 22 and May 6, 2025.
At the Youth Climate Justice Summit, members of the Youth Environmental Activists group held climate justice workshops for local high school students to attend and participate in.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Jonin Morgan (left) is a Youth Environmental Activist leader.
Upcoming events
Vision & Verse Community Reception & Award Ceremony
White Bear Center for the Arts
April 24, 6:00-8:00 PM
Celebrate young authors and artists, and learn about the judges’ selections and award winners, at the Vision & Verse Community Reception.
Enchanted Plants: A Botanical Book Launch
White Bear Center for the Arts
Monday, May 12, 6:00-8:00 PM
Join local author Amber Guetebier (Varla A. Ventura) to celebrate the release of her latest book, “Enchanted Plants: A Treasury of Botanical Folklore and Magic.”
Anything Goes
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
April 25-May 18
This classic, Golden Age musical by Cole Porter is a dizzying spectacle of song, dance, humor, and romance.
Lakeshore Players Annual Gala
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
May 15 at 5:00pm
Join Lakeshore for a fabulous fundraiser with dinner, drinks, desserts, and an exclusive performance of Anything Goes.
You can find a full list of classes in WBCA’s quarterly printed catalog and online at WhiteBearArts.org/ classes.
Vision & Verse: Giving high school artists a platform to shine
on display in WBCA’s Ford Family Gallery as well as which will win awards. Artwork and written work
For many students, this is their first time exhibiting their work in a gallery setting. Seeing their work in a space like the Ford Family Gallery, with its professional lighting, hanging, and curation, gives validity to their artistic endeavors, and can encourage them to continue on this artistic path past high school. Sometimes, all you need is a little push.
are navigating uncertainty, this exhibition has offered a sense of visibility, connection, and care.” Say a final farewell to the exhibit on the evening of April 22 from 6:00-8:00 PM during the closing reception. Cadex will give an artist talk during this event which is sponsored by Many Faces of the White Bear Lake Area.
• Irondale High School will host a weeklong Earth Day celebration through Friday, April 25. The celebration will include spirit days, fundraising and a park cleanup event.
• There were five gifts received this period for schools and programs for a total of approximately $2,230. The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf received 25 gifts this period for a total of $57,258.
• The council has authorized the termination of probationary staff. Julie Coffey, executive director of human resources, said that during the probationary period a teacher’s annual teaching contract may not be renewed for any reasons such as performance, budgetary reasons and licensure reasons. According to Coffey, a probationary teacher is deemed to be reemployed for the ensuing school year unless the board provides written notice by July 1. All the teachers recommended for nonrenewal this year were notified by their respective school principals.
• Darren Johnson, executive director of school management, Jen Lodin, executive director of student support and engagement, and Stephanie Mars, director of student services, provided the board with an update on the district operational plan (DOP) regarding social, emotional and behavioral support. According to Lodin, early data collected through a resource mapping process shows that resources are commonly available for students throughout the district. Districtwide listening sessions were also held with special education staff to gather feedback on what was happening at the district and building level. Follow-up meetings with staff are currently taking place to provide opportunities for alignment and improvement. Johnson said the key to successful classroom support is based on relationships and personalized support for students. He added that the district will
continue to work on new, innovative ways to engage district families to work productively. Lodin said that staff will continue to gather data provided by district staff and outside community resources.
• Superintendent Chris Lennox announced that Irondale High School Activities Director Chris Fink has been named the Minnesota Interscholastic Activities Administrators Association (MIAAA) Region 5AA Athletic Director of the Year.
• Irondale and Mounds View high schools are working toward the DOP goal regarding online courses, according to Superintendent Lennox. Lennox said one of the driving forces when creating this goal was providing students with the ability to create a flexible schedule. Currently, both high schools are working on identifying where online courses could be added to the curriculum while maintaining a balance with hybrid and inperson classes.
• During the week of May 5 through May 9, Superintendent Lennox announced that each school within the district will recognize all staff during Staff Appreciation Week. Throughout the week, employee groups will be highlighted on the district’s social media pages. There will also be opportunities for students to send notes of appreciation. Last year, Lennox said that more than 3,200 notes were sent to staff members. For more information, go to mvpschools.org/thankyou.
The next Mounds Views Public Schools School Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at the District Center, 4570 Victoria St. N., Shoreview. Public comments to the board will be at 6:30 p.m. before the meeting.
Madeline Dolby
CHURCH BRIEF
Incarnation Lutheran Church holds All Hands on Hope event
Incarnation Lutheran Church will hold its 18th annual All Hands on Hope MobilePack event in partnership with Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) April 30 through May 4. The five-day event aims to bring together approximately 2,000 volunteers to pack around 600,000 meals for children suffering from food insecurity worldwide. Since its inception in 2007,
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Shoreview holds first ever native plant sale
The city in partnership with Minnesota Native Landscapes (MNL) is bringing a new native plant sale to Shoreview residents. Residents will have the chance to purchase native plant kits that include 36 plants: six plants of six different species. The kits include prairie grasses, part-shade plants and short-statured prairie species. Online orders start on Monday, April 28. For more information, go to the city’s website at www.shoreviewmn. gov.
the All Hands on Hope MobilePack has mobilized more than 31,000 volunteers, resulting in the packing of over 9.2 million meals and raising more than $1.87 million to combat global hunger. This year’s financial goal is to raise $180,000 to fund the meals packed during the event.
The event is open to the public. To sign up for a packing shift, visit tinyurl.com/5fm57z5a. If you have questions, contact Sally Lawless at 612-210-5739 or sally.lawless@ comcast.net.
Apply for a native habitat grant through Lawn to Legumes
Those who are interested in planting a pollinator habitat in their yard are encouraged to apply for reimbursement grand funding through the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources to assist with a native planting project on their property.
Applications are due Thursday, May 15, for fall 2025 funding. For more information, go to bluethumb.org/lawns-tolegumes.
Sundays Acoustic Sundays 1-4pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
Sundays Ongoing – Game Day, BYO or use our selection 1-4pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
Tuesdays Bingo! Starting Nov 11 6pm
Tuesdays Beginner Yoga Flow Class 6-7pm
Wednesdays Ongoing – Trivia Night 7-9pm
Wednesdays Keychain Kash All Day
Thursdays Trivia Mafia 6pm
April 26 Tree Chugger Party with live music by Josh Quinn
May 1 Music: Hailey James 5-8pm
May 1 Trivia Night 6:30-8pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
May 3 Craft Fair Noon-5pm White Bear Meadery
May 4 Star Wars Day Noon-8pm White Bear Meadery
May 4 Minnesota Bridal & Wedding Expo 5-8pm Belle Ame Vineyard
May 4 Acoustic Sunday/Tim Cheesebrow 1-4pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
May 4 Hudson Community Expo 11am-3:30pm Belle Ame Vineyard
May 4
Candle Pouring Experience 2pm St. Croix Vineyards
May 4 Music: Steve Poynter 2-5pm 7 Vines Vineyard
May 6 Trivia with Ryan 6:30-8pm Rustic Roots Winery
May 7 Trivia Night 7-9pm White Bear Meadery
May 8 Music: Sten Carlson 5-8pm Belle Ame Vineyard
May 8 Music: Gary LaRue (sold out) 7 Vines Vineyard
May 10
Mothers Day Artist Market noon-5pm Big Wood Brewery
May 10 Devon Worley Band 8pm Big Wood Brewery
May 10-11
May 10
May 11
May 11
May 11
May 11
May 11
Rose Days & Mother’s Day Weekend St. Croix Vineyards
Mother’s Day Mini Market 11am-4pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
Mother’s Day Tulip
Bouquet Bar 12-3pm 7 Vines Vineyard
Mother’s Day at Rustic Roots Rustic Roots Winery
Sunday Live Music Series 3-6pm Rustic Roots Winery
Acoustic Sunday-Vinnie Rose 1-4pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
Mother’s Day Tours 1-3pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
May 13 Bingo! 6:30-8pm Rustic Roots Winery
May 14 Trivia Night 7-9pm White Bear Meadery
May 15 Farmers & Artisans Market 4-7pm Rustic Roots Winery
May 15 Music: Sten Carlson 5-8pm Belle Ame Vineyard
May 15 Trivia Night 6:30-8pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
May 16 Art at the Winery 6-8:30pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
May 17 May 17th Flip Cup Tournament Register at bigwoodbrewery.com Big Wood Brewery
May 18
Acoustic Sunday-Tim Fast 1-4pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
May 18 Candle Making Experience 2-5pm Rustic Roots Winery
May 18 Sunday Music Series 3-6pm Rustic Roots Winery
May 18 Yoga in the Vines 10-11am St. Croix Vineyards
May 18 Paint and sip classes 3-5pm Croix Vineyards
May 20 Trivia with Ryan 6:30-8pm Rustic Roots Winery
May 21 Trivia Night 7-9pm White Bear Meadery
May 22 Music: Sarah VanValkenburg 5-8pm Belle Ame Vineyard
May 22 Puzzle Night 6-7:30pm Belle Ame Vineyard
May 24-25 Winemaker’s Barrel Tasting Noon-5pm St. Croix Vineyards
May 25 Sunday Music Series 3-6pm Rustic Roots Winery
May 25 Acoustic Sunday-Billy Johnson 1-4pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
May 25 Music: Michael August 2-5pm 7 Vines Vineyard
May 25 Paint & sip classes 3-6pm St. Croix Vineyards
May 28 Bingo! 6:30-8pm Rustic Roots Winery
May 28 Trivia Night 7-9pm White Bear Meadery
May 29 Music: Sten Carlson 5-8pm Belle Ame Vineyard
May
Mounds View speech: The little team that could
BY ROY HEILMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Mounds View speech team wrapped up the regular 2024-25 season on Tuesday, April 15 at the section 4AA tournament held at Spring Lake Park. Ten of the 15 students who competed placed in their categories, and four will advance to the state tournament this Saturday, April 26, at Shakopee. As a team, they earned second place, right behind Irondale.
Perhaps none is prouder than head coach Bailey Hess, whose enthusiasm for speech overflows. “I love it; it’s my favorite thing,” she said that night.
The team’s season started in November, with the first informational meeting. Students spent a couple weeks after that narrowing down their areas and specific topics, then began work in earnest on their speeches. Competition took off in January, with 11 Saturday tournaments before sections.
It could feel like a whirlwind to those new to the sport, but coaches help them find their way in the beginning and set individualized goals.
“Novices meet with all three coaches,” said Hess. “Based on what they read, we give them our opinion, potentially have them read something else, or say ‘Yes, you are suited for this category you chose.’ We try to find what they’re best suited for and they go from there. Then we literally teach them how to write and structure it, regardless of category. We say we hold their hand through the whole preseason, and after their first tournament we let go.”
Participants, or “speechies,” routinely find competitive success in their first years. Freshmen
Hadley Powers and Nandana Nambiar claimed sixth and first place, respectively, in their categories at the section tournament.
Nambiar crafted her speech around a topic she felt passionate about. While her season ended well, it was a case study in goalsetting and hard work. “It definitely got off to a rocky start; yeah, it wasn’t really good at the beginning. But I started working hard and built my way up, and I’m pretty proud of where I ended up,” she said.
Informative Speaking, Nambiar’s category, is one of several that fall under the “public address” group of categories along with Original Oratory and Great Speeches. Hess explained this year’s team is heavily weighted in public address, because many students want to be better public speakers, writers and researchers.
“You’re talking about a problem you want to solve, and make it known to the audience. Or you want to tell them more about something you’re really passionate about,” she said.
Unusual this year is the low number of speechies in interpretation categories—just one. Coach Hess said those categories are well suited to the students who are theatrically oriented. “You are the lead role, every single week; you get 10 minutes of undivided attention,” she pointed out. Interpretation includes categories like Poetry, Humorous, and Drama, which she confessed is her favorite.
Last is the “limited preparation” categories, like Extemporaneous Speaking, Extemporaneous Reading, and Discussion. Participants learn what they’ll be speaking on, then work it up in a hurry. Hess said it is tougher to sell to students: “It’s harder because you have limited time to prep it. It’s really the bravest of the brave.”
No matter which of 13 categories students choose, Hess said there is something for everyone, and there are benefits common to all—like learning about themselves and growing, being confident public speakers and using bodies and voices to communicate. And that’s not to mention a great team experience, with a sense of belonging, camaraderie and mutual support.
This year’s Mustang team is on the smaller side, consistent with some ebb and flow of participation. However, Hess said being a smaller team has been an advantage. Some tournaments feature a “small school” designation for teams with fewer participants. In those cases, Mounds View wouldn’t normally hold up against perpetually dominant teams like Stillwater or Moorhead, but took first two times this season.
“It means we did well even though we only had ten or fifteen kids at any tournament. We still did well enough to get an award,” Hess said.
Small presence aside, Mounds View had a large impact at the section meet, where the team beat out more than half a dozen other schools—including Stillwater. Individuals headed to state competition include Nambiar in Informative, Ivy Lee in Discussion, Emmett Heilman in Creative Expression and Isabella Shi in Informative.
Several more team members are headed to the national competition in Kansas City next month, including captain Maryam Shahkhan, whose speech is about her story and background. “A lot of people’s identities are taken for granted and not really talked about. So that’s what I was really passionate about, and drew me to Original Oratory where I could talk about anything I wanted,” she said.
It was as though she had been prompted by her coach, who had mentioned the team motto just an hour before: “Our motto is ‘Find Your Voice.’ Because in speech, you can find your voice.”
Roy Heilman is a contributing writer for Press Publications. He can be reached at news@presspubs. com or 651-407-1200.
The Mounds View speech team capped off a successful season, and four students advanced to state. They are (from left): Isabella Shi, Emmett Heilman, Ivy Lee and Nandana Nambiar.
Mounds View speech captains claim the second-place team trophy at the section tournament last Tuesday night.
New law requires wig coverage; awareness remains low
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
“It’s a long time coming,” Kim Schoonover said. The owner of Indulge Salon, Spa and Wigs in White Bear Lake is referring to the Health Supplemental Budget and Policy bill, which now requires private health insurance companies to cover the costs of hair prosthetics (wigs) for people who have lost their hair due to a medical condition. Previously, alopecia (hair loss) was covered, but not when it was caused by cancer treatments.
“A lot of clients don’t know about it. There’s something missing in the system … somebody is not telling their patients that this is a possibility,” Schoonover explained. “I’ll meet with them, and I’ll say, ‘Have you checked with your insurance?’ and I get this blank stare.”
She estimates that about half of her clients have heard about the law change, but most don’t know the details.
Indulge has offered hair “toppers” since 2016. Many of her clients were dealing with thinning hair, so she started researching wigs to see what was out there. A year later, she started to see more clients coming into the salon who were losing their hair due to chemotherapy, so she began offering wigs.
“It was to fill a void and find something that I thought would help our clients, because they were looking and couldn’t find anything that they felt worked for them,” she explained. Schoonover estimates about 70% of the clients that come in for wigs have alopecia.
“What I have found is that for a majority of them, losing their hair almost affects them more than going through the chemo treatment,” she said. “They don’t feel like themselves, and I think by getting a wig, it provides a boost of confidence … You see what a change it makes for these women when they put something on that makes them feel like themselves.”
White Bear Lake resident Sara Markoe Hanson was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2023. She started chemotherapy in January and her hair was gone by February.
At first, she was a little hesitant to get a wig,
but someone recommended she visit Indulge. She thought the wig would be itchy, look fake and was worried about what others might think.
“I think I cried after I left because she (Schoonover) was so kind, helpful and honest,” Hanson recalled.
All Hanson could think about was looking “normal” for her daughter Emily’s senior milestones, hockey games, prom and graduation.
“I wanted to be able to not have that be the focal point,” she said. “The wig itself gave me the opportunity to be me in important times. That was a big deal.”
It also made her feel less like a stranger in her own body. “You can’t taste your food … Every ounce of your being is being attacked or changed or feels different or hurts or tingles,” she recalled. “Everything from your fingernails to your teeth to your
hair to your joints and your muscles … so to be able to have one piece that you can reclaim, it is not perfect, but it’s definitely better.”
There are synthetic wigs, blends (a combination of synthetic and human hair) and human hair wig options. Schoonover says a good-quality wig can range from $400 up to $2,000, depending on the type and length.
“There’s a lot of people out there right now who could be getting (a wig) and are afraid because they can’t afford it,” Schoonover said. The new law requires insurers to cover up to $1,000.
Hanson estimates she paid about $400 for her wig. Although her insurance covered a lot of things, it did not cover the wig. “If that was an option, it would have taken one more stressor off the table,” she said.
Hanson finished her chemotherapy in June, had surgery in July and is now cancer-free. Thankfully, her hair started to come back quickly after she finished chemo.
“I am happy for the patients to have one less thing to worry about, as a positive appearance aids in a positive outcome,” said Kathleen Fuery, owner of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio in Roseville.
Because the legislation is so new, many of Fuery’s clients are running into problems when reaching out to their insurance companies to inquire about coverage.
“A lot of insurance companies aren’t even giving people the right information,” she said, adding that many of the insurers have employees who either don’t know much about the change or are unaware of the Minnesota law since they are based in another state.
“I’m happy that this has finally come to fruition. I hope that more people find out about it and make use of it,” Schoonover said. “It’s such a difficult thing to be going through. I’m glad this is an option now, and I hope that the insurance companies start to make it easier for people to use it.”
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
Talking local journalism with the University of Minnesota
Local journalism is an integral part of healthy communities across Minnesota. Unlike national news organizations, local outlets keep you and your neighbors informed about elections, events and other important community updates.
Despite the importance of this vital resource, local newspapers are disappearing. Since 2005, over 3,300 local newspapers nationwide have shuttered.
Benjamin Toff, an associate professor in the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts, answers questions about the value of local journalism and how you can support local news.
Q: What sets local journalism apart from other news?
A: Local news consistently rates higher than national news in terms of how highly they are trusted because local sources are often seen as far less politically polarized. The issues and concerns that matter to people at the local level often do not line up with national news items and are in many cases more closely aligned with matters that are even more relevant to people’s daily lives.
Traditionally, people have a strong personal connection to sources of local news, whether it’s individuals delivering the sports and weather on television or columnists who write about important civic matters in the newspaper. There’s historically been a neighborly connection that people tend to expect from local news that is less often found in larger outlets just by virtue of its distance from local communities.
Q: How does local journalism impact communities?
A: Communities with local news coverage tend to have less corruption in their local governments and more civically engaged and informed communities. In short, people tend to know more about what their elected officials are doing on a day-to-day basis and those officials are more likely to be held accountable to the public for their actions.
Local news tends to be less polarized, offering their audience a strong sense of place and connection through community voices and multiple perspectives on community activities. Not all local outlets have a great track record of serving their entire communities equitably or fairly, which can be quite alienating for marginalized community members. But at least in theory, this community connectedness role has often been recognized as one of the most important functions played by local news.
Q: What barriers do smaller outlets face when covering the news?
A: Increasingly, the local news business model has become more challenging. These outlets have long depended on advertising as their primary source of income. Today, more small businesses put their dollars toward digital advertising through platforms such as Google and Meta. The loss of local advertising revenue means many outlets are especially reliant on paid subscriptions, but audiences have not been particularly willing to pay for those subscriptions. The expectation is for news sites online to be free, particularly when audiences have free access to information about things happening in their communities directly from community
organizations, governments, small businesses and online sites that serve as community bulletin boards, like Facebook groups or Nextdoor. These factors contribute to a growing number of local news outlets closing in Minnesota and around the country. With fewer journalists working in local news, it has also made those jobs more challenging. The combination of low pay, increased workload and limited prospects for advancement has made it harder for local journalists to “keep at it” serving their communities.
Q: How can communities support local journalism?
A: You can support your local news outlets directly through subscriptions and donations. Another great way to support local journalists is through volunteer work. News outlets are more understaffed than ever, so passing along information about things happening in your community is often appreciated. Local journalists are trying to do far more with less and it is difficult to keep up.
Despite the challenging headwinds, there are many efforts by national and local philanthropic groups to develop alternative nonprofit models for local journalism, which is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the industry as we found in our Minnesotafocused research. Press Forward at the national level and Press Forward Minnesota represent ambitious efforts to inject new investments in local reporting. The American Journalism Project, Institute for Nonprofit News and LION (Local Independent Online News) also seek to bolster local news ecosystems.
Q: How does your work at the University of Minnesota prepare future local journalists?
A: The Minnesota Journalism Center at the Hubbard School of Journalism has several programs designed to fill local reporting gaps while providing our student journalists with experiences outside the classroom, including:
• Report for Minnesota, which places students as summer interns in Greater Minnesota newspapers.
• Hosting a variety of programs, training and events aimed at helping newsrooms find new ways to cover the communities they serve. For example, earlier this year we hosted a workshop and Hackathon on AI and local journalism.
• We regularly share research about the changes in the ecosystem or ways newsrooms are experimenting with reaching younger audiences through social media.
• A partnership with the Minnesota Newspaper Association on a survey of newspaper publishers to better understand where we and other supporters of local news can be most effective in helping the industry transform itself and find a more sustainable future.
• Lastly, we publish a monthly newsletter to keep Minnesota’s local journalism community informed about opportunities and new developments across the state.
Benjamin Toff is an associate professor in the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts. He studies news audiences and political engagement, public opinion and changing journalistic practices.
CONTRIBUTED
The state now requires private health insurance companies to cover the costs of wigs for people who have lost their hair due to a medical condition. Above, Julia Osland models a wig from Indulge Salon.
Longtime librarian retires after decades in industry
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
After four decades, Therese Sonnek is putting the final book on the shelf.
The longtime White Bear Lake Library manager is retiring after 23 years in White Bear Lake and 32 years in Ramsey County, for a total of 41 years in libraries.
Sonnek, who grew up in North Saint Paul, worked as a “shelver” while in high school and was inspired by the high school librarian, Barb Nelson, to pursue it as a career. “She made me realize I could do it,” she said.
Right out of high school, she attended Lakewood Community College (now Century College). While there, she worked at the school’s library as part of a work-study to help pay for her tuition. She ultimately graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Minnesota.
“That was a good thing to do to get all of that extra knowledge of literature,” she explained. She then traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, to earn her master’s degree in library an information
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Therese Sonnek enjoys some sweets at her retirement party.
studies. She landed her first official library job as a “library page” (library assistant) at the White Bear Lake Library in 1984. She then headed up north for a job in Duluth in 1988 before she was hired by Ramsey County in 1993.
In the early days of her career in Ramsey County, she
spent most of her time at the North Saint Paul Library but also worked at the Roseville and Maplewood libraries. Sonnek was the manager of the Mounds View branch from 1998 until 2002, when she became the manager of the White Bear Lake Library. She has remained in White Bear Lake since then, except for a brief six months in 2024 when she filled in for the branch manager in Shoreview.
Sonnek says she enjoyed working with people and helping them.
“I help people in their journey of lifelong learning, but I learn along with them because I help them find information I don’t know, and so I learned it too,” she explained. “I continuously learn every day when I help people.”
One major milestone Sonnek enjoyed being a part of was when the new library building opened in 2015. April 11 will be the 10th anniversary of the reopening.
“The library was under construction in 2014, which was the 100-year anniversary of when the
Carnegie was built at this same location. There was a time capsule behind the cornerstone in 2014. There was a time capsule behind the cornerstone in 1974. Each time they tore down the building, we got the time capsule out,” Sonnek recalled.
“In 2015, we re-hid the time capsule, and I’m the only one who knows everything that’s in it.”
The biggest change to hit libraries during her career was the internet and the introduction of audiobooks and e-books.
“One of the things I tell the staff is that anybody can Google answers nowadays, but we need to guide them in finding the right answers,” Sonnek said. “Because the internet is so large, it’s so easy to get the wrong answer.”
A fond memory of Sonnek’s is when Sting the Greyhound from Hugo received requests for reading dates from all over the world after a lonely night at the library when nobody signed up for the Paws to Read program (see “Greyhound finds friendship after lonely night at library,”
CLASSIFIEDS
Feb. 9, 2018.)
Sonnek said she also enjoyed the library’s partnership with the White Bear Lake Historical Society, especially the geocaching program. “It is a wonderful partnership … we could teach people history and have it be fun at the same time,” So why retire now? As a county employee who started before 1992, Sonnek is eligible for “the Rule of 90.” (Created in 1982, the Rule of 90 allows members to retire with unreduced benefits when their age plus service history equals 90 years.)
“I qualified a few years ago; I just wanted to hit a good, sweet spot,” Sonnek explained. “I didn’t want to miss another summer,” she said.
Sonnek says she has done a lot of traveling within Minnesota but wants to see more of the country, especially the national parks.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@ presspubs.com.
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President Donald Trump 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC 20500 202-456-1414
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US Sen. Amy Klobuchar 425 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 202-224-3244
US Sen. Tina Smith 720 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 202-224-5641
Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan
130 State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155
US Rep. Betty McCollum (District 4) 2256 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515 661 LaSalle Street, Ste 110, St. Paul, MN 55114 202-225-6631 or 651-224-9191
State Senator John Marty (District 40) 95 University Ave. W, Minnesota State Senate Building, Room 3235, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-5645
Minnesota Rep. Kelly Moller (District 40A) 477 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr., Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-0141
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V I C E
Mustang trackmen win Pony Classic
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mounds View boys placed first in the Pony Classic on Saturday in Stillwater, a meet with 10 relay events and eight individual events.
This meet has been held for decades and coach Ross Fleming regards it as one of the highlights on the schedule each year, a chance for over 30 runners to participate in relays and test the team’s depth.
Mounds View won four relays and placed second in five. The top three teams among eight were the Mustangs with 280, Stillwater 250 and Owatonna 224.
The Mustangs won the 4x800 with Samuel Geer, Asher Compton, Tate McDonald and Joey McVean in 8:18.97; the sprint medley 1600 with Ben Kugisa, Braden Miller, Sam Simone and Cooper Fellman in 3:07.45; the distance medley 4000 with Asher Compton, Preston Johnson, Aditya Prabhu and Samuel Geer in 10:51; and the 4x100 shuttle hurdles with Charlie Robb, Luke Ridgeway, Max Ohmann and Ben Mugisa in 59.37.
Individually, Casey Poppler won the 3200 in 9:20.17 with Andrew Richter third (10:01). Placing second were Israel Ahmed in the 1600 (4:54), Robb in 300 hurdles (40.27), Weston Kuchar in high jump (6-2, tie) and Charles Eggert in triple jump (41-6). Eggert was fifth in long jump (20-3 1/2).
The Mustangs placed second among 10 Suburban East teams in White Bear Lake on April 8. The top three were Stillwater with 144, Mounds View 134, and the Bears 132. Koons won the 400 in 51.54. Geer was second in the 800 (2:00.2). Robb was second in 300 hurdles (40.74). Placing third were Fellman in the 200 (22.49), Compton in the 1600 (4:29) and Ryan Wirrer in pole vault (13-0).
Baseball: Mustangs lead conference
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mounds View lost its season opener to Rogers 8-5 and has won five straight since then. In the Suburban East Conference, the Mustangs are 5-0, White Bear Lake and Cretin-Derham Hall each 4-1 and Forest Lake 3-2.
The Mustangs beat Stillwater 5-0 behind Andrew Gette (five innings) and Robbie Price (two). Jack Glancey was 3-for-4 (two doubles, two runs-battedin (RBI)) and RJ Madison 3-for-4 (RBI). They beat Park 8-1 with Sawyer Shewmake throwing four no-hit innings and Calvin Anderson and Kasey McCallum finishing. Glancey was 3-for-4 (two doubles, two RBI’s) and Madison 3-for-4 (RBI).
They beat Cretin-Derham Hall 11-7 with Nate Edelman throwing 2 1/3 scoreless innings with six strikeouts in relief of Ryan Malone. Knocking in two runs each were Madison (3-for-4), Glancy and Edelman.
Gette threw four shutout innings (seven strikeouts, one hit) in a 10-2 win over Irondale. Kasey McCallum and Cooper Caliguiri finished. Delivering two RBI’s each were Madison, Caliguiri, Robbie Price and Sam Moen.
In a 9-2 win over Forest Lake, Calvin Anderson hurled five innings (one run) and Shewmake and Caliguiri finished. Isaac Beseman was 4-for-4 (double, two RBI’s, two runs).
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Ryan (RJ) Madison
Mounds View baseball April 24, 2025
Ryan (RJ) Madison, Mounds View sophomore left-fielder, has hit in all six games so far, collecting 11 hits in 22 at-bats for a .500 average with five runs-batted-in (RBI, five runs and four stolen bases, batting in the No. 2 slot for the Mustangs (5-1). “He’s a gamer,” Coach Nik Anderson said. “No situation is too big or too small. RJ is consistent in his effort and focus, which is impressive for an underclassman.” The coach also cited Madison for “savvy base running” that puts pressure on the defense.
SPORTS BRIEFS
GIRLS TRACK
Mounds View hosted a nine-team meet of Suburban East Conference teams on April 16 with no team scoring. The Mustangs had four first places. Allison Richter won the 100 hurdles (15.96) and took second in the 300 hurdles (48.27), splitting with Stillwater’s Ella Martens. Richter was third in long jump (15-6 1/2). Thia Olson-Skog won the 100 (12.56) and was fourth in the 200. Paisley Haas won high jump with 4-10. The 4x200 team won in 1:53.30. Maya Francisco was second in the 3200 (11:47). Alyssa Hollister was second in discus (1162) and third in shot put (35-0). Katie Wallin was third in the 800 (2:31) and Malaina Brodin fourth in the 1600 (5:46). The 4x400 and 4x800 teams both placed second.
SOFTBALL
Mounds View has a 1-5 record with three losses by one run. The Mustangs beat Irondale 14-4. They have lost to Park 6-0, Woodbury 10-3, Stillwater 5-4, Roseville Area 6-5 and East Ridge 6-5.
BOYS LACROSSE
Mounds View won its opener over St. Michael-Albertville 10-6 with Caden Ayshford netting four goals and Trent Habisch three. The Mustangs then lost to East Ridge 14-8 and Irondale 10-5. Ayshford has seven goals, Habisch four, and Ben Morrisette, Mitch Olson, Cooper Hickel and Rex Robbie two each. Sam Hegel, goalie, has a .500 save percentage. Ground ball leaders are Mitch Olson with 11, Tony Cook eight and Jamison Barrows seven.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Mounds View girls lost their first two games to Moorhead 14-7 and East Ridge 22-4.
BOYS GOLF
Mounds View placed 17th of 30 teams in an invitational at Bunker Hills on April 10 with a 310 score. Cooper Larson shot 75, Nathan Yee Yick 77, Anders Smith 78 and Cole Ebben 80. The Mustangs were sixth of 10 teams in the first Suburban East Conference meet April 10 with 315 at Prestwick. Larson shot 72, placing second behind Sam Udovich’s 70 from Cretin-Derham Hall. Yick shot 77, Smith 78 and Ebben 80.
TENNIS
Mounds View blanked White Bear Lake 7-0 (the Bears’ lone loss in five matches) last Wednesday, then lost to No. 1 ranked Wayzata 5-2 on Saturday. The No. 4 Mustangs are 2-1. Every match against the Bears were straight sets. In the Wayzata match, Mustang sophomore Soren Swenson, ranked No. 4, toppled top-ranked Aaron Beduhn, a senior, 6-3, 6-4 at No. 1. Soren’s twin, Anders, won at No. 3 over Shreyas Iyer 7-6 (4), 1-6, 10-5. Wayzata’s Ethan Turner nipped Max Daigle 3-6, 6-4, 10-4 at No. 2. Their other four wins were straight sets.
Bruce Strand
Looking ahead for SPORTS
TRACK AND FIELD
4 p.m. Wednesday, April 23—vs. multiple schools
4 p.m. Friday, April 25—vs. multiple schools at Macalester College
BASEBALL
4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23—vs. Roseville Area
4:30 p.m. Friday, April 25—at Woodbury
BOYS TENNIS
4 p.m. Thursday, April 24—at East Ridge 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26—vs. multiple schools
SOFTBALL
4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23—vs. CretinDerham Hall at Rice Creek
2 p.m. Saturday, April 26—vs. Irondale at Rice Creek
BOYS GOLF
9 a.m. Wednesday, April 23—vs. multiple schools at Stone Ridge Golf Course
BOYS VOLLYEBALL
7 p.m. Thursday, April 24—vs. Woodbury
BOYS LACROSSE
7 p.m. Thursday, April 24—vs. Woodbury
GIRLS LACROSSE
7 p.m. Friday, April 25—at Woodbury
CONTRIBUTED
Cooper Fellman, shown here during a White Bear Lake meet, is one of many strong runners on the Mustang roster
Environmental Speaker Series: Road salts, lakes
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
SHOREVIEW — Matt Kocian, lake and stream program manager for the Rice Creek Watershed District, spoke to residents at the most recent Shoreview Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) Speaker Series about chloride and the effects it has on lakes in the area.
According to Kocian, there are multiple sources of chloride found in lakes and streams. “Road salt is a really big one. It can also come from water softeners. In the Twin Cities metro area, it really is all about road salt.”
Kocian explained that over 300,000 tons of road salt are applied in the metro area each year. He said that on average, Ramsey County uses around 6,000 tons of road salt per year to deice roads. In 2023-24, however, the county used 2,671 tons. The usage of road salt is trending downward over time.
High levels of chloride in lakes can be harmful to lake plants and fish.
“Chloride can be toxic to fish, invertebrates and amphibians,” Kocian said. “Invertebrates are at the base of the food chain, and when you start having toxic effects on things at the base of the food chain, it affects everything else that lives in that system, too.” Invertebrates in this case refers to mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies.
“What is important to point out is there is a whole host of nonlethal effects that can be observed with fish and other critters,” explained Kocian. “So even if you aren’t getting to the point that fish are dying, there are many other effects, like weight loss and (fish) egg swelling.”
Chloride can also inhibit lake mixing, creating negative effects such as altered food chains; anoxia, or absence of oxygen; increased phosphorus loading; and algae blooms.
In the spring and in the fall, something called lake
turnover occurs. Kocian explained that lake turnover is when lakes have uniform temperatures and there is no temperature stratification to prevent mixing. He added that this turnover is an important process with regard to nutrient cycling within the lake.
“When you get really high chloride concentration, it can actually prevent that spring and fall mixing and lock the lake into two zones,” Kocian said.
Within the Rice Creek Watershed District, there are six lakes that do not meet state standards due to chloride impairments. These lakes are Little Johanna, Long Lake, Pike Lake, Silver Lake, Valentine Lake and Lake Johanna.
John Manske, manager of the environmental services laboratory for Ramsey County Public Works, spoke about what the county is doing to help monitor and reduce chloride levels in lakes throughout the county.
According to Manske, as part of the Ramsey County Lake Management Summer Monitoring Program, 29 lakes are sampled at their deepest point eight times a year between May 1 and Sept. 30.
“We are looking at as many things as we can to see how our management practices on the ground are reflecting in our lake water quality,” Manske said. “We are also looking at aquatic vegetation, doing plant surveys and we do a fair amount of treatment coordination with our partners.”
In the winter, Manske and his team focus on monitoring oxygen levels in impaired lakes. Owasso Lake and Island Lake in Shoreview are aerated using various methods such as a surface aerator. When a lake is aerated, it increases the dissolved oxygen levels within the water, which can improve lake quality, reduce algae growth and support aquatic life.
Manske and his team will also monitor chloride levels in the winter as ice-out approaches.
According to Manske, the county is tracking its usage of salt with calibrated dispensers as well as using brine salt on the roads when conditions allow. Another preventive measure the county is taking is sweeping up excess salt and reusing it in the future.
The last EQC Speaker Series will be at 7 p.m. Monday, April 28. Attendees will learn about available rebates and programs for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects from the Partners in Energy program and Xcel Energy. The event will take place in Council Chambers at Shoreview City Hall, 4600 Victoria St. N.
Members from the Rice Creek Watershed District monitor oxygen levels in 29 lakes over the winter.
