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AUTHOR Q&A: Local resident writes book inspired by Christmas PAGE 5
Press Publications has helped deliver letters to Santa. Each year, Press Publications asks children to drop off their letters to Santa in the big red mailbox outside of the office in White Bear Lake, or to mail them in. Some of the desired items this year included Legos, Pokemon cards, stuffed animals and more. See pages 10 and 11 for more Santa letters. And be sure to read even more Santa letters online at presspubs.com.
Letters to Santa
Residents express concerns about property taxes BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Shoreview’s budget and tax levy for 2026 is expected to be set at the next City Council meeting. Unless it is reduced, the total levy will be $1,492,629 higher than it was in 2025. “This is a slight decrease than what was approved in September at our preliminary levy (public hearing), as there were slight changes to some of the salary and benefit calculations,” Finance Director Kevin Knopik said. Impacting the levy is a $1,191,129 (6.98%) increase in general fund expenditures. SEE 2026 LEVY, PAGE 7
Citizen of the Year reaches beyond Shoreview BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Longtime Shoreview resident Gene Nichols moved to the city in November 2001 from New Jersey. He has been involved in various community organizations, such as the Human Rights Commission and the Shoreview Community Foundation, for almost two decades. To recognize Nichols for his contributions to the community, he has been named the 2025 Citizen of the Year.
CONTRIBUTED
Gene Nichols is Shoreview’s 2025 Citizen of the Year.
SEE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR, PAGE 13
2025
WINNER Best of the Press
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