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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.

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Gene Nichols is Shoreview’s 2025 Citizen of the Year.

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EMERGING ARTIST: BRECKEN LEE BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ot many actors get to reprise a stage role after time away, but Hugo resident and high school sophomore Brecken Lee is currently participating in Children’s Theater Company’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” for the second year in a row. “It's really fun being able to come back to my character and see what I can do to grow in that character,” Lee described. She touches on a challenge for many stage actors: How does one keep a role fresh after performing Brecken Lee it dozens of times? “Advice that I’ve been given from our stage manager, Nate (Stanger), is to always be listening in on the scene,” Lee stated. “You'll see an actor do something new every single day and it's really cool if you can notice everything.” Lee has especially noticed this from

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Children’s Theater Company “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” runs through Jan. 4, 2026.

Reed Sigmund, this production’s Grinch. “There’s a huge scene in the show. It’s called ‘Grinchy Shopping,’ and I’m in about the same spot I was in last year,” Lee recounted. “I’m watching (him) change it up every night and also change it from last

year.” Now with one year more theater experience, Lee feels that, this time around, she has more tools to play off of Sigmund and her other cast mates. One area in which Lee feels she is sharpening her toolset is character

embodiment. “If you look off to the side and see that character, they're still very much the character and not the person playing the character,” she explained. The desire to grow as an actor seems hardwired into Lee, who has been performing in shows since she was four years old. “My entire family has done it. I grew up watching my sister do theater when I was, like, two,” Lee stated. “Then I started doing shows with CPA, and I loved every minute of it. I think theaters are just so important.” Though Lee recognized that theater provides many skills and benefits, her personal reason for participating is to spread gladness. “Getting to see the joy in the audience is probably what fuels me in every single performance,” Lee said. “There’s a scene in ‘The Grinch’ where we go out in the audience and we’re singing directly to them, and every single day, I could have a story of a new little kid who's just so happy that we're right in front of them, and I can see them loving the show.” “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” runs now through Jan. 4, 2026. For tickets and more details, visit childrenstheatre.org.

LAKESHORE PLAYERS HOSTS CONCERTS OF NOTE BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

his holiday season, the Hanifl Performing Arts Center has three different concerts coming to town. “This is another great way for us to give opportunities not only for musicians, but also for people who want to come to a concert in their own backyard,” Lakeshore Players’ Managing Director Megan Pence commented. “We have great facilities here, so let’s take advantage of them … Also, there’s usually free parking.”

A Holiday Performance from the Century College Jazz Ensemble

One looking for a swingin’, brassy sound this Christmas need look no further. “It’s a fun, jazzy, big band concert,” Pence explained. “Debbie O’Keefe, she’s going to be our main soloist. She usually brings some special guests on stage.” Pence is especially excited about Lakeshore’s partnership with Century College. “We try to find ways to take advantage of a great institution with a

wonderful theater and music program, and we try to find opportunities to get them into our space,” she explained. A Holiday Performance from Debbie O’Keefe and the Century College Jazz Ensemble kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18.

Don Irwin: A Steinway Holiday

Steinway piano player Don Irwin has been a recording studio musician for Prince, Donna Summer and more. Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis also features Irwin annually during their fall concert. Now, he is coming to Hanifl to seasonal cheer. “It’s another opportunity to show off our Steinway with someone who’s really great at playing it,” Pence stated. “It’s going to be a nice mix of holiday tunes that people know and love—but by an incredible musician.” Performances of “Don Irwin: A Steinway Holiday” are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20.

Chase and Ovation’s New Year’s Eve Tribute to Prince

Chase and Ovation is the premiere Prince music act, well-respected by the late artist’s

estate and the only tribute band with Prince’s permission and blessing to perform his music. Many of Prince’s former bandmates often join the group during their shows. The concert promises to cover Prince’s biggest hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. “It’s a nice concert on New Year’s Eve,” Pence stated, “that’s geared mainly to adults.” Chase and Ovation’s New Year’s Eve Tribute to Prince begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. No matter the concert community members attend, Pence believes that the main stage at Hanifl provides both an intimate feeling—where no seat is more than 50 feet away from the main stage—and full professional capability. “You are going to feel involved, sharing an experience with your community,” Pence remarked. “That’s really important right now.” For concert tickets and more information, visit lakeshoreplayers.org/2526-concertseries. All performances take place at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake.

1968 VISITS ARMORY IN 2026 BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

hite Bear Lake Area (WBLA)Historical Society Executive Director Sara Hanson believes that the societal shifts and cultural attitudes currently happening around the country are arriving right on time. “I’ve often said that, every couple of generations, we’ve noticed the shake up of our norms,” Hanson stated. 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War while 2026 will be the United States’ 250th anniversary. Therefore, Hanson felt that offering programming

covering the last cultural shakeup would be a fitting way to begin the year. Enter “Coming of Age: The 1968 Generation,” from the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS). According to MNHS, “Growing up amidst political turmoil and revolutionary social change had a lasting impact on teens in the late 1960s. This special exhibit looks at the pivotal events—both far away and close to home—that forever shaped the lives of this generation.” While MNHS originally showcased the retrospective in 2018, a streamlined, mobile version has been traveling since. WBLA Historical Society Community Engagement

Director Allison Lincoln commented that she is excited northeast metro residents have a more local opportunity to experience the exhibit. “It’ll be really fun to step back into the ‘60s,” Lincoln stated. “This year will be a very big year of us really bringing our community to the center of all that we do. (The 1960s is) a very large time period that really impacted quite a few people and still does today.” To help drive that point home, Hanson will kick off the exhibit’s opening with a special look at the defining events—both good and bad—of the White Bear Lake area in the 1960s, including the new Public Safety Building,

winning the All-America City award and the murder of Dennis Jurgens. “That’s part of it, just is, the ups and downs,” Hanson remarked, commenting on both then and now. “We’ve been through hard things. And we can do it again.” White Bear Lake Area Historical Society presents “Coming of Age: 1968” Jan. 13, 2026 through mid-April. “White Bear Lake in the 1960s” will precede the exhibit’s opening at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St. For further details and visiting hours, visit whitebearhistory.org.

DECEMBER EVENTS FESTIVAL OF TREES

Location: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St., White Bear Lake Dates: 10 a.m-3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays now until Dec. 20 Details: See who in the area has the best tree decorating skills at the Festival of Trees. On Dec. 13, there will be cocoa, fun holiday treats and activities and a possible sighting of Santa himself.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE RIVER CITY CHORALE

Location: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi Dates: 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 Details: Join the Chorale, Ensemble Singers and Instrumentalists for an afternoon of great music to celebrate Christmas.

Congratulations to past Emerging Artists on their Hennepin Trust Spotlight Awards for “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella”! Holly Flood — Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role Lucas Maahs — Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role Eleanor Cannon — Outstanding Ensemble Vocal Performance Ben Storelee — Outstanding Ensemble Vocal Performance

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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: Noon, 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 LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD MONTHLY MEETING

When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.16 Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, rear entrance, Door G, 3920 Victoria Street North, Shoreview Details: After a brief business meeting, the Guild members will be enjoying a fun Christmas Party. Visitors are welcome. Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org

HOLIDAY TEA

When: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Enjoy an afternoon of socializing over an assortment of tea and desserts. The North Suburban Chorus will perform. Pre-registration required. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700

PRESCHOOL PALS: TRANSFORMATIONS

When: 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 Where: Cafesjian Art Trust Museum, 4600 Churchill St., Shoreview Details: Special museum event for three-and-four-

year olds. Includes an exhibition tour, a story and an art project. Progam lasts approximately 40 minutes. Pre-registration is required. Contact: cafesjianarttrust.org/education-programs

A HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE FROM DEBBIE O’KEEFE & THE CENTURY COLLEGE ORCHESTRA When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Big band and solo guest performances of favorite holiday classics. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 Where: Cafesjian Art Trust Museum, 4600 Churchill St., Shoreview Details: Join Assistant Curator of Glass, Linnea Seidling, for a tour of “Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective.” Contact: cafesjianarttrust.org or 612-359-8891

DON IRWIN STEINWAY HOLIDAY

When: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Award-winning pianist spreads holiday cheer with the help of LPT’s Steinway piano. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

County no longer accepts DNR ski pass Effective immediately, Ramsey County will no longer accept the Department of Natural Resources Great Minnesota Ski Pass. In-

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Baby Time at the CAT When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 Where: Cafesjian Art Trust Museum, 4600 Churchill St., Shoreview Details: You and your baby will join museum educators and other families for an enriching, and supportive first introduction to an art museum. No registration required. Contact: cafesjianarttrust.org/educationprograms

stead, a collaborative trail pass system has been implemented with the city of St. Paul. To access snowmaking trails at Battle Creek Regional Park, skiers must obtain an annual or daily all-access pass, which also permits access to all St. Paul and

Ramsey County ski trails. When natural snow trails open, users will need either an all-access pass or a natural snow pass. For more information, visit ramseycounty.us/ski.

The Shoreview Community Foundation Advisory Board provides grants to nonprofit organizations serving the Shoreview community. We extend our congratulations to the following 2026 recipients: • Every Meal - Summer food bags for youth distributed at Shoreview YMCA

• Gallery 96 & Shoreview Bike and Trails Committee – Community-based, mural art project

in the trail tunnel under Highway 96 near Shoreview Community Center • Green Card Voices - Storytelling and arts program from immigrant perspectives at Shoreview Library and Community Center to strengthen community belonging • Help a Neighbor - Daily snack for students who would otherwise not have a daily snack during the school year • Midwest Special Services - Artists-in-residence program for adults with disabilities • NYFS - Child-Centered Play therapy for low-income families • Shoreview YMCA - Water and swim safety lesson for at-risk youth • Tubman Center - Legal advocacy for victims of domestic violence in Shoreview The Shoreview Community Foundation is an affiliate of Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. Tax ID #41-6031510

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When: 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: The Looney Lutherans perform family-friendly comedy and songs. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

TOUR WITH A CURATOR

• The board approved the final property tax levy for 2026. The final certification will be forwarded to Ramsey County for processing. Property tax revenue will be collected in 2026 and will be available for the school district to use in the following school year. This year, the levy is set to be approximately $72,955,573. This is a $8.6 million increase from 2025. The driver of the increase in the levy can be attributed to the $10 million voter-approved project capital levy that was passed in November to improve technology and safety within district schools. • There were 10 gifts received this period for schools and programs for a total of approximately $11,259. One 105 gifts were received this period for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf, a total of around $177,258. • Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Angie Peschel, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Heidi Saari and Director of Research, Assessment and Evaluation Mary Stobb provided the board with an update regarding the 2024-25 Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness & Achievement and Integration plan. The plan contains five key components: All students meeting school readiness goals; all racial and economic achievement gaps between students are closed; all students are ready for career and college; all students graduate from high school; and all students are prepared to be lifelong learners. The district was able to meet multiple benchmarks it had set for its students within these goals. • The board recognized Board Chair Diane Glasheen for her time on the Mounds View School Board. Glasheen has been a board member for eight years and board chair for the last two years. Glasheen did not seek reelection. Her term will end on Jan. 5, 2026.

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‘HOLD THE LUTEFISK-IT’S BEGINNING TO SMELL A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS’

When: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Decorate holiday cookies. Eahc child will receive six cookies and all decorating supplies. Please bring a container to transport your cookies home in. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700

COUNTY BRIEF

Madeline Dolby

HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING

MOUNDS VIEW SCHOOL BOARD SNIPPETS

The next Mounds View Public Schools School Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the District Center, 4570 Victoria St. N., Shoreview. Public comments to the board will be at 6:30 p.m. before the meeting.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

OPINION

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DECEMBER 16, 2025

‘You should be here’

“I

t’s one of those moments That’s got your name written all over it And you know that if I had just one wish It’d be that you didn’t have to miss this You should be here.” The song, “You should be here” by Cole Swindell, has always resonated with me. That’s because I know exactly how it feels to want more than anything that someone was still here. Dec. 18 marks 10 years since we lost my dad. I still vividly remember sitting next to his bed in the hospital. He was hooked up to all of these machines, and couldn’t even open his eyes. I recall typing up some of my thoughts, hoping they would never Shannon’s see the light of day. Many of those turned into his obituary. Shenanigans words My dad, Earl, passed away at the Shannon age of 55, seven days before Christmas in 2015. When I reflect on a Granholm decade without him, I can’t help but think about all that he has missed. He missed my sister’s high school and college graduations; he’s missed new homes and new jobs. He hasn’t gotten to meet so many of the pups who have come into our lives, and he missed the birth of his grandson. After a decade, I can honestly say that I still think about it every day. They say time heals all wounds, but I can vouch that it doesn’t. I will never be “okay” with the fact that I lost my dad when I was only 22. I will, however, forever be grateful for the time we did have with him and all I learned from him in his short time here. Dad spent years battling health challenges, yet he carried himself with a strength that inspired everyone who knew him. Even on the hardest days, he never lost his faith, his humor or his deep love for his family. He taught us what it means to persevere, to show up and to trust that it will all be okay even in the darkest moments. He wasn’t defined by illness; he was defined by love. My dad was a fighter, a man of faith, kindness and strength. He made this world a better place, and I hope to do that too. This time of year, losses seem to sting a little bit more. I still remember having to stare at all of his unopened presents just sitting on his chair next to the tree on Christmas morning. I remember feeling so out of place because it seemed like everyone around me was so full of joy, yet I couldn’t make it through a day without crying. I still often feel like that, and I know I’m not alone. For many, the holidays are a magical time when you get to spend time with those who mean the most. But the sad truth is that for many of us, our gatherings have gotten much smaller over the years, and there are people that should still be with us who are not. If you are grieving a recent, or decade-old, loss, this holiday, know that you are not alone. It’s okay to grieve. Dad, thank you for being our constant, our teacher, our protector and our friend. We hope you can see how much you are loved, how often you are thought of, and how your strength continues to carry us even now. We miss you. We love you. And we honor you today and every day. JESSICA BARKER PHOTOGRAPHY | CONTRIBUTED

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm pictured with her dad Earl Kinley at her wedding in 2015.

Shannon Granholm is the Managing Editor at Press Publications.

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Disappointed by Christmas? You’re not alone

ast year I found a toddler bike on Facebook Marketplace. I picked it up with dad pride, imagining how this gift would make Christmas magical for my threeyear-old. I wrapped it, set it under the tree and waited for the big moment. In my mind, his reaction would be huge— maybe we’d even go viral. When Christmas came, he opened it with Pastor’s some excitement, quickly Pondering but returned to his other toys. He’s Paul Stiver barely touched it since. I had built the moment up so much in my mind that the deflation hit instantly. Do you ever feel like much of life is like that? We build things up— trips, family time, holidays, the new year—only to find they don’t deliver what we hoped. Why does the Christmas season, in particular, tend to disappoint? One of my favorite Christmas movies is “A Muppet Christmas Carol,” where Scrooge is visited by three ghosts. As I reflect on how I’ve approached Christmas, I see three patterns. First, as a kid, Christmas was all about what I could get. Toys,

games, clothes—whatever I thought would make life perfect if I just got it. I treated Christmas like a materialist, but the excitement faded every time and life went back to normal. Later in life, Christmas became sidelined. During college and the years after, I was more focused on my friends and social life. Family time and spiritual connection took a back seat. The season was still about me, just in a different way. Today, as a dad, Christmas can be a season of lofty expectations. Social media tells me good parents produce perfect gifts and picture-perfect moments, and I start to believe it. I fall into the trap of thinking that if I plan everything just right, I can manufacture the perfect Christmas—and then feel disappointed when it looks a lot more like normal life. The Bible actually speaks to this. My worship of things, love of myself and tendency to treat a holiday as something that can complete me are what Scripture calls idolatry—looking to something that isn’t God to give what only God can provide. It’s like trying to fill a deep void with things that can never fit. They might distract us for a while, but they can’t change us. And if you feel that way, you might wonder, “Where do I go from here?” You might assume God wants you to stop loving things and start fixing your

problems. Surprisingly, that’s not how God seeks our hearts because our problem isn’t that we love things—it’s that we love things more than God. This is a worship problem that requires radical change, so God isn’t after mere behavior modification but transformation. And that’s why Jesus came. Pastor Tim Keller once said, “Christmas is telling you that you could never get to heaven on your own. God had to come to you.” God did come to us in Jesus—who lived a perfect life, died in our place and rose again so that now through faith in him, we can actually be changed. We can stop worshiping created things and start a relationship with God where we experience security, satisfaction, and real transformation. Maybe this season you’re open to exploring faith, learning more about Jesus, or reconnecting with God. That’s a big reason why we planted Hope Community Church – North Lakes this year in Shoreview. We’d love to have you join us. We exist to be a place where you can start or strengthen your relationship with Jesus—the one who loved you and gave himself for you. Merry Christmas! Paul Stiver is the lead pastor at Hope Community ChurchNorth Lakes.

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Light a candle Holiday traditions are the best! What’s your favorite? Is it putting up the tree on the Friday after Thanksgiving? Could it be grandma’s famous Christmas cookies? Or how about coming to Peace on Christmas Eve at 4 p.m. or 9 p.m. and singing all your favorite carols? (See what I did there!) Traditions are part of what makes the Advent and Christmas season so special. We feel a sense of comfort and connectedness, we know we belong. But for some, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, feeling disconnected from family, a lack of resources or the tangible fear that some are experiencing in our community, the traditions Pastor’s we once loved are not available or Pondering don’t have the same impact. For some, just lighting a candle Jason might be the only tradition there is this year. Steffenhagn In the book of Matthew, Jesus is named “Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” This name comes after a long list of people, the genealogy of Jesus that goes back 42 generations. For most of us, we skip right over this part and get to the good stuff of the story where Joseph has an angel show up in a dream. But let’s linger in the genealogy for a minute. It represents the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It starts with Abraham and the promise of a great nation. It perseveres through slavery in Egypt and liberation over the Red Sea. It makes it through the wilderness and the establishment of the kingdom in The Promised Land. It sees the prominence of empire under David and the downfall toward exile. And it sees the way through all the oppression of the Greco-Roman Empire to the birth of Jesus. And at each stage, Emmanuel, God is with us. Wandering in the wilderness, God is with us. At the height of empire, God is with us. When it all falls apart, God is with us. Banished into exile, God is with us. When rededicating the temple, God is with us. Too often, it seems to me, that people claim to have God’s presence when life is working out for them. It’s almost as if “power, position and privilege” equals “God’s presence.” But the story of ancient Israel and the incarnation of Jesus the Christ is a hope and a knowing that God is always present. Maybe most palpable when power is stripped away. Emmanuel is the promise that God is always with us. Even when we can only light a single candle. It’s that candle that reminds us that there is hope in the midst of darkness. It’s that candle that reminds us that love will find a way. It’s that candle that reminds us that we are not alone. It’s that candle that reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. And you can’t put it out. This Christmas, enjoy the holiday traditions you love. Listen to the music, eat the good food, laugh with your loved ones. But find a way to help those who can only light a candle. When you love and serve them, you are loving and serving Christ. And that is the essence of Emmanuel. Jason Steffenhagn is the lead pastor at Peace United Methodist Church in Shoreview.

COMMUNITY BRIEF Outdoor skating rinks schedule to open Dec. 20

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Local resident releases children’s book inspired by the magic of Christmas Nicole Trevino, an Arden Hills resident, has released her second children’s book, “Daddy and the Moon Save Christmas.” It is in the second installment in the “Daddy and the Moon” series. “Daddy and the Moon Save Christmas” follows a dad worried that Christmas magic might pass his family by. But the moon’s light helps guide Santa’s sleigh, and hope find its way home. Trevino’s new story captures the warmth, wonder CONTRIBUTED and joy that Christmas brings. Recently, Press Publications Nicole Trevino has released a new children’s sat down with Trevino to learn more about her and her new book, “Daddy and the Moon Save Christmas.” book. It is the second installQ. Tell us a little bit about ment in the “Daddy and yourself. the Moon” series. A. I was born and raised in New York, spent two years abroad after I graduated college, moved to Seattle for five years and now found my forever home here in Minnesota! Though I have always loved writing (I am on year 11 of writing in my journal every day) I found my love of writing children’s books through this crazy parenthood journey. I am a mother to my miracle baby Olivia and wife to my wonderful husband, Bradford! Community is so important to me, and I feel so beyond lucky to have found that here in Minnesota. Q. What inspired you to write a Christmas-themed children’s book? A. After countless late night wake-ups with Olivia, my husband and I often joked about making friends with the moon. Those tender, sleepy moments inspired my first book, “Daddy and the Moon,” a story about the quiet magic that happens when a caregiver’s love shines brightest. Now, that same gentle moon returns for a new holiday adventure in “Daddy and the Moon Save Christmas.” When a small mistake leaves one dad worried that Christmas magic might pass them by, the moon’s light guides Santa’s sleigh and hope finds its way home. Together, these stories celebrate the love, wonder and connection shared between parent and child, both in the stillness of night, and now the sparkle of Christmas.

to life makes me giddy. While I am writing I envision a lot of the illustrations, so seeing that in real life with the illustrator is something that will never get old! Q. How did you work with the illustrator to bring your story to life? A. This is such a fun part for me! I start off by sending her my ideas per page in a LOT of detail. From how I want a character’s hair to their outfit. What color I want the sky to be to what kind of detail on the chimney of a house. This is where all my creative juices get going again after I finished writing the manuscript! Quynh is the name of my illustrator, and she will send me the sketch first; once I approve that, we move to color! I usually send around 20 (that’s a lot!) edits per page. It is a lengthy process, but it really is the thing that brings my story to life! Q. What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing this story? A. Honestly, this story came to me easier than my first. I have always had such a love for the magic of the holiday season. I really wanted this story to bring life and joy to this season. I think the hardest part for me is being too critical on myself and just really hoping people love the story as much as I do! Q. What message or feeling do you hope kids take away from the book? A. My Christmas book really portrays the magic of the season and the love we find in every corner. On a deeper note, for parents, my main goal is to remind caregivers they are never alone in the night. I remember sitting in my rocking chair with Olivia at 2 a.m. looking at the night sky thinking, “How will I ever get through these nights alone?” In reality, we are not alone; there are countless other caregivers up at any given moment, tending to the little ones in their lives. Remembering that and taking a look at the moon really helped me get through the newborn stage! Q. Where can people purchase/find your book(s)? A. My main outlet is social media! I have people DMing me for local pickups here in the Shoreview area. My Instagram handle is NicoleSwensen_. I also have them on my website, nicoleswensenauthor.com.

Compiled by Madeline Dolby

Q. What part of creating a children’s book is your favorite (writing, collaborating with the illustrator, or something else)? A. It is so hard for me to pick my FAVORITE, as every stage brings joy to my life. I love the rough drafts of a story. I hand write the first few drafts and I always have been that way. I love being able to physically write down with a pen what my thoughts are and new ideas. Bringing all the thoughts and ideas to an actual story I would say is something I adore. Now, bringing the story

Carriers of the Month Silas Rastetter

The city of Shoreview has seven outdoor skating rinks with warming houses. All six rinks are scheduled to open Saturday, Dec. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 22, depending on weather and ice conditions. The six ice rinks are located at these city parks: • Bucher Park, 5900 Mackubin Street • McCullough Park, 915 County Road I • Shamrock Park, 5623 Snelling Avenue • Shoreview Commons, 4580 Victoria Street N (open skating only, no hockey) • Sitzer Park, 4344 Hodgson Road • Wilson Park, 815 County Road F

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The rink located at Bobby Theisen Park will be closed for the season due to park construction. Warming houses will be closed when it is in the best interest and safety of the community. Situations that would cause the warming houses to close include warm temperatures leading to softened ice, temperatures below -10 degrees, windchills below -20 degrees or substantial snowfall.

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RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Shoreview: • Deputies responded Nov. 9 to a report of a vehicle crash in the 4300 block of Victoria Street North and arrested a 40-year-old woman from Vadnais Heights, who was struck by another vehicle but had several active warrants for her arrest. The woman did not have any physical injuries. • Deputies issued a citation for theft Nov. 9 to a 19-year-old from Minneapolis after he was caught attempting to steal more than $200 worth of merchandise from a business in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue North. • On Nov. 9 a woman from Clayton, Wisconsin, reported that someone stole the catalytic converter off her Kia Sportage in the 200 block of North Owasso Boulevard. The incident is under investigation. • Deputies responded Nov. 10 to a report of a hit-and-run crash near the intersection of Lexington Avenue North and Red Fox Road that resulted in minor damage to a Chevy Tahoe. The Tahoe’s driver, a 17-year-old, reported being struck in the rear of the vehicle by a Ford Excursion while pulling out of a gas station. The incident is under investigation. • Deputies arrested a 23-year-old man Nov. 11 for third-degree criminal damage to property after he damaged the screen and glass on a window at a house in the 4100 block of Oxford Street North belonging to a 60-year-old woman that he knew did not want him inside.

• On Nov. 11, deputies arrested a 22-year-old man from Lauderdale in the 900 block of County Road E West for violating an order for protection after he sent text messages to the 22-year-old woman who had the order against him. After not being at that location when deputies responded, she later texted them his location and deputies arrested him. • Deputies issued a citation Nov. 11 to the owner of a white Mazda Miata convertible and had the car towed after it was parked illegally on a street in the 4000 block of Chatsworth Street North for six consecutive days, for which citations had already been issued. • A 911 caller reported Nov. 11 being chased by a dog in the 5500 block of Wood Duck Court that she could no longer see. The dog was gone when a deputy arrived on scene. • A 20-year-old woman from Brooklyn Center reported Nov. 13 that her phone was for sale on Facebook Marketplace without her knowledge. The incident is under investigation. • On Nov. 13, a 60-year-old woman from Lakeville who is a debt collector reported being threatened by someone from whom she attempted to collect money in the 4000 block of Lexington Avenue North. The incident is under investigation. • A 19-year-old woman from New Brighton reported Nov. 13 receiving a text message including a photo of a handgun from a 16-year-old male and feeling threatened. The incident is under investigation. • Deputies responded Nov. 14 to a report of a two-vehicle crash near the

intersection of County Road J and Rice Creek Parkway involving a Ford Escape and a Honda Accord. Both drivers were uninjured and exchanged insurance information. The Honda was towed due to its damage. • A 29-year-old man from Mounds View reported Nov. 14 that someone pretending to be with law enforcement coerced him into depositing thousands of dollars into a Bitcoin machine because he allegedly missed an appointment related to a criminal investigation, which did not exist. The incident is under investigation. • A 62-year-old woman from Lino Lakes reported Nov. 15 that her dog was attacked by another dog in the 5900 block of Lexington Avenue North while she was out for a walk with it. The incident is under investigation. • A Forest Lake woman reported Nov. 16 that she discovered damage to the front driver’s side of her vehicle after parking it for a few hours in the 4100 block of Shirlee Lane South. The incident is under investigation. • A 66-year-old woman reported Nov. 16 hearing a crash outside of her home near the intersection of Hodgson Road and Snail Lake Road. Deputies responded and located a street sign that had been knocked over and parts of a vehicle on the ground, but no vehicle. The incident is under investigation. • An animal control officer spoke with the mother of an 11-year-old girl Nov. 17 who was out for a walk in the 5700 block of Fairview Avenue North when a neighbor’s dog attacked the family dog the girl was walking. Both dog owners are cooperating and working with each

other to arrange veterinarian visits. • Deputies issued a citation Nov. 17 to a 42-year-old woman from Mounds View in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue North for parking in a handicapped parking spot without a valid handicapped parking placard. • A 23-year-old man reported Nov. 19 that someone slashed two tires of his Subaru Impreza and spray-painted its trunk in the 700 block of Doris Avenue. The incident is under investigation. • A 46-year-old woman reported Nov. 19 that someone stole a firepit out of her backyard in the 600 block of Harriet Avenue. The incident is under investigation. • A 58-year-old woman from White Bear Township reported Nov. 20 that she was driving near the intersection of Highway 96 West and Lexington Avenue North when she was rear-ended by a Kia Soul, which was then driven away from the scene by its driver without stopping or exchanging insurance information. The incident is under investigation. • A school bus driver was waiting Nov. 20 at an intersection in the 400 block of Harriet Avenue when she saw a 4-yearold boy walk into a lake. The driver ran off the bus and into the water and brought the child to shore, where deputies and medics transported him to a hospital for evaluation. He was uninjured and reunited with his mother. • A 20-year-old woman in the 3500 block of Owasso Street reported Nov. 22 that someone stole the catalytic convertor from her Toyota pickup truck. The incident is under investigation.

SHOREVIEW CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

• A one-year extension for a conditional use permit has been approved. It was submitted by Distyle Design Architects on behalf of ACR Homes and originally approved by the council on Dec. 16, 2024, for a residential care facility on Emmert Street. The new expiration date is Dec. 16, 2026 (See “Residential care home a possibility in Shoreview,” Shoreview Press, Dec. 31, 2024). • The Shoreview Area Youth Baseball Association and the Minnesota Twins have donated funds to improve the fields at the Bucher Park West ballfield. The Shoreview Area Youth Baseball Association applied for, and was awarded, a grant through the Minnesota Twins Community Fund’s Fields for Kids Program, which provides financial support to enhance baseball and softball facilities for youth in the Upper Midwest and Southwest Florida. Planned improvements to the ballfield include replacing the sod, adding fill to remove low spots that create an uneven playing surface, installing additional drainage and adding more sprinkler heads. The council ultimately accepted the k beginning 12/14/2025 donation.

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• An ordinance updating regulations for cannabis businesses has been approved by the council. These updates include minor changes to Chapter 10 regarding background investigations and cannabis businesses (see full story in this week’s issue). • The council approved a seventh amendment to the city’s purchase agreement with Enclave Shoreview Rice Street LLC, which extends the closing date to January 12, 2026, for the Krew redevelopment project on an 11-acre city-owned site near I-694 and Rice Street. The project includes 293 apartments, 8 live/ work units and approximately 5,000 square feet of retail and/or restaurant space. Multiple extensions were needed due to project complexity, grant requirements and financing challenges. The developer has now resolved these issues and secured financing, with closing planned for December 12, 2025. However, the developer, along with the lender and equity team, are requesting the proposed seventh amendment to the purchase agreement to extend the closing deadline by one month to prevent the developer from being in default of the terms in the agreement.

• The city will enter into a professional service agreement with American Engineering Testing Inc. for geotechnical evaluation and pavement mix design for projects that are part of the 2026 street rehabilitation and 2027 street rehabilitation project following council approval. Staff has identified 7 miles of streets for rehabilitation in 2026 and 2027. These were selected based on the city’s pavement management program, which includes evaluating maintenance records and pavement condition data and conducting visual inspections. The 2026 and 2027 street rehabilitation projects are part of the city’s 2025-2029 capital improvement plan to rehabilitate the pavement on local streets throughout the city. The estimated cost proposed by American Engineering Testing Inc. for these projects is $58,980 and will be funded by the street renewal fund.

The next Shoreview City Council meeting will take MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the we place at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5 in council chambers. Madeline Dolby

COMMUNITY BRIEF Welcome the New Year at the community center Ring in the new year at the Shoreview Community Center at the city’s New Year’s Eve Party

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from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. There will be inflatables, face painting, bingo and a New Year’s countdown with confetti drop. The Tropical Adventures Indoor Playground and the Tropics and Bamboo Bay Waterparks will

also be open. Registration is required. Sign up online at tinyurl.com/3mbcjhc7. The Shoreview Community Center is located at 4580 Victoria St. N.

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SHOREVIEW PRESS

2026 LEVY: Safety contracts, staffing changes and wage adjustments increase budget Among the line items impacting the increase in the tax levy are police and fire contracts, staffing changes and wage adjustments/benefits and contractual costs. Knopik said the cost of staffing changes and wage adjustments can be attributed to a classification and compensation study that was completed in 2024. The wage adjustments will be competitive with other cities and help keep staff on hand. In 2026, there are three new positions being proposed within the Lake Johanna Fire District. The increase in the tax levy also supports the new fire station being built in Arden Hills. “We’ve been talking about building it (the fire station) for a number of years,” Mayor Sue Denkinger said. “We pay the bulk of it, because it’s based on population and calls. We pay the most, then Arden Hills and North Oaks. There is a formula for that.” Denkinger added it costs the city 33% less than it would if the city had its own fire department and police department. She said it has been a struggle to manage these costs and asks the fire department and sheriff’s office to know what to expect so the city can plan for it. Police services also saw a significant increase. “They (Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office) had wage negotiations done with their union contract, which brought those officers more in line with what other departments are getting charged, so that’s why there is a big increase in police service as well,” Knopik said. Three new proposed positions — a sustainability intern, a part-time recreation coordinator and an executive assistant to support the city manager

and assistant city manager — are also included in the budget. According to Ramsey County, the median value home in Shoreview is $438,950. The city property tax on a median-value home will be $1,469, which is about $122 a month. City property tax dollars help support police and fire protection and maintain streets, parks and recreation systems, and the city’s trails. “When you look at the total that you’re paying per month on average, for the average home, and all the list of services you get, the city does feel we are providing exceptional value for those services,” Knopik explained. Shoreview resident Joyce Thompson expressed her concern about the increase in property taxes, and how Ramsey County is using her property tax dollars. “Ramsey County is asking for a 9.75% increase (in property taxes),” she said. “They’ve given tax dollars, $38.4 million, to NGOs (non-governmental organizations). Those are charitable organizations. They have no right to use my property tax money and decide where my donations are going. I decide where my donations are going.” Thompson also added she does not think adding new staff positions is needed. City Manager Brad Martens said the council had significant discussion about the new positions proposed. He said the primary focus on the sustainability intern is to have them help find ways to save community funds through the Energy Action Plan and the Climate Action Plan. Martens added that one of the initiatives the city wants to move into is teen programming. The part-time recreational coordinator would help with this. The coordinator would spe-

y a D One y! Onl

cifically focus on creating activities and opportunities for teens within the community. Resident James Vanderwall also shared his concerns with property taxes, specifically Shoreview’s portion of the total property tax costs. According to Vanderwall, Shoreview is asking to collect 20% of residents’ total property taxes. “Those of us on Social Security, we’re only getting a 2.8% bump. So, 20% is seven times what the consumer price index is telling us,” Thompson said. “The city budget is only going up 7% from 2025 to 2026 … I think 20% is out of line. We can’t afford that over time.” Tony Maniaci said he sees the City Council, and city staff, as the stewards of the residents’ money and asked for the council and staff to

reevaluate the budget. “Most people’s wages are not going up anywhere near what the property tax rate is going up,” Maniaci said. “I ask you, as good stewards, to go back, sharpen your pencils, take another look at the budget and figure out how to get it more in line with what people can afford.” The City Council will take action to approve the budget and adopt the tax levy at its next meeting on Monday, Dec. 15, (after press deadline) at Shoreview City Hall, 4600 Victoria St. N. The council can reduce the tax levy, but the levy cannot increase. Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-407-1226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com.

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Letters to Santa Hi Santa how is Rudolph doing? And this Chistmas I was wondering if I could have a stuffy that looks like my cat beny. Olivia Wishlist Pokemon Cards Mega Evolution Don’t Wake Daddy Crystol Dragons Pols Pop Tarts Nerf Gun Blasting Hammer Gumball machine Mego cyborg Hond Shufflecart This to Santa From Rory Dear Santa, I was pretty good this year, so I was hoping to get some of these things – • Football themed blackout curtains • Cube fidget • Hunger games book set • Xbox series S + controller • Madden 25 • College football 25 • Gatorade water bottle Please and thank you From: Silas Arola Dear Santa, I was goodish this year. I would like for Christmas 1. American girl doll please 2. Gel Pens 3. Skit it 4. Squishmallow grey French Bulldog 5. Coco the Tumbling Panda 6. Furby Minis 7. Hershey candy pack I have a question for you do you have any kids? Love Sylvie Arola Please and thankyou I love Christmas and Santa

Dear Santa I just wanted to send something to you From Harrison G. For: Jakobi Dear Santa one thing I want for Christmas is a electric dirt bike. Please thank you to Sant ROMAN’S CHRISTMAS LIST 1. FOUR-HEADED SE MONSTER THAT CAN DRIVE ON WATER CAN FLY 2. ANY MINECRAFT T SHIRT SIZE 6/7 3. SHADOW T SHIRT SIZE 6/7 4. TRANSFORMERS EXCEPT OPTIMUS/PRIME Stegasaurus one and T-Rex motorcycle 5. Make this the best Christmas ever! Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! Some things I want is the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid PartyPooper book, hyper allergenic Christmas earrings, 2025 Christmas barbie, soft silk pajamas and a cross necklace. From,Cora

Dear Santa, This is what I want for Christmas a barbie, Sunny Side up Series books, hypoallergenic earrings, Josmo barbie girls slippers cream color or any other cut cofy slippers, and a cross necklace. Well I could go on forever, but anyway have a great Christmas and have fun with Mrs. Claus. Sorry a couple more things barbie crutches, barbie dream house (not frozen) 12 colors nail art pen, blue marble gymnastics leotard, gymnastics sports card. Have a great Christmas. From, Alex

good boy. This is what I would like from you for Christmas. 1. Remote control monster truck, green & red 2. Target Semi truck w/packages & forklift Thank you – Merry Christmas Carter Purdhomme Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like Heated Blanket Remote control Car Camera Bluey stuff From Amie Hsu (age 4) Dear Santa, I’m trying my best to be good. What I really want for Christmas is the Lego Minecraft Turtle Beach House and the Windmill Farm. Also the Warden Encounter. I would like anything Pokemon and anything Sonic. I will give you some cookies and milk and put some carrots for your reindeer. Thank you Bronson Swenson, 7

Dear Santa, I am 2 ½ and learning a lot this year, trying my best to be a good boy. I would love some little surprises and something fun to play with. I get excited about everything, so whatever you bring will make me happy. I will leave you yummy cookies and a carrot for the reindeer, can’t wait to see your magic! Thank you, Lennox GRAHAM’S CHRISTMAS LIST 2025

• Bakugans • Watch – heart rate, activity, tracks footsteps, games, maybe camera • Pokemon Cards – Vmax • Goalie Gloves for Soccer • Spy Kit • Sweatshirt • Magic Treehouse Books • Pokemon Binder • Sunglasses • Ski Helmet • Ski Gloves • Rock Tumbler (turns rocks in gemstones) • Gold Detector (if you don’t have it, do metal detector) • Red Hair dye • Just Stuff

Dear Santa, I want a Mario racetrack, a Barbie airplane and a bag of chips. Love, June - Age 5 Dear Santa I am 6 ½. This is what I would like for christmis. 1. New barby doll 2 .New barbiy Jeep I have been rilly Good Love Payton Prudhomme Dear Santa, I am 4 ½ years old. I’ve been a

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Letters to Santa

Dear Santa Here are some things I’d like for Christmas 1. Iphone 17 pro max 2. Vr head set 3. Logs of mr. beast lab swarms season 3 4. Crunch labs most wanted 5. Walki talkie robots 6. Ultimate foosbots stadium battle seet 7. Mr. beast lab S3 Hive pack 8. Marble circuit or marble circuit deluxe 9. How I surrived the game 10. Air hit drum kit 11. Hexagon lights From JT Dear Santa, I have been good this year, I hope you will give me the marvel

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Dear Santa, I’ve been mostly a good girl this year. For Christmas, I would like a couple of things from the following list: Pretend hair salon Cleaning kit Microphone holder Guitar Baby Bottle My own kid desk with a mouse Christmas decorations for my Barbie house. Girl dolly shoes. Dolly Baby Food Natatlie (age 5)

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• Unicorn Backpack • Took Kit (a kit that has tools) • Pink Goalie Gloves • Pink Hair Dye • Pink Pants • Pink Rings • Pink Elsa Watch • Unicorn Earmuffs • Pink Snowpants • Pink Winter eMittens • Elsa winter boot’s • Elsa Winter Hat • Elsa Jacket Addie – 2025 Dear, Santa for Christmas I would like Exploading Kittins, (a game) DJ set, Squishmellows, scrunchies. Thank you! from Zoey Hsu (age 9)

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Dear Santa Ive been most le good boy I wont a Dark gyarados, mew two, mega mew two x, mega mew two x, Lego set number 21266, Lego set number 21267, megu mew two x. Mega gyarados, mega slow bro, Mega pidgeot, Mega Bee Dril, Mega venusaur, Mega Scizor,

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titan hero series fantastic 4 first steps galactic figure, lego jurrasic world t-Rex, cool galaxy basketball design or red and black design, London lego sky line, lego harry potter hogwartz castle, lego – The crafting table, lego paris-city of love, lego great wall of china, A LOT of mine coins, Minecraft diamond level alex action figure, subnautica for Nintendo switch, chocolate from different countrys and lego technic solar system. Thank you Love, Wally Newton

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Dear Santa, Here are a few things I want for cristmass: A phone A new Ipad A new hoverboard A zero gravity lazer racer Crunch labs Hack pack Carnivorious plant terrium kit Electric scooter Perplexus 3d maze game 5 squishmallows Vikings football helmet Lego technic cars Money Lego technic ford bronco Madden 26 ps5 Mr. beast labs hive pack Mr. beast labs Lego fortnite battle bus Tee turtle sponge bob reversible plush Football teeny mate lockers Go cart Tiny dirt bike

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SHOREVIEW PRESS

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: ‘Sometimes you don’t know the effect you have on people’ FROM PAGE 1

Since 2007, the city of Shoreview has honored an outstanding volunteer citizen with the title of “Citizen of the Year.” The recipient who receives the title is elected by the members of the community. The winner of this award participates in organizations that benefit Shoreview and give back to the community. When Nichols found out that he had received the award, he was pleased and surprised. “Mayor (Sue) Denkinger called me, and she told me… know the City Council members, all but one, (and) she said it was unanimous among the City Council members. That made me feel a really strong sense of pride,” he said. “Sometimes you don’t know the effect you have on people, and that surprises you, and my work meant something.” During the summer of 2007, Nichols lived on a pond that had a flotilla on. “I’m standing there painting my deck, and there comes all this music on July Fourth. I said ‘Jeez, this seems like a pretty good city to get involved in.’” he explained. “I think that really got me engaged.” From there he began to work with different candidates who were running for office, whether it was a legislative office or city council. In his role, Nichols got to know a couple of council members and the mayor pretty well. Nichols retired from his position at 3M in 2013 and became involved with the city’s Human Rights Commission, on which he was a member for 11 years. “The work we were doing with the Human Rights Commission was just so fulfilling,” Nichols said. Nichols is an advocate to protect youth from tobacco addiction. His advocacy played a key role in Shoreview’s decision to ban flavored tobacco products in the city.

Nichols is a part of the group Face to Face, an organization that provides economic and health equity for youth.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Earlier this year, Gene Nichols was recognized for his contributions to the community at a volunteer appreciation dinner with members of the Shoreview City Council.

Around the same time, Nichols also participated in the city’s Leadership Academy. The academy was created in 2016 to promote a deeper understanding of how local government works. The academy is held every two years for 20 residents. “I got to see everything … You learn the functions of what the city manager does, what the department of services does. It’s just so engaging in terms of understanding the city,” Nichols said. One of his favorite things about Shoreview is the people, because everybody is approachable, he said — even city officials. “You don’t get that in every organization, every city,” he explained. “When I retired, I said, ‘Well, I want to move,’ and I’ve look in so many different places … But I come back and say ‘This is the best place. This is where I want to live.’” He also said he enjoys the community center and the upkeep of the parks and trails. Nichols also dedicates his time to several other organizations, such as the Ramsey County Charter Commission and the Minnesota Department of Health Maternal & Child Health Advisory Task Force. He is the secretary on the board of directors for Face to Face. He is on the board of directors for the Association of Non-Smokers—

MN and the Tobacco-Free Alliance. He also is the past secretary for Evergreen Shores Homeowners Association and a past member of the Shoreview Community Foundation and the Ramsey County Community Health Advisory Committee. Nichols said he continues to volunteer his time to the community and outside organizations, explaining that when he retired, he asked himself, “What am I going to do?” and decided that whatever he chose had to be something he was passionate about. “My passions are good health. I’m a health nut, and that’s why I got involved in the tobacco and smoking (advocacy), especially in the African American community,” Nichols added. “I will probably never stop doing the anti-tobacco work. I am so committed to it. So that keeps me going.” Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-407-1226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com.

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SHOREVIEW PRESS

Council approves ordinance changes for cannabis businesses The Shoreview City Council has approved Ordinance 1056 and amendments to Chapter 10 businesses regarding background investigations and cannabis businesses. During its last three seasons, the Minnesota Legislature approved and updated statutes regarding the use and possession of cannabis as well as regulations for cannabis businesses. Under these statutes, cities can enact local regulations regarding cannabis such as defining public places where it is or is not allowed to be used, capping the number of business registrations the city issues and identifying where cannabis businesses are allowed. Changes to Chapter 10, Article IV re-

move language regarding edible cannabinoids, along with other minor updates. These updates are: Article II, licensing, background investigations: Language is being added to allow the Sheriff’s Office to conduct background investigations on applicants for cannabis registrations. Article IV, cannabis businesses, edible cannabinoids: Any language referencing edible cannabinoids is being removed from Article IV. According to the staff report, this is due to changes in Minnesota Statutes where lower-potency hemp edibles have replaced edible cannabinoids. Lower-potency hemp edibles are already included in the definition of approved

products and other regulations throughout Article IV. Registration renewal: After conversation with the Office of Cannabis Management, according to the staff report, the city does not need to match the state for expiration dates as previously noted. Given that, staff is recommending the removal of language so that annual registrations expire December 31, per Section 10-23 of the city code. This matches expiration dates for most of the city’s other licenses. Minimum employee age: Language is being added to match state statutes. Prohibited sales: Language is being added to allow retail businesses that

prohibit those under 21 years of age from entering to store lower-potency hemp edibles meant to be consumed as a beverage in an open area. All other stores will need to store any lower-potency hemp edible behind a counter or in a locked area. This is allowed under state statutes. According to city staff, under these updates, retailers wishing to sell lower-potency hemp edible products will need to obtain a state license, as well as register with the city. This includes secondary retailers such as gas stations, liquor stores and other businesses. Madeline Dolby

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

CLASSIFIEDS Press Publications suggests that you be aware of advertisers requesting payment for shipping merchandise. Confirm and verify all contact resources prior to sending any money. Take caution when responding to text messages that are not local numbers.

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Rentals/ Commercial EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

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

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SHOREVIEW PRESS

11 Mustangs sign with college teams

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Ellie Bina’s next team will be Notre Dame. She was state champion in the 500 freestyle.

Eleven Mounds View athletes signed letters of intent in November to continue

their careers in college. They are, in alphabetical order, Ellie Bina, swimming, Notre

Dame; Carter Byers, baseball, Bethel; Sarah Dove, golf, St. Olaf; Andrew Gette, baseball, Miami; Jack Glancey, baseball, UW—La Crosse; Aly Hollister, track, Colgate; Kami Karel, diving, Nebraska-Omaha; Victoria Kurilov, volleyball, Wisconsin-Green Bay; Ben Mugisa, football, Minnesota-Mankato; Godson Rufus-Okomhanru, football, North Dakota State; and Tate Sorenson, volleyball, Lewis University. Bruce Strand

SPORTS BRIEFS

SWIMMING & DIVING Mounds View won its conference opener against Forest Lake 95-86 on Thursday. Placing first for the Mustangs were Sammy Snider in the 200 free (2:02.65) and backstroke (1:03.90), Sithsovann Pin-Mene in the 50 free (24.43) and Ben Lawrence in the 100 free (51.87). The Mustangs won the medley relay with Unai Solivero Tato, Lawrence, Holden Then and Pin-Mene (1:46.90), and won the 200 free relay with Pine-Mene, Emmett Haller, Then and Tato (1:38,88). In diving, Micah Prindle, Charlie Hieb and Alex Olson placed 2-3-4.

BOYS BASKETBALL The Mustangs have started the season 2-2. They defeated St. Paul Academy 56-47 with Andrew Aitkin hitting 16 points and Rylan Happel 11, then beat St. Anthony Village 56-50 as Happel scored 16, Aitkin 13, and Reed Defeyter 10. The Mustangs lost to White Bear Lake 72-61, in which Aitkin netted 25 points and Defeyter 12. East Ridge, led by Mr. Basketball contender Cedric Tomes with 30 points, beat the Mustangs 74-55. Defeyter had 18 points, Aitkin 14 and Qani Mohamed 10.

GIRL HOCKEY Mounds View/Irondale went 8-0-1 in November but the Mustangs are 0-3 in December so far. They lost to Cretin-Derham Hall 3-0, Roseville/ Mahtomedi 4-3 in overtime, with Maria Walsh,

Mia Simones, and Sarah Johnson scoring, and to Woodbury 5-2, with Addison Poppler and Johnson netting goals.

Mounds View is looking for its first win, having lost to Blake 6-3, Eastview 4-1, St. Cloud 4-3 in overtime, White Bear Lake 8-2, East Ridge 7-0, Park 7-0 and 4-3 and Forest Lake 4-3 in overtime. Top scorers are Russ Eck with four goals, and Chase Ballinger and Tobias Walseth with three each.

The Mustangs started 4-0, then lost four straight. They beat Armstrong 76-39, Minneapolis Southwest 73-43, Shakopee 56-40 and Irondale 64-25 (reported previously). They lost to New Prague 62-53. Jaycie Helmer scored 25 points and Taylor Whitehill 12. They lost to Roseville 67-45 with Whitehill netting 13 points and Avery Lamore 10. White Bear Lake tipped the Mustangs 69-61 in overtime. Maddie Schneider notched 20 points, Helmer 19 and Audrey Prichard 10. East Ridge thumped the Mustangs 85-51. Schneider hit 16 points, Whitehill 12 and Helmer 11. Bruce Strand

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This Week In SPORTS 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17—at Battle Creek Regional Park

GIRLS BASKETBALL 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17— at Stillwater 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19—at Park 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22—at Rogers

BOYS BASKETBALL 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17—vs. Stillwater 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19— at Waconia

GYMNASTICS 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18—vs. Roseville Area

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

GIRLS BASKETBALL

facebook.com/ShoreviewPress

NORDIC SKIING

Wheeler stars for Johnnies; will play in Shrine all-star game

BOYS HOCKEY

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BOYS SWIM AND DIVE 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec.18— at Stillwater

BOYS HOCKEY 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18— at Stillwater 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20—vs. Totino-Grace 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23—vs. Duluth Denfield

GIRLS HOCKEY 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18— vs. Park 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23— vs. Champlin Park/ Coon Rapids

DANCE TEAM 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20—at Roseville Area

ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY | CONTRIBUTED

Dylan Wheeler headed upfield after catching a pass against Gustavus Adolphus.

Dylan Wheeler, St. John’s receiver from Mounds View, has capped an outstanding college football career but his playing days are not over. Wheeler is one of just five Division III athletes selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 26 in Frisco, Texas, and scouts from 15 NFL teams have taken a look at him, according to Johnnies Coach Gary Fasching, quoted on a radio station covering the team. This season, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound wideout scored 19 touchdowns, catching 98 passes for 1,175 yards, mostly from Trey Feeney, junior quarterback from Moorhead. The Johnnies, who finished 10-2, were mainly a passing team with 49 touchdowns on passes and 25 rushing. Wheeler caught four touchdown passes in a 49-15 playoff win over Monmouth and had a pair of three-touchdown games in MIAC play. As a junior, Wheeler scored 21 touchdowns on an 11-1 team, earning first-team Division III All-American honors. (This year’s All-America team will be named after the holidays). In his career, Wheeler caught 241 passes for 3,182 yards and 50 touchdowns on teams that won 39 of 46 games. The 2022 graduate of Mounds View High School has a finance/accounting double major and has been named to MIAC All-Academic teams.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Caden Grenier Mounds View Wrestling December 16, 2025

Caden Grenier, Mounds View junior wrestler, is ranked No. 2 at 172 pounds in Class 3A. Grenier has reached finals in both tournaments this season, placing first at 189 pounds at Lakeville North and second at Andover, while helping the Mustangs compile a 4-0 dual meet record. As a sophomore, Grenier went over 100 wins early in the season, placed sixth in the state at 172, and had a 46-10 record.

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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The Lake Johanna Fire Department underwent an ice rescue training session on Turtle Lake in Shoreview earlier this month. The training session allowed firefighters to practice what to do if someone falls through the ice.

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CENTERVILLE — surrounding area Centerville and residents can expec see some chan t to ges to Laurie LaMo including the addition of a disc tte Park, golf The park is also scheduled to recei course. new playgroun ve a d. The idea for the course was origi nally presented by Cent erville native Devi Grahek to the n city’s Parks and Recreation Committee at its November 2024 meeting. In May, the comm ittee’s chairperso Erickson-Grahek n, Heidi , presented the course concept to the City Council.

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Lake Johanna Fire participates in training session