Local sports announcer Kirk Possehl comments
on 2026 Special Olympics USA Games gig
BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
After 39 years as a sports announcer for NHL, minor-league baseball and University of Minnesota games, Lino Lakes resident Kirk Possehl is preparing for what he considers to be the apex of his career: announcing
track and field events for the 2026 Special Olympics USA games.
Special Olympics games mainly consist of individual or team sports with athletes who have intellectual disabilities.
While this is Possehl’s first time announcing for Special Olympics USA, Possehl has been volunteering for Special
Olympics Minnesota for the past 27 years. The reason he keeps coming back, he said, is because of the people involved.
“I’ve been honored to be in that tight-knit group,” Possehl said, adding that he has stayed in touch with many of the athletes,
Graduates recognize students’ ‘silent battles’
The first three of the following four speeches were given at Mounds View Area High School’s graduation ceremony. The fourth speech was given at Irondale High School’s graduation ceremony. Both events were held Thursday, May 28, at Lee and Penny Anderson Center, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul.
Ana Maradiaga, Mounds View High School Hi everyone! I’m Ana Maradiaga, and I’m so honored to be getting to speak to you all today. Looking out into this crowd of many familiar and unfamiliar faces, I can assume that our emotions are all over the place. Goodbyes always tend to spring up on us quicker than we anticipate, and today is no different. Although, I do believe that today’s goodbye is especially worth noting. Whether you feel thrilled to begin this new chapter, or terrified to be losing familiarity, we are all here to celebrate what we’ve learned and accomplished over the last 12 years: Our personal and academic successes, the many special memories we’ve made, and our growth into the version of ourselves that we’ll continue to
City to raise Shoreview Community Center membership rates in August
BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
On Aug. 1, membership rates for the Shoreview Community Center will increase by an average of two percent for residents and three percent for non-residents. That means an adult membership will now cost $45 per month for residents and $59 per month for non-residents. Shoreview Parks and Recreation Director Steve Benoit presented the reasons for the increase at a recent city council meeting.
“The intent … is to simply cover typical increases in service costs that we experience, but philosophically, we want to remain affordable and competitive within the market,” said Benoit. “The term we use is ‘affordable excellence.’”
The concept of affordable excellence becomes complicated in practice; the community center currently manages 43 different membership options, from youth to senior citizen and from single to family. Consequently, the Parks and Recreation Commission have
had two meetings earlier this year on the topic.
“This is honestly a challenging discussion that we have on an annual basis,” Benoit said. “There’s a lot of strong feelings about meeting revenue-goal objectives but also remaining accessible.”
One way the community center strives for accessibility is by offering three-month, seasonal memberships, which aims to serve summer family outings or college students home from break. Another way is by offering day-pass rates with special pricing for children who want to visit the indoor playground. Currently, a Shoreview family of two adults and two children could use full amenities of the community center for $42 per day.
“It’s really quite the value,” said Council Member Shelly Myrland. “And there’s no time limit on how long they can be here.”
“I appreciate that there is a difference with resident and non-resident rates,” commented Council Member John Doan, “particularly because residents do pay property tax.”
City Manager Brad Martens praised staff for their attention to cost management. “The finances are looked at significantly and managed well—not having to ask for additional levy funds since I’ve been here, almost five years now, is significant,” he said.
Mayor Sue Denkinger stated that she appreciated the balance between maintenance costs and timely upkeep. “The locker room has upgrades to the flooring. The fitness equipment, (we don’t) wait ‘till it’s broken to be fixed, yet once it ages out, it’s proactive, so people don’t have to wait,” said Denkinger. “All the things we approve as costs have everything to do with safety before something happens.”
One thing that likely will not be changing in the near future is the name Shoreview Community Center. Regarding corporate partnership naming rights, City Manager Brad Martens remarked, “This is our identity, who we are as a community … I don’t like the idea of the Reese’s Pieces Community Center, so we’ll keep that to the side for the time being.”
Ana Maradiaga
SEE HIGH SCHOOL GRAD SPEECHES, PAGE 7
Sandwich shop buys lunch for music teacher’s last day
Turtle Lake Elementary School music teacher
Katherine Crockett wanted to do something nice for her coworkers on the last day of the school year. It was also the last day of her 22-year teaching career.
“I wanted to buy lunch for the staff because I’m retiring,” explained Katherine. “It’s bittersweet. I’m looking forward to retirement, but … Turtle Lake is the best anyone could ask for as far as a teaching career. We’re all so close and the kids are so wonderful.”
Katherine had planned to buy sandwiches from Jersey Mike’s in North Oaks because her ex-brotherin-law, Bart Crockett, owned the store. Instead, Bart donated 10 boxes of sandwiches to the school.
“He insisted on donating, partly for a retirement gift, but also because he really likes to work with the Turtle Lake community,” said Katherine.
“Turtle Lake Elementary, Kathy and all the other teachers have been so great to us through the years,” added Bart. “We wanted to sponsor her last day and feed the celebration.”
“It’s been a day full of hugs, and I just feel so loved. It’s been great,” stated Katherine.
CALENDAR BRIEF
Author talk with Jennifer Lynn Barnes scheduled
The Ramsey County Library in Roseville, in partnership with Red Balloon Bookshop, will host an author talk with Jennifer Lynn
COUNTY BRIEFS
Barnes. Barnes will be in conversation with author Emily J. Taylor about her new book “The Gilded Blade.” Participants will have time to ask questions and there will be a book signing. The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. on
Ramsey County Libraries move to new software
This summer, the Ramsey County Library system will switch to new behind-the-scenes software that helps the library run smoothly. Library users can expect to see temporary changes to how they use the library beginning this month. Check rclreads.org throughout the summer to stay informed. From July 5-15, library services will be limited. You will only be able to check out library materials using your physical library card at the branch you’re physically at. Ramsey County Library staff will be unable to access accounts using only a photo ID during this time. Library users can read through the county’s
Thursday, July 16. The Ramsey County Roseville Library is located at 2180 Hamline Ave. N. For more information or to purchase tickets for the event, visit tinyurl.com/yrkd9y35. This event is suited for teenagers.
timeline at rclreads.org/news/library-software-transition.
Teen summer reading program kicks off this month
Kids in grades 6 through 12, who are a part of the Ramsey County Library system, can now participate in the 2026 summer reading program for teens. Teens can either read 20 books or 20 hours before Aug. 8. They can track their progress on a paper reading tracker or on the Beanstack platform and win prizes. For more information about the program, visit tinyurl.com/4bahbf5z.
HAPPY
FATHER’S DAY!!
Stop in and see all of our gifts for dad! Beautiful Hallmark cards, bags, candy, grilling supplies and so much more. Thank you for your patronage!
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED | KATHERINE CROCKETT Turtle Lake Elementary School staff enjoy a last-day-ofschool lunch, compliments of Jersey Mike’s.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
ONGOING EVENTS
SHOREVIEW FARMERS MARKET
When: 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays, June 16 and June 23
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: The farmers market features fresh local produce and handcrafted artisan goods. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov
KNITTING FOR GOOD
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 18 and June 25
Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N.
Details: Do you love to knit, crochet, quilt or sew? Join us for this unique opportunity to gather with your crafty neighbors as they knit hats for premature babies, sew welcome blankets and more. All skill levels are welcome.
Contact: 651-724-6006
TEEN GAMING: YAZEBA’S BED AND BREAKFAST
When: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays, June 22 and June 29
Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N.
Details: Yazeba’s Bed and Breakfast is a fantasy sliceof-life tabletop roleplaying game about a heartless witch, a peaceful house and all the guests who live there. The rules can be learned in 15 minutes. Teens from grades 6-12 who are fans of RPGs and Studio Ghibli films will enjoy these weekly fun adventures. Contact: 651-724-6006
CURRENT EVENTS
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
When: 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 16
Where: Kowalski’s, 441 Highway 96 W., Shoreview
Details: Meet with Mayor Sue Denkinger over coffee to discuss your issues or concerns—or just stop by to chat.
Contact: 651-490-4600
SPEAKER SERIES: RAMSEY COUNTY’S FOOD SCRAPS PICKUP PROGRAM
When: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, June 16
Where: Vadnais Heights City Hall, 800 County Road E
Details: Learn how the program works and how keeping food scraps out of the trash can help provide economic, environmental and health benefits to the community. Regiater online. Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com/671/Speaker-Series
Come
Pine Tree Orchard
Grown
PAWS TO READ WITH HOLLY When: 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 17 and June 24
Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N. Details: Children ages 5-8 can work on their reading skills in a low-stress environment with Holly, a licensed therapy dog. Call ahead to register for a 20-minute time slot. Contact: 651-724-6006
SHOREVIEW MYSTERY BOOK CLUB
When: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 16
Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N.
Details: Are you a mystery novel fan? Come discuss some old classics and new favorites with other fans. This month’s novel is “Fortune Favors the Dead” by Stephen Spotswood.
Contact: 651-724-6006
CONCERT IN THE COMMONS: 34TH INFANTRY DIVISION ‘RED BULL’ BAND
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17
Where: Haffeman Pavilion, Shoreview Commons Park, 4610 Victoria St. N.
Details: The 34th Infantry Division ‘Red Bull’ Band performs. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Dogs are welcome on the condition: they are well-mannered, leashed and their waste is picked up. The Shoreview Arden Hills Lions Club will sell Culver’s sundaes, cash only.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700
VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD SHELF
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F
Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. Participants may register day of the event.
Contact: 651-246-3638 or cityvadnaisheights.com/foodshelf
LEPAK/LARSON HOUSE MUSEUM TOUR
When: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: Lepak/Larson Property, 1170 Lepak Court, Shoreview
Details: The Shoreview Historical Society is offering guided tours to the public of the recently established 1930s-40s Lepak/Larson House Museum. Members of the Board of Directors will be providing tours and will be available to answer questions about life in Shoreview during the early 1900s.
Contact: 651-303-4667 or info@shoreviewhistoricalsociety.org
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD SATURDAY SEW-IN
When: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N.
Details: Members will work on their quilting projects. All are welcome to stop by and observe.
Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org
VADNAIS HEIGHTS FREEDOM DAY FESTIVAL
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: Kohler Meadows Park, 365 E. County Road F, Vadnais Heights
Details: This family-friendly community event celebrates Juneteenth. With black history exhibit, vendors, artist market, hands-on art activties, live music, games and culturally relevant food options. Contact: vh-can.org/freedom-day-festival
FAMILY STORYTIME GUEST: RAD ZOO
When: 10:30-11 a.m. Monday, June 22
Where: Ramsey County Library Shoreview, 4560 Victoria St. N.
Details: Join us for a “Scales and Tails” program with the Reptile & Amphibian Discovery (RAD) Zoo. Learn about and meet some amazing reptiles and amphibians including turtles, lizards and snakes. No registration is required.
Contact: rclreads.org
HISTORY CHATS WITH LINDA HOPKINS
When: 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, June 23
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Instructor Linda Hopkins is an author and speaker on constitutional law. She is a retired attorney and past advisor to the President of the United States. This chat’s topic is about Geronimo, a fierce Apache leader captured by the US Army. Learn how his capture affected the territories of Arizona and New Mexico.
Contact: 651-490-4700 or recreation@shoreviewmn.gov
DOWNSIZING—A 12-MONTH GUIDE
When: 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, June 23
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Whether you’re planning a move now or in the future, this class will empower you to make informed, thoughtful decisions. Instructor Jonah Van Prosody has more than two decades of experience with downsizing and helping both seniors and families simplify their lives.
Contact: 651-490-4750 or recreation@shoreviewmn.gov
CONCERT IN THE COMMONS: BACKYARD BAND
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24
Where: Haffeman Pavilion, Shoreview Commons Park, 4610 Victoria St. N.
Details: The BackYard Band performs. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Dogs are welcome on the condition they are well-mannered, leashed and their waste is picked up.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700
RAMSEY COUNTY FIX-IT CLINIC
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 27
Where: Ramsey County Environmental Center, 1700 Kent St., Roseville
Details: Bring household goods and clothing in need of repair—three item limit. Bring any tools and supplies you think might help. Events are first come, first serve. Last items accepted at 12:30 p.m.
Contact: 651-266-1199 or FixItClinics@ramseycountymn.gov
Summer in full swing
With one parade under our belt and these hot, humid temperatures, it sure feels like summer is here.
My co-workers and I had a blast kicking off the season with the Hugo Good Neighbor Days Parade in my VW Bus, Bernice. She is always a hit, but my corgi, Twinkie, likely stole the show riding in her own pink VW mini bus.
Shannon’s Shenanigans
Shannon Granholm
Fun fact — Twinkie’s mini-bus actually predates Bernice. I stumbled across it while shopping one day, prior to having my son, and I remember at the time thinking, ‘Am I crazy for buying this for my dog?’” When I was checking out, I even pretended that I was purchasing it for a niece (that didn’t exist).
But ever since that day, I’ve been reminded about why that was one of the best purchases I have ever made. That little bus, along with the real one that came years later, brings so much joy to people. We have car shows, birthday surprises, senior visits and parades.
During the Good Neighbor Days parade, we handed out newspapers, community insiders, stickers, candy and smiles. Along the route, I heard many people ask about how Twinkie was driving her bus. I think my favorite comment was from a young kid who was responding to his friend’s question. His friend asked, “How is that dog driving?” and he responded, “She’s driving with her butt.” That sure made me giggle, especially since corgi butts are known to be pretty magical.
Before the parade, I also enjoyed meeting Tracy Colbeth, the 2026 Good Neighbor of the Year. Colbeth volunteers for Hugo Post 620’s Auxiliary and is a longtime waitress at Beartown in White Bear Lake. She’s been known to donate stuffed animals to local law enforcement agencies and fire departments. We could all use a neighbor like Tracy.
Father’s Day
Ever since I lost my dad at the age of 22 in 2015, I’ve come to dread Father’s Day. It always sneaks up on me, and all the emotions of that grave loss hit me all at once.
He has been gone for over a decade, but the day is still hard for me because he should be here. So much has happened since we had to say goodbye. June 7 would have marked my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary.
I think about my dad all the time, but especially this time of year. Last week, while I was walking around Berwood Park in Vadnais Heights to find families to interview for our Father’s Day issue, I couldn’t help but think about my dad. On my way home, I saw a beautiful rainbow, and I’d like to think that was him letting me know that he is checking in on me every now and then.
Now that I have a son, the day has some joy to it too because we have someone else to celebrate. Shout out to my husband, Patrick, who really is the coolest dad ever. He can fix just about anything, drives cool cars, makes yummy snacks, reads the best books and always makes sure to spend time with his son. It is thanks to him and my father-in-law that we were able to save our son’s playset in our recent move. We love you, Patrick!
This Father’s Day, if you are lucky enough to still have your dad by your side, please spend some time with him and make sure he knows how much you love him while you still can. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there-we moms appreciate you.
Shannon Granholm is managing editor at Press Publications.
Finding balance: Nature, growth and community in Shoreview
As we settle into the rhythm of June, our city feels alive. For many, summer is a time of renewed energy, and this month, I’ve found myself particularly attuned to the changing landscape—both in our public spaces and right in my own backyard.
Three years ago, I took the plunge into native landscaping, installing a rain garden and a native planting area with a grant from the Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District. What started as an experiment has transformed my yard into a vibrant habitat. Year one was about patience; year two brought life and color; and now, in year three, the activity is remarkable. From hummingbirds and butterflies to the unexpected visitor of a sandhill crane and roaming herons, my yard has become a living ecosystem.
This shift has changed more than just my landscaping; it’s sharpened my perspective. By observing the "real world"—the rustle of leaves, the chorus of birds, and the movement of local wildlife—I’ve found a refreshing
• 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.
antidote to our screen-heavy lives. It’s a gentle reminder to stay present in the physical world around us, a practice I encourage everyone to try as you enjoy our beautiful parks and lakefronts this summer.
Of course, summer in Shoreview also brings the hustle of community activity. Our summer concert series has officially begun, and I hope many of you were able to join us for our season opener on June 10 at the Haffeman Pavilion. If you weren’t able to make it, don’t worry—the music continues every Wednesday at 7 pm through early August. Grab a lawn chair, bring the family and come enjoy some wonderful local talent with your neighbors.
Gathering together in these beautiful shared spaces is a great reminder of how much our physical environment shapes our community's character. Thanks to that, the city works hard to find the right balance of open spaces and development. I’m often asked why we don’t leave every open lot untouched. It’s a thoughtful question. Because Shoreview is a highly desirable community, land is in constant demand. Vacant properties often invite vandalism and dumping, which require constant oversight. Our goal is to balance this demand by approving thoughtful, planned
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.
developments while prioritizing intentional green spaces—like our robust park system—to ensure you always have accessible areas for recreation and peace.
Speaking of development, the area near Rice Street and I-694 is seeing significant progress and will soon be revitalized. The former Burger King site is being redeveloped into a Chipotle. Nearby, the "Krew" development is transforming a former brownfield site into a mixed-use space featuring 293 apartments, including 59 (20%) affordable units, and future retail space. It’s a project that maximizes land use while expanding housing options near public transit.
Finally, keep an eye out for Ramsey County’s upcoming projects. Improvements for Victoria Street (between Harriet Avenue and County Road C) are on the horizon for 2028. The county will be hosting public meetings through 2027 to gather your input. I encourage you to stay informed and share your feedback via the Ramsey County website.
Whether you are tending to your own native gardens or enjoying a concert at the pavilion, I hope you have a wonderful, vibrant summer with family and friends.
Sue Denkinger is the mayor of Shoreview.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• 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 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
• Press Publications publishes 99% of letters that meet the guidelines
Movers & Shakers
Sue Denkinger
• The City Council is appointing Matthew Arries and Pranav Puligundla to its human rights commission. Arries fills the regular member vacancy and will serve the remainder of the term, through Jan. 31, 2028. According to Assistant City Manager Reene Eisenbeiz, “Arries currently works in healthcare management and has served in a number of leadership roles, including the Minnesota Department of Health Equity Advisory and Leadership Council.” Puligundla fills one of three open student representative roles and will serve until May 31, 2029. “Puligundla is an incoming sophomore at Mounds View High School. She has extensive volunteer experience,” Eisenbeiz said. “Both their applications were impressive,” added Mayor Sue Denkinger. “We continue to have wonderful candidates apply for our commissions and committees.”
The next Shoreview City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, July 21, in council chambers.
Logan Gion
CORRECTION
In the June 2 edition of the Shoreview Press, an incorrect address was listed for the Krew Apartments project. The correct address is 3377 Rice St. We apologize for the error.
UTILITY BRIEF
Xcel Energy to replace Highway 96 natural gas line
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Jack’s Basket local nonprofit expands Arden Hills headquarters
Parents of children with Down syndrome, city leaders and supporters celebrated the grand opening of Jack’s Basket’s new 2,500-square-foot office expansion. The expansion doubled its size as the nonprofit grows its work across the U.S. and in more than 60 countries.
At Jack’s Basket, volunteers and guests assemble baskets with resources and gifts for families navigating the news of a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Carissa Carroll founded Jack’s Basket in 2014 to celebrate babies with Down syndrome. The
POLITICAL BRIEFS
nonprofit strives to ensure that every new and expectant parent is provided with resources and support within the Down syndrome community. They also help equip medical providers with tools to discuss the diagnosis in an unbiased way, so having a baby with Down syndrome is celebrated like any other. Per their website, “Every family should hear a ‘congratulations’ instead of an ‘I’m sorry’ or ‘I have bad news.’”
Jack’s Basket has delivered nearly 13,000 baskets in all 50 states and more than 60 countries around the world. More than 250 parent volunteers help to deliver baskets, and over 800 medical providers have requested baskets or resources.
For more details about Jack’s Basket, including volunteer oppor-
Early absentee voting for Aug. 11 primary begins June 26
Avoid lines on primary election day by casting your ballot early through absentee voting.
tunities, visit jacksbasket.org.
Citywide water restrictions now in place
Annual watering restrictions are now in effect until September 15. There are a few rules residents need to follow while the restrictions are in place:
• Water before 11 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
• Homes with addresses that end in an odd number water on odd days.
• Homes with addresses that end in an even number water on even days.
For more information, visit shoreviewmn.gov/Watering-restrictions.
contact the Ramsey County Elections office at 651-2662171 or elections@ramseycountymn.gov.
Engen no longer seeking re-election
Voters can submit absentee ballots starting June 26 at the Plato Building, W. 90 Plato Blvd., St. Paul, MN, 55107. Two additional locations will open for Ramsey County residents to cast early ballots in-person, July 24-Aug. 10, at the Ramsey County Library branches in Shoreview and Roseville. Voters may use any location, regardless of the city in which they live. More information about voting in the midterm primary can be found on sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/ how-elections-work/primary-election. Updates on voter turnout during absentee and early voting will be posted daily at opendata.ramseycountymn.gov.
Xcel Energy will replace approximately one mile of natural gas line in Arden Hills, Shoreview and New Brighton, Minnesota, as the first phase of the Highway 96 Natural Gas Project. Work will occur along Highway 96 West between Lexington Avenue North and Old Highway 8 Northwest as well as along Old Highway 8 Northwest between Highway 96 West and First Avenue Northwest.
Xcel Energy stated that this work will allow them to continue to provide safe, reliable natural gas service throughout the community.
During the week of June 15, Highway 96 between Hamline Avenue North and Highway 10 will have lane closure, shoulder closure and natural gas line installation. Crews will work 7 a.m.7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. In certain circumstances, crews may work evenings or nights.
Schedules are subject to change.
week beginning 6/14/2026 Metro
For questions on early voting in Ramsey County,
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES BRIEF
Minnesota DNR to launch new electronic licensing system
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has launched the first phase of a modernized electronic licensing system, replacing a platform that has been in use for more than 25 years.
The new system will initially handle fishing and hunting license
Minnesota State Rep. Elliott Engen (District 36A) has decided not to run for re-election this November. Last October, Engen announced his campaign for State Auditor. As of early June, Engen’s name was no longer listed as a candidate for either seat on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s candidate filings website. Back in March, Engen was charged with fourth-degree DWI following a traffic stop in White Bear Lake (See “Elliott Engen arrested on suspicion of DUI,” April 1, White Bear Press.) Engen’s next court appearance is schedule for Friday, June 26. District 36 A represents Centerville, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, North Oaks and parts of White Bear Township.
sales. As of early June, the license data has been transferred to the new platform. The new electronic licensing system is expected to be available June 9. The DNR said staff and partner PayIT will provide customer support during the transition, including user guides and instructional videos.
A second phase, which will add recreational vehicle and watercraft titling and registration services, will be launched at a later
date. Until then, those services will continue operating through the existing system.
When fully implemented, the new licensing platform is expected to support millions of transactions annually and manage more than 400 license and permit products. For more information, visit https:// engage.dnr.state.mn.us/new-electronic-license-system.
SEE MORE DNR BRIEFS, PAGE 13
Shoreview Community Foundation Accepts Grant Requests Year-Round
At the beginning of this year, we changed our process of accepting grant requests from an annual cycle to a more responsive, year‑round model. By allowing organizations to apply when their needs arise, the Foundation aims to ensure funding is available when it can have the greatest impact. Our goal is to better support the timing and realities of the organizations we serve.
The Shoreview Community Foundation looks forward to continuing its mission to strengthen and enrich the community by supporting local programs, initiatives, and organizations throughout the year. Scan the QR code for details on applying for grants.
For more information about the Shoreview Community Foundation and its community initiatives, please visit our website https://www.shoreviewcommunityfoundation.org.
The Shoreview Community Foundation is an affiliate of Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. Tax ID #41‑6031510
COPS&COURTS
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Shoreview:
• A homeowner called May 17 to report that a neighbor’s dog had been outside barking loudly for hours in the 200 block of Poplar Drive. When an animal control officer arrived, he was unable to make contact with the dog’s owner. The incident is under investigation.
• A 57-year-old man reported May 19 that someone driving a vehicle struck and damaged the front end of his Ford Explorer while it was parked on the street in the 700 block of County Road F West. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies cited a 40-year-old man from Inver Grove Heights for theft May 20 after he was caught by loss prevention employees at a business in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue North attempting to leave the store without paying for merchandise.
• Deputies responded May 21 to
a crash in the area of Victoria Street North and I-694 involving a 15-year-old boy who rode his bicycle into the front of a yellow Volkswagen Jetta stopped at an intersection. The boy suffered minor injuries.
• Deputies cited a 59-year-old New Brighton woman for theft May 21 after she attempted to leave a store in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue North without paying for merchandise and was stopped by loss prevention employees.
• A 73-year-old woman in the 3500 block of Harriet Avenue reported May 21 that someone stole her patio furniture. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies arrested an 80-year-old man May 22 in the 3400 block of Richmond Avenue after he threatened his wife with a knife in front of their grandchild.
• Deputies responded May 23 to a report of a Ford Fusion and a Chevrolet Blazer crashing into each other in the area of County
Met Council continues water rebate program
BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
The Metropolitan (Met) Council is awarding $10,000 to Shoreview and $31,000 to Arden Hills to help reduce water use. According to the Met Council’s website, the grants will fund, through 2028, rebates for residents and businesses that replace old and inefficient appliances and accessories with more efficient WaterSense and Energy Star-labeled products. Local governments design their own rebate programs to address local needs. The Met Council provides 80% of the program cost; municipalities must provide the remaining 20%.
Shoreview City Council Member Paul Gardner said, “An inefficient lawn sprinkler system is particularly wasteful and is one of the largest single residential water usages in the city. A digital, smart irrigation controller that has a moisture sensor, which keeps you from irrigating in the rain and such, will pay for itself within a year or two.”
Met Council Member Pete Lindstrom explained that, while WaterSense and Energy Star-labeled products are environmentally friendly, they are also city-budget friendly. The Met Council operates more than 600 miles of interceptor sewers, lines that connect various cities’ sewer pipes to wastewater treatment plants.
“Before the nastiest stuff from our homes, from our industries … hits the Mississippi River, St. Croix River and Minnesota River, it has to be treated. And that happens at
So far, the 20242026 round of water rebate grants has replaced the following devices:
• 1,408 toilets
• 910 clothes washers
• 704 irrigation controllers
• 699 residential dishwashers
• 110 irrigation spray sprinkler bodies
• 44 shower heads
our nine wastewater treatment plants,” said Lindstrom.
The Met Council then bills each city based on the amount of wastewater treated. In turn, each city bills its residents. Lindstrom stated the Water Rebate Program will help reduce a city’s flow and reduce that city’s wastewater bill.
“It’s the right thing to do financially, and it’s the right thing to do for the planet,” said Lindstrom.
Funding for the program comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment approved by the voters of Minnesota.
Rebate applications for WaterSense and Energy Star-labeled products via existing grant funds will close on June 30. For more information, Shoreview residents may visit shoreviewmn.gov/ Services/Water-conservation. Arden Hills residents may visit cityofardenhills. org/1226/Residential-Water-Efficiency-Rebates.
Road J and Rice Creek Parkway. No injuries were reported.
• On May 24 at the intersection of Highway 96 West and Victoria Street North, deputies responded to a crash involving a Honda CR-V and a Mazda CX-5. They cited a 44-year-old man from St. Paul for failing to yield to a yellow flashing arrow. Two people were transported to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.
• On May 24, deputies issued a theft citation to a 32-year-old man from Little Canada after he was caught attempting to steal merchandise from Target.
• On May 26, deputies responded to a house fire, made sure nobody was still inside and assisted with keeping people away from the scene. There were no injuries.
• On May 26, deputies began a burglary investigation after a 71-yearold man reported that someone went into his garage while he was sleeping and stole his wallet out of his vehicle.
• On May 26 at the 5900 block of Lexington Avenue North, deputies opened an investigation after a 25-year-old woman from St. Paul reported that someone broke into her Jeep Wrangler and stole a backpack and electronic equipment.
• On May 27, deputies responded to a report of a disorderly woman in the parking lot of Chipotle. She was incoherent and appeared intoxicated, so deputies had her transported to a hospital for evaluation.
• On May 27 at the 4300 block of Highland Drive, deputies opened an investigation after a 68-yearold woman from North Branch reported that someone is making fraudulent withdrawals from her account.
• On May 30 at the 3400 block of Rice Street, deputies responded to a report of a fight, found a 29-yearold man from Minneapolis intoxicated behind the wheel of a Toyota Corolla, and arrested him for DWI.
AAA launches ‘E-Ride Ready’ campaign to prevent e-bike, e-scooter injuries
As e-bikes and e-scooters surge in popularity, AAA, The Auto Club Group, is launching its new “E-Ride Ready” campaign. The campaign will help parents better understand the risks associated with the fast-moving devices and take steps to prevent serious injuries.
“E-rides have spread so quickly that laws, infrastructure and safety awareness haven’t kept pace,” said Brynna Knapp, spokesperson for AAA. “That leaves many Minnesotan parents trying to figure out what’s safe, what’s allowed, and what rules to set. AAA’s E-Ride Ready campaign helps close that gap.”
At the center of the campaign is the new E-Ride Safety Guide, a resource that helps families:
• Understand how e-bikes and e-scooters operate
• Choose helmets designed for the speed and type of device
• Identify where riders can safely and legally ride
• Set clear safety expectations before a child’s first ride
This campaign comes amid growing concern nationwide about injuries involving young
Minnesota law at a glance:
• Riders under 18 must wear helmets
• Riders must be 15 to ride a Class 3 e-bike
• E-bikes are permitted on state trails where bicycles are allowed
• Sidewalk riding is restricted in business districts unless locally allowed
• Minnesota does not currently have a statewide bicycle/e-bike helmet law
e-riders. A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission review found micromobility-related injuries rose an average of 23% from 2017 to 2022, contributing to an estimated 360,800 emergency department visits and 233 deaths. Medical experts say e-ride crashes commonly involve vehicles, pedestrians and fixed objects such as curbs and mailboxes.
“As e-rides become more common, younger riders are often sharing the road with traffic before they fully understand how to navigate it safely,” said Knapp. “When you combine higher speeds with limited experience, the risk of a serious crash increases quickly. That’s why it’s critical for parents to stay involved and set clear expectations before a child rides.”
Medical experts say helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries, yet many young riders go without one or use helmets that are not designed for higher-speed devices.
“Helmets can make all the difference in a crash,” said Knapp. “Parents should make sure riders wear a properly fitted helmet on every ride and ensure it matches the speed and capabilities of the device. AAA’s new E-Ride Safety Guide helps families understand the different standards and when they apply.” Confusion about e-bike and e-scooter laws can create addi-
tional risk for families. Rules governing rider age, helmet requirements and where devices can operate often vary widely by state and local communities.
Federal law generally defines a low-speed e-bike as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less, and top assisted speeds ranging from 20 to 28 mph, depending on classification. Some higher-speed devices commonly used by teens may fall outside traditional e-bike classifications altogether and require a driver’s license and registration.
AAA encourages families to review their state and local laws before allowing children or teens to ride. The E-Ride Safety Guide also highlights safe riding locations and encourages families to prioritize environments with less traffic and fewer hazards.
“E-bikes and e-scooters can be a fun and convenient way to get around, but they require more awareness and responsibility than many families expect,” said Knapp. “When parents understand the risks and set clear expectations, they can help prevent crashes before they happen.”
Families can download AAA’s E-Ride Safety Guide at sm.AAA/ERideReady.
HIGH SCHOOL GRAD SPEECHES: Mounds View class of 2026
evolve from this moment on—All things we should be loudly proud of.
As exciting as that is though, it would be silly to not acknowledge the amount of work and struggle that we endured along the way to get here. We’ve been met with criticism, rejection, and for many, reached lows where hope might’ve seemed lost. However, it is important that you do not allow for these moments to diminish your drive and instead, allow them to propel you. It is the most difficult moments that can often be the most formative ones, as there is no becoming without healing. I know that for me personally, failure and loss aren’t things I’ve always taken lightly– often hurting my feelings more than they should have and leaving me with a distaste for trying. But, nonetheless, they are inevitable. It took me a lot of frustration to realize that sometimes, in continuous loops of disappointment, we find ourselves much closer to where we’re truly meant to be than we ever thought to look. You should always throw yourself at the mercy of the things that you truly want, no matter how blurry the road ahead looks or how many mistakes you make, and know the right people will always stand beside you with support. In honor of hard work and support, I’d also like to quickly recognize and say a big thank-you to all of our teachers and staff, as your impact doesn’t go unnoticed either. We wouldn’t be walking this stage tonight without the guidance, time, and love that our educators have poured into us over the years. In dedicating their lives to sharing and teaching what they love, they’ve laid down the very foundation we grew from and that we’ll carry with us moving forward. So, thank you. With this having been our last year, one full of many sappy and bittersweet moments at that, I noticed the most, how our natural fear for the unknown often leads to us spending so long worrying about the future or reminiscing on the past, that we forget to take in the present. The value of nostalgia becomes vulnerable when you try to live within your memories instead of letting time create new ones with you. And as Ocean Vuong says, “far too much joy is lost in our desperation to keep it.” Of course, in heavier moments, appreciating the present can be difficult, and I’m sure we all sometimes felt like we were counting down the days until high-school ended. However, when I look at it now, it is the many connections I’ve both made and lost, all the laughs and joys I’ve gotten to share, and the people that I’ve had the privilege of getting to make some incredible music with, that have made me appreciate it a whole lot more. We tend to walk about life as if tomorrow is promised, when we need to recognize the good of today, even if it isn’t always necessarily where we’d like to be, because what is meant for you will not pass you by. Now, I’d like to leave you with one last thing: Please do not allow for your life to become mundane. Much of the beauty on this Earth comes from the happiness and individuality of its people, and it’s only when you invest deeply in yourself, your passions, and embrace the difference of those around you, that that beauty is able to come to fruition. So work towards the legacy you’d like to leave behind and towards a true sense of contentment with life, I don’t doubt anyone’s abilities to do so.
Class of 2026, I wish us all the best of luck on our future endeavors. Thank you!
Brooklyn Fields, Mounds View High School
Good evening, distinguished guests, faculty, staff, parents, and most importantly, my fellow graduates. My name is Brooklyn Fields, and I had the privilege of being one of your senior class officers this past year. It’s an honor to be standing before you on this very special evening and I’d like to welcome you all to the graduation ceremony for the Mounds View High School class of 2026.
Tonight, we are not only celebrating the four years spent together but the hard work and dedication that has brought the Class of 2026 to this moment.
I’d like to begin by expressing my gratitude for the people who made these past four years meaningful and full of life. I would like to say a quick thank you to my peers for all of the memories we’ve made together as one herd. And to my friends, thank you for always being there for me with open arms or a pep talk when I
needed it most. I will miss all of the laughs and memories we shared together. I’ll always be a text away. Thank you to all of the faculty and staff who provided guidance and support during my time at Mounds View. And most importantly, to my parents, Chad and Michelle, for always being my biggest cheerleaders and support system. You guys have provided me with so many opportunities and I am so blessed. Without you both, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I love you.
Graduates, it took roughly 1,316 days from the moment we entered Mounds View as freshmen, with a brand-new principal, scared to have a class in the basement, or unsure if we’d know anyone in our classes. From sophomores with a new phone policy, to juniors, adjusting our academics to fit within the new grading scale, and finally as seniors, figuring out what life after high school will look like. Now, we’re all grown up and ready to take on our next chapter. In those days, many of us experienced stress, hardship, or felt discouraged about what lay ahead. Whether it was a bad test grade, the day after a rough night, or feeling alone, we all persevered to reach this milestone. Many of you fought your own silent battles to make it to this moment tonight, And while those battles may have looked different for each of us, they all required the same thing—the strength to keep going even on the days when it felt easier to give up.
If there’s one word to remember after those hard times, it would be perseverance—the perseverance to relearn and achieve that good grade, the determination to face the day ahead with a new perspective, or the courage to reach out and build a community when you
Many of you fought your own silent battles to make it to this moment tonight, And while those battles may have looked different for each of us, they all required the same thing—the strength to keep going even on the days when it felt easier to give up.
needed one. And even years from now, when life takes us in completely different directions, the people sitting around you tonight, your community, will always share these 1,316 days with you.
As you enter your next adventure, remember the perseverance you’ve learned in the past four years. There will be challenges ahead---moments that feel impossible--- but think about everything you overcame to make it here. The late nights, bad days, or the silent struggle, those moments taught us that no mountain will ever be too high, especially because we will never have to climb it alone.
In the wise words of Phoebe Bridgers, “anyway, don’t be a stranger”. Stay connected to one another and reach out. After tonight, we’re all starting our next season of life, and many more after that. So don’t be sad that this chapter is coming to a close, be happy it happened because in this one, many lessons were learned, mountains were climbed and if there’s one thing to remember, these 1,316 days will always connect us. Years from now, we’ll forget what we got on that test or the homework we always procrastinated to Sunday night, but we won’t forget the people who got us through those days.
Thank you for the past four years that were full of unforgettable memories.
Congratulations, Class of 2026! We did it!
Nora Kelly, Mounds View High School
Good evening families, friends, teachers, staff, and most notably my fellow graduates. My name is Nora Kelly, and I am honored to have served as one of your class officers these past three years. Standing here today still feels surreal. Not long ago we were freshmen, walking the halls of Mounds View High School
for the first time, nervous, but optimistic for the four years ahead of us. Now we are sitting here in caps and gowns, a short four years later. And while we may be leaving Mounds View, the community we’ve built will always remain.
Each and every one of you worked so hard to get here. From pulling all-nighters before finals, to leaving practice exhausted knowing we had a full night of homework ahead. From performing on stage the night before to walking into a classroom the next morning, mustering the energy needed for a full day of school. There were late nights, early mornings, and times where giving up felt easier than pushing through, yet we persevered. But beyond the achievements and accolades, what has truly made
The future is both exciting and terrifying. For the first time in our lives the path isn’t laid out for us.
these four years so special is the people sitting beside us. The friendships, old and new, the inside jokes, and, yes, even the awkward phases. They all shaped us into who we are today. Each one of you has brought something unique and irreplaceable to Mounds View, and I am so blessed to have been with you through it all. Although we’ve done so much throughout our high school careers, with much to be proud of, this is truly only the beginning of something much greater. The future is both exciting and terrifying. For the first time in our lives the path isn’t laid out for us. No one is showing us exactly what to do next. There is no bell telling us when to move, or parents to tell us where we go next on our journey. We are stepping into a world where choices matter more than ever. Where we are going to have to make decisions without always knowing if they’re right. If we picked the perfect major, school, job, or direction. But the truth is, the future isn’t just one decision. It is a million small ones, each with a new challenge and opportunity for learning. The foundation we built here at Mounds View is what we will carry forward into each endeavor ahead. The Mustang Community is a family, so it is import-
Brooklyn Fields
Nora Kelly
Nora Kelly Graduate
HIGH SCHOOL GRAD SPEECHES: Irondale class of 2026
ant that we take a moment to thank those who made tonight possible. To our families, we thank you for your constant love and support. Your encouragement never goes unnoticed. To the teachers and staff who stayed before and after school, answered a late email, or simply believed in a student who didn’t yet believe in themselves, your impact will echo far beyond these walls. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my parents, my siblings (Jack, Charlie, Violet), and my best friends. Without your laughter, love, and unwavering support I would not be the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for all of you.
So, to the class of 2026, today we close one chapter, but this is not the end of our story. This is just the beginning of us choosing who we are going to become. As we leave Mounds View High School, I am confident we will carry our memories with us, and those important life lessons we learned along the way. In the end my message to you is this, don’t rush so fast into the future that you forget to see how far you’ve already come. To quote the wise words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Slow down, hold onto these moments. Because the future isn’t waiting for perfect people. It is waiting for people willing to try. Congratulations Class of 2026! Thank you!
Boyana Nikolova, Irondale High School
Class of 2026, hello and good evening! It is an honor to be here, celebrating the past 4 years of hard work and achievement that brought us to this stage. Our graduation today represents all of our effort throughout high school but also all of the memories we have made with many, many people. Teachers, staff, parents, guardians, and most siblings -- you are our greatest supporters and we thank you for being here. More importantly, the fact that you are here with us tells me we are celebrating so much more than just a graduation ceremony. We are celebrating the people who made success happen and kept us going when caffeine somehow wasn’t enough. Whether it’s Mr. Parent playing the Minecraft
soundtrack during work time or Ms. Miller’s generous use of Gen Z slang (surprisingly accurate, by the way), our Irondale faculty has given us reasons to show up to school every day. They proved that this very graduation is a collective effort made possible by the help of everybody here.
But today, I don’t want to focus on the bigger picture. We have talked enough about our coming transition to college, the workforce, what we plan to do with the rest of our lives, and how we’re eventually going to need… full-time jobs. Yeah, that’s enough talk about the j-word or any of our long-term plans. Instead, let’s take it memory by memory. Let us focus on the small things, the individual units that built our high school experience. Because our growth did not happen overnight. It was the product of countless moments that challenged us, shaped us, taught us something new, and pushed us a bit closer to adulthood.
At Irondale, we’re constantly being reminded of our growth over the years. Personally, I remember my freshman year, feeling small and vulnerable, searching for both my classes and my sense of self. I also remember feeling intimidated by the seniors in the hallway… some of whom, by the way, had to be at least 30-years-old. I mean, seriously! Have you seen the beards of some people? Still, 4 years later, I can’t help but wonder if we have also grown up as quickly as they have. Because without realizing it, we’ve grown taller. Our faces have hardened. And what we can’t see and sometimes forget is that our minds have grown wiser. We’ve learned skills like perseverance, patience, courage, and advocacy . . . even when we didn’t want to. Even when we as Minnesotans had to adjust to a new reality this past winter.. Friends, family, neighbors, and even students at our own school were impacted by their immigration status. Too many times, I feared for my own immigrant family from Bulgaria, who migrated so that we could have opportunities like this one. Whether it directly affected us or not, this new reality undeniably affected our Irondale community. Memories like these may seem unpleasant. We may want to forget them and bury them away from our high school experience. But that’s just willful ignorance. How do we expect to grow if we don’t so much as acknowledge the tough moments in life?
The truth is we’ll make it past those tough moments
Applewood Pointe New Brighton 1900 Rush Lake Trail New Brighton, MN 55112
Applewood Pointe New Brighton 1900 Rush Lake Trail New Brighton, MN 55112
anyway. In our case, we survived a Minnesotan winter like no other and refused to accept the cold. Instead, we spread warmth and kindness even while our nation forgot what empathy was. On top of everything, we pushed ourselves to the brink with late-night study sessions and afterschool activities, because we cared about community and also individual excellence. It was a difficult school year for many of us, but it was a year of many more celebrations and cherished memories. Four years later, we’ve made a home out of Irondale and found safety here. Let’s just ignore the fact that some of us still don’t know how to park. But to feel that greater sense of security, we have so many selfless educators, staff, and faculty to thank. Their support has helped us make countless difficult decisions, like choosing where to go after high school or if we should’ve even bothered with assignments after April. Their guidance has helped us to keep learning, especially when patience was running low. But most of all, they helped us make memories. Whether it was that group project with your friends or the speech that helped you overcome your fear of public speaking, we couldn’t have done it without the encouragement and trust we’ve shared as part of Irondale.
Of course, that doesn’t just happen overnight. When we first arrived as 9th graders, we didn’t know many of the students in our graduating class, nor what to expect out of the high school experience. Honestly, we didn’t even know how to behave ourselves. But now, our final high school memory will be us making the realization that we were part of the Irondale family all along.
Once again, today is a cause for celebration… but it’s also a goodbye. A goodbye to pizza crunchers at lunch with our friends. A goodbye to warm cookies during passing time and dressing up for football games, even if we end up covered in flour by the end of the night. However, for the lasting friendships, mentors we’ve met, and incredible growth we’ve done, this is far from goodbye. Those people, skills, and lessons will follow us for our entire lives.
So, you know what? Enough worrying about the bigger picture! Enough uncertainty, enough pressure, and enough expectations. It doesn’t matter what path we embark on, so long as we treasure and protect the memories picked up along the way.
Boyana Nikolova
Classic & Vintage Boat Show
Boat Show returns to White Bear Lake for 19th year
BY MAYA BETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Boat lovers will have plenty to explore at the 19th annual Classic & Vintage Boat Show. The outdoor event, set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, offers free admission and showcases a wide range of boats. Attendees can vote for their favorite vessels in categories including Sailboat, Motorized/Runabout, Rowboat and a People’s Choice award, while also connecting with fellow boaters from across the region.
For many participants, the White Bear Lake Boat Show marks the unofficial start of boating season.
“It’s the first boat show of the season,” said Pete Johnson, winner of the Rowboat category in 2025, who has been bringing boats to the show for
about a decade. “If you have a car, you go to car shows. If you have a boat, you bring it to the boat show. It’s just fun to talk to people.”
This year, Johnson plans to bring a 1926 Larson 14-foot runabout, a boat nearing its 100th birthday, which offers visitors a rare glimpse into early recreational boating history.
Lisa and Kevin Westman, who have participated in the vintage show for multiple years, previously won in the Sailboat category. Their entry was a restored 1955 two-man racing dinghy by Fairey Marine, a British-designed sailboat built using technology developed during World War II. Lisa Westman inherited the
boat from her father around three years ago, and the couple just finished a two-year restoration of the boat.
Kevin Westman said the show’s outdoor setting and its connection to White Bear Lake’s sailing history keep drawing him back.
“I learned how to sail on White Bear Lake,” he said. “It’s always fun coming back. It’s a nice show — all outside, and it’s a good show.”
Beyond the boats themselves, community groups will once again play a visible role at the event. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Division 11, plans to return after a successful appearance last year, where its patrol vessel, Voyageur, became a popular attraction.
“I was completely overwhelmed by how well we were accepted,” said Jim McCarthy, a Division 11 member.
“So many people were enthused by meeting us. They were like, ‘Oh, well, I never knew you guys even existed, what do you guys do?’” he said.
The Auxiliary focuses on boating safety education, free vessel safety checks and public outreach, and McCarthy said events like the boat show are a valuable way to connect with boaters ahead of the busy summer season.
“We want people to know we’re there for them,” he said. “If they have questions about safety or inspections, we want them to walk away with answers.”
Boat owners who are interested in displaying their vessels can register for free at presspubs.com/boatshow. The event will take place at the White Bear Shopping Center, 4391 Lake Avenue S., White Bear Lake.
Meet the Boats
Scotty H
Owner:
Nice Eh
Meet the Boats
Owner: O’Connor/Johnson Family Boat Year: 1956 Make: Shepherd Length: 18’ Width: 7’ Engine(s): Chrysler Ace V-Drive
Edgar A
Owner: Dennis Trooien Boat Year: 1957 Make: CronaCraft Length: 14’ Width: 6’ Engine(s): 1957 Johnson SeaHorse 35hp
Stinger
Small Block Chev V-8
Glastron
Owner: Eric Flom Boat Year: 1969 Make: Glastron Length: 17’ Width: 7’ Engine(s): Chevy 327 Corvette
Back Then
Owner: Bob and Lynette Vosika Boat Year: 1933 Make: Lake Tomahawk Length: 14 Width: 4 Engine(s): 1934 Caille Model 109
Owner: Legacy of the Lakes Museum
Boat Year: 1958 Make: Chris Craft Length: 19’ Width: 8’ Engine(s): Dearborn Interceptor V-8 215hp
Cruisers Inc
Owner: Jerry Hahn Boat Year: 1963 Make/Model: Cruisers INC Classic Lapstrake Length: 16’ Engine: 1965 60HP JOHNSON O/B
Owner: Brian Nordskog Boat Year: 1961 Make: Larson All American Length: 17’ Width: 7’ Engine(s): 130hp jet drive
Yankee Girl II
Century Resorter
Father’s Day: Young voices celebrate their dads
Landowners can apply for second round of Minnesota DNR reforestation funding
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for the second round of its Field to Forest Cost Share Program through Dec. 1. Private landowners participating in the program can receive up to 75% reimbursement for tree planting costs and an additional $500 per acre after they complete their planting.
Reforesting open lands, such as former pastures or crop fields, offers landowners a chance to improve the long-term health and value of their property while contributing to a more resilient landscape. Planting trees can slow runoff, combat erosion, improve water retention and rebuild healthy soils. New forests also create habitat, support wildlife and improve resilience
to droughts and floods. For private landowners, transforming open land into forest can also increase property value, offer future timber income and create new recreational opportunities.
The first round of the Field to Forest program opened in 2025 and generated
At left: Shelby and Rylan Ablan with their children Isla and Oliver. Oliver said his favorite thing to do with his dad is going to Monster Jam.
Middle: Cameron Zielinski with his children Brayden and Colton. Brayden said he loves playing soccer with his dad and Colton said he loves playing Gaga Ball with him.
At right:Andrew Hall with his two children, Hattie and Sid. Hattie said she loves playing and jumping around with her dad, and Sid loves reading books with him.
strong interest across the state. More than 100 landowners were initially enrolled in the program to plant or seed 935 acres in spring 2026. One of the initial participants was Robert Dahl of Tamarack, who used the reimbursement to plant 7,700 trees with his son.
“I’m hoping to make this land forested for my kids to enjoy,” Dahl said. “I want to improve wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities on this land, but I have the future generations of my family in mind while I’m working it.”
The program supports large-scale tree planting or seeding on three acres or more of open land that was historically forested. It is not intended for residential landscaping, planting in existing forests or converting grasslands to forests. To promote forest diversity, each project must include a minimum of three tree species.
Landowners participating in the program can purchase seedlings from Soil
and Water Conservation Districts, private nurseries or the Minnesota State Forest Nursery via mndnr.gov/nursery. Funding is limited and applications are first-come, first-served and will be reviewed on a rolling basis by DNR forestry staff. Planting and seeding projects are scheduled through spring 2027 with reimbursement and incentive payment provided after a DNR forester verifies that the landowner has completed the project.
Interested landowners should contact their local DNR stewardship forester via mndnr.gov/woodlands/cfm-map to begin the application process.
Funding for this program is provided through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service. Visit the DNR cost share webpage. For more information on DNR forestry, visit mndnr.gov/woodlands/ cost-share.
MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY | CONTRIBUTED Field-to-forest seeds provided by the Minnesota State Forest Nursery.
PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Ahead of Father’s Day Sunday, June 17, Press Publications asked some local families what they love they love to do with their dad.
Arden Hills celebrates 75th anniversary in 2026
BY RITA LAMATSCH SPECIAL TO THE PRESS
Arden Hills turns 75 this year and city leaders are marking the event with a free public celebration on July 17 in Cummings Park, featuring the popular penny carnival for kids, a car show, live music and a drone show. Participants will be able to purchase food and beverages from food trucks at the event. The celebration provides an occasion to look back at the city’s history, as well as an opportunity to look to the future.
Establishment of Arden Hills
The Village of Arden Hills was incorporated on February 14, 1951, in response to New Brighton's request to annex the area. Prior to 1951, the area that is now Arden Hills was part of the Mounds View Township, which was officially established on May 11, 1858, the same day Minnesota became a state. Before European settlement, the area was home to the Dakota people. Indigenous people have lived in this area for at least 12,000 years.
A decade before Arden Hills was incorporated, a prominent feature of the future city was established. In 1941, the federal government purchased over 2,300 acres of farmland to build an ammunition manufacturing site. At its peak during World War II, the Twin Cities Ordnance Plant (TCOP), operated by Anoka-based Federal Cartridge Company (FCC) employed 26,000 people, many of whom were women filling manufacturing roles while men were away at war. The massive facility eventually functioned like a small city, with its own fire department, security force, hospital, bus system and rail terminal. Social elements included a plant newspaper, intramural sports leagues and even a TCOP choir.
After the end of World War II, TCOP became a site for military equipment and ammunition returning from around the world, for sorting and repurposing. In 1946, TCOP’s name changed to Twin Cities Arsenal. Activity at the ammunition plant picked up again during wartime, including the Korean, Vietnam and First Persian Gulf wars. Private companies, including Honeywell and 3M, also leased property for defense research and development at the site. The site was once again renamed as TCAAP (Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plan) in July 1963. The TCAAP site ceased manufacturing operations in 1976 and was largely decommissioned in the 1980s.
By 1994, the U.S. Army determined it no longer needed 585 acres of the TCAAP site. After a portion was set aside for green space and public use, 427 acres were available for development, but significant environmental cleanup was needed first. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified a 25-square-mile area around TCAAP as the “New Brighton/Arden Hills Superfund Site” in 1983. A 1987 agreement between the EPA, the U.S. Army and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) required that the U.S. Army remediate the site for industrial use.
In 2013, Ramsey County purchased 427 acres of TCAAP property from the federal government to remediate, redevelop and reestablish the property as the economic engine it once was – this time with homes, businesses and retail. This portion of the former TCAAP property was renamed Rice Creek Commons. By 2015, Ramsey County had cleaned the Rice Creek Commons property beyond minimum standards to allow for residential or recreational use — the highest standard of environmental remediation. The regulators issued assurances that the site was ready for redevelopment, including a Certificate of Completion from the MPCA and the removal of the soil and surface water from state and federal Superfunds lists by the end of 2020.
The U.S. Army continues to operate the existing groundwater cleanup system on the site.
Current city landmarks and when they got their start:
• Land O’ Lakes, Inc. moved from St. Paul to Arden Hills in 1981, establishing its corporate headquarters off County Road F and Lexington Avenue North.
• Boston Scientific (formerly Guidant, and before that, Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.), is currently Arden Hills’ largest employer, with a campus off of County Road F between Lexington Avenue North and Hamline Avenue North.
• Northwestern College moved its campus from Minneapolis to the city in 1972, using the land and buildings vacated when Nazareth Hall Preparatory Seminary closed in1970. Northwestern University sits on more than 100 acres on the shores of Lake Johanna.
• Bethel Seminary moved from St. Paul to Arden Hills in 1965 and established a college there in 1972. What started as a four-building campus is now Bethel University with build-
First European settlers whose names live on today
The land in Arden Hills was inviting to Native Americans and early European settlers, and it remains attractive to residents today. The city landscape is lush, with many lakes and ponds, as well as rolling hills, all thanks to glacial activity which ended in the area about 10,000 years ago. The highest point in Ramsey County is a geologic kame, or hill made up of sand and gravel deposited by a melting glacier, with an elevation of 1,100-plus feet, located within the TCAAP boundaries. Arden Hills is home to seven lakes that cover 550 acres in total, as well as many ponds and wetlands.
The name of the city is said to have come from millionaire investor, entrepreneur and state senator Joseph Hackney, who started a dairy operation in the early 1900s, later named Arden Farms, near Lake Josephine. He decided to build the farm when one of his children became sick and he wanted to ensure that children in Twin Cities hospitals had access to high quality, high-butterfat milk. Later, Hackney was the primary legislative champion for establishing the University of Minnesota Extension.
Charles Perry, for whom Perry Park was named, settled near what is now called Lake Johanna in 1849, when Minnesota became a territory. He was the first white settler in what later became Mounds View Township and he befriended the Dakota who visited
ings and facilities on more than 200 acres on the shores of Lake Valentine.
• Mounds View High School opened in 1954 and has had several renovations and additions since then.
• Presbyterian Homes opened their first home for elderly residents in Minnesota in 1955, on 20 acres of land on Lake Johanna donated by Lillias Joy.
• Lindey’s Steakhouse has been a mainstay at the corner of County Road E and Snelling Avenue since 1961, in a building that formerly housed the Wagon Wheel restaurant, and before that, a speakeasy.
• Flaherty’s moved to Arden Hills in 1963, the third iteration of the bowling alley which first opened in St. Paul in 1938, then moved to Falcon Heights in 1947. A fifth generation of the Flaherty family is now working at the Arden Hills landmark, which the Flahertys say is the oldest family owned and operated bowling operation in the country.
• Welsch's Big Ten Tavern opened in 1959 on
hunting grounds near Lake Johanna. His first wife, a Dakota woman named Emilie Bruce, daughter of Charles and Marguerite Lanoux, died after having three children with Perry. He raised 15 children with his second wife, variously identified as Aurelia or Orelie. Charles built a prosperous farm and with his son William. He also established the popular Perry’s Beach on the shores of Lake Johanna, which operated for several decades.
Lake Johanna was named after Johanna McKenty, the wife of Henry McKenty, a real estate speculator who arrived in the area in the 1850s. Lake Josephine is named after Josephine McKenty, his daughter.
In the 1860s, John and Mary Farrell bought hundreds of acres in present-day Arden Hills and New Brighton. They later donated some of their land to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Brighton. Today, St. John's church and school, Mounds View High School and many homes and other buildings, are on former Farrell property. Farrell Lake, near the high school, is named after them.
New Brighton Road got its name after settlers arrived in the area in the late 1800s from Brighton, Massachusetts, a New England meat-packing center, and some began work at the New Brighton stockyards. Twin City Packing Company, the first packing company to do business at the New Brighton stockyards, began operation in 1889.
Walter Cummings served as the first mayor of Arden Hills Village, and Cummings Lane and, later, Cummings Park were named after him.
Ernest and Celia Sandeen lived on a farm on the southwest short of Lake Johanna, and that’s how Sandeen Road got its name.
Several members of the Beckman family bought and developed land near what is now Beckman Avenue in 1939. Jerrold Avenue was named after Jerrold Olafson who was a good friend of a prominent home builder in the area, John Shafner.
Ingerson Road was named by Peter and Caroline Ingerson. Their son Dr. Carl Ingerson and his wife, Margaret, named Carlton Drive and Tiller Lane because they attended Carlton College, and Tiller was Margaret Ingerson’s maiden name.
Tony Schmidt Regional Park is named after former Ramsey County Commissioner Anthony Schmidt.
Highway 10, near what was then called the TCOP. The property was previously a nightclub.
• Brausen Auto has operated a family-owned shop at Country Road E and Highway 51 since 1969.
Gone but not forgotten:
• A large Control Data facility was built in the late 1960s in Arden Hills, off of Lexington Avenue North. Bloomington-based Control Data employed as many as 1,000 people at the Arden Hills facility.
• The Grotto Club, on the north shore of Lake Johanna, was torn down in 1963. Previously, it was known as the Prince of Wales Club, an exclusive restaurant, but it had fallen into disrepair by the late 1950s.
• McGuire’s opened around 1960 on County Road E and grew to include two bars, a liquor store and a hotel. It closed in the early 1980s.
MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY | CONTRIBUTED
Workers at the Twin Cities Ordnance Plant pack .50 caliber machine-gun ammunition into cartridge boxes during World War II. Photo taken circa 1943.
ARDEN HILLS 75TH: Public celebration July 17 in Cummings Park
Carl Grant and Al Alexander bought land near the northwest corner of Lake Johanna in 1939 and began the Grant Alexander housing addition in the area. Grant Road is named after Carl Grant.
“Arden Hills is an interesting community in that there are many different pockets and micro-neighborhoods due to the many lakes-as well as I-35W, I-694 and Highway 10 intersecting the city,” said Dan Ashbach, third generation Arden Hills resident and son of Arden Hills’ second mayor, Robert Ashbach. “In fact, back in the early days of Arden Hills, people referred to these neighborhoods as Arden 1, Arden 2, etc. There are still all of these closeknit neighborhoods, and this is part of the charm of the city.”
City Growth
In 1951, when Arden Hills left the Mounds View Township to form its own village, the area had a population of roughly 2,000 people. In addition to the ammunition plant, the new village included areas set aside for business and housing developments, and more and more families began moving in. By 1960, Arden Hills was home to an estimated 3,930 residents. By 1970, the population of Arden Hills had risen to 5,149, and Arden Hills was incorporated as a city in 1973. Between 1970 and 1980, a total of 1,065 new housing units were built in the city. Thanks to that new housing, the city’s population rose to 8,012 by 1980 and to 9,199 in the year 1990. Growth leveled off after that point, with the population at 9,939 in the latest census in 2020.
Looking to the future
Today, Rice Creek Commons is governed by the TCAAP Joint Development Authority (JDA) which is chaired by a resident of the City of Arden Hills and consists of two elected officials each from the City of Arden Hills and Ramsey County. The Rice Creek Commons plans lay out a vision to create economic prosperity, build an inclusive economy, have a long-term sustainable development and develop an energy forward community by providing much-needed housing at a variety of income levels — including affordable housing — and creating well-paying jobs.
Rice Creek Commons will be a cohesive mix of residential and commercial neighborhoods surrounding a town center — a unique community where people can live, work and play. The entire site will be connected by an internal network of parks and trails that will provide open space for all
types of recreation, while also performing important environmental functions such as stormwater management and natural habitat restoration.
The development site is divided into two major parcels that are commonly referred to as the California Parcel (372-acres) and the Thumb Parcel or Outlot A (40 acres). Today, Ramsey County has a purchase and sale agreement with Ryan Companies for development of the Outlot A Parcel. The first development at Rice Creek Commons on the Outlot A Parcel – Micro Control Company’s new headquarters – is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2026. Discussions are ongoing with the JDA about future solicitation of a development partner(s) for the California Parcel.
In March 2026, the U.S. Green Building Council awarded Rice Creek Commons a LEED for Communities Platinum level precertification, the highest level possible and only the second project in the state on track for the certification. This fall, early site preparation is planned to begin for the construction of Rice Creek Boulevard, previously known as the Spine Road. The road will provide access to future residential neighborhoods and commercial areas throughout the site, and it will also connect Highway 96 and County Road H. Once full construction is underway, the project is expected to last two construction seasons and will include roadways, multiuse trails, stormwater management features, miti-
Submitting Public Notices
Including Foreclosures, Certificates of Assumed Name, Liens, Probates and all other Public Notice Requirements Deadlines: White Bear Press and Vadnais Heights Press by 5:00 p.m. Thursday prior to publication date.
Quad Community Press, Shoreview Press and The Citizen by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday prior to publication date.
Early deadlines apply on most holidays Counties of Ramsey and Anoka
Contact: E-Mail: Call:
Lisa, Myrna or Evelyn Legals@presspubs.com 651-407-1200
4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110, www.presspubs.com, 651-407-1200 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Arden Hills 75th Anniversary Celebration
When: 4-10 p.m. Friday, July 17
Where: Cummings Park 1219 Cummings Park Drive, Arden Hills
Details:
4
6 p.m. – Penny Carnival
9 p.m. – Car show
9 p.m. – Food trucks, beer garden, kid’s activities, vendor booths, Arden Hills: Past, Present and Future city history display and more • 6 – 9 p.m. – Entertainment, featuring live music from the band Power of 10 • 9:30 p.m. – Drone show Food trucks will be on site, with food and beverages available for purchase.
gated wetlands and public utilities.
The remaining 1,785 acres of the former TCAAP continue to be used by the Minnesota Army National Guard and the Army Reserve as a training site.
“When we look back at the past 75 years of our City’s history, we see how our community has evolved. As we look to the future, there will be additional changes to meet residents’ needs and reflect changes in our region’s economy,” said Arden Hills Mayor David Grant. “Through it all, there has been one constant: residents recognize the City of Arden Hills as a great place to live, work, play and do business. We hope to see people from across our
community – and our region – come to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Arden Hills on July 17.”
As part of the 75th Anniversary Celebration, children are invited to imagine the future of Arden Hills through a drawing activity. Look for the activity in an upcoming city newsletter or download it at www.cityofardenhills. org/75-years. Return completed drawings to Arden Hills City Hall or email celebrate75@cityofardenhills.org. Artwork submissions will be displayed during the July 17 celebration, offering a glimpse into the next generation’s vision for the community.
CITY OF NORTH OAKS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING APPLICATION FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A WALL SIGN FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 100 VILLAGE CENTER DRIVE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of North Oaks will hold a PUBLIC HEARING to consider an application for a Conditional Use Permit for a wall sign for the property located at 100 Village Center Drive, North Oaks, MN 55127 at a special meeting scheduled at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in the Community Room, 100 Village Center Drive, North Oaks, MN.
Members of the public may participate in the public hearing by:
1) Attending the meeting in person and providing public comment during the public hearing;
2) Attending the meeting remotely and providing public comment via zoom at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87960383159; or
3) Submitting written public comments by emailing City Administrator Kevin Kress at kkress@northoaksmn.gov by June 26, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Public comments submitted in advance will be accepted into the record as part of the public hearing.
Questions regarding the public hearing, including remote participation opportunities, should be directed to City Administrator Kevin Kress at 651-792-7750. Published one time in the Shoreview Press on June 16, 2026.
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: Kasperski
DAN ASHBACH | CONTRIBUTED
The Hackney house circa 1920. The homestead of Senator Joseph Hackney presided over Arden Farms, which inspired the namesake Arden Hills.
CLASSIFIEDS
This opportunity is for stylists who already have a clientele and are ready to work in a consistent, elevated, drama-free environment What you’ll find at Salon 4862:
• Clean, well-maintained salon
• Professional, respectful culture
• Flexible independence
• Strong location with steady traffic
Come see the space, chat, and visit with us! Please, contact Sara for more information 651-755-3058
REPAIRING OR REPLACING APPLIANCES and home systems like h eating and cooling ca n be costly A home warranty plan can help. Start saving and get 30% off any plan today Work manship Guarantee included. Terms apply. Call Cinch Home Services 855/887*4521
WANTED: ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES
life? We’re seeking a reliable contributing writer to create engaging, community-focused content for a local lake publication. Topics include recreation, local events and personalities, nature and stories from around the lake. Ideal candidates have strong writing skills and an interest in the lake community. Please send resume and three writing clips to whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
CHOOSE EARTHLINK FIBER Intern et for sp eeds up to 5 Gigs no data caps no thrott ling. Prices starting at $54.95. Plus, a $100 gift card when you make the sw itch Call 844/*453*698 3
GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to a ssist the blind and visually impaired. Ar range a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Herita ge for the Blin d Today at 844*/220 *9501 today!
GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERN ET! Free in stall, free HDDVR upgrade, 80,000 on-demand movies plus limited time up to $600 In gift cards. Call today! 85 5/*562*4309
SAFE STEP NORTH Amer icas #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and se rvice. Now featuring our FR EE shower pa ckage and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call to day! Financing available. Call Safe Step 833/*966*3882
Running or not Titled or not Will pick up. Cash in exchange. Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612/*720*2142 WE BUY HOUSES for cash AS IS! No repairs No fuss Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer
peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75
Allison Richter, shown here in the preliminaries, placed second and fourth in hurdle races.
Track-and-field: Richter nabs 4 state medals, team has 8
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mounds View junior Allison Richter medaled in four events in the state Class 3A track meet that concluded Saturday.
Mustang athletes earned podium finishes in eight events overall at St. Michael-Albertville.
Richter was not able to defend her 2025 state title in the 300 hurdles but placed second (42.48) behind an
athlete from Buffalo. Richter was fourth in the 100 hurdles (14.54) and sixth in the high jump (5-2).
She anchored the fifth-place 4x200 relay (1:40.50) with Georgia Archibald, Ava Myers and Harper Lucachick.
Richter reflected that she was happy overall with the performance: “It’s hard to compete in four events at state and manage all of them. It was fun to place in high jump, too, which I didn’t even compete in last year.”
Mustangs place 2nd to Champlin in section baseball
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mounds View finished runner-up in the Section 5AAAA baseball tournament with two losses to Champlin Park, finishing the season 20-8.
The Mustangs lost to the Rebels 1-0 in eight innings in the semifinals (reported previously), then beat Maple Grove 5-2 in the elimination bracket. In that game, Calvin Anderson, Kasey MacCallum and Andrew Gette pitched. Jackson Tretter
SPORTS BRIEF
knocked in two runs with a homer and single; Liam Berlien, Jackson Glancey and Sawyer Shewmake had RBI hits.
In the finals, needing to beat Champlin Park twice, the Mustangs lost the first game 4-2. Gette pitched the distance, allowing eight hits. He was 2-for-3 at the plate. Berlien hit a solo homer. Donovan Vendel and Evan Nordby pitched for the Rebels (19-6) and Rhys George hit a tworun single.
Mustang softball awards, leaders listed
After the Mustangs’ season—which included a 16-13 record, 5-11 in conference, and a runner-up finish in Section 4—the following Mounds View softball players received honors: All-Suburban East: sophomores Maria Walsh and Kate Tretter, eighth-grader Jaycie Helmer. All-section: Tretter, Helmer, senior Annalise Foley and sophomore Kadie Leopold. SEC honorable mention: senior Nora Kelly, sophomore Gillian Hansen. Helmer hit .463 with 13 RBIs, .554 on-base-percentage and 18 stolen bases. Walsh hit .379 with 23 runs and 16 RBIs. Hansen hit .323 and led with 20 RBIs. Tretter hit .312 with 11 RBIs, Claire Secord .306 with 14 runs. Leopold 303 with 17 RBIs and 14 runs. OPS leaders were Helmer with 1.176, Hansen .990 and Walsh .982. Tretter had an 8-4 record and 4.51 ERA; Foley, 3-7 and 3.07; Kelly, 2-1 and 2.45; and senior Kara Cmiel, 3-0 and 2.69.
Bruce Strand
Lucia Blaseck tied for fourth place in pole vault (110). Alysse Hollister placed sixth in discus (119-5).
The Mustang boys 4x200 placed third (1:26.33) with Ben Mugisa, Becket Koons, Weston Kuchar and Godson Rufus-Okomhanru.
The boys 4x800 team placed fourth (7:55.29) with Jackson Ashbach, Joey McVean, Hunter Miller and Tate McDonald.
Mustang state qualifiers in eight other events did not advance to finals.
Swenson repeats as state tennis champion
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Soren Swenson, Mounds View junior, repeated as state Class 2A singles champion June 4-5, avenging the only loss he sustained all season.
Soren won the championship match 7-5, 7-6 (4) over Wayzata sophomore Ethan Turunen.
“It is very exiting to win the state tournament back to back,” Soren said. “I feel very good about my game this entire season.”
In the team tournament, the Mustangs finished fourth, defeating Eden Prairie 5-2, then losing to champion Wayzata 7-0 in the semifinals and to Rochester Mayo 4-3 in the third-place match. The Mustangs were 16-6, with all the losses against top-five, ranked teams.
Turunen, leader of the state champion team, defeated Swenson in a close 3-setter in the team semifinals—2-6, 6-3, 10-8. Soren beat Turunen in a regular-season match.
Soren said his first loss did not weigh heavily on him because his main goals were to win state titles for team and individual. In the finals rematch, Swenson said he had better serving, focus and tactics. “I had a better plan.”
Swenson (29-1) beat opponents from Wayzata, Rochester Century and Edina to reach the finals, winning 36 of 37 games.
By repeating as champ, Soren matched his older brother, Bjorn Swenson, who
the finals, reversing his
loss of the season.
also won a a sophomore and junior, then skipped the high school season as a senior to play a national schedule. Bjorn finished a four-year career at University of Michigan this year. Soren said he has not decided if he will do he same.
In doubles, Max Daigle and Anders Swenson, Soren Swenson’s twin brother, beat a Forest Lake team 6-0, 6-0, then lost a close match to an Eden Prairie team. That score was 6-4, 7-6 (3).
Other Mustang starters were Hansu Musembi, Sidharth Sharma, Johann Rech, Aarav Raheja, Laken Bartel, Chris Hermes, and Pranav Puligundla.
MSHSL | CONTRIBUTED State Singles Champion Soren Swenson beat a Wayzata player in
lone
andArts Culture
BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
MEMERGING ARTIST: RYLEY OSWALD
any young artists give freedom to their imagination via drawings and paintings. White Bear Lake Area High School graduating senior Ryley Oswald, however, found 2D art constricting. “Clay is the medium I really enjoy,” Oswald stated. “I feel like I have more freedom to encapsulate what’s going in on my mind.”
Oswald also finds that working in 3D art gives her more visceral satisfaction. “With clay, I feel it— that primal feeling, working and digging with my hands, using physical force to create something pretty,” Oswald described. Many times, Oswald’s mind creates fantasias or riffs on stories she reads—particularly involving Greek mythological
Ofigures. From there, she creates clay figures, sculptures and dioramas. She is careful, however, to balance structure with movement.
“I’m a collector myself, so I like pretty things that look nice in my room … I make them organic looking; they’re not—boom, boom—box,” Oswald explained, miming a container with her
hands. “Working with clay Oswald’s sculptures are pretty in the sense that their dynamic poses and sumptuous color schemes are marvelous to behold. Her subject matters, though, involve Odyssean sea monsters. Oswald first became interested in “The Odyssey” while reading Mary Pope Osbourne’s version of the epic,
which structures the tale in an accessible way for middle-grade readers.
“It was really different than what I was introduced to growing up,” Oswald remembered. “I was like, ‘Wow, this is super new and exciting.’ And the more I dug, the more I found … I started growing up; I started to relate the lessons within the mythologies to my own personal life and the world around us.”
Oswald feels a personal connection to her piece “Scylla’s Wrath,” in which she depicts the legendary figure taking six of Odysseus’s men beneath the waves. “Which is the greater evil? Sacrificing six men or his whole fleet dying in the whirlpools of Charybdis?” Oswald pondered. To symbolize the sailors who perished, Oswald incorporated a circuit system of
THE SCUTTLE ON ‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’
BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
ne of the main themes in “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” is leaving a figuratively small pond and becoming part of a larger world. Incoming fifth grader Aurelia Lachaelt can relate. While she has been in shows at Children’s Performing Arts before, “The Little Mermaid” will be her first all-ages show. The cast for the show ranges from grades 3-12. “It feels different because the actors are a lot more experienced,” said Lachaelt. “This is my first show where I’m playing multiple parts, so I’m kind of unsure how that’s going to work.” Indeed, Aurelia will play a fish in the first half of the show, then reappear in the second half as a sailor. Lachaelt also states that she’s learning a lot from her cast mates, and that her favorite part is watching everyone else on stage.
Incoming sophomore Mallory Clem, this production’s Ariel, knows that feeling well, having been in that position in previous shows. “It’s a key theater shape. It’s a U, and then there’s the main character,” Clem explained. “I look around and realize, ‘I’m the center of the U.’ … Looking around, I’m seeing all these people that have been in different sections of
Members of the Children’s Performing Arts recently spoke about how being a part of theater has helped them with leadership skills:
• “CPA gave me a learning ground to grow and expand. I wouldn’t be as confident—I wouldn’t even be a performer if I didn’t have CPA … I’ve loved it, and I’ve made so many friends and connections through it.” - Brecken Lee, LILA
• “CPA gives opportunities to a lot of kids who are not super confident. Sometimes, in schools there’s a
my life—like elementary school, or my first play (at CPA).”
Director Siddeeqah Shabazz is also having a full-circle moment. “I used to want to be Ariel, growing up,” Shabazz said, laughing. “The scene when she’s on the rock with the water splashing behind her? I did that in the bathtub so many times.” Now, as director, Shabazz’s challenge is giving moments like that to a cast of 50. “It’s about getting everyone to shine and come out of their shells,” Shabazz said. “Let’s make this a great experience but also give you something to do where you can feel proud. We can
lot of favoritism, and that can lead to some people feeling like they don’t deserve to be in theater. I feel CPA has been an extremely welcoming community.”Layla Lee, no relation, Irondale High School
• “I used to not like talking to people. But then the pandemic hit, and I realized I had no one to talk to. I’d been wanting to do theater for years … and it sparked a whole thing for me. Now I’ve noticed I’m one of the most extroverted people on Earth. I’ve grown into who I was actually supposed to be.”Cameron Shepard,
Forest Lake High School
• “Even if you’re in the ensemble and not playing leads, you still have an awesome time … You have your community to build you up, and you are focused on the memories you make and how much fun you’re having.”Taylor Mindestrom, LILA
• “CPA has given me the opportunity to lead and to follow … It’s given me the confidence to show who I really am. Without CPA, I wouldn’t be the actor I am today.” - Evelyn Rivard, White Bear Lake Area High School
collaborate on it, so it’s within your skill set and something you really enjoy.”
Charlotte McManus, an incoming sophomore who plays this production’s Ursula, believes Shabazz’s approach is what makes live theater essential. “I hope people come here, and they can see the different ways people play these characters that are so well known,” McManus said. “I have a young voice. I try to make it commanding, but you’ve got to be real … so I think I’m a little more—not heartwarming—but soft or inviting.”
Clem is similarly bringing inspiration from her own experiences into her portrayal of Ariel. When not at rehearsal, Clem lifeguards at the Dellwood Country Club. “They did teach us lots of swimming techniques to keep afloat while we’re saving people,” Clem informed. “I use some of the hand movements they taught us, and incorporate that.”
Clem also believes people should see this production because of the generational impact it can have. “It’s a classic. It came out in the ‘80s,” Clem stated. “Parents who watched this when they were a child, they can bring their child and see it live. I feel like it’s something to bond over.”
That bonding experience is why Lachaelt is doing shows at CPA in the first place—her grandmother tries to take her to live theater whenever she visits. When asked what her grandmother will think of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” she grinned, saying, “I think she will be proud.”
Children’s Performing Arts’ production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” runs June 19-28. For tickets and details, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org.
six lights into her clay sculpture.
This past April, at White Bear Center for the Arts’ Vision and Verse competition, Oswald’s “Scylla’s Wrath” won the Minnesota College of Art and Design Pre-College Scholarship Award.
During the community reception, contest judge Tadhg Silvius Vinson stated that he found the sculpture’s lights alluring— much like dangerous sirens of Greek mythology.
Oswald’s reason for putting the lights in her piece, though, were so that the sailors’ sacrifice would be remembered. To be remembered, Oswald believes, is one of the main reasons people create art—especially ceramics.
“Once it’s glaze-fired, the chemical bond is there forever,” Oswald described. “It’s not able to chemically go back into clay. That piece is there. It is history.”
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THEATER SUMMER CAMPS
Unless otherwise noted, camps take place at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. To register, visit childrensperformingartsmn. org/classes-workshops.
YES AND! IMPROV
Grades: 8-12
Dates: 10 a.m-1 p.m. June 29-July 3
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Learn about the art of “yes and,” and experience the beauty of on-your-feet storytelling. Throughout the week, students will learn the basic tenets of improv, practice different exercises to strengthen and cultivate their improv skills, and play longand-short-form improv games. At the end of the week, the students will host their very own improv show for friends and family.
ROMEO AND JULIET: ONE ACT PLAY
Grades: 9-12
Dates: 12-4 p.m. July 6-10
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Luke Hiland, co-founder of the Duluth Shakespeare Project, will direct this one-act version of “Romeo and Juliet.” Students will rehearse and perform the play in just one week.
MINI PRODUCTION: SEUSSICAL KIDS
Grades: 3-6
Dates: 1-4 p.m. July 6-23
Where: Forest Lake High School, Door 32, 6101 Scandia Trail N., Forest Lake Details: This camp is the perfect opportunity for young performers to gain stage experience and grow their acting chops. Over the course of three weeks, students will stage, rehearse and perform a full-scale, 30 minute musical production.
PEPPA PIG’S MAGICAL UNICORN
Grades: K-2
Dates: 9 a.m-12 p.m, July 13-17
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Join us for a week of fun with Peppa Pig and her entire family. Students will devise a play and script based on the popular family TV show, and will present at the end of the week.
THE CAST OF “DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID” REHEARSES A MUSICAL NUMBER FROM CHILDREN’S PERFORMING ARTS’ UPCOMING PRODUCTION.
PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS
RYLEY OSWALD POSES NEXT TO HER AWARD-WINNING PIECE “SCYLLA’S WRATH.” THE WORK COMBINES CLAY POLYMER WITH ELECTRIC CIRCUITRY.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES: North Metro resident announces for track and
sometimes for decades. “Two of the athletes I met back in 1999 … their nicknames are Batman and Robin. I still meet with them once a quarter, and we still have lunch. They’re still involved (with Special Olympics) as well.” Special Olympics Minnesota, likewise, is honored the have Possehl in that tight-knit group.
“(Possehl) is a very passionate and connected volunteer,” said Special Olympics Minnesota Vice President of Development Relations Mark Anderson. “He is so connected, involved for so many years, that athletes recognize his voice, and they recognize him personally … Kirk has turned into a friend of special athletes across the state.” Possehl stated that his involvement with the organization has changed his life for the better. “These people, they want to be treated like regular people. They don’t want to be glad-handed and all that,” Possehl said.
Anderson agreed, adding that Special Olympics is much more competitive than the general public may assume. “They think we’re just out here having a good time, giving out hugs and high fives,” he said. “A good time absolutely comes from it, but it is a competitive event. Athletes train for months.” Anderson explained that Special Olympics Minnesota athletes have run marathons, hit holes-in-one and play basketball at a level that catches the attention of college coaches.
Volunteering for Special Olympics
Minnesota, meanwhile, is much less intense. “For all of our event roles, no experience is needed,” said Special Olympics Minnesota Vice President of Marketing and Communications Katie Howlett. “One of the event roles for our summer games is a timer for track and field … We’ll give you a free T-Shirt. All you need to wear are some comfy, close-toed shoes, and we’ll teach you the rest.”
If a person just wants to attend the Special Olympics as a spectator, Possehl asserted that the games are just as exciting to watch as any live sporting event. “If our major league sports—Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves—had the
same mentality and the same drive that Special Olympians had, we would be world champions every year.”
When attending the games that Possehl is announcing, spectators will see many traditional tack-and-field events as well as some that have been adapted for participants. “Shot put may turn into a tennis ball or a softball throw,” Possehl gave as an example.
Some of those adapted events are the ones Possehl finds most inspirational. Ten years ago, Possehl commented on an event called the 10-meter assisted walk. “These people are in wheelchairs, walkers, canes, anything like that,” Possehl explained. “If they fall, and (someone assists) them up, they’re disqualified.” One participant, a wheelchair user, was using a walker and fell, scraping his chin, knees and elbows. When the first aid team came to help, the athlete kicked them away.
“He put that walker back up on its feet, and he crawled up that walker using his upper body. He stood up and finished the race,” Possehl said. “When he crossed that finish line, he had a smile from New York to L.A. … That’s how 27 years goes by in a heartbeat.”
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games take place June 20-26 at the National Sports Center in Blaine. For more information, visit 2026specialolympicsusagames.org/visit-thegames.
To learn how you can become a volunteer for Special Olympics Minnesota, visit specialolympicsminnesota.org/ get-involved.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Pictured from left: Kirk Possehl with his wife, Jackie Possehl.