Rotary member receives title of district governor
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
On July 1, Shoreview/Arden Hills Rotary Club Member Glenn Bowers will step into his new role as district governor for Rotary District 5960. The district covers most of southeastern Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin. The district contains 64 clubs and approx-
imately 3,300 members. Local clubs included within the district are Shoreview/Arden Hills, White Bear Lake, New Brighton/ Mounds View, the Chain of Lakes Rotary and Blaine/Ham Lake.
Bowers has been interested in becoming district governor for about 20 years and has always gravitated toward leadership roles, whether in the workplace or in Rotary.
“For probably 20 years, I thought about putting my name in the hat somewhere for district governor, whether it was for Arkansas, initially, or other places,” he said.
Bowers has been a Rotary member since 1986 and first joined a club in southeast Texas after participating in a group
Sheriff’s Office installs license plate reader cameras
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
SHOREVIEW — Six license plate reader cameras will be installed throughout the city by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) following approval from the Shoreview City Council. The cameras will be utilized by the Sheriff’s Office to reduce crime and criminal activity throughout the communities it serves.
The RCSO provides law enforcement services to the cities of Shoreview, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, Arden Hills, Falcon Heights and Little Canada, as well as White Bear Township. Service include patrol, investigations, apprehension, water patrol, community support services, school resource officers and more.
“License plate reader cameras are not new. They are being used all throughout the metro and have been for quite some time,” said Shoreview City Manager Brad Martens. “Really, what this comes down to for the city of Shoreview is the budgetary side. These are license plate reader cameras proposed to go in county right of way. So ultimately, not a single permit comes through the city of Shoreview, it’s through the Ramsey County Public Works Department. They’re (RCSO) looking for support because there is a small cost for these cameras.”
In total, 19 cameras would be installed throughout the six cities and township. The installation of the cameras would cost approximately $57,000; the con-
Ramsey County promotes safe firearm storage, harm prevention
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Ramsey County leaders are recommitting to the county’s longstanding work to engage residents through the Ramsey County Gun Safety Initiative. The initiative was created in 2016 through a partnership between the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and Public Health Department. The initiative encourages gun owners to prevent acci-
dental shootings involving children by securing their firearms with free gun locks
available at 20 locations throughout the county, including the Shoreview Library. So far, the program has given out 8,000-10,000 free gun locks to Ramsey County residents.
Recently, multiple Ramsey County officials and leaders got together at the Shoreview Library to discuss the initiative and the importance of gun safety.
“All those bad things about gun violence, they’re preventable. They really are. And what it requires is for
the people in our community to recognize that they can be a part of it,” Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said.
According to St. Paul Ramsey County Director of Public Health Amy Coran the Minnesota Department of Health provided preliminary data at the end of May that showed the suicide rate in the state remained the same in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2024, the state recorded 813 suicides among residents. Coran said this is below the state high of
860 deaths in 2022.
“While these preliminary numbers show that suicide rates per 100,000 are holding steady, the overall upward trend over the last 20 years is concerning,” Coran said. “As we consider the impact death by suicide has on families and communities, it is important for everyone to know that suicides are preventable, help is available and recovery is possible.”
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
(Top left)Shoreview Mayor Sue Denkinger, Glenn Bowers, Arden Hills City Council Member Brenda Holden and County Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh. (Bottom left) Dr. Glenn Bowers was recognized for his achievement at an inauguration dinner held at the Shoreview Community Center.
We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!
ONGOING EVENTS
SHOREVIEW FARMERS MARKET
When: 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays, through Aug.
26
Where: Shoreview Community Center, lower level parking lot, 4600 Victoria St. N.
Details: Features a variety of local vendors.
Contact: www.shoreviewmn.gov
DROP IN MAH JONGG
When: 1 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Bring your tiles and your friends for drop-in play. All levels welcome. No registration required. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-4904700.
500 CARD CLUB
When: Noon, Mondays
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Cards and conversation. No partner required.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-4904700.
CURRENT EVENTS
BASEBALL HISTORY
When: 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 17
Where: Roseville Skating Center Banquet Facility, 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville
Details: Stew Thornley, official scorer for Minnesota Twins (hired by Major League Baseball), will provide insights into the game.
CONCERT IN THE COMMONS
When: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18
Where: Haffeman Pavilion, Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
18TH ANNUAL WHITE BEAR LAKE CLASSIC AND VINTAGE BOAT SHOW
When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, June 21
Where: White Bear Lake Shopping Center, 4391 Lake Ave. S.
Details: Display of classic and vintage boats—inboards, outboards, row boats and sailboats. Live fishing as well as nautical market. Contact: ppinfo@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200
Details: Performance by BackYard Band. Bring your family, friends, a chair or blanket and get ready to dance the night away. The Shoreview/Arden Hills Lions Club will be selling Culver’s sundaes. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
When: 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Friday, June 20
Where: VFW Parking Lot, 4496 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake
Details: The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage that is negatively affecting blood product availability across the country. Donors of all blood types –especially type O and those giving platelets are needed.
Contact: 1-800-RED-CROSS or redcrossblood.org
BOB ROSS PAINTING CLASS: MOONRISE
When: 6-8:45 p.m. Friday, June 20
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Experiencing painting the Bob Ross way with a landscaping method with certified instructor Valarie Namen. All materials included. Registration is required a week before class through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov
LEPAK/LARSON MUSEUM TOUR
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 21
Where: Lepak/Larson House, 1170 Lepak Court, Shoreview Details: Tour a restored 1930’s-40s farmhouse restored by the Shoreview Historical Society. Members of the Board of Directors will be providing the tours. Participate in the groups new educational program afterwards. Contact: shoreviewhistoricalsociety.org
TWIN CITIES DOCTORS SPAR: LESSONS FROM THE 1918 INFLUENZA PANDEMIC
When: 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 24
Where: Roseville Skating Center Banquet Facility, 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville
Details: Presentation by Rich Danila, NE Metro Golden K Kiwanis club member and retiree from the Minnesota Public Health Department.
AARP SMART DRIVER
When: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 24
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Taught by AARP trained instructors. Learn about safe driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. For ages 55+. Registration required a week before class.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD MEETING
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 24
Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, rear entrance, Door G, 3920 Victoria St. N, Shoreview
Details: Following the business meeting, the evening's presentation will be on landscape quilts. Emily Chesick will be sharing her knowledge and techniques on the history; the basics; the designing and finishing landscape quilts. Visitors are welcome.
Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org
DEMENTIA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP WITH RESPITE CARE
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 25
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: This support group is led by a trained facilitator from Alzheimer’s Speaks. Free, but registration is requested. Drop-ins are welcome if space is available.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov
CONCERT IN THE COMMONS
When: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 25
Where: Haffeman Pavilion, Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Performance by Jim Tones. Bring your family, friends, a chair or blanket and get ready to dance the night away.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov
North metro mom blooms urban flower farm
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
You name the flower, she grows it. Gina Kieger is an urban flower farmer whose business, Backyard Flower Farm LLC, now three years in the making, continues to germinate.
“The business is growing naturally in the community, and it’s nice to see everyone enjoying fresh, locally grown flowers,” she said.
Kieger, a 2001 White Bear Lake grad, has an interior design background. After she and her husband Jason had infertility struggles for several years, she decided she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom to her three children, now ages 10, 6 and 3. With her family complete, Kieger said, “I needed a little something for me.”
She was scrolling on Pinterest one day when she stumbled upon a picture from Floret Flowers, a small family farm in Washington. “I thought, ‘those are the most beautiful rose snapdragons I have ever seen,’” she recalled. Kieger visited the business’ website and learned that the farm was situated on 2 acres.
“I had no idea that you could grow that many flowers in such a small space,” she said. “I just dove into it. I love flowers, I love being creative and I know how to grow stuff … When I go in, it’s a little obsessive, but I’m all in.”
As a stay-at-home mom, and with a background in retail and furniture sales, she was missing interaction with the community.
In her first year, she focused on flower subscriptions. In addition to dropping off flowers at Humble Roots Boutique in Centerville, she tried out the Centerville Main Street Market. She signed up for the White Bear Lake Farmers Market but got waitlisted.
“That was good, because there is a lot that goes into the timing of when things are going to bloom, what colors they are and what kind of plants they are. I didn’t have that down pat anyway to guarantee that I would have the maximum number of flowers that would
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Friday Fun Days at Bucher and Sitzer Park
look great together,” she recalled. “That was a learning year.”
In her second year, she doubled her subscriptions and added the White Bear Lake Farmers Market, Marketfest and the Mahtomedi Farmers Market with occasional popup events, including at 7 Vines Vineyard in Dellwood and Humble Roots.
This year, she has started offering fresh bouquets at 350 Degrees Bakery in Mahtomedi and plans a presence at the farmers markets in White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi.
“It is a lot of networking and connecting. There is this whole community of people that I’m becoming a part of. It is really fun,” Kieger explained. “You can’t have a bad day at the farmers market. Even if you don’t sell out, the community is great, the people are great and you are connecting with everybody; everybody so genuinely wants to help everyone else out.”
Backyard Flower Farm LLC is known for its build-your-own bouquets. Her dis-
Council approves adjusted Community Center rates
play has 12 bins, all filled with a unique variety of blooms.
“I spend a solid two months figuring out what I’m going to grow the next year, what the varieties are, when they are going to bloom, what color palettes are going to bloom at the same time,” Kieger said. “I have spreadsheets … When everything is blooming that you thought was going to bloom together and it matches, and you make a bouquet, it’s like ‘aaaaaaaaaah.’”
This season, Kieger has 150 varieties of flowers planted at her home on White Bear Avenue.
“What I’ve heard from the flower farm community is you are supposed to narrow down your options. I’m trying to narrow it down … but it’s so hard,” she said.
Because the flowers are locally grown, customers will find flowers that you can’t get from a traditional florist because they don’t ship well.
In the spring, customers can enjoy tulips, anemones, ranunculus and peonies.
In the summer, bouquets could include peonies, sunflowers, China asters, zinnias, snapdragons, celosias, gomphrenas, strawflowers, bachelor buttons and cosmos. In the fall, in addition to 10-12 varieties of sunflowers, customers can enjoy Chinese asters, zinnias, lisianthus (prairie gentian), snapdragons, celosias, gomphrenas (globe amaranth), strawflowers, bachelor buttons and cosmos.
“They are going to get garden-style, unique and delicate flowers,” Kieger explained. “It’s all about letting people be creative and have access to pretty, fancy flowers at an everyday price where people can enjoy them, not just for special events.”
For more information on Backyard Flower Farm LLC, visit www.backyardflowerfarmllc.com or find the business on social media.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BRIEF
Health officials confirm new measles cases in Twin Cities metro area
Each Friday this summer, kids ages 5 through 10 can enjoy a fun day filled with themed activities, crafts and snacks at Friday Fun Days, hosted by Shoreview Parks and Recreation. The first session will take place from 9 a.m.-noon Friday, June 27. The theme will be “Kickoff to Summer!” Sessions will go through Friday, Aug. 8 and take place at either Bucher or Sitzer Park.
Registration is required two weeks before camp. Register through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog at shoreviewmn.gov. Bucher Park is located at 5900 Mackubin St., Shoreview. Sitzer Park is located at 4344 Hodgson Road, Shoreview.
The Shoreview Community Center rates will increase around 4% for resident and nonresident memberships effective Aug. 1 or at the beginning of the new year following council approval. This includes daily admission and membership rates as well as rental rates for the banquet rooms including the Shoreview Room, Weddell Community Room and Haffeman Pavilion.
Two new cases of measles were recently confirmed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The cases are Minnesota’s third and fourth confirmed measles cases in 2025.
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The first case is a Washington County adult whose vaccination status is unverified. The individual was exposed during domestic air travel out of Minnesota. The second case is an unvaccinated child from Dakota County who has not traveled outside of the state in the last month and had no known exposure.
The community has multiple membership category options for both residents and nonresidents. Memberships are available for families, dual (two people living at the same address), adults, youth and seniors. These memberships can be purchased annually, seasonally or billed monthly. Membership includes the use of two water parks, an indoor playground, fitness center, gymnasium and a walking track.
Initial symptoms of measles include a fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes followed by a rash that typically spreads from the head to the rest of the body. It generally takes eight to 12 days from exposure for someone with measles to develop the first symptoms. The measles rash usually appears two to three days after the fever begins.
If symptoms develop, people should call their health care provider before going to a clinic. Calling first is an important way to ensure that proper care is received without accidentally exposing other people to measles.
Additional information about measles can be found on the MDH measles website at www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/measles/index.html.
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Minnesota Department of Health
CONTRIBUTED Gina Kieger
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Residents can find Backyard Flower Farm LLC at various local farmers markets this summer. Gina Kieger will offer build your own event buckets.
ICelebrations
t has been a jam-packed couple of weeks following our son Kellen’s graduation from high school, graduation parties and finishing up state championship games.
Publisher’s View
Carter Johnson
The Mahtomedi boys baseball team and girls flag football team both won their state tournaments this past week. The Centennial girls flag football team also made it to the state semifinals. How amazing is it to have winning teams around us. Girls high school flag football was a new sport this spring, with around 110 teams launched with the support of the Minnesota Vikings. According to the team’s website, girls flag football is the fastest-growing emerging high school sport in the nation. The state tournament was held at the Vikings’ TCO Performance Center in Eagan. Flag football utilizes a 50 yard field, allowing two games to be played at a time. The Mahtomedi girls had an undefeated season. We have heard that the team photos will be displayed in the TCO building.
I confess we missed seeing the baseball team win at Target Field in person. We were at a graduation party when it was announced that they won, and the entire group erupted with applause and cheers. There were also significant successes among our boys and girls high school golf and track athletes at the state meets this week.
It is so fun celebrating with friends and family in this round of amazing graduation parties. Several of the picture displays at grad parties included articles clipped from The Press, which was also fun to see. Many of the families we know, like ours, have the youngest kid graduating and heading off to college. We hope these friendships will continue as we all try navigating the “empty nest” that is coming up quickly.
We also celebrated Derrek Skeie’s milestone birthday, Sean Wagner’s retirement and Flag Day over the weekend. Our daughter’s birthday is on Flag Day. Every year since she was born, I have lined our driveway or the boulevard with mini flags. Early in elementary school she wanted her birthday parties to be flag-themed. In first grade, she requested everyone at her party sing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” instead of “Happy Birthday.” Abbey still enjoys planning parties around a theme, complete with decorations and sometimes T-shirts that she designs.
I enjoy seeing the flags displayed along the streets throughout our communities. I’m thankful for the Rotary Club, American Legion, VFW and others who take on the dedication to uphold and honor the flag.
This year’s Flag Day turned tragic with the assassination of a Minnesota legislator and her husband, and attempted assissination of another lawmaker and his wife. There were also political protests throughout our communities. I have often written about the courage and personal sacrifice it takes to run for elected office, from state and federal-level positions to city council and school board members. Our democracy at all levels is dependent on the debate of political differences in a peaceful and respectful way. Violence can never be tolerated. With the 4th of July ahead, dust off your decorations and get your flag out in full force.
Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
Caring for Shoreview’s water today and tomorrow
TMovers & Shakers
Sue Denkinger
his month, I attended a gathering of Twin Cities mayors to discuss a topic central to our quality of life: water. I came away with renewed awareness of the challenges we all face, as well as the opportunities we have to take action, when it comes to water access, quality, and sustainability. Here in Shoreview, we are fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful lakes, ponds, wetlands, and streams. These natural features are not only scenic— they are vital to our ecosystem, our recreation, and our community identity. But they require ongoing care and attention.
Several cities across the metro are grappling with issues such as lead pipes, aging infrastructure, and the rising cost of water treatment. Additionally, stormwater runoff, which carries pollutants like phosphorus, can degrade the health of our waterways. Aquatic invasive species, both plant and fish, are another growing concern for our water-
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shed districts. Despite these challenges, communities are taking action. One simple, yet effective method is keeping storm drains free of leaves and debris. Some cities have even created “Adopt-aDrain” programs to engage residents directly. Shoreview’s own public works department supports water quality through annual street sweeping and “smart salting,” which optimizes road salt use to reduce environmental harm.
Sustainability is another key focus. Shoreview uses permeable pavement at 16 locations across the city to reduce flooding and erosion. We’ve established over 20 rain gardens that help filter stormwater before it enters our lakes and streams.
At Rice Creek Fields, we use a stormwater reuse system for irrigation—a cost-effective, eco-conscious solution developed in partnership with the Rice Creek Watershed District. Water monitoring and conservation are also important. Shoreview offers “Eye on Water,” a free software tool for residents to track water use and detect leaks. We also provide rebates for “smart” irrigation systems that adjust automatically based on weather conditions. The message from one fellow mayor
rings true: we must treat water as if it’s scarce—even when it seems abundant.
We’re also partnering with experts to study and improve water quality. At Shoreview Commons Park, we’re using iron filters to assess how phosphorus levels can be reduced, working in collaboration with the University of Minnesota and watershed organizations. Meanwhile, efforts like the Cottage Place wetland restoration and shoreline improvements at Lake Owasso—where invasive plants are being replaced with native species—help ensure cleaner, healthier lakes.
All of this adds up to a community-wide effort to protect a resource we too often take for granted. Water is essential for daily living, public health, recreation, and even economic growth. The work we do now to care for it through individual actions, city projects, and regional partnerships will pay off for generations.
Let’s continue to give Shoreview’s precious waters the attention and care they deserve. Our future depends on it.
Sue Denkinger is the mayor of Shoreview.
SHOREVIEW PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p. m. , Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to shoreviewnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Be kind to our veterans and our planet
Please don’t use fireworks to celebrate our country’s independence on the Fourth of July. They are harmful in the following ways:
AIR, LAND, AND WATER POLLUTION. Fireworks contain perchlorate and heavy metals which pollute all of the above, and they do not dissolve in water. Cardboard, wire and plastics are used to build the fireworks. Once detonated, they explode into tiny bits and fragments that pollute the area around the display. These fragments sink to the bottom of lakes.
ACCIDENT RISK. In 2022, 10,200 people visited the ER as a result of mishandled fireworks, and there were 11 deaths. Fireworks are also a risk for starting wildfires.
NOISE POLLUTION. Wildlife and neighborhood pets often find fireworks quite disturbing. Veterans and others who suffer from PTSD find them extremely problematic.
Please decrease or, better yet, eliminate your use of fireworks, especially if you are shooting them into and over one of our beautiful lakes. Many people work to protect our lakes. This is a way you can assist that effort and help wildlife and veterans.
If you or your children must shoot fireworks, please limit them to one day only, the Fourth of July. It is not a weeklong event. Celebrate with a picnic, a parade, a laser show, and with people you love, but don’t use fireworks. Please be kind to all.
Marsha Soucheray, Shoreview
• Resident and Public Safety Committee
Member Kyle Walker expressed his concerns about the proposed license plate readers (LPR) that would be installed by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO). Walker said he wants the sheriff’s office to have the tools to be successful, but said it would be premature to approve the installation of the cameras at this time due to the technology of the cameras.
• The council has approved the 2025 supplemental law enforcement service agreement for water patrol with the RCSO. The city annu-
STUDENT
The following students from the area were named to the dean's or president’s list or received academic honors at a college or university in Spring 2025:
Southern New Hampshire University: Dena Anderson
University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Ella Rose Masso
Biola University: Tira Anderson
University of Minnesota Labovitz School of Business and Economics: Jessica Eischens
DNR BRIEF
DNR webinar series offers ways to learn about the outdoors
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will offer webinars throughout the summer on walleye genetics, buckthorn management and fish dubbed “living fossils” like gar and paddlefish. The webinars are part of the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series. This summer, webinars will focus on topics that will appeal to people interested in nature, including anglers and hunters. The live webinars are at noon on Wednesdays and last an hour or less.
ally contracts with the RCSO for supplemental water patrol services for specific lakes in Shoreview. The supplemental service includes up to 192 hours of lake patrol between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with emphasis on weekends and holidays.
• Six LPR cameras will be installed throughout the city by the RCSO following council approval. LPR cameras are used in law enforcement to reduce crime and criminal activity as well as to keep communities safe (see full story in this week’s issue).
• Changes will be made to ordinance 1052
regarding mobile vendors following council approval. According to city staff, these changes will include revising regulations for peddlers and solicitors, as well as adding language regarding food trucks and non-commercial doorto-door advocates.
• The city will extend its franchise agreement with Comcast by five years following council approval. The city has utilized Comcast since 2015. As of March 31, there are 3,080 Comcast cable subscribers in Shoreview. The franchise agreement will now expire June 30, 2030.
MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHOOL BOARD NOTES
• Superintendent Chris Lennox provided an update on the school district’s annual Q-comp report. Lennox explained that the Q-comp report is required by the state of Minnesota every year. Mounds View was one of three school districts in the state to explement Q-comp. There are five components that make up the Q-comp program. These components are career advancement options, job-embedded professional development, teacher evaluation, alternative pay system and a general view of the program. Lennox said that Q-comp continues to be a successful program in the district, “I think it has been embedded and the way it’s been embedded in the work we do here in Mounds View, very complementary to our overall goals. We believe it works towards our student achievement as well.”
• Lennox also announced that Mounds View High School Principal Rob Reetz has been named High School Principal of the Year in the Minnesota Capital Division by the Minnesota Association of
Secondary Principals (MASSP).
• The board has authorized the sale of certificates of participation to Northland Securities Incorporated to help aid the district in the purchasing of the Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS) building located in Shoreview. The sale of the certificates is the funding mechanism that allows the district to lease-purchase the property.
• Darin Johnson, executive director of school management, provided the board with an update regarding enrollment and class sizes for the 2025-26 school year. Johnson said that enrollment at the district’s two kindergarten centers for the upcoming school year is approximately 918 students, 194 students above the projected count of 724. Enrollment at the elementary schools stands at around 4,222 students, 41 students above the projected count. The current enrollment across the three middle schools, in total, is approximately 2,613 students, which represents 17 students above the district’s project-
Summer topics include:
• June 18: Aquatic invasive species and watercraft inspections
• June 25: Mitigating human-wildlife conflicts
• July 23: Buckthorn management
• July 30: Walleye genetics and survival
• Aug. 6: Spruce budworm
• Aug. 13: Gar and paddlefish in today’s world
• Aug. 20: Early teal season
• Aug 27: Why we manage chronic wasting disease
Advance registration is required. Registration information can be found online at mndnr.gov/discover.
COUNTY BRIEF
Ramsey County collects school supplies for swap in August
Starting in July, residents in Ramsey County can drop off gently used school supplies such as markers, glue sticks, pencils and more at Ramsey County Library locations and the Environmental Center, located at 1700 Kent St., Roseville. These supplies will be used for a free school supply swap in August.
Ramsey County Libraries are located in Mounds View, Shoreview, White Bear Lake, Roseville, Maplewood, New Brighton and North St. Paul. For more information, visit rclreaders.org.
COMMUNITY BRIEF
The significance of Juneteenth and its celebrations
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Its significance can be traced back to June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, announcing to enslaved African Americans that they were officially free following the end of the Civil War.
Today, Juneteenth is celebrated through a variety of events, including parades, family gatherings, religious services and educational-themed events, often featuring food, music and dancing. Some of these celebrations include eating various red-colored foods, such as barbecue, red velvet cake and strawberry pie. The color represents the blood shed by enslaved people in their fight for freedom and the resilience they demonstrated during the process. Additionally, most government-related buildings and services will be closed in honor of Juneteenth.
To find out how your city is celebrating Juneteenth, visit your local city website for information on upcoming events and celebrations.
• Mayor Sue Denkinger announced that the Kidz Concert in the Commons series will kick off at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, at Haffeman Pavilion. She also announced that applications for the Green Community Awards is open until Friday, July 11. Applications can be found on the city’s website at shoreviewmn.gov.
The next Shoreview City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, June 30, in council chambers.
Madeline
Dolby
ed count. Combined enrollment at the high schools is around 3,700 students, 118 students above the projected count. Johnson said that in total, before the spring task of calculating the departure of current district students, there are 11,453 K through 12 students enrolled in the district, which represents 370 students more than the 2025-26 projection of 11,083 students. Lennox said the total of 11,453 is subject to change leading up to the start of the new school year.
• The board entered into closed session per Minnesota Statues 13D.03 to conduct the superintendent’s evaluation.
The next Mounds View Public Schools School Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, at the District Center, 4570 Victoria St. N., Shoreview. Public comments to the board will be at 6:30 p.m. before the meeting.
CALENDAR BRIEF
Mounds View hosts picnic, celebration for
Juneteenth
The Mounds View Community Engagement Committee will host a Juneteenth community picnic and celebration from 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 20, at Silver View Park. There will be food, live music and moments for reflection and celebration. Those who are planning to attend are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Silver View Park is located at 7543 Silver Lake Road, Mounds View. For more information, visit moundsviewmn.org.
Madeline Dolby
SHOREVIEW CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
COPS&COURTS
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Shoreview:
• Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies at 8:38 p.m. April 23 responded to the Shoreview Community Center in the 4500 block of Victoria Street N. after a Minneapolis girl, 17, reported that someone had stolen her iPhone 13 Pro from the locker room. After further investigation, the complainant got her phone back when a Columbia Heights girl contacted deputies to report that her little sister had mistakenly taken the wrong phone from the locker room.
• A Shoreview woman, 26, was arrested for mail theft at 9:34 a.m. April 24 in the 4100 block of Sylvia Lane S. after she was spotted stealing several Amazon packages off the front steps of a house. After the thief took the packages, she walked across the street and into a home.
• A resident in the 1000 block of Lake Oaks Drive at 5:49 p.m. April 24 reported receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be from the RCSO demanding money. Deputies quickly advised the caller that the sheriff’s office would never call people to request or demand payment for anything.
The scam report is under investigation.
• A resident in the 500 block of Highway 96 at 9:07 p.m. April 25 reported hearing three loud bangs outside her house that sounded like gunshots. No evidence of shots having been fired was found during an extensive search of the area by deputies with their K-9 officers. However, the incident was captured on a Ring doorbell camera of three shots fired from a moving vehicle.
• Deputies responded to the report of a child standing in the street crying at 3:15 p.m. April 26 near the intersection of Dale Street N. and Mound Avenue. On arrival at the scene, deputies found a child, 4, surrounded by a group of bystanders who had found him all alone. After a brief investigation, deputies determined that the child had sneaked away from his grandfather, 64, who had been watching his grandchildren play at a nearby park.
Loretta Harding
Editor’s note: Until further notice, there will no longer be Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office included in the Shoreview Press. The Press apologizes for the inconvenience.
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
Changes to Minnesota traffic in effect July 1
Beginning on July 1, lane filtering and lane splitting will become legal for motorcyclists on Minnesota roads.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), lane splitting is allowed when two or more lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction. Riders will be able to drive between the two lanes at no more than 25 mph. Lane filtering happens when traffic is stopped, and riders can move through no more than 15 mph over the speed of traffic in the relevant traffic lanes.
For more information, visit the DPS website at dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/
BUSINESS BRIEF
BluePearl Pet Hospital in Arden Hills offers new program
BluePearl Pet Hospital in Arden Hills has launched a new program for pet owners, BluePearl Pet Hospice. The service is designed to keep pets approaching the end of their lives comfortable before they cross the rainbow bridge.
BluePearl Pet Hospice provides inhome care that allows pets to enjoy their final days in comfort surrounded by a familiar environment. For pets located in cities where BluePearl Pet Hospice is not available, BluePearl also offers virtual
Crossword
safe-driving-information-and-laws/mnmotorcycle-safety-center.
Cool down with the Mounds View Police Department
Join the Mounds View Police Department from noon to 1 p.m. every Thursday in July for Popsicles in the Park at the City Hall Park splash pad. Bring the kids, enjoy a free popsicle, splash around and spend time getting to know local police officers.
The City Hall Park splash pad is located at 2401 Mounds View Blvd., Mounds View.
quality-of-life consultations.
The hospice program will also offer Comfort Care, a program for families with pets that are living with chronic or terminal disease. Comfort Care places focus on the pet's comfort and quality of life, while also taking into consideration the family's goals for care. The program provides partnership to help families navigate pain and disease management, while also offering services to support their pet’s mobility.
To learn more about the hospice program, visit bluepearlvet.com/ pethospice.
DISTRICT GOVERNOR: Bowers to oversee 64 clubs, 3,300 Rotary members
study exchange program.
“Rotary had a program called a group study exchange, where non-Rotarians were sent between districts in the world. I went from Southeast Texas to Northwest India. I came back and joined Rotary and was president of that club there,” Bowers said. Bower’s career took him to Texas A&M and then to Purdue University in Indiana. While at Purdue, he joined a Rotary club there. He then changed from academics to the private sector and moved to northeast Arkansas. Bowers lived there for 17 years and was also the club’s president. In 2016, he moved to Vadnais Heights and joined the Shoreview/ Arden Hills Rotary Club. He has been a member ever since. Bower’s wife, Pam, is a current member of the Rotary Club of White Bear Lake.
Bowers, now retired, joined the Shoreview/ Arden Hills Rotary because it was on his way to work.
“I was always working at research stations outside of town, so I always went the opposite way of traffic. My job was in Roseville … I wanted to find a club that I could hit on the way to work in the morning. The Shoreview/Arden Hills Club meets at 7:30 in the morning, and so it was a draw line,” Bowers said. Throughout Bower’s time in differ-
ent Rotary clubs, he has held multiple positions such as club secretary, treasurer, vice president, president-elect and president.
“I’ve done a lot of different roles at the district level, too. It has given me the passion for it and what Rotary does and the fellowship. It’s one of the advantages of being in Rotary since we moved across the country three times. Right away, we had connections. You joined a club, and you’ve got friends and connections in the community,” he said.
When asked what his most rewarding experience is as a Rotarian, Bower said it is seeing the overall impact they have had in changing lives.
“It’s not one specific thing but seeing the impact we’ve had changing lives.
We’ve got a program in our club that identifies with the schools, identifies kids that are kind of struggling their sophomore year. As they improve (their grades), then they get a scholarship. We do a lot of different things with food packs, support a lot of projects in different parts of the world financially,”
Bowers said.
He added that the Shoreview/Arden Hills club did a project in Africa where Rotarians helped build bathrooms and construct places to store clean water.
As district governor, Bowers will be responsible for overseeing the clubs within Rotary District 5960. He will serve as the official representative of Rotary International, leading and guiding clubs within the district by visiting each
LICENSE PLATE READERS: 6
FROM PAGE 1
tract communities would pay $28,500 of the respective total. According to the budget addendum from RCSO, Shoreview would pay approximately $17,709 of that amount.
According to the city staff report, only sergeants or higher-ranking employees with investigators who can search the system with a valid purpose and case number attached can control, enter and review the data. The RCSO will have complete control of the data. State law requires the data collected by the cameras to be deleted after 60 days. The data collected by RCSO would be deleted after 30 days. The system does not capture video, only still images.
Public Safety Committee Member Kyle Walker expressed his concerns about the technology used by the cameras and thought that the council’s approval of the installation of the cameras was premature. “I believe they (the cameras) would be premature to adopt at this time. I do support the sheriff’s office and
Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office contract cities and township:
• Arden Hills
• Falcon Heights
• Little Canada
• North Oaks
• Shoreview
• Vadnais Heights
• White Bear Township
The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of the Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs. No specific page or position shall be guaranteed. The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.
club and helping them focus on their long-term goals.
“Districts are there to support clubs, help them identify resources, help them set goals and encourage them to think long term,” Bowers said.
He explained that Rotary changes leadership annually, all the way up to the head of Rotary International. By helping clubs develop strategies, or three-year plans, it helps them be effective and as productive as possible.
“We have specialists in the district that help with membership, help with public image, help with grants. Clubs and club members do the real work. We’re just here to help them and whatever they need,” he said.
As district governor, Bowers wants
to focus on food security at a local and global level along with helping those who are struggling with mental health issues, specifically youth and veterans. He also wants to work in improving the clubs’ public image by bringing projects clubs are working on into the light and sharing data from those projects with the community.
“I want to give back. I’ve had a good life,” Bowers said. “I want to help.” For more information about the Shoreview/ Arden Hills Rotary Club, visit ardenhillsshoreviewrotary.org. For more information about the district and a full list of district clubs, go to www. rotary5960.org.
cameras to be installed, more to follow
the work they do, their service for our community, and I want them to have the tools and resources they need to be successful,” Walker said. “The issue here is this technology kind of goes beyond the collection of mere tracking of a stolen car or a shoplifter going between towns.”
Walker said that from his understanding, the cameras collect a month of data based on what you are doing with your vehicle. He said there are not sufficient guardrails to prevent other agencies from accessing the data without a warrant or a subpoena.
Martens explained that other agencies using Flock systems may request access to the data for sharing as is done with other public safety data, but RCSO would review each request for its public safety need. He also said the Sheriff’s Office is currently working with the county attorney to develop a formal data request practice to understand what is required to be released.
“If there were to be significant damage, a dent on a vehicle, my understanding from the sheriff’s office is you could say, ‘White vehicle with dent on the rear quarter panel,’ and that would go beyond the license plate itself,” he added.
Council Member Paul Gardner said that he is comfortable with the statute and policy proposed by RCSO but hopes that the technology will be used as intended.
“I see the value of something like helping with Amber Alerts, or people violating restraining orders or an active shooter chase. But there is also a great responsibility that, as much as possible, we’re using the technology as intended,” he said.
Mayor Sue Denkinger shared her thoughts, too.
“As the budget has gone up and up for public safety, the thought keeps coming in my mind, ‘Where’s the technology that we could use to manage with not having, perhaps, as many police officers as we would like to have for speeders, or lower level crimes?’ This truly is a technical tool,” Denkinger said.
The council approved the installation of the six cameras in a unanimous 5-0 vote.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-431-1226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com
Glenn Bowers
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Members of the Shoreview/Arden hills Rotary Club help pack school supplies at the Kids in Need Foundation.
New mental health vehicle brings support to Ramsey County
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Ramsey County’s new mental health outreach vehicle, appropriately named Serenity, provides mental health support, outreach, wellness resources and, eventually, telehealth services directly to neighborhoods throughout the county.
The bus was created after county staff had various conversations with residents about how the county delivers its services. Community members also expressed their needs and what they would like to see. While the bus will travel throughout the county, it is not designed to transport people.
“The response, or feedback, that we received was around engagement and having resources available to individuals in the community. And this was an opportunity for us to be able to provide them,” said Kenya Walker, Ramsey County’s social service deputy director.
As of now, the county is in phase 1 of the program. Phase 1, according to Sophia Thompson, Ramsey County social services director, focuses on understanding the demands and wants of the community. It also is about increasing awareness of and access to mental health services in Ramsey County.
“We’re promoting overall wellness and mental health literacy through informational materials, so providing information on our services, and then educating the community about those services so we can then facilitate access to them,” said Charles Goff, Ramsey County adult support manager.
The bus, Walker said, is a different pathway for people to learn about re -
Mental Health Outreach Vehicle services:
• Mental health outreach and resources: Information and conversations about mental wellness.
• Access to county services: Information about programs and supports available to you, including adult mental health case management, urgent care, housing support and more.
• Telehealth appointments (coming soon): Virtual visits with mental health professionals in a private and supportive space on board the van.
sources, access services and connect with Ramsey County as a whole.
“I look at Serenity as being able to meet people where they are in their environment, just really being able to foster connection,” Walker said.
Thompson added that the bus aligns with Ramsey County’s overarching vision, mission and values.
“When people see Ramsey County, they don’t think of this section or this area… it’s just Ramsey County. So, we’re really leaning into this vision of ‘What does it mean to just be one Ramsey County altogether?” Thompson said.
“We want to be a space where we may not be able to provide every service, but we can provide information. If you come in and say, ‘Hey, my medical was cut off and I don’t know who to call,’ we can look up information and share it,” she added.
In 2026, the county hopes to start phase 2 of the program. Phase 2 will focus on how to provide mental health services within or from the bus, whether that is a brief therapy appointment, a needs assessment or access to other mental health programs via telehealth if a provider is not on the bus.
The Ramsey County mental health services team is also working with the county’s evaluation team to collect data from residents to learn about
how the services offered on Serenity can adapt to community needs.
“We were at an event, and someone said, ‘It would be great if you could park the bus somewhere, and that day it’s just used for people who want to come in, do walk-in counseling hours,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s a good idea,” Walker said.
During phase 1, the bus will be staffed by Ramsey County employees of all levels and volunteers. Thompson noted that when people approach the bus, it will be possible that there would be an administrative assistant or a county program director. It could be a range of individuals, which is why the county is not advertising it as a clinical opportunity at this time.
“This is about serving the community, and we don’t serve the community alone,” Thompson said. “We rely on our partners to serve the community in conjunction, and that’s the mindset we’re trying to lean into this with … The hope is to partner with our other mental health providers and entities in the community.”
Goff said the bus will be parked at various events over the course of the month. On June 18, it will be parked at the Midway Area Job Fair at Allianz Field and on Saturday, June 21, the bus can be found at the Juneteenth Family Celebration in St. Paul.
For more information about mental health services in Ramsey County, visit www.ramseycounty.us/residents/health-medical/clinics-services/mental-health.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-431-1226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com.
The Ramsey County mental health outreach vehicle — named Serenity — offers mental health support, wellness resources and more to neighborhoods through the county.
PHOTOS BY MADELINE DOLBY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Charles Groff, Ramsey County adult support manager, Kenya Walker, Ramsey County social service deputy director and Sophia Thompson, Ramsey County social services director sit in the bus while it is stationed in Arden Hills.
FIREARM STORAGE:
‘As a community, we must work together to support and care for each other’
The Minnesota Department of Health statistics show that firearm injuries were the leading cause of suicide deaths at 51%. National statistics also show that half of all youth suicides and 84% of youth homicides involve firearms. In 2020, firearm injuries became the leading cause of death for American children and adolescents.
“These grim statistics are why gun locks and safely secure firearms are an important part of the work to prevent suicides, accidental deaths and injuries and gun violence,” Coran said. “St. Paul Ramsey County Public Health has been involved with this gun lock project from the start because preventing illness, injury and premature death are core public health concerns.”
Commander Jeremy Bolen, with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, demonstrates how to use a gun lock.
Public health nurses a part of the state’s home visiting program talk with families about making their homes safe for potential hazards, such as poisons, electrical outlets and guns. Coran said the nurses discuss the importance of keeping guns locked, particularly if older children are in the home, the importance of keeping ammunition separate from the gun and how to safely transport firearms into vehicles.
“Unintentional shootings occur most frequently at times when children are likely to be home over the weekend and in the summer,” Coran said. “Nearly one child gains access to a loaded firearm and unintentionally shoots themself or someone else every day in America, an average of 350 children a year. More than seven in 10 intentional firearm shootings occur in and around homes.”
The Ramsey County’s crisis and mental health team helps connect residents in need to various resources, such as stabilization services, de-escalation, crisis intervention, mental health assessments and crisis plans. Another resource available to children, teens and adults is the mental health urgent care, located at 402 University Ave. E, St. Paul.
“As a community, we must work to prevent suicides. We must work
RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT BRIEF
Commissioner Tara
together to support and care for each other, especially for people who are struggling with their mental health or feeling despair. We must ensure access to health, and also to hope,” said Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota Sue Abderholden. Other mental health resources that residents can utilize is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The lifeline provides emotional support for people in distress or who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. It is also available to connect callers to additional, local resources and community support services as needed (See “Everything you need to know about 988,” White Bear Lake Press, Aug. 10, 2023).
Rice Creek Watershed District receives water storage grant
The Rice Creek Watershed District is one of six local governments to receive funding from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The BWSR is awarding approximately $3.1 million in water quality and storage program grants for work that improves water quality and helps make landscapes more resilient to severe weather events.
The Minnesota Legislature passed bipartisan legislation in 2021 allocating $2 million to BWSR to develop a water storage program to address these challenges. Last fall, the program received $21 million in regional conservation partnership program support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
More information about BWSR’s water storage program can be found online at bwsr.state.mn.us/water-storage-and-climate-resilience.
“I have lived experience that drives this work. When I was 13, a classmate of mine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His family and mine were very close. I still do not know if this tragedy was intentional or accidental,” said Ramsey County Commissioner (District 1) Tara Jebens-Singh said. “Some of the lessons that I learned as a child from that event are guns are lethal, your life can change in an instant and it can happen to any family.”
“Talk about gun safety, normalize conversations around mental health, share this information. The more people we can reach, the more lives we can protect. Together we have the power to make a difference,” Jebens-Singh said. “Creat-
Local free gun lock distribution sites:
• Ramsey County Library—Roseville
• Ramsey County Library—Shoreview
• Ramsey County Service Center—Maplewood
• Ramsey County Service Center—Roseville
• Ramsey County Service—St. Paul
• Roseville Police Department
Call ahead for availability and ask staff for assistance to receive your free cable gun lock.
ing a distance and time between an individual and a firearm can save a life. A few seconds to lock a firearm can mean decades more life for children, or someone in crisis. Your actions can be the difference between tragedy and hope. Together through simple actions, like securing a firearm with a lock, we can help save lives across Ramsey County.”
For more information about the initiative, go to www.ramseycounty.
us/your-government/ leadership/county-attorneys-office/community-initiatives/ gun-safety-initiative. For additional gun lock resources, visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or the Roseville Police Department, 2660 Civic Center Drive.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651431-1226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com
PHOTOS BY MADELINE DOLBY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Ramsey County
Jebens-Singh, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Commander Jeremy Bolen, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Minnesota Chapter Sue Abderholden and St. Paul Ramsey County Public Health Director Amy Caron speak on the Ramsey County Gun Safety Initiative at the Shoreview Library.
Nominated businesses can promote their businesses on the ballot and in the paper.
CITY OF SHOREVIEW
ORDINANCE SUMMARY – ORDINANCE 1052
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10, BUSINESSES REGARDING MOBILE VENDORS
On the 2nd day of June, 2025 the Shoreview City Council adopted ordinance 1052 amending Chapter 10, Businesses, regarding mobile vendors. On the same day, pursuant to Minn. Stat. §412.191, Subd. 4, the Shoreview City Council directed that a summary of ordinance 1052 be published. Ordinance 1052 changes the title of Article X from peddlers to mobile vendors and expands it to include regulations on mobile food units, also known as food trucks. Other amendments to this article include updated regulations for peddlers and solicitors, as well as non-commercial door-todoor advocates. These regulations include expanding the permit length from 90 days to six months, allowing food trucks to operate on Sundays, and prohibiting the use of sound amplification devices. Finally, an update is also being made to Article II, licensing, to add solicitor registrations to the list of applicants the city can conduct a background check on. The term peddler is also being replaced with mobile vendor in this section. A copy of the ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular business hours at the office of the city manager, 4600 North Victoria Street, Shoreview, Minnesota 55126.
Brad Martens, City Manager
Published one time in the Shoreview Press on June 17, 2025.
CITY OF SHOREVIEW
ORDINANCE NO. 1053
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 933 TO EXTEND THE GRANT OF A FRANCHISE TO COMCAST OF MINNESOTA, INC.
The Shoreview City Council ordains that Ordinance No. 933 is amended as follows RECITALS
The City of Shoreview, Minnesota (“city”), pursuant to applicable federal and state law, granted a nonexclusive cable franchise (“franchise”) to Comcast of Minnesota, Inc. a Delaware corporation (“grantee”) that expires June 30, 2025. The city and grantee wish to extend the franchise for five (5) years to expire June 30, 2030. The franchise is amended only as specifically referenced below. All other terms of the franchise and ordinance no. 933 remain in full force and effect.
Attached Exhibit A, is incorporated into the ordinance.
Section 2
2.3 Franchise Term. The term of the
2025.
Effective Date: This ordinance shall become effective the day following its publication in the city’s official newspaper.
Publication Date: Published on the 17th day of June, 2025. Sue Denkinger, Mayor Attest: Brad Martens, City Manager
EXHIBIT A FRANCHISE
THIS AGREEMENT, effective June 30, 2025, between the City of Shoreview (the “city”), and Comcast of Minnesota, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“Comcast”).
WHEREAS, the city has granted Comcast a non-exclusive franchise to construct, operate and maintain a cable television system (the “franchise”).
WHEREAS, Comcast timely filed a request with the city to activate the formal process for renewing the franchise pursuant to the provisions of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 (“Cable Act”); and
WHEREAS, the parties are in negotiations concerning a renewal of the franchise utilizing the informal procedures set forth in the Cable Act; and WHEREAS, the parties desire to extend the current franchise for five (5) years in order to accommodate such negotiations.
Section 1
Section 2 of the franchise is hereby amended by extending the term of such franchise through and including June 30, 2030. The parties do not waive any rights under Section 626 of the Federal Cable Act and agree that grantee shall not be required to file an additional Section 626 Letter to preserve its rights to formal proceedings under the franchise.
Section 2
Except as specifically modified hereby, the franchise shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 3
Neither party waives any rights under law as a result of agreeing to this franchise extension.
Sue Denkinger, City of Shoreview Mayor
Attest:
Comcast of Minnesota, Inc.
Karly Baraga Werner
Vice President, External Affairs Comcast Midwest Region
Published one time in the Shoreview Press on June 17, 2025.
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: Thrive Education
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 5824 Churchill Street, Shoreview, MN 55126
3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business. All That We Are, LLC 5824 Churchill Street, Shoreview, MN 55126
I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.
Dated: May 15, 2025
Signed: Jenny Thrasher, Executive Director
Published two times in the Shoreview Press on June 3 and 17, 2025.
CITY OF NORTH OAKS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO TITLE XV (LAND USAGE) CHAPTER 151 (ZONING CODE) AND CHAPTER 152 (SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of North Oaks will hold a PUBLIC HEARING at 5:30 p.m. on Monday June 30, 2025, in the Community Room, 100 Village Center Drive, North Oaks, MN 55127, at its regularly scheduled meeting to consider an Ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 151 and Chapter 152 of the North Oaks City Code. The amendment will repeal the current chapters and replace them with revised chapters that include all recent ordinance amendments to these chapters and updated formatting.
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/83077467203 ; or
3) Submitting written public comments by emailing City Administrator Kevin Kress at kkress@northoaksmn.gov by June 20, 2025 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 about remote participation opportunities, should be directed to City Administrator Kevin Kress at 651792-7750. Published one time in the Shoreview Press on June 17, 2025.
CITY OF NORTH OAKS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING APPLICATION FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR BUILDING HEIGHT EXCEEDING 35 FEET FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 10 EVERGREEN ROAD NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of North Oaks will hold a PUBLIC HEARING at 5:30 p.m. on Monday June 30, 2025, in the Community Room, 100 Village Center Drive,
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E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Soren Swenson, avenging his lone loss of the season, captured the state Class 2A singles championship with a 6-2, 6-4 conquest of Aaron Beduhn of Wayzata on June 6.
The Mounds View sophomore left-hander finished 32-1 and joined his brother Bjorn as a state champion. Bjorn won two titles.
“I am just so happy for Soren. He’s worked really hard to get where he is at,” coach Scott Sundstrom said. ‘It’s difficult to live up to high expectations, and to achieve what his brother has done.”
The Mustangs (19-6) placed third in the team tournament June 3-4, losing to champion Wayzata 7-0 in the semifinals when Beduhn beat Swenson 7-6 (1), 4-6, 10-5. They beat Elk River 5-2 in the quarterfinals and Rochester Mayo 4-3 in the third-place match, all at the University of Minnesota.
By Soren’s count, he and Beduhn have met 10 times, starting when they were nine, and has a 4-6 record against him but 3-2 in the last two years.
“He has a good serve, he is really consistent, and he hits very deep in the court,” Swenson said. “To beat him, I had to lock in, be more consistent, and use my forehand to dictate the points.”
The finals was close all the way. In the Star-Tribune’s account, there were seven deuce games. Swenson fought off nine of 11 breakpoints, and erased 0-30 lead six times.
“Soren fights for every point, regardless of the score,” Sundstrom said, noting that Swenson won games after trailing 15-40 and 0-40, and served for the match when he was down 0-30. “That shows his great composure and grit.”
Swenson reached the finals defeating Ezra Mahoney of Lakeville North 6-0, 6-0; Brody Barbeau of Minnetonka 6-3, 3-6, 6-4; and Tarun Gopalakrishnan of Blake 6-3, 6-1.
Bjorn Swenson had his junior season at Michigan this spring, going 16-11 at 3- and 2-singles. He won state titles as a freshman and junior, in 2019 and 2021. There was no 2020 season and he skipped the 2022 season to play a national schedule.
“Soren is a lefty. Bjorn is right-handed. They are both great competitors,” said Sundstrom, asked to assess the two champs. “Soren plays with more spin and variety. Heavy topspin balls, slice, drop shots, topspin lobs, and so on. Bjorn could blow players off the court from the baseline. Soren has worked hard on his serve — it’s much improved, and he’s winning more free points on it, like Bjorn used to do.”
In doubles, Daigle and Anders Swenson beat a Mayo team 6-1, 6-4, and an Edina team 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. An Orono duo beat them 6-0, 6-7 (10), 6-0 and an Eden Prairie team edged them 5-7, 6-1, 11-9 for third place. Each had a 22-4 record.
The state team lineup had Soren Swenson, Daigle, Anders Swenson and Bryan Huie at 1 through 4. In doubles were Sidjarth Sharma/Richard Chen, Aaron Raheja/Laken Bartel and Quinn Johnson/Pranav Pulligundla.
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Soren Swenson, shown here during the team tournament, finished 32-1 and state champion as a sophomore.
SPORTS
Mustangs’ Poppler runs to gold, silver at state
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Casey Poppler is one of those guys you see out jogging in the dead of winter. In Poppler’s case, it paid off big time, leading to a stellar senior year as a runner for Mounds View — capped by gold and silver medals at state last week at St. Michael-Albertville.
Poppler waged two battles with junior Sean Fries of Minnetonka. Fries won the 3200 on Tuesday in 9:04.09 with Poppler second in 9:11.07, a big jump from 14th last year.
In the 1600, run in a cold rain Thursday, Poppler overtook Fries late and hit the tape in 4:15.9 to win by a second, up from ninth last year. His 3200 was his personal best; his 1600 best time is 4:14.9.
“I finally trained through the winter for the first time in winter 2024,” Poppler said, “and it paid off tremendously, when I finished ninth in the 1600 at state last year.”
Poppler kept at it through the summer and built up confidence “that I could compete with the best runners in the state.” He placed fifth in the state cross country meet in November, after not being in the lineup the year before. He kept the momen-
tum going with another winter of running and was confident he could “make a run at top three in the state.” Which he did.
In the 1600, Fries led for 1,000 meters and started to kick going into the last lap. “But I knew that I had a great kick,” Poppler said. He patiently maintained his pace and made his move with 250 left, steadily increasing the pace until the last 120 “when I went into an all-out sprint.”
Coach Ross Fleming said Poppler has developed a rare versatility for a distance runner. “Casey can run a 49-second 400 and a 1:55 in the 800. No other distance runner in the state can do that,” said Fleming, explaining why Poppler beats guys in the 1600 that he doesn’t beat in the 3200.
But his 3200 is pretty good, too; in fact, he’s now the second-fastest ever in a program that's been loaded with star runners for decades. Jeff Taylor in the mid-80’s with 9:04 is the only one faster. Poppler will continue his career at St. Thomas. The Tommies signed him early and got a pretty good deal, Fleming said. “The Gophers didn’t recruit him. I don’t know why. In the 1600, he beat the Edina guy and the Wayzata guy who are both going to the Gophers.”
MSHSL | CONTRIBUTED Casey Poppler churned the last few yards of the 1600 to earn the state gold medal.
Mustangs’ Allison hurdles to gold, bronze in state debut
SPORTS BRIEFS
BASEBALL
Mounds View has five players on the all-Suburban East team after placing first with a 15-3 record (ahead of
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Allison Richter made her first appearance in the state track meet last week. The Mounds View sophomore was not the least bit intimidated.
Richter won the 300 hurdles in 43.62, a school record, with Washburn’s Chloe Angerman second in 43.87. Earlier, she took third in the 100 in 14.63 behind Lakeville South’s Eva Welsh (14.39) and Wayzata’s Jessica Haux.
Those races were run in a cold rain at St.Michael-Albertville. On Tuesday, she advanced with 44.46 and 14.65 in preliminaries.
About her 300 victory, she recounted: “I started to lead coming off the curve into
eventual state champion Cretin-Derham Hall) and 17-7 overall. That list is headed by junior pitcher Andrew Gette, the Star Tribune state player of the
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Andrew Gette
Mounds View Baseball
June 17, 2025
Andrew Gette, Mustang junior pitcher, was tabbed as Minnesota player of the year by the Star-Tribune. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound righthander who tops out at 92 mph posted a 6-2 record and 0.98 ERA with 65 strikeouts in 43.3 innings. Gette, already committed to Miami, was unbeaten in the toughest conference in the state, the Suburban East, leading the Mustangs to first place. His last game was a 1-0 loss to Osseo in the section. “He has done nothing short of exceed all hopes we had for him in his development,” coach Nik Anderson said, citing him for “a continued hunger to get better” regardless of past achievements. Also a second baseman, Gette hit .313 and fielded flawlessly. Last year, he was 8-3 with a 1.61 ERA for the Mustangs’ state runner-up team.
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the home stretch. Then I sped up more because I thought I had a chance at winning it. It was so fun to be able to win, because I wasn’t necessarily expecting it. It feels really special to be a state champ.”
Richter made huge strides after placing fifth in the 300 and ninth in the 100 at the section her freshman year. Their star hurdler last year was Kyra Marshall, who placed eighth in the 100 at state.
“You could see Allison was figuring out some things as we got to the end of last season,” observed coach Aaron Rodman. “She had a great role model (Marshall) which helped set the table for this season. All year, she has been laser focused. Her confidence grew more with each week, which led to personal bests at the end.”
year (see Athlete of the Week). Others are Nate Edelman, senior pitcher/first baseman; Isaac Beseman, senior shortstop; Jack Glancey, junior outfielder; and RJ Madison, sophomore outfielder. Named to all-Section 5AAAA were seniors Edelman, pitcher/first baseman Ryan Maylone, and catcher Robbie Price. Gette had a 6-2 record, 65 strikeouts in 41.3 innings with a 0.97 ERA. Maylone was 3-2 with a 2.68 ERA in 29.7 innings. Edelman had a 1.69 ERA in 29 innings. Madison batted .403 with 31 hits (one homer), 12 RBI’s, 209 runs, and 13 steals. Beseman hit .370 with 27 hits (one homer, five doubles, two triples), 12 RBI’s, 18 runs and nine steals. Glancey hit .323 with 21 hits (seven doubles, two triples), 19 runs and 10 RBI’s. Beseman and Maylone were chosen for the coaches state all-star series.
GIRLS GOLF
Sarah Dove, Mounds View junior, placed 45th of 88 state qualifiers in the Class 3A state tournament June 10-11 at Bunker Hills. Dove shot 84 and 85 for a 169 total.
Mustang 9 ousted by Osseo
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mounds View was ranked in the top three in Class 4A baseball all season, with several weeks at No. 1. But the Mustangs made an unlikely exit from Section 5AAAA with two losses to an Osseo team that was 3-16 entering the playoffs. Osseo beat the Mustangs 1-0 in the first round May 27 on a one-hitter by John McHugo. Andrew Gette took the loss on a three-hitter with 11 strikeouts and one unearned run.
The Mustangs, who finished 17-7, won twice in the lower bracket before the Orioles ousted them 6-4 in the semifinals June 3. RJ Madison’s two-run double for the Mustangs in the sixth tied the score 4-4, but the Orioles responded with three runs on three hits, two walks and two errors.
The Mustangs beat Spring Lake Park 11-0 in five innings and Rogers 1-0. Against SLP, Nate Edelman, Calvin Anderson and Ryan Maylone combined for a one-hit shutout. Maylone, Peter Adie and Sam Moen each had two RBI’s. Against Rogers, Maylone threw a six-hit shutout. Their lone run off Brandon Stafford came in the second when Gette walked, was bunted to second by Maylone and scored on Edelman’s line drive single. Osseo was ousted in the next round by Maple Grove, which lost in the finals to Champlin Park.
BOYS TRACK
Along with Casey Poppler, Mustangs medaling in the state meet last week were seniors Charles Eggert, fifth, triple jump, 44-8; Godson Rufus-Okomhanru, seventh, 200 dash, 22.43 (21.98 prelim); and Cooper Fellman, seventh, 400 dash, 50.64 (49.63). In relays, the Mustangs placed third in the 4x200 in 1:27.39 with junior Becket Koons, Fellman, senior Sam Simon, and Rufus-Okomhanru, and eighth in the 4x400 in 3:27.36 with Koons, senior Samuel Geer, Poppler and Fellman.
GIRLS TRACK
Thia Olson-Skog, Mustang senior, placed seventh in the 200 dash in 12.28 at the state meet Thursday. She was the only medalist other than Allison Richter, Linnea Ousdigian, sophomore who has a batch of state medals in track, cross country and Nordic, had a late start in track this year due to international Nordic events. She placed 10th in the 1600 and 13th in the 3200.
Bruce Strand
MSHSL | CONTRIBUTED
Allison Richter cleared the last hurdle of her 300 meter victory at the start track meet. She was third in the 100 earlier.
Mounds View seniors celebrate, achieve major milestone
Mom hopes to find ‘village of moms’ through walks
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
A Hugo mom is looking to establish a village of moms who meet up at least twice a month to walk, talk and have fun.
Nikki Krueger has two sons, 3-year-old Jaxon and 1-year-old Nash. She first heard about the Mom Walk Collective (TMWC) back in 2022 when she saw it on Instagram. At the time, there were no groups in Minnesota, so it fell off her radar.
A couple months ago, it popped back into her feed, and she realized some groups were starting to establish in the state. As of press time, there are groups in Andover, Plymouth and Bloomington. In June, Hugo will be added to that list. Krueger signed up to be an ambassador for the organization and to arrange the walks.
TMWC launched in June 2022 and began with groups in 30 cities across
the U.S. The organization now has groups that have launched in over 350 cities in the U.S. and Canada.
“I finally felt like I was in a place where I could have the capacity to host one myself,” Krueger explained.
“When I was postpartum with my (first child) I struggled … I have very close friends, they are amazing and supportive, but they don’t have kids.
I’m the only one in my friend group
that has kids, and so it just still felt isolating because they just don’t get what I’m going through in the moment.”
When she had her second child, she still felt isolated, but wanted to try to figure out “how to get out of that funk.” She attended a couple of walks in the Andover area and wanted to create an outlet like that for moms a bit closer to this side of town.
“I wanted to provide that for moms that might also be feeling isolated and looking for a village of moms going through the same things that they are going through,” Krueger said.
As an ambassador for TMWC, Krueger has committed to hosting at least two walks a month. The group’s first walk will be June 10. Most of the walks will happen in Hugo, but the group may venture to nearby cities including Lino Lakes and Forest Lake. Krueger’s hope is that she, and all the moms who participate, find new friendships.
“I’m hoping that I can find some moms who I relate to and can talk to outside of just the walks that we do every month,” she explained. “But I also want the moms to be able to find that too. I want them to be able to find somebody that they relate to and can talk to and feel comfortable with … just be able to come together and raise the next generation of kids.”
She’s also hopeful the moms will be able to learn from each other.
“Whether you are a new mom of a 2-week-old, or you’re a mom of a 15-yearold, you’re welcome to come to these walks,” she said. “Being able to get together with moms in different stages of life is very beneficial because you can get new ideas, bounce ideas off of each other, and just learn and see different perspectives of motherhood.”
All of the walks are free. Those who want to stay in the loop with walks should plan to find Krueger’s Facebook page (The Mom Walk Collective Hugo) or Instagram (themomwalkco.hugo).
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
Hugo mom Nikki Krueger pictured with her sons Jaxon (left) and Nash.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
More than 500 Mounds View seniors accepted their diplomas at the commencement ceremony held at 3M Arena at Mariucci on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Students will now embark on their next adventure, whether that’s
into the workforce, enlisting in the military or traveling the world.
‘A Culture of Pots 2025’ brings Minnesota’s iconic pottery tour to WBCA Upcoming events
Sandcastles & Creatures
Building Contest
Memorial Beach, White Bear Lake
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Get out your buckets and shovels and head to Memorial Beach for Manitou Days to build your own sandcastle or creature and see who comes out on top!
Midsummer Art Fest
White Bear Center for the Arts
Friday, July 18, 12:00-6:00 PM
Art, community, and music all come together for Midsummer Art Fest at White Bear Center for the Arts. Shop from WBCA students and teaching artists at the art sale. Make something new at interactive art stations. Or, if you’re competing in WBCA’s Into Nature Plein Air Competition, pick up your lanyard, bring your paints, and capture the scene.
Typically spread across a 43-mile stretch down the St. Croix River Valley, select pots from Minnesota’s 33rd Annual St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour now congregate at White Bear Center for the Arts’ Ford Family Gallery for “A Culture of Pots 2025.” On view this summer, this curated pottery exhibit brings the energy of an openair, grassroots art experience into a single, thoughtfully designed space.
With white walls, soft lighting and more than 200 ceramic vessels from almost 70 pottery tour artists, plus a striking wooden structure to hold them, the result is an exhibition that reflects not only the aesthetic range of the potters but also the deep sense of community and craftsmanship that supports it.
Originally inspired by the 2017 exhibition at the Weisman Art Museum, WBCA’s exhibit borrows both its name and spirit. Now in its 33rd year, the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour is among the most respected studio pottery events in the country. The tour draws thousands of visitors to seven host studios scattered across the St. Croix River Valley. But in the calm of a gallery setting, it takes on a new dimension.
Lakeshore Summer Camp: No Place Like Shiz
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
July 21-August 8, 1:00-4:00 PM
This three-week camp empowers 7th-12th grade students to create an original Wicked & Wizard of Ozthemed theatrical piece from the ground up through collaborative exercises, improvisation, and creative brainstorming.
Lakeshore Summer Camp: Caterpillar Camp
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
July 21-July 25, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
In this “Very Hungry Adventure,” Campers will develop their creativity and imagination, build confidence in performing, learn about the life cycle of a butterfly, and have a whole lot of fun! This camp is perfect for budding performers who love to sing, dance, and play!
“The flow is about creating an environment similar to the outdoor experience of the annual pottery tour, but taking it indoors to a gallery setting,” WBCA Exhibitions Manager and show curator, Karna Holub, said. “With over 200 pieces, the challenge was how to elevate each collection as equally as possible.” Facing you as you enter the gallery, and impossible to ignore as it holds dozens of ceramic pieces, is a large wooden structure designed by WBCA Resident Artist and cocurator, Kyle Frederickson. Built from reclaimed wood, the structure anchors the exhibition both visually and symbolically, calling back to the tour’s rustic aesthetic.
“It will be amazing to see the work of this year’s potters all displayed in one gallery,” said Linda Christensen, one of the tour’s longtime potters and host. “As hosts, we are unable to get around to see the other studios, so this will be a great opportunity.” The spirit of pottery,
Linda said, has deep roots in the St. Croix Valley. Pottery has been made in the region since the Oneota period, dating back to 900 A.D. Shell-tempered clay vessels were once shaped by hands along the same river banks where Christensen and her peers now work. The modern studio pottery movement here began in the 1950s, when Warren MacKenzie settled in the area. The rest of the eventual original pottery tour hosts, including Linda, followed, all arriving by the 1970s. Together, they built not only a thriving scene but a mission to give back.
“It has been important for the tour to quietly foster pottery culture,” Linda said. “A Culture of Pots 2025” channels that philosophy, showcasing the diversity in technique and aesthetic from the tour’s artists. Some work in porcelain, others in stoneware or earthenware. Some fire with gas, others with wood. The unifying theme? Usefulness.
apprenticeships, some in universities, some are selftaught. Some come from other mediums entirely.”
The exhibition at WBCA reflects this, offering viewers more than just beautiful objects but an introduction to modern ceramics. Compared to the 1950s or 1970s when ceramicists had “minimal influence,” according to Linda, potters these days are exposed to everything digitally, so this exhibition will “tell a story of diversity of style,” she hinted.
Karna had a similar request: “When you view each piece, keep in mind that this is one concept—to make a pot, vessel, or plate out of the same medium of clay, and from that concept over 200 interpretations have emerged through color, form, shape, and texture.” For her, the exhibition is also personal. “At WBCA, we have a rapidly growing clay program,” she said. “I’ve recently taken pottery classes, and immediately noticed a ‘culture’ of potters in the studios. Support, encouragement, laughter, and loyalty are a few words that come to mind. I can only imagine that the potters from the St. Croix Pottery Tour also have that same sense of community.”
That community is the thread that runs through everything in “A Culture of Pots 2025,” connecting the creation of the first Oneota pots to the freshly-glazed mugs in the Tour. While the tour’s open-air spontaneity can’t be fully recreated indoors, the exhibition offers something new: A chance to slow down and connect with the hands that shaped each form.
“A Culture of Pots 2025” is on view through July 25 at White Bear Center for the Arts. For more information, visit whitebeararts.org.
You can find a full list of classes in WBCA’s quarterly printed catalog and online at WhiteBearArts.org/ classes.
“There is no one aesthetic other than the concept of useful pottery,” Linda said. “All of the participants come with their own histories—some were trained in
Photos By Morgan Pearson | Contributed