Legacy of local aviator lives on
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Those who knew Timothy Merhar would tell you he had a bright personality and a genuine interest in others. They would also tell you he formed friendships
effortlessly and within minutes of meeting him, you would feel like you’d known him for years.
“He had a great sense of humor and the prefect level of banter. He would tease people, but not too much, and somehow always get a positive response,” said Toni
Merhar, Tim’s wife of 17 years. Tim, 41, tragically passed away on Sept. 4, 2025, in a plane crash near the Cambridge Municipal Airport. After his death, it was discovered he suffered from
Rep. Kelly Moller prepares for last year in Minnesota House
BY MAYA BETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As Minnesota lawmakers convene for another legislative session, Rep. Kelly Moller (40A) is entering the Capitol with a different awareness than in years past.
After four terms representing Arden Hills, Shoreview, New Brighton and surrounding communities, Moller announced she will not seek re-election in October, making this year her last in the Minnesota House.
Moller, who has served since 2019, said the decision had been weighing on her during the 2024 election cycle. The demands of campaigning every two years — fundraising, door-knocking and statewide party work — ultimately made stepping away feel like the right choice.
She was deliberate, however, in making clear what did not motivate her decision.
After a year marked by political violence in Minnesota, including the deaths of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shooting of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, Moller stressed that fear was not a factor.
“I wanted to make sure that people knew I was not making this decision out of fear, because if that was the case, then the bad guys would win, right?” Moller said. “Then they think they can scare us into not running again.”
As she enters her final session, she remains
SEE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE, PAGE 5
Press Publications hosts 41st annual Wedding Show
BY MAYA BETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Press Publications and the White Bear Country Inn are set to host their 41st annual Wedding Show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15. The event brings together top local vendors in a low-stress setting, giving brides and their guests a chance to explore everything from venues to cupcakes without the crowds or high fees of big city shows. Patty Steele, general manager at Press Publications, says the show is especially appealing to first-time attendees.
“First-timers are looking for an easy, convenient show that has a lot of good local vendors,” Steele said.
According to Steele, the Wedding Show offers just that.
Up to 25 vendors will be on hand, including longtime favorites like Unreal Arrangements, Midwest DJ and Creative License, as well as newcomers, such as two balloon décor companies.
Attendees can browse offerings from photographers, florists, DJs, venue coordinators, bakers,
SEE WEDDING SHOW, PAGE 14
CONTRIBUTED
Kelly Moller
CONTRIBUTED
The Merhars grab a photo on one of their family adventures. Outside of aviation, Tim enjoyed hiking, biking, skiing and playing hockey.
Where cod meets craft beer: A fish fry done right
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
In honor of fish fry season, the Press will feature some Readers' Choice Best of the Press winners and finalists of the “Fish Fry” category in our coverage area.
When Lent rolls around, fish fries pop up everywhere. But locals will tell you there’s a difference between a fish fry and one of “the best” fish fries.
Manitou Bar & Kitchen, located at 2171 Fourth Street in White Bear Lake, secured the finalist title in the White Bear Press Readers’ Choice Best of the Press Contest in both 2025 and 2024.
Bresee says the restaurant prides itself on using a lighter, flakier, slightly sweeter variety that sets it apart from the typical fare. Then comes the batter.
Each piece is hand-battered to order using Farm Day Farmhouse Ale from Lift Bridge Brewing Company. The Stillwater brewery’s citrus-forward beer adds a subtle brightness to the crisp exterior.
“It sets us apart,” Bresee said, adding, “Our fries are no joke, and neither is our homemade tartar sauce.”
“We are very proud of our fish fries,”
Jenn Bresee General Manager, Manitou Bar & Kitchen
“We are very proud of our fish fries,” said General Manager Jenn Bresee.
Customers can enjoy Manitou’s popular menu item — fish and chips — year-round. However, during the Fish Fry Friday season, which falls on Feb. 18 through April 2 this year, there are two options: A two-piece lunch special from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and an all-youcan-eat dinner from 3 to 10 p.m.
The centerpiece of Manitou’s Fish Fry is cod — but not just any cod.
Did you know?
Every spring, as the 40 days of Lent begin on Ash Wednesday, church halls and restaurants around town fill with the smell of sizzling batter and fresh coleslaw. Fish fry season is more than a culinary tradition; it’s rooted in centuries-old
Reviewers online seem to agree that Manitou’s fish fry should be one of the top awardees in the Fish Fry category. One reviewer wrote, “Our small family subgroup visited this restaurant, and everyone was quite impressed and very pleased. My wife and I had the fish and chips and found it outstanding. Even the French fries were not merely good, they were as outstanding as the battered cod.”
Another reviewer wrote, “I've heard nothing but fantastic things about the all-you-can-eat fish fry, so that's what actually brought me here. Fantastic! Fish was hot, crispy and not greasy; also served with tartar sauce. You also get a generous amount of fries, which were great ... I love a good zesty
Christian practice. During Lent, which leads up to Easter, many Christians abstain from eating meat on Fridays as a form of penance and reflection. Because fish has historically been classified differently from meat in church dietary rules, it became the centerpiece of Friday meals. Over time, parishes turned simple meatless meals into festive gatherings, transforming a religious observance into a beloved community ritual. Today’s fish fries blend faith, food and fellowship.
fry. Coleslaw was tasty as well.”
There’s something nostalgic about a Friday fish fry — the crunch of batter, the squeeze of lemon, the hum of conversation around a crowded table. At Manitou Bar & Kitchen, that tradition is elevated with careful sourcing, local collaboration and a made-to-order approach that keeps the fish crispy on the hot plates as they leave the kitchen.
For Bresee and her team, it’s not just about serving cod. It’s about serving a seasonal ritual that keeps guests coming back year after year. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made online at www. manitougrill.com.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
MANITOU BAR & KITCHEN | CONTRIBUTED
Manitou Bar & Kitchen’s Fish Fry features cod that is hand-battered to order using Farm Day Farmhouse Ale from Lift Bridge Brewing Company.
WHAT’S HAPPENING • WHAT’S HAPPENING
CONTRIBUTED
MARCH INTO SPRING: YARD AND GARDEN EXPO
When: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7
Where: Mounds View Community Center, 2401 Mounds View Blvd.
Details: Event features booths from local organizations such as the Rice Creek Watershed District, Mounds View Community Garden, Shoreview Community Garden Club and more. Contact: ProjectArdan.org/Expo
ONGOING EVENTS
DROP IN MAH JONGG
When: 1 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Bring your tiles and your friends for drop-in play. All levels welcome. No registration required. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700
500 CARD CLUB
When: Noon, Mondays
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Cards and conversation. No partner required. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700
Shoreview, MN — The Shoreview Community Foundation has approved $10,000 in Rapid Response Impact Grants to assist local families affected by Operation Metro Surge.
CURRENT EVENTS
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD MONTHLY MEETING
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24
Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, rear entrance, Door G, 3920 Victoria St. N., Shoreview
Details: After a brief business meeting, Kristen Bender, a certified Quiltworx Instructor, will provide Judy Niemeyer’s techniques for achieving crisp points, smooth curves, and striking quilt blocks, when sewing Quiltworx patterns. Bender will provide other helpful tips and techniques when doing foundation paper piecing. Visitors welcome.
Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org
DEMENTIA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP WITH RESPITE CARE
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: This support group is led by a trained facilitator from Alzheimer’s Speaks. Your loved one can enjoy activities in a nearby room. Registration is requested, but drop-ins are welcome if space is available.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov
CLIMATE TALK WITH DR. MARK SEELEY
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Join Dr. Seeley, a former faculty member in the U of M’s Department of Soil, Water and Climate, as he explores John Wesley’s understanding of science and climate in the context of his religious believes and the founding of the Methodist Church. Registration closes on week before class. Register through Shoreview Parks and Recreation.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700
AARP SMART DRIVER
When: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Thursday, March 5
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Taught by AARP trained instructors. Learn safe driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Register a week before class through the Parks and Recreation website.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov.
The grants are directed to three trusted community partners actively serving those most impacted:
• $5,000 to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf and Community Resource Center to provide rent and utility assistance to a network of families within the Mounds View School District.
• $2,500 to Emmanuel Covenant Church and $2,500 to St. Odilia Church to provide food, energy, and rent assistance, particularly for members of their Spanishspeaking congregations.
“These three organizations represent the generosity and care that exemplifies our community spirit and commitment to our neighbors,” said Grants Committee Chair John Doan. “During moments of uncertainty, Shoreview shows its true character. We are proud to stand alongside these partners to deliver timely, meaningful support.” The Foundation’s rapid response grants are designed to move quickly, ensuring help reaches families when it matters most.
Kelly Brooks Paradise and her children were among the appreciative guests at the recent unveiling of a new Herb Brooks
The new bronze statue of Herb Brooks was recently unveiled at the Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, New York. According to the Herb Brooks Foundation, “This statue stands as a lasting tribute to Herb’s legacy and love of the game that continue to inspire generations.”
Brooks was the man who orchestrated the "Miracle on Ice" in the 1980 Olympics. He lived in Shoreview for a while but was living in Birchwood Village at the time of his death in August 2003.
NAMES IN THE NEWS
HERB BROOKS FOUNDATION | CONTRIBUTED
Herb Brooks’ son Dan Brooks and daughter Kelly Brooks Paradise and grandchildren all attended the statue reveal.
statue.
Birthdays are to celebrate
On March 1 our family and friends will celebrate my 90th birthday. That brings about memories.
When I was young I never imagined I would be operating newspapers and printing plants, or serving in leadership roles at various churches, nonprofits, service clubs and universities. This has led to our love of travel, with visits to every U.S. state and over 30 countries.
About the Town
Two marriages, four children, five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren have given me a special understanding of joy and friendships.
I was born in Rochester in 1936. My father died before I was born and my mother died when I was 3 months old. I was the ninth child of a rural Olmsted County family. I was adopted by Dan and Edith Johnson of White Bear Township at the age of 6 months.
These were Depression years and many families lost their farms. I was very fortunate to meet my two birth sisters and six brothers as a young adult and go on to enjoy many family reunions and travel experiences with them. I am proud that seven of us served in the U.S. military. One brother is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
It is hard to believe that I have lived 32,872 days. In that time a lot of things have changed. In 1936, eggs cost 37 cents a dozen, and a half gallon of milk cost 24 cents. A new car would cost a little over $700 and gasoline was 19 cents a gallon.
Pope Francis was born that year and so was Wilt Chamberlain, Buddy Holly and Burt Reynolds.
The New York Yankees won the World Series. The Packers were NFL Champions and the Red Wings were Stanley Cup Champions.
Franklin Roosevelt was our president. Pearl Harbor was attacked Dec, 7, 1941, the beginning of WWII. This event is locked in my memory.
We thank the Lord for our family, friends and all those who have prayed for us in times of need, and for excellent medical care in our community and state.
Opportunities in community newspaper publishing have surrounded us with encouragement, meaningful critiques and reader support.
I’m very thankful for the love and encouragement of my wife, Kathy for the past 57 years. We are both very proud of our children, their spouses and our generations of grandchildren.
I’m very thankful for all of the people in ministry, business, education and life who have guided me along.
Part of my philosophy of life is to just say “Yes” to opportunities, and remember to pat the back of the hand that feeds us.
Favorite cake
For several years our oldest daughter Julie made a popcorn cake for my birthday. For my 90th birthday I was asked what kind of cake I would like. My answer was, “The Popcorn Cake.”
I thought I would enclose the recipe in case you would like to introduce it to your family.
Popcorn cake:
-Mix 2 cups sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup water, and salt to taste.
-Stir and heat mixture to 250-300 degrees (between soft crack and hard crack stage) -Remove from heat. Add 1 tsp vanilla. Pour mixture over 5 quarts of popped popcorn. Add candy spice drops such as Dots, fruit flavored pectin slices like orange slices (cut in half), and/or peanuts. Stir well.
-Pour into prepared angel food cake pan. Press down firmly on mixture.
-When cooled release cake onto a plate.
Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.
OPINION
Thank you city staff, community members
TMovers and Shakers
Sue Denkinger
he announcement that there will be a reduction of Federal ICE agents was a welcome relief to the tumultuous weeks of confusion, fear, and chaos for Twin Cities residents. The impacts will be felt long after Operation Metro Surge ends. Businesses and the local economy have been impacted. Local law enforcement is caught in the crosshairs. School districts have had to expand their roles to provide remote access, as well as deliver food to students. Faith communities have expanded to remote services, food delivery, and additional support to their communities including, in some instances, legal assistance to those mistakenly detained.
In the midst of all this, actual numbers and dates of when federal agents will leave the metro area is unclear. I wish there were more specifics around this, until
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there is, fear and insecurity remain. But so does our resiliency, and we cannot lose faith in that or others as the nation and world watch on.
In fact, Shoreview’s sister city, Einhausen, Germany, recently reached out to Shoreview with concern about the safety of our residents and of travel in Minnesota and the United States. I wrote an article and shared photos about what is happening in Shoreview for a local newspaper. They immediately responded with relief and acknowledged the efforts of Shoreview and communities across the metro in taking care of each other through this challenging and unprecedented time.
It’s not lost on me that there are those who believe that what is happening is justified by federal immigration policy and are not aware of the nuances and many types of temporary status including visas, and the specific activities required for each. The violation of First Amendment rights, Fourth Amendment search and seizure protections, and guaranteed Fifth Amendment due process rights are the motivation for those who are actively protecting their neighbors, students,
and fellow residents.
The city recently signed onto a non-partisan effort, the Cities for Safe and Stable Communities coalition. The coalition is a group of cities (22 and counting) who are combining efforts to ensure that there is shared communication and efforts toward ensuring the continued stability, safety and success of cities throughout and following Operation Metro Surge. While we do not often sign on to group letters, this is an unprecedented time we see it as a vital step forward for our community.
In the meantime, thank you to our city staff and to all community members, school districts, organizations and local businesses who have been and continue to support those impacted through transportation, food donations and deliveries, financial support, school supplies and ensuring that those most affected are taken care of and feel as safe as possible. I’m prouder than ever before to live in Shoreview, the Twin Cities and Minnesota.
Sue Denkinger is the mayor of Shoreview.
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 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Gene Johnson
• The Weston Woods Homeowners Association (HOA) will be permitted to host its 2026 Weston Woods Concert Series on Outlot A, a cityowned parcel of land located within the Weston Woods neighborhood, following council approval. The HOA annually organizes this popular summer music series, which has historically been held on Outlot A. Concerts will take place once a month from May through August.
• The city and SEH will enter into a professional service agreement following council authorization. SEH will provide engineering service related to the 2026 watermain rehabilitation project. The scope of the services includes project management, contract administration, development of plans and specifications, survey services and construction observation services for an estimated fee of $53,400.
• Shivam Vashishtha will join the Environmental Quality Committee as a regular member for a three-year term expiring on Jan. 31, 2029, and Whitney Olsen will be a student member on the committee for a term expiring May 2028 after the City Council approved the appointments. Olsen is currently a sophomore at Mounds View High School.
• City staff will order the taking of bids for the 2026 street rehabilitation project following council approval. The project includes the replacement of damaged sections of curb and storm sewer catch basin repairs to restore road drainage; replacement of pedestrian ramps to meet current ADAD standards; replacement of retaining wall and trail sections that have
reached the end of their service life; and more. The project also includes work at Commons Park. The lower-level parking lot will have a fulldepth reclamation to replace the pavement and a damaged curb will be replaced along with minor stormwater drainage improvements. According to the city staff report, the current capital improvement plan allocates approximately $3.67 million for construction, engineering, administration and contingency costs associated with the street rehabilitation and commons parking lot project.
• The city of Shoreview will join the Cities for Safe and Stable Communities, a nonpartisan coalition, following council approval (see full story in this week’s issue).
• Council Member John Doan, who is also a member of the Shoreview Community Foundation, said the community foundation has approved a donation of $10,000 to Ralph Reeder Food Shelf and St. Odilia. Over the last 20 years, Doan said the foundation has accumulated an endowment of over approximately $1.2 million. The donation will come from these funds.
• For the 40th year in a row, according to Mayor Sue Denkinger, the city has received an award for excellent financial reporting. Denkinger complimented the city’s finance department for the monthly reports they prepare for the audit.
The next Shoreview City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, March 2, in council chambers.
Madeline Dolby
• Irondale High School Student Representative Kena Abdissa announced that the school has been named a silver member of the 2025 AP School Honor Roll. During their four years in high school, more than half of the class of 2025 (51%) took at least one AP exam. Thirty-seven percent scored a three (passing) or higher on at least one AP Exam and 20% took five or more AP exams.
• There were 60 gifts received this period for schools and programs for a total of approximately $24,111. The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf received 21 gifts this period for a total of around $32,476.
• Two district teachers have been named candidates for the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award, according to Superintendent Chris Lennox. The honorees are Kate Berger, a second-grade teacher, and Molly Caswell, a first-grade teacher. Both teach at Turtle Lake Elementary School.
• The calendar for the 2027-2028 school year has been approved by the board.
• Lennox provided an update on the district operational plan goal of conducting a comprehensive enrollment and facilities study. As of Oct. 1, 2025, there are 11,360 students enrolled in the school district in grades K through 12. According to Lennox, the average class size for grades kindergarten to third grade is 815 students. The average class size for grades ninth through 12th is 919 students. He explained this is what is called a natural decline. Based on these numbers, the district could see a decline of 104 new students enrolled in the district each year. Lennox said the district’s goal is to maintain enrollment numbers, and the district has the capacity to enroll nonresident students at the elementary level. As of right now, the district allows nonresident students to enroll at the elementary schools on a space-available basis and it is suggested by district staff to continue this enrollment process.
• Director of Community Education Karl Brown provided the board with an update regarding adult and summer programs. Brown said summer school will be from July 7 to July 30. Kindergarten summer school will take place at Pike Lake Elementary this
HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE: Reflects on time in office, looks ahead
committed to democracy and constituent-driven legislation.
Prosecutor to a legislator
Before entering the Minnesota Legislature, Moller spent more than two decades working as a prosecutor. That background heavily shaped her early priorities at the Capitol, particularly around gender-based violence.
She pointed to the moment during the 2016 presidential campaign when a recording surfaced of Donald Trump bragging about sexual assault, which served as a catalyst for her run.
“I had worked very hard in the gender-based violence space, and it was very alarming to me that he could be heard saying that on tape and, yet, that was okay for people to vote for him in spite of that,” Moller said. “That’s really what got me into office.”
During her tenure, Moller led a bipartisan rewrite of Minnesota’s sexual assault statutes, an effort aimed at closing loopholes and increasing accountability. It remains one of the accomplishments she is most proud of.
Beyond her work in gender-based violence, as cochair of the House Public Safety Committee Moller became influential in shaping Minnesota’s approach to gun violence prevention and criminal justice reform, playing a role in the passage of red flag laws, expanding background
checks and passing legislation aimed at preventing straw purchases of firearms.
According to Moller, those experiences reshaped how she understands public safety.
“As a prosecutor, you're really busy when you do that work, and you're very focused on your task in front of you, and sometimes you don't realize what the bigger picture is for people,” Moller said. “Being in the Legislature really opened my eyes to racial disparities and collateral consequences for folks, just how little people were getting the treatment that they needed and the support they needed once they were convicted.”
Responding to crisis: Priorities for 2026
As lawmakers prepare for the 2026 session, Moller said her priorities are shaped by a series of major events since the House last convened, including the assassination of Hortman, the Annunciation Catholic School shooting and ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions.
Each, she said, is already driving legislation expected to surface early in session, much of it moving through the Public Safety Committee, which she co-chairs.
Even before lawmakers return to St. Paul on Feb. 17, Moller said she has remained active behind the scenes coordinating with lawmakers in other states to respond to heightened federal immigration enforcement.
“What happens in Minneso -
summer. Extended elementary services programs will be offered at almost all of the district’s elementary schools this summer. According to Brown, Turtle Lake Elementary will host Pinewood’s program due to construction. For adult education programs, summer school will take place at Silver View Education Center, located at 2574 Mounds View Blvd., Mounds View. Programs offered for adults this summer include English language classes, career pathway courses and GED diploma classes.
• Board Vice Chair Shauna Bock announced Lennox has received a positive evaluation from the board. Bock said the superintendent’s mid-year
ta is not happening in isolation, and states across the country are supportive of us,” Moller said.
The House is narrowly divided, Moller acknowledged that passing new legislation will require bipartisan support. In the meantime, she said her focus has been on how existing state laws can be enforced.
“We already have tools on the books,” she said. “There are criminal statutes that are being violated, and the question is how we make sure people are held accountable.”
Moller said she also hopes to advance legislation addressing domestic and gender-based violence, citing rising numbers of intimate partner homicides.
“Hopefully, at least I can shine a light on it, pass some policy and then pass the torch to others who can take the lead on it when I'm gone,” Moller said.
A look ahead
After leaving office, Moller plans to return to her work as a Hennepin County prosecutor, bringing with her a broader understanding of the system she works in.
“The things I’ve learned about racial disparities and collateral consequences — I want to take that back with me,” she said.
As for her successor, Moller offered simple advice: let constituents be the guiding force.
“Putting constituents first has to be the North Star,” she said. “That’s really why we do this work.”
evaluation reflects strong leadership. The board noted meaningful progress on district priorities including expanding career pathway opportunities for students, development of outdoor and environmental learning spaces and improvements to data systems and staff support.
The next Mounds View Public Schools School Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at the District Center, 4570 Victoria St. N., Shoreview. Public comments to the board will be at 6:30 p.m. before the meeting.
Madeline Dolby
MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHOOL BOARD SNIPPETS
COPS&COURTS
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Shoreview:
• An animal control officer responded Jan. 25 to a 911 call requesting a welfare check on a dog in the 4400 block of Lexington Avenue North that was left outside for more than two hours. Officers were not able to reach the dog’s owners, and the case remains under investigation.
• A 26-year-old woman in the 100 block of Grass Lake Place reported Jan. 26 that a DoorDash driver delivered food to her door, then returned two minutes later to steal mail from the same door. Deputies reviewed the video and launched an investigation.
• Deputies responded Jan. 26 to a two-vehicle crash near the intersection of Rice Street and Highway 96 West involving a Toyota RAV4 and a Volkswagen Jetta. The vehicles collided, causing minor damage to both. No injuries were noted.
Deputies responded Jan. 27 to a report of four teens who were playing basketball at a community center in the 4500 block of Victoria Street North after refusing to pay or leave. All four teens, ages 17 or 18, were issued trespass notices.
• On Jan. 27, a woman in the 3600 block of Milton Street North reported seeing a man in her yard attempting to steal lawn decorations. Deputies responded and collected evidence. The incident is under investigation.
• A 40-year-old St. Paul man reported Jan. 28 that he was northbound on Lexington Avenue waiting to make a turn when a blue pickup truck exited I-694 to go south on Lexington Avenue, clipped the Toyota Scion he was driving, then drove away without exchanging information. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies responded Jan. 28 to a report of a Chevrolet Equinox that slid off the road in the 4300 block of Victoria Street North and hit a sign and mailboxes before coming to a stop. Medics transported the driver to a hospital for evaluation.
• Deputies issued a citation on Jan. 30 for abandoning a vehicle without consent of the property owner to a 37-year-old woman from Minneapolis after receiving a complaint about her 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix, which was left parked on a street in the 4000 block of Chatsworth
Street for three consecutive days without moving. The vehicle was towed. The mother of a 35-year-old man requested deputies remove him from her home Jan. 30 in the 1900 block of Bluestem Lane because he was using narcotics. Deputies responded, her son was gone, and they assisted her with wiping down the area of her kitchen possibly exposed to dangerous drugs.
• Deputies responded Jan. 31 to a report of a Subaru Outback that hit a deer near the intersection of Wildflower Way and Hodgson Road, resulting in damage to the vehicle. No injuries, except possibly to the deer, were recorded.
• A 73-year-old woman in the 4100 block of Sylvia Lane South reported Jan. 31 that someone possibly struck and damaged her mailbox with a vehicle before driving away. The incident is under investigation.
• A 71-year-old woman in the 100 block of Galtier Place reported Jan. 31 that someone used her bank account to make several unauthorized withdrawals ranging from $0.30 to more than $30,000. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies arrested a 17-year-old female in the 300 block of Bridge Street Feb. 1 for fifth-degree assault after learning she’d allegedly hit a 57-year-old woman in the head with a stick during a dispute.
• A 73-year-old man in the 1600 block of Knight Street reported the theft of license plates off his Mercury Grand Marquis Feb. 1.
• Deputies issued a misdemeanor citation Feb. 1 to a 22-year-old-man from Brooklyn Center for violating a restraining order after he violated the terms of the order by sending text messages to the 25-year-old woman from whom the order was issued.
• Deputies issued a trespass notice and theft citation Feb.1 to a 37-year-old woman from Columbia Heights after she was attempting to leave a business in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue North with unpaid merchandise.
• A 46-year-old woman in the 600 block of Harriet Avenue reported Feb. 2 seeing someone on her home’s surveillance video footage around her home. Deputies responded and collected evidence. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies arrested a 38-year-old woman Feb. 2 in the 5700 block of Donegal Drive for violating a harassment restraining order after she called
911 and reported interacting with the man from who the order was issued.
A teacher at a school in the 3400 block of Victoria Street North reported Feb. 3 that several items, including stamps, lotion, air pods, portable speakers, stuffed animals and a Target gift card were stolen. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies responded Feb. 3 to a report of a domestic assault in the 800 block of Martha Lake Court and arrested a 31-year-old man for domestic assault and making threats of violence.
• Deputies took a report Feb. 3 from the manager of a gas station in the 5900 block of Rice Creek Parkway, who reported that a 65-year-old woman had stolen significant amount of money from the business while working as a cashier, cancelling transactions and putting cash in her pocket. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies responded Feb. 3 to a report of mail theft at an apartment building in the 4100 block of Lexington Avenue North, spoke to a 45-yearold woman whose Amazon delivery was stolen, collected evidence and identified a suspect. A KOPS alert was issued to metro law enforcement, and the case remains under investigation.
• A 24-year-old woman in the 5800 block of Rice Creek Parkway reported Feb. 5 that someone struck the back of her Honda Civic, caused damage and drove away from the scene without exchanging insurance information. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies issued a theft citation Feb. 6 to a 47-year-old woman from Hugo who was caught by loss prevention employees at a business in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue North attempting to leave the store with merchandise for which she did not pay.
• Deputies arrested an 18-year-old man from New Brighton Feb. 7 for driving without a valid driver’s license, failure to yield and violating the terms of his instruction permit after he ran a red light in the intersection of Lexington Avenue North and County Road F West and crashed the Kia Sorento he was driving into a Toyota Scion. No injuries were reported. A 23-year-old woman in the 500 block of Harriet Avenue reported Feb. 8 that someone damaged a window to her apartment. The incident is under investigation.
Traffic safety programs save lives, drive down traffic deaths
Minnesota saw a more than 20% drop in overall traffic deaths last year thanks to a combination of first responder work, road safety infrastructure investments and focused enforcement, according to the annual Advisory Council on Traffic Safety (ACTS) report.
The advisory council recently submitted its 2025 report to the Minnesota Legislature, detailing the results of programs focused on reducing overall traffic fatalities. The report highlights what is happening on Minnesota roads and breaks down successful traffic safety efforts and programs, and areas where more work needs to be done.
“There is no celebration until there are zero traffic fatalities on Minnesota roads. To accept anything less is to ignore the very real pain felt by 370 Minnesota families in 2025,” said Mike Hanson, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and ACTS vice chair. “What is encouraging is that more lives are being saved, and we can use this report as a tool to focus on the
investments that are working.”
“Everything we do is about preventing the crashes that instantly change lives, and it takes a coordinated effort to make sure everyone makes it home safely,” said ACTS Chair Brian Sorenson. Sorenson is a state traffic engineer with
the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Office of Traffic Engineering. “Last year reinforced that there are things we can do to help save lives. Now is the time to take stock and really push forward with the lifesaving interventions that we know can reduce
the risk of these crashes.”
“This year really represents the beginning of the Advisory Council’s initiatives and seeing what they can do to make transportation safer,” said ACTS Vice Chair Catherine Diamond. Diamond is the director of the Minnesota
Department of Health’s Injury Prevention and Mental Health Division. “Now is the time to take what we have learned and make even more progress.” Report findings According to the report traffic fatalities are down by 20%; and the 2025 count represents the fewest fatalities observed since 2019. Other findings include:
• Adjusted to the number of vehicle miles traveled, Minnesota is the fourth-safest state in the nation for traffic fatalities.
• Crashes related to the big four traffic behaviors (impaired, distraction, speed and unbelted drivers) all dropped.
• Programs helping to save lives include: Rural HighRisk Roadways and Safe Road Zones; Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) Safe Road Coalitions; Affordable teen driving education; and the Impact Teen Driver program.
To view the full report, visit https://tinyurl.com/2paddb4k.
Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety
The 2025 count represents the fewest fatalities observed since 2019. According to the Advisory Council on Traffic Safety’s annual report, there were an estimated 370 fatalities in 2025 compared to 475 in 2024.
Teen program provides girls space to connect, create
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
MOUNDS VIEW — Girls ages 12 through 18 and older have the opportunity to become “that girl” through a new program called That Girl Studio, created in partnership by Mounds View and Spring Lake Park parks and recreation departments.
“We were like, this is really something that’s missing from the repertoire of things that Parks and Recreation, or Community (Education), is offering … A space for young women or teenage girls to get together, be creative and create things they can actually take home,” Mounds View Recreation Supervisor Maddie Margo said.
The idea for the program came to fruition around the beginning of fall of last year during a brainstorming session between Margo and Spring Lake Park Adults Sports and Youth Programs Supervisor Clare Waddell.
“We were talking about how awesome it’s been seeing the rise in social media, not just in content, but in the trends of crafts,” Margo said. “So many people offer different art classes, but nobody is offering just the little crafts.”
Waddell said this also offers an opportunity for girls in sports looking to participate in other activities.
“This offers a low commitment for those girls who also want to pursue other things. You can come as many times as you want and take home the art piece,” Waddell added.
Margo said the parks and recreation departments for both cities partner together on smaller programs because the communities are close together and it helps with registration numbers. She also noted that the two departments partner with the New Brighton Parks and Recreation Department. That Girl Studio classes are mainly geared towards girls in sixth through 12th grade, but there are also classes available for girls over 18 to sign up for. Classes take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The mission of That Girl Studio is to offer a space for young women and teenage girls to have a space to connect with each other, have their own space and be able to create what they want with no pressure.
“I think there are a lot of teen programs that are co-ed, and that’s wonderful, but there’s something about girls getting together in an inclusive environment to just be themselves, be able to be creative with no pressure,” Margo said.
“With our cities being so close, it’s helping create a really tight-knit North Metro community, which we want,” Waddell said.
While the program is aimed at girls ages 12 to 18 and older, there is a particular focus on those ages 12 to 15 because of the transitions they experience during that stage of life.
“Everything’s changing. You’re going through a middle school or high school jump; people are switching schools. We know that juniors and seniors already have established friendships, they have their own jobs and their sports teams. But that group (girls 12-15) really needs structure,” Waddell said.
Margo explained it was important for them to have classes be facilitated by staff members ranging anywhere from 18 to early-20s, who could be seen more as mentors, someone to look up to and
could help the girls participating in the classes.
“Part of how we built the classes out was to make sure that we had mentors that were an appropriate age for the age group we’re going for. You might see Claire and I facilitating the 18+ classes … (We wanted) somebody that it could actually feel like it was a safe space for them to be them,” she said.
Future classes include making your own vision board, rhinestone art, creating seashell candles or trinket dishes and learning about content creation. Classes in which those over 18 can participate will include making your own swimsuit box, painting a glass tumbler and creating vinyl record art.
For more information, or to register, visit www. moundsviewmn.org or slprec.org/parksrec.
Registration closes one week before the date of the class. Classes will take place at the Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Drive, or Able Park, 8200 Able St., Spring Lake Park.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-407-1226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com.
Upcoming classes on Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m.:
• March 10 — Create your own Vision Board
• April 14 — Hairbrush & Mirror Decorating
• May 12 — Seashell Candles & Trinket Dish
Classes will take place at the Mounds View Community Center.
Upcoming classes on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; 1-3 p.m. for those 18+:
• Feb. 28 — Rhinestone Art
• March 28 — Vinyl Record Craft
• Friday, April 3 — Content Creation 101
• April 25 — Glass Tumbler Painting
• May 30 — Swimsuit Storage Boxes
Classes will take place at Able Park, 8200 Able St., in Spring Lake Park.
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS
For more than 31 years, local residents have trusted James Sanchez, Broker and Owner of White Bear Lake Realty, to guide them through some of life’s biggest moves.
James began his real estate career in 1993 with Burnet Realty in North Oaks, serving the same communities this newspaper reaches today. A decade later, driven by a belief that homeowners deserved more value and more transparency, he opened White Bear Lake Realty in 2003.
Today, the company stands out as one of the area’s most trusted locally owned real estate firms and the only one that guarantees a 1% listing commission, the lowest in the industry. This simple difference can save sellers thousands of dollars while still delivering full professional service, expert negotiation, and the personal attention only a neighborhood brokerage can provide.
atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, including a severe plaque buildup in his left anterior descending artery, placing him at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest. The condition went undetected until it resulted in the inability to control a flyable aircraft.
From childhood, Tim was drawn to aviation and wanted to become a pilot. Emily Merhar, Tim’s younger sister, said they spent a lot of time going to air museums growing up.
“We happened to live by one in Eden Prairie. We had a membership to an air museum we visited frequently … If it wasn’t going to the air museums, it was drawing airplanes and learning as much as he could about them,” she added.
Tim was a member of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) program. Through the program, he was able to fly his first aircraft at the age of 16 and received his private pilot’s license when he was 17. The friends he made at CAP remained some of his closest throughout his entire life. Andrew Atkins, a longtime friend, met Tim when they were both in the CAP Program.
“When he was in the military, we’d see each other a couple times of year at most … He would make that effort (to stay in touch),” Atkins said. “It didn’t matter if we hadn’t seen each other for a few weeks or a few years. It was like you’re family and time doesn’t really pass.” Atkins added that Tim rubbed off on everyone he met, and he wasn’t shy about letting those around him know how much he cared.
“He wasn’t shy about letting you know that he loved you,” Atkins explained. “I think that’s one thing I’ll take away (from Tim); don’t be shy about telling your friends and your loved ones that you love them or show them that you love them.”
After high school, Tim attended the University of North Dakota. He graduated in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in history and a commission into the U.S. Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corp. He went to pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas, graduating in the class of 08-04. His first operational assignment was flying C-17s at McChord Air Force Base near Seattle, Washington. Over
12 years on active duty, Tim served as a C-17 instructor pilot, MC-12 mission commander and C-40 evaluator pilot at assignments in Washington, Delaware and Hawaii. He completed four deployments and earned 10 air medals.
In 2018, Tim transitioned to the Air Force Reserves as a USAF liaison officer with the CAP, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving as a single-engine flight instructor for the Rocky Mountain and North Central Regions. Tim was also a first officer with Southwest Airlines.
In 2013, Tim bought his first recreational airplane, an old 1946 Stinson 108. Not long after, a cracked engine block caused him to execute a dead-engine landing in a soybean field in Indiana. Toni said the safety report drew praise from the Federal Aviation Administration, as the aircraft sustained no damage beyond the failed engine. Seven years later, Tim won his second airplane, an Aeronca Champ, in a raffle through the Dakota Territories Aviation Museum. Aviation brought Tim joy, and he wanted others to experience it.
“His love for aviation was second to none,” Atkins recalled. “It didn’t matter if it was an old prop taildragger, a bomber, a cargo plane or a fighter jet. He loved them all.”
Emily said the first time she went up in a small air plane was with Tim when she was around 16. “He was a really good pilot,” she added.
Outside of aviation, Tim had a passion for history, books and anything outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, biking, skiing and playing hockey. Over the past two years, Tim was as a coach with the Mounds View Irondale Youth Hockey Association and played in multiple adult leagues at the Super Rink in Blaine. But more than anything, Toni said Tim loved being a dad. You could often see him biking or walking his kids to school at Island Lake Elementary.
Tim was also a frequent blood donor through the American Red Cross. “When you donate with the American Red Cross, you can track where your blood gets used. Tim was always eager to see his go to children’s hospitals,” Toni explained. She added that Tim would love to see a surge in donations to the American Red Cross in his memory.
When describing her partner, Toni emphasized his contagious joy for life. “He was always happy, and it had a physical manifestation in the crow’s feet around his eyes.”
The two met in 2008 during C-17 initial qualification training and were married in 2009. The couple has two children, August and Margaret. Tim always hoped to move back to Minnesota and Toni made that dream reality through an Air Force assignment to the University of Minnesota. The family moved to Shoreview in 2023 after living in Colorado Springs for five years.
“He wanted everyone to be happy,” Emily said. “He genuinely wanted to be a good person through what he
did with aviation and volunteering … He was a very kind and compassionate person.”
In his honor, the CAP has started the Timothy Merhar Flight Scholarship. In its first cycle, Toni said the scholarship funded 25 new cadets in pursuit of their private pilot licenses. Tim’s callsign, ARCANE 77, was also retired by CAP-USAF.
“Tim’s absence is devastating,” Toni said. “But I think he’d be pleased to know we’re getting more young pilots in the air in his honor. It’s a start at least.” His family also emphasized that Tim would want those with a genetic predisposition to familial hypercholesterolemia to proactively engage with a cardiologist. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and often goes undetected until a medical emergency occurs.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-407-1226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
bringing his kids, August and Margaret with him on flights.
In 2020, Tim won an Aeronca Champ in a raffle through the Dakota Territories Aviation Museum. Here he is with the plane.
Emily Merhar, Tim’s younger sister, said her brother was “ a very kind and compassionate person.”
Tim was a coach with the Mounds View Irondale Hockey Association.
andArts Culture
EMERGING ARTIST: ETHAN ANDERSON
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
White Bear Lake Area High School Senior Ethan Anderson admits that percussion is just hitting things. “But there’s 10,000 ways to hit a table, let alone one drum,” he added, quickly creating a syncopated rhythm with his fingers on a coffee table, “When you take a big ol’ drum set, there are tens and tens of thousands of ways to hit that drum set.”
Ethan began “hitting things” at age five—namely the piano. After his parents bought him a pair of drumsticks with Mickey Mouse heads at Disney World, Ethan began practicing percussion on buckets. He got his first drum set for his seventh birthday. Then, during COVID, he began composing songs.
“Everyone was supposed to do two or three measures,” recalled Ethan’s mother, Michelle Anderson, “and all of a
sudden, he wrote out an entire song.”
In high school, Ethan received the Woody Herman Jazz Award from WBLAHS former Band Director Jeremy Rockford. He has been lead stick in WBL Drumline three years running, and earned four superior ratings at Minnesota State High School League’s Region 4AA Solo/Ensemble Contest.
In recent years, however, Ethan feels that he has enhanced his connection with percussion as an art form. He credits this growth to WBLAHS current Band Director Shannon Anderson (no relation to Ethan or Michelle).
“With Ms. Anderson, instead of just playing at a higher level, I’m able to play at a deeper level,” Ethan remarked, “and understand what the notes are saying.”
Ethan recently showed his community the depth and height of his abilities when the Minnesota Music Educators Association—after a rigorous audition process—selected his composition “The
Still Moments” to premiere at their Midwinter Clinic.
Ethan started working on “The Still Moments” in tenth grade after trying to mimic a guitar riff on marimba. “I added more to the beginning, but the main foundation of where the song starts is off of those five notes on marimba,” Ethan said.
WHITE BEAR HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND’S NIGHT CLUB SCALES UP
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jazz music has evolved. While big band and swing music are still cornerstones of the genre, jazz often crosses over with pop, funk, rock, latin and more. Therefore, White Bear Lake Area High School Jazz Band Director Shannon Anderson felt the annual Night Club event needed to evolve too.
Originally, Night Club mimicked a WWII-era USO show during which the North and South Campus Jazz Bands took turns playing sets of music during a dinner hour and subsequent dance. Anderson recalled that, starting in 2009, the format began shifting. This year, a variety of groups will play.
Anderson increased the amount of collaboration between the bands because many high school students enroll in multiple music programs. “We have lots of kids that cross over,” she commented, “now that we’re in one
CONTRIBUTED
The 44th annual Night Club will be Satuday, Feb. 21.
building … and we’re also in this beautiful music suite where we all see each other a little bit, even just in the hallway.”
The old Night Club format also did not give the student musicians a chance to enjoy the event. “If you’re doubling on another instrument, you can find yourself playing almost the whole night,” Anderson said. “That’s a lot of playing and not a lot of dancing.”
Before the dance officially starts, Jennelle Donnay from Awakened Dance will host a 30-minute, beginner-friendly swing lesson. Then, both
WBLAHS Jazz Bands will perform, followed by the Alumni Jazz Band. Jazztet will collaborate with The Mothers Band, and MMC Jazzed from the McNeely Music Center will headline the evening. The dance will close with all the bands performing a closing number.
Clearly, one thing about Night Club that has not changed is the good time it promises. “It’s the best-kept secret dance,” Anderson remarked. “It’s a lot of fun.”
The 44th annual Night Club runs from 6:35-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at WBLAHS Student Union 5045 Division Ave. Door A, White Bear Lake. For more information, scan the QR code.
LAKESHORE PLAYERS AND CENTURY COLLEGE CLOCK ‘10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL’
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Ten plays, 10 minutes apiece—the community favorite “10-Minute Play Festival” is back, but this time, Lakeshore Players is teaming up with Century College to make it happen. “The purpose was to get more of the community involved and get more of the college students involved,” said Abby Koel, who directs five of the plays. All 10 plays are original material and have never previously been performed. Lakeshore Players received over 200 submissions from playwrights around the world, with one from as far away as Japan. Then, Lakeshore chose 20 semifinalists for a read-aloud, at which community members offered feedback. From there, Koel, along with Director Allison Meuers and Production Manager Quinn
Masterson, gathered the public’s thoughts and chose the final 10.
By nature, the large number of plays necessitates a large cast. Thus, some actors appear in more than one play. “If you only have a small role, we want to make it worth your time, so we want to give you another role in another place. You don’t have to come out every week and just say one line,” Koel explained.
Koel added that the festival shows actors’ ranges of ability as well as her own. “You get to do comedy, you get to do drama, you get to make important statements about the world,” Koel said. “I think it’s so much fun.”
The 2026 10-Minute Play Festival runs Feb. 20-March 1 at Century College West Campus Theater, 3401 East County Line N., White Bear Lake. For tickets and details, visit lakeshoreplayers.org.
Describing “The Still Moments,” Ethan noted, “It’s easy to imagine the things that make you sad, angry, lost and afraid. For some, it’s also easy to think of the things that make you happy, hopeful and grateful. But what’s difficult is finding the things that make you still … ‘The Still Moments’ seeks to inspire that feeling.”
The WBLAHS Wind Ensemble recorded “The Still Moments” on Feb. 13, but Ethan will conduct the piece during an encore performance at 7 p.m. Monday, May 18, at the high school’s Performing Arts Center. After that, Ethan plans to major in percussion performance at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Until then, and likely long after, Ethan plans to continue hitting things. “I definitely goof around a lot in the percussion section—all with a good purpose,” he acknowledged. “All of percussion is seeing what sounds you can make and how to make it musical.”
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SUMMER STOCK AUDITION SIGN-UP OPEN
Auditions are 5-9 p.m. April 15 and 16, and callbacks are 4-10 p.m. at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. To book an audition slot, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org/program/disneys-newsies-summerstock-intensive
DISNEY’S NEWSIES: THE MUSICAL Ages: 16-25
Dates: Rehearsals begin June 29. Performances are Aug. 7-16.
Details: Industry professionals will immerse participants of this five-week intensive production in acting, voice and dance classes. Cast members will also have opportunities to receive an actor website, professional headshot, private vocal coaching and performance workshops.
CALENDAR
SWEETHEART DANCE
Location: Mahtomedi Middle School, 8100 75th St. N., Mahtomedi
Dates: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20
Details: Calling all parents, grandparents or special family members of children ages 3-9—spend an evening filled with dancing, face-painting and crafting. Capture your memories of the night in a special photo booth. Pizza will be available.
MARINER BLACK HISTORY SHOWCASE
Location: Mariner Theater at Mariner Middle School, 3551 McKnight Road, White Bear Lake
Dates: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26
Details: Middle school Black Student Union members are showcasing student works and performances in celebration of Black History Month. The event is open to all members of the public.
‘LIFE ON THE RUN: GANGSTERS ON WHITE BEAR LAKE’
Location: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St., White Bear Lake
Dates: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10
Details: Notorious, danger-
ous and enjoying lake life on White Bear Lake? Join the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society as they dive deep into some of the area’s most wanted guests. No registration is required.
MUSIC OF THE DECADES: THE 1960S
Location: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St., White Bear Lake
Dates: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 12
Details: Folk Revival MN will take a tour of music in and around the 1960s, diving deep into how and why our music developed and changed during this pivotal generation. No registration is required.
‘THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST’
Location: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Dates: March 13-March 22
Details: Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people” sees mistaken identities, alter egos and sharp wit. The timeless comedy skewers romance, society and the absurdities of British Victorian life in a brilliantly farcical romp. Learn more at lakeshoreplayers. org/earnest-season-73.
CONTRIBUTED
Ethan Anderson
Mustangs have 5 state entrants in wrestling
The Mounds View wrestlers have five state tournament qualifiers after the Section 4AAA individuals tournament Saturday at White Bear Lake.
The Mustangs had one champion, Caden Grenier at 189 pounds, who beat Cael Spates of Stillwater 7-1 in the finals.
Placing second to advance to state were Owen LaRose at 127 pounds, Will Schneider at 145 pounds, Silas Helmer at 160 pounds and Brayden Maxey at 215 pounds.
“The Mustangs also placed at every weight. Great job, Mustangs,” commented Coach Daniel Engebretson.
Placing third were Christian Edwards at 107 pounds, Linkin Herr at 114 pounds, Ethan Benson at 133 pounds, Jackson Hatton at 139 pounds and Robert Essie at 285 pounds.
Deegan Lallas was fourth at
152 pounds, Henry Kopacz fifth at 121 pounds and Patch Bulera fifth at 172 pounds.
Ousdigian among leaders in nordic at Sweden, Norway
Nordic skier Linnea Ousdigian had a successful showing in five races in Norway and Sweden as part of a U18 Team USA group of six girls and six boys.
In Trondheim, Norway, the Mounds View junior placed first by 29.5 seconds in a 7.5-kilometer interval race on Feb. 1. She also placed third in a U18 Class 5K Interval (6.9 seconds off the lead) on Jan. 31 and 13th in a Skate Sprint U20 qualifier.
In Ulricehamn, Sweden, she placed third in a U18 Skate Mass Start on Feb. 8. In a U18 Skate Sprint on Feb. 7 she placed second in the quarterfinals but in the semifinals didn’t advance go finals.
Bruce Strand
STUDENT NEWS
nament will be held Thursday through Saturday at Grand
BOYS BASKETBALL
Mounds View has lost three straight games after winning five in a row. The win streak was capped by an 81-58 rout of Forest Lake on Feb. 11 with Andrew Aitkin scoring 24 points, Reid Defeyter 15 and Quni Mohamed 14. The Mustangs then lost to Park 67-57, Woodbury 70-69 in overtime and Cretin-Derham Hall 82-58. The Mustangs are 14-10 overall and 6-10 in the Suburban East Conference with two conference games left. Rylan Happel sank 21 points against Park and 22 against Woodbury. Aitkin had 15 against Woodbury.
The following students from Shoreview were named to the dean's list or received academic honors at a college or university in Fall 2025:
University of Sioux Falls: Zarek Khan
Milwaukee School of Engineering: Peter Adie
University of Alabama: Kate Mulligan
University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Ellie Givens
University of Texas at Austin: Sujan Arora
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Linnea Ousdigian
Mounds View Nordic Skiing February 24, 2026
Linnea Ousdigian had a successful showing in five races in Norway and Sweden as part of the U18 Team USA group of six girls and six boys. In Trondheim, Norway, the Mounds View junior placed first by 29.5 seconds in a 7.5 kilometer Interval race on Feb. 1. She also placed third in a U18 Class 5K Interval (6.9 seconds off the lead) on Jan. 31 and 13th in a Skate Sprint U20 qualifier. In Ulricehamn, Sweden, she placed third in a U18 Skate Mass Start on Feb. 8. In a U18 Skate Sprint on Feb. 7 she placed second in the quarterfinals but in the semifinals didn’t advance go finals.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Mounds View finished the regular season 15-11, including 9-9 in the Suburban East Conference for sixth place among 10 teams. East Ridge was champion at 16-2. Taylor Whitehill, junior guard, tallied 72 points in their last three conference games — 19 in a 64-48 win over Forest Lake, 33 in a 69-50 win over Woodbury (shooting 10-for-19, and 4-for-6 on three’s) and 20 in a 62-51 loss to Cretin-Derham Hall. Jaycie Helmer, eighth-grade point guard, hit 24 points against Forest Lake and 13 against Woodbury. The No. 3 seeded Mustangs will start Section 5AAAA hosting Park Center on Tuesday, 6 p.m. with the winner facing Osseo or Champlin Park on Friday.
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BOYS HOCKEY
Mounds View finished the season with a 2-22-2 record, losing their first section game to Hill-Murray 7-0. They had a 5-2 win over Roseville on Jan. 10 and lost a rematch to the Raiders 7-1 on Feb. 12. Their other win was against Spring Lake Park 6-2 in a non-conference game. The Mustangs lost to Woodbury 5-2 on Jan. 15 but tied the Royals 1-1 in the conference finale Feb. 14 with Gabe Corbo scoring. Scoring leaders were Russ Eck (13 goals, 13 assists, 26 points), Tobias Walseth (11-14-25), Isaac Snider (6-14-20) and Chase Ballinger (12-6-18).
Bruce Strand
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1-2. Mounds View High School theater students performed in “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” a student-led production, earlier this month. Written by William Shakespeare in the 16th century, the “Merry Wives of Windsor” is a timeless classic that never fails to make audiences laugh. — Deb Barnes, contributed.
The state individuals tour-
Casino Arena in St. Paul. Bruce Strand
CONTRIBUTED
Mustang state qualifiers: from left, Will Schneider, Caden Grenier, Owen LaRose, Braeden Maxey and Silas Helmer.
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
William Schneider sparred with Stillwater’s Isaac Leonard in the 145-pound finals.
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Ethan Benson pinned Centennial’s Logan Fu in 1:30 in the 133-pound third-place match.
Shoreview joins Cities for Safe and Stable Communities
The City Council will join Cities for Safe and Stable Communities, a nonpartisan coalition of Minnesota cities advocating for public safety approaches that respect constitutional rights and support community stability.
“I do feel that joining the coalition would show Shoreview’s continued commitment to continue to advocate for our community as well as our commitment to stable communities and strength at the local government level,” City Manager Brad Martens said.
The coalition formed in response to the increased strain on local government operations, public safety resources and community trust resulting from recent federal immigration enforcement actions. It will provide a coordinated forum for information sharing, operational coordination and collective communication.
“It is a short-term mission, a four- or five-month initiative, in which cities will work together to restore trust and advocate for the needs of our communities through a strength in numbers
CITY BRIEF
City of Shoreview hosts community food drive
In light of community connection week, the city of Shoreview will host a food drive for the
At this time, Shoreview joins the coalition alongside:
Bloomington
• Brooklyn Center
• Brooklyn Park
• Columbia Heights
• Eden Prairie
• Edina
• Golden Valley
Hopkins
• Maplewood
• Minnetonka
• Plymouth
• Richfield
• St. Louis Park
• Vadnais Heights
approach,” Martens explained. By participating in the coalition, according to Martens, the city will be able to remain informed of regional impacts, coordinate with peer cities when helpful and contribute to a collective nonpartisan and local government voice focused on safety, stability and respect for constitutional protections.
Madeline Dolby
Mounds View welcomes new activities director
Mounds View High School Activities Director Jim Galvin will retire this summer after being with the district for 36 years. He has been the activities director at the high school for the last decade and previously served as Mounds View High School’s physical education
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
teacher for 26 years. Galvin was also the varsity football couch for six seasons. During his time as a coach, he compiled a 121-52 record, led the Mustangs to seven state tournament appearances and won three conference titles. Last September, Galvin was inducted into the Mustang Foot-
ball Hall of Fame. Gretchen Zahn will take over as the high school’s athletic director following Galvin’s retirement effective July 1, 2026. Zahn has been with the district for 29 years and is currently the associate principal on special assignment supporting activities and athletics at Irondale and Mounds View. She previously served as a coordinator, assistant director and director of curriculum and instruction over eight years. She was a physical education and health teacher at Mounds View for 13 years.
Ralph Reeder Food Shelf through Sunday, March 1. There will be collection bins by the Linus statue in the Shoreview Community Center (lower level) and the city hall entrance.
Online donations can be made at www.ralphreederfoodshelf.org. Learn more at tinyurl. com/43be8ses. The Shoreview Community Center is located at 4580 Victoria St.
Mounds View Police Department takes the plunge
The Mounds View Police Department will participate in the Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 28, to help raise money for Special Olympics
Minnesota. The plunge takes place at Lakeside Commons Park, 3020 Lake Pkwy. in Blaine, and is scheduled to begin at noon. To donate, go to https://reg. plungemn.org/team/moundsviewpd.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
CITY OF SHOREVIEW, MINNESOTA
NOTICE OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
2026 STREET REHABILITATION CITY PROJECT 26-04
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids for the work described below shall be received at Shoreview City Hall - Council Chambers, 4600 Victoria Street, Shoreview Minnesota, electronically through BidVAULT until Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., local time, at which time, two or more designated officers or agents of the City of Shoreview will publicly open and read the bids. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Said bids to be for the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction, complete and in place in accordance with the plans and specifications for the following estimated quantities of work:
and
50 SF Truncated domes
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2,000 SY Sodding type lawn w/6” topsoil
The provisions of MINN. STAT. 16C.285 Responsible Contractor are imposed as a requirement of this contract. All bidders and persons or companies providing a response/submission to the advertisement for bids of the City of Shoreview shall comply with the provisions of the statute. All bidders for contract amounts of $100,000 or more shall require contractors, sub-contractors, and vendors which have 40 or more full-time employees to submit a copy of their affirmative action certification for the current period after their bid, before construction. PLANHOLDERS LIST, ADDENDA AND BID TABULATION: The planholders list, addenda and bid tabulation will be available on-line at: mn-cishoreview.app.rtvision.com Any addenda will be e-mailed to all planholders, and bidders must acknowledge receipt of all addenda prior to the bid opening.
BID DOCUMENTS: Bidding documents are on file with the city engineer and may be seen at the city hall, public works department. All planholders and bidders must register and download all project related items from the city’s Connex page: mn-ci-shoreview.app.rtvision.com for a fee of $25.
Bids shall be in accordance with the bidding documents as prepared by the City of Shoreview Public Works Department. Bids will only be accepted electronically, from contractors listed as a planholder on the city’s Connex site.
BID SECURITY: Bids will be not considered unless accompanied by a bid bond payable to the City of Shoreview, for five percent (5%) of the amount bid to be
in the
and
AWARD OF CONTRACT: The owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein and to accept the bid
deemed in their best interest. It is expected that the city council will consider the bids at their meeting on April 6, 2026.
By Order of the City Council
Brad Martens, City Manager, City of Shoreview, Minnesota
Published two times in the Shoreview Press on February 24 and March 10, 2026.
MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MOUNDS VIEW SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY JANUARY 27, 2026
Meetings take place at the District Center in Shoreview (4570 Victoria Street N). Complete minutes available upon request at the District Center.
Board appoints new member
The School Board appointed Andre Koen of Mounds View to serve the remainder of former Board member Jonathan Weinhagen’s term which expires January 3, 2028. After interviewing 15 candidates at public interviews on January 15 and 20, the Board selected Koen who will be sworn in as a Board member at the regularly scheduled School Board meeting at 7 p.m. on February 10. To learn more about him, visit the website.
2024-25 audit report
In January, a representative from the auditing firm LB Carlson reviewed the 2024-25 audited financial statements and supplemental reports. During the presentation to the Board, the representative noted that the audit was clean and there were no findings to report. The audit report is available at mvpschools.org/finance.
At the request of the District, the auditing firm also completed a review of the District’s finances for the period of time coinciding with the School Board service of Jonathan Weinhagen, who resigned in October 2025. The firm conducted a review of District vendors and the disbursement of funds related to Weinhagen. In what’s known as an agreed-upon procedures engagement, the firm:
• Conducted interviews with School Board members and District staff.
• Identified a list of vendors that were approved by District management.
• Completed vendor searches on the District’s financial records from the time of July 1, 2014, through October 24, 2025, to review any payments that were identified from those vendors that were on the list that was approved by District management.
“The payments that were identified and reviewed as part of those procedures were all supported with proper source documentation and had the proper approvals from management,” said Jackie Huegel, principal at LB Carlson. “There were no reportable deficiencies that changed our reporting with the audit process relating to that agreed-upon procedures engagement.”
2026-27 budget assumptions approved
Paula Steele, director of finance, presented the final budget assumptions for 2026-27 budget preparation. The budget assumptions have been developed through work sessions and meetings in preparation for the next phase of budgeting. These assumptions, along with building-specific budgets will result in a final budget that is adopted in June 2026.
Quarterly budget report
Paula Steele, director of finance, provided revenue and expenditure reports for all funds for the quarter ending December 31, 2025. Each quarterly budget update provides an opportunity to review budget variances and make amendments when information becomes available. To view the report, please visit the Budgets & Finance page.
Ratification of non-affiliated employment agreement
The Board approved salary increases for non-affiliated group as presented by Julie Coffey, executive director of human resources. Coffey presented the 2025-27 agreement for non-affiliated group, which are not represented under a collective bargaining agreement. Non-affiliated staff have an employee handbook that outlines the terms and conditions of employment. This group includes salaried non-teaching professionals that hold titles such as
administrative intern, technician, specialist, coordinator, manager, supervisor, assistant director and director.
DOP Goal Update: Career Pathways
Jen Lodin, executive director of student support and engagement, Mindy Handberg, assistant director of community partnerships, Madison Hendrickson, Mounds View High School career & college coordinator and Fritz Rock, Irondale High School career & college coordinator, presented an update on this year’s District Operational Plan (DOP) Goal of expanding career pathway opportunities for high school students. The presentation can be viewed on the website
Thank you
The Board accepted with appreciation gifts from Adagio’s Pizza Factory/ Strizza Skies Inc. – Michelle Norman, American Student Transportation – Tamika Wallace and Annissa Kiekow, Chris Henke and Rachel Van Hale Henke, Bell Lumber and Pole Company – Tom Bell and John Ottaviani, Chippewa Middle School HERD Food and Fund Drive – Heather Timmons, Cross of Glory Lutheran Church – Pastor Cassie Nault, Culvers of St. Anthony (Sweet Cream Enterprises) – Diane Sparks and staff, Dayton Lang and Associates Simply Resurface – Linda and Dayton Lang, Decko - Michel Sales Company – Ruth Allen and Michael Coyne, Faith United Methodist Church – Pastor Jeff Ozanne, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches – Adrienne Dorn, Incarnation Lutheran Church – Pastor Kai, Kiwanis Club of North Suburban Golden K – Don Engel and Kiwanis Members, Lake Region Hockey – Lake Region Board Members, Medtronic, YourCause, LLC Blackbaud, Messiah Lutheran Church – Allison Burkow and Heather McAllister, Mpls Fdtn - Peregrine Capital Management Inc. Fund – Quanita Haynes, New Brighton Lions Club – President, New Brighton/Mounds View Rotary –Paul Jacobsen and Rotarians, Salem Covenant Church – Shelli Streeper, Shepherd of the Hills – Tashina Good and Pastor Bryce, The Margaret A Cargill Foundation Employee Matching Fund, Turtle Lake Elementary PTA – Jennifer Hopp, United Church of Christ New Brighton – Pastor Amy Wick Moore and UCCNB, Brenda Anderson, Larry and Leslie Babb, BAE, Bakken Family WRC Foundation, Elizabeth Baldwin, James Belland, Boston Scientific Blackbaud Yourcause, Canon Financial Services, Carley Foundry – Jordan Carley, City of Mounds View – Nyle Zikmund, Eric and Nina Cook - Drumstick Dash, Craig Cooksey, Peggy Cooper, Kathy Cramer, Retirement Distribution, Dennis and Rosemary Drevniak, Purcell Family, Susan Jo Fortner, Frandsen Bank & Trust, Dana Fretheim, Charlotte Gerth, Adriane Gilbert, Sally Gilchrist, Mark Grimes, Nancy Haugen, Elina Hilgeman, Sara Dobervich Hoeft, Abbie Joseph - Hunger Solutions, Joan Ireland, Jean and John Isaksen Fund, JECK Fund – Judy Bois, Shane Johnson, Thomas Johnson, Neil and Theresa Koepcke, Diane Kozlak, Walter Krebsbach, Diane and Kevin Kuehn, Lake Area Mortgage, Renee Larson, Kathryn Lessard, Carol and Paul Letourneau, Laura Linstrand, Bonnie and Tim Manley, Brett Marquard, Nancy Marthaler, Martie and Don Martin, Jennifer Martineau, Mary Meier, Anna Messerly, Jason & Renee Miller, Tamara Moberg, Charles and Karen Moe, Brian Moran, Jason Muhlstein, Murray Family Fund, Cara Nelson, Helen Nelson, Daniel and Catherine Onkka, Kevin Patty and Mary McDowall, Paul Prentiss, Sara Ramsden, Rebarfab Inc – Erin Sawyer and Staff, Paul and Lynn Redlinger, RMH Systems – Peg Milsna, Marie and Jon Ruzek, Colleen Sacco, Margaret Olmstead Schafer, Ann Schwarz, Howard Simms, Patricia Smithberger, Maggie Snyder, Stacey and Chad Sorenson, Mary Ann Stevenson, Joseph and Susan Strubel, Swami and Lalitha Sundaram, The Bacig Family Charitable Fund, The North Church – Jason Vaden, Thrivent Financial Yourcause, Kirk Vadnais, Aaron and Tracy Van Oort, Rachel Veenker, Craig Volk, Laura L. Waegener, Martin and Martha Waibel and Mary Weiske.
Madeline Dolby PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Gretchen Zahn
Jim Galvin
or call 651/63919 13
3:30p. Applications available at Township Admin Office 128 1 Hammond Rd White Bear Township or at www.whitebeartownsh ip.org
MAHTOMEDI VOLUNTEER FOR CITY COMMISSIONS
The City of Mahtomedi is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on advisory commissions. Openings for three-year appointments exist on the Planning Commission, Parks Commission, Environmental and Finance Commission. The Commissions serve as advisory bodies making recommendations within their areas of responsibility to the City Council.
If you are interested in serving the community in any of these capacities, please contact City Hall at 651-426-3344 for an application form. Applications are also available on the City’s website at www.mahtomedimn.gov. Applications will be taken through March 2, 2026.
JERENE ROGERS CITY CLERK
Seasonal Maintenance Worker
Budget Tree Service is hiring. All levels of experience are welcome to apply. Willing to train the right candidates. Competitive pay and benefits. Year round employment.
651-426-8660
White Bear Township is accepting applications for Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions to assist in routine maintenance work including, but not limited to, the following: general maintenance of parks, streets, water, storm water, sanitary sewer, etc. Up to 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 7 AM to 3:30 PM (subject to change between Memorial Day – Labor Day).
Salary range from $18 to $21/ hour, depending on qualifications. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass pre-employment drug screening.
Applications are available Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM, at Township Administrative Office, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110 or online at www.whitebeartownship. org. Application deadline: Open until positions are filled.
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI SEASONAL FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT
MAINTENANCE
WORKER
The City of Mahtomedi has openings for up to (4) full time Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions. All positions are for 67 days. Duties include assisting the Public Works Department with street, water, sewer, and park maintenance. Must have a High School diploma or GED, the ability to lift/move 25-100 Lbs., be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. The pay range is from $18.00/hr. to $20.00/ hr. depending on qualifications. Applications will be taken until positions are filled. Applications can be obtained at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 or at its website at www. mahtomedimn.gov. Mahtomedi is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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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.
WEDDING SHOW: Features vendors
and cupcakes, view floral arrangements and explore wedding apps. The show also features unique vendors such as Doggy Social, which provides professional wedding-day dog care, and a press-on nail art specialist.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to gather ideas, ask questions and envision a beautiful, personalized wedding right here in White Bear Lake,” said April Timp, the hotel’s catering and special events director.
The event also includes giveaways and prizes. Gary LaRue, an award-winning vocalist and longtime emcee, will call out basket prizes throughout the day, includ -
ing a free room and dinner at the White Bear Country Inn. In addition to a cake walk that will offer other prizes, the first 50 brides will receive swag bags filled with goodies.
Brides and ticket holders can also enjoy lunch at Rudy’s with a discount and enjoy the restaurant’s famous Bloody Mary bar.
“It's exciting that I get to showcase our venue as a seamless, one-stop wedding destination — ceremony space, reception, Rudy’s Redeye Grill for incredible food, and the Best Western for guest lodging — all working together in real time,” Timp said.
Brides can attend for free by registering in advance through Press Publication’s website. For more information, call 651-407-1213.
Ramsey County Attorney’s initiative shows success
In 2021 the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office (RCAO), in partnership with state, local and community leaders, launched (Re)Imagining Justice for Youth (RJY). RJY was created to help transform the youth legal system in Ramsey County from a traditional adversarial model to a collaborative and restorative community-based approach. It also was created in hopes to shift the paradigm from administering legal consequences to better meet the needs of victims, families and young people.
Over the course of four years, the Collaborative Review Team (CRT) has reviewed eligible youth offenses brought to the RCAO to determine if community accountability was likely to be successful, if the case required justice involvement at all or whether the traditional justice system was the appropriate approach.
Of the total cases presented, about 30% were reviewed by the CRT and 15% were fully resolved through based community accountability programs with no court involvement.
In 2022-2023, those young people referred to community accountability after CRT saw significantly improved
outcomes over those whose cases were processed in court. According to the county and CRT’s research:
• Twelve-month recidivism rates for youth whose first cases were resolved in community accountability (4%) was far lower than those resolved in traditional court in the same period (29%), and lower than youth whose first cases were resolved in community in 2017-2018 (7%) or 2012-2013 (10%).
• Statistical analysis found that among matched cases of youth referred to the RCAO for the first time for an assault offense, those whose cases were resolved in community accountability had onethird the risk of recidivism compared to matched cases processed in traditional court.
• By revamping and increasing access to community accountability, RJY has lowered recidivism rates and established a process that ensures fewer future victims, increased graduation rates, higher employment rates and a healthier community.
To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/ye28t6n5.
Madeline Dolby
CONTRIBUTED
Joy Erickson Real Estate Team receives awards
The Joy Erickson Real Estate Team, consisting of Realtors Joy Erickson, Faith Waters and Jacky Flores, have received multiple awards from the Edina Realty’s Executive Circle Awards. One award is for being the top 3 percent of agents in Edina Realty. Another award the team received is for having the highest number of listings within their office. The team also received two top performer awards.
The Joy Erickson Real Estate Team is located at 500
Village Center Drive, North Oaks.
Jacky Flores, Joy Erickson and Faith Waters, also known as the Joy Erickson Real Estate Team, have received multiple awards from the Edina Realty’s Executive Circle Awards. The Joy Erickson Real Estate Team is located in North Oaks.
Minnesota Snow Drag Tour makes first-ever stop in North Metro
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
For the first time in its three-year history, the Minnesota Snow Drag Tour will stop in Hugo.
The Minnesota Snow Drag Tour will partner with Hugo American Legion Post 620 to host the first-ever “Hugo American Legion Shootout” on frozen Egg Lake.
Chet Atkinson, a 2012 White Bear Area High School grad, is one of the three co-founders of Minnesota Snow Drag Tour.
“I grew up in Hugo, and I’ve always wanted to hold a race in Hugo at some time. I felt like this year was going to be the year to do it,” he said. “We needed some assistance with some of the liabilities and to help take care of the liquor license, and we figured the Legion would be a good place to partner with.” Club Manager Marcy Brake added, “We’ve been trying to be more visible in the community,” she said. “Chet, Dylan and Justin came here to tell me about (the event). They actually are customers of the Legion and have a deep relationship here also, so it just was a very good fit to help them out and to also be involved in something beyond our four walls.”
The Minnesota Snow Drag Tour
began when co-founders Atkinson, John Anderson and Dylan Jeska were racing in Grand Marais. “You really didn’t know where you belong when you went to these races, so we put some classes and rules together and presented it to a couple event holders and got everybody on the same page,” Atkinson explained. Their idea turned into a race series that travels around Minnesota. Snowmobile racers hail from Minnesota, North Dakota, Michigan and Wisconsin. This year, two events have already taken lace in Grand Marais and next up is Breezy Point, followed by Hugo, Grand Marais and Giants Ridge in Biwabik, Minnesota.
“Our attendance is a little less up in Grand Marias because it’s such a far drive. You get mostly just the diehards up there,” Atkinson said. He noted that some of their events can draw anywhere between 180 to 250 race entries.
The Hugo event will be side-by-side, 500-foot drag races with double elimination brackets. Atkinson expects approximately 90 racing entries but says they are hoping for a crowd of approximately 750, including spectators.
“It’s going to be something to see, that’s for sure,” he said.
The day will kick off at 9 a.m. with a drivers’ meeting. It will then run all day.
CONTRIBUTED
The Hugo American Legion Shootout is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28 on Egg Lake. The event will kick off at 9 a.m. with a drivers meeting and is expected to run all day.
The Legion will run a beer garden, and there will also be food trucks, vendors and raffles. Brake says everyone is invited back to the Legion after the event for awards and a party. The event will be free for spectators, and the Legion will offer a shuttle to and from the Legion for people who want to park at Post 620. There will be a fee for people who want to enter the pit.
During the event, the Hugo Knight Riders will also host a “Show and Shine” so people can show off their snow machines.
Atkinson is hopeful these events will encourage more snowmobilers to get
involved in the racing side of things.
“Snow drag racing has been growing vastly on the East Coast and in Canada. We see it starting to grow here, so we kind of put our foot in the door. We’ve been doing racing in northern Minnesota, and we feel that the city is missing out on it,” Atkinson explained. “We haven’t had any snow for the past two years, and we are struggling with snow this year, but if we can hold an event and draw more people into it and bring more people out to do what we do, that’s what the industry really needs.”
He added, “We want to see the life of snowmobiling stick around, so that’s what we are really pushing for and why we have entry level classes for people.”
Event organizers say the hope is that the Hugo stop of the tour will become an annual tradition.
“I used to go to events like this, so I know what they used to be … The excitement coming from these guys is amazing, so it should be fun,” Brake said. “It’s the first one, and it can only get better from here.”
For more information, visit www. mnsnowdragtour.com.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
