6-9.
Students bring weighty WWII drama to the stage
BY RITA LAMATSCH SPECIAL TO THE PRESS
Mounds View High School (MVHS) theater students are tackling a thought-provoking drama about war and its impact on civilians that features unforgettable characters and timeless themes. “Front,” by Robert Caisley, will be performed Nov. 6-9,
with three 7 p.m. performances and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. All shows take place in the MVHS auditorium. Set in a London neighborhood during the Blitz in World War II, “Front” explores the choices that ordinary people are forced to make when confronted with
SEE WWII DRAMA, PAGE 15
IF YOU GO:
“Front” show dates and times:
7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6
7 p.m.
School board member resigns amid fraud allegations
SHOREVIEW — Jonathan Weinhagen has resigned from the Mounds View school board amid allegations that he embezzled more than $200,000 from the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce when he was president.
Weinhagen, of Shoreview, stepped down from the elected school board seat “effective immediately” on Friday, Oct. 24, according to a notice from the Mounds View School Board just one day after Weinhagen appeared in federal court.
Charges state that Weinhagen allegedly took back $30,000 the chamber had donated to Crime Stoppers to help arrest suspects in the shootings that killed two children and critically injured one in 2021, for his personal expenses.
Now, the school board will need to discuss steps to fill Weinhagen’s seat for the rest of his term, which ends on Jan. 3, 2028. Weinhagen had been a board member since June 2014.
“As Board members, we have a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interests of the students, the community and the school district,” the school board said in a joint statement. “The six of us take this obligation very seriously. This former board member’s alleged actions, unrelated to serving our district, should not cast doubts on the integrity of our Board.”
According to the statement, the board has asked the district’s auditing firm to review its finances
SEE RESIGNATION, PAGE 14
Chipotle restaurant replaces vacant Burger King
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
SHOREVIEW — A Chipotle restaurant will be built at 3333 Rice Street after the Shoreview City Council approved a site and building plan application submitted by Capital Real Estate Inc. The Chipotle will replace the vacant Burger King building on the site. The property has been a drive-through restaurant since 1993.
According to the staff report, the site and building plans for the new Chipotle restaurant would include the demoli-
tion of the existing Burger King. The new restaurant would be 2,379 square feet, with an approximately 350-foot patio and a driver through lane for online order pickup.
“The project also calls for the installation of some new signage. There will be two new wall signs, one directional sign, one monument sign and one pylon sign,” said Senior Planner Allison Eddins.
She added that the applicant wants to retain the three access points to the business. The access points are on North Owasso Court, North Owasso
Boulevard and Rice Street. The applicant also wants to retain the current parking lot.
Three trees within the North Owasso right of way will be removed along with dead trees and brush present on the Ramsey County property located at 3329 Rice Street. Both the city and county have given permission.
According to Eddins, the proposed development is within a C1 zoning district. She explained that the maximum permitted lot coverage within this
CONTRIBUTED
A Chipotle restaurant will replace the vacant Burger King located at 3333 Rice Street after council approved a site and building plan application submitted by Capital Real Estate Inc. SEE CHIPOTLE RESTAURANT, PAGE 14
Sai Musunuri (left) and Summer Saukko (right) rehearse a scene together. Mounds View High School theater will perform “Front” by Robert Caisley Nov.
Veterans Day on Nov. 11
Retired school teacher releases 2nd novel
Shoreview resident and retired Minneapolis Public Schools teacher Tom Murray drew inspiration for his new book, “The Empty Set,” when he was just a sophomore in high school. His latest novel is the second installment of The Iowa Trilogy and follows Michael and his father, Puff, as they navigate life in Minneapolis after moving to the Twin Cities from Iowa. Recently, Press Publications sat down with Murray to learn more about him and his new novel.
Q. Tell us a bit about yourself.
A. I am a retired Minneapolis Public Schools teacher of 33 years and the author of one published novel, “Fathers, Sons, and the Holy Ghosts of Baseball.” My wife, Mary Ann, and I are the proud parents of four adult children who are extraordinarily strong, smart, and beautiful—three live close by, and one calls Shanghai, China, home. I also have one 6-month-old grandchild, with whom I spend hours each day introducing her to Shoreview. I hope she will continue a family tradition of delivering the Shoreview Press. You can best know a community by their local newspaper.
Q. Where did your inspiration come from for this book?
A. In 1971, I was a high school sophomore sitting in geometry class at Notre Dame High School in Burlington, Iowa, listening to my teacher, Sister Celine, explain the mathematical concept of the empty set. I was awestruck by the concept of emptiness. I vowed at that young age to write a novel that would incorporate emptiness, one of the most profound and often misunderstood teachings in Buddhism. It’s been a long journey, but worth it.
Q. How did you come up with the characters?
A. “The Empty Set” honors and blesses the memory of my former students at (Patrick) Henry High School (now Camden High School) on the Northside of Minneapolis, especially Alex Xiong, Mandela Jackson and Jordan Hughes. Hughes, the all-time basketball scoring leader at Henry High School, and his fellow Henry Patriots and hoopers, Xiong and Jackson, have passed on. But I strongly believe that I can, we can, bring them back to life, and they will live on as long as we say their names and tell their story. This is their story.
Q. How does this book expand on the world you’ve built in your first novel, “Fathers, Songs, and the Holy Ghosts of Baseball”?
A. “Fathers, Sons, and the Holy Ghosts of Baseball” (2017) was the first story in my Iowa Trilogy. “The Empty Set” is the second installment. My life mission is to bridge generations of heartbreak and triumph in small-town northwest Iowa by exploring the crossings of time, belonging, legacy, death—and what
comes next. The Russian writer Leo Tolstoy said, “There are only two kinds of stories in the world: A man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.” In “The Empty Set,” a tornado destroys the home of the little Moriarity family, and they leave the quiet sameness of northwest Iowa for the turbulence of the Northside of Minneapolis, where a constantly changing yin/yang Cycle of Transformation of peace and joy slows and frequently stops in death and sorrow.
Q. What was the biggest challenge you faced when writing this book?
A. For me, writing is like breathing underwater. Fortunately, I had fantastic editors who frequently resuscitated me as I washed up on shore. After my 200th rejection letter from small publishing houses and agents, I experienced the same sensation as when it hit me that I would never be able to dunk a basketball. I’ll never play in the NBA or sign a big contract with a New York City publishing house. However, I’ll be ecstatic if someone reading this interview reads “The Empty Set” and is as moved reading it as I was writing it.
Q. What message/lesson do you hope readers take away from “The Empty Set”?
A. If I don’t deliver a body blow to the solar plexus of a reader, knock the wind out of them and finish off with an uppercut knockout punch on their way down, I will consider my effort a complete failure. Art should shake someone out of their comfortable groove and change their life. As the legendary Vanilla Ice sang out, “Anything less than the best is a felony.”
Q. Can you give us an idea of what the third book in The Iowa Trilogy will be about?
A. It takes me 40-50 years to write a novel. At that rate, I’ll be nearly 120 years old. So, I’ve promised everyone I’ll finish “Let That Be All,” the final story in the trilogy, by 2027.
Q. Where can people purchase “The Empty Set”?
A. Anna’s Hallmark at the Shoreview Mall and Lake Country Booksellers in White Bear Lake. Please stop in and support both stores. They’re wonderful!
Compiled by Madeline Dolby
1
2
1-2. Shoreview resident Marco Esnaola decorated his house for Halloween with various homemade tombstones and animatronics. Esnaola also built a small, haunted cemetery on the side of the house. —Marco Esnaola, contributed
Dr. Jordan Dittberner and Dr. Tom Hauge
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
“The Empty Set” is Murray’s second book.
Tom Murray
WHAT’S HAPPENING
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 651-4904700
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
AARP SMART DRIVER
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Taught by AARP instructors. Smart Driver teaches safe driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Discount for those 55+. Sign up through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-4904700
‘GET TO KNOW YOU’ HAPPY HOUR
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6
Where: Flaherty’s Arden Bowl, 1273 County Road E, Arden Hills
Details: Mingle with neighbors, enjoy refreshments and learn how the Rotary makes a difference on a local and global scale.
Contact: ardenhillsshoreviewrotary.org
Rock the School House
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8
Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 County Road F E., Vadnais Heights
Details: Annual fundraiser for the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation. Contact: mvsef.org/rtsh
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD
SATURDAY SEW-IN
When: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8
Where: Ramsey County Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St, N., Shoreview Details: Lakeshore Quilters will be working on their own quilting projects. Stop in to see what projects are being worked on.
Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org
PAINTING JONI-CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF A MASTER
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Lori Dokken and friends play a music tribute to Joni Mitchell. Ticket
information online.
Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org
VETERANS DAY BURGER BASKETS
When: Noon- 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11
Where: American Legion Post 566, 7731
Lake Drive, Lino Lakes
Details: All veterans are invited to enjoy a free burger meal.
Contact: 651-783-0055
VETERANS DAY LUMINARY TRIBUTE
When: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11
Where: Veteran's Park next to White Bear Lake VFW Post 1782, 4496 Lake Ave. S.
Details: VFW Post 1782 Auxiliary will
set up luminaries at Veterans Park honoring the veterans who inspired our auxiliary membership. Community members who wish to honor a current or past veteran are welcome to participate.
CREATING ART WITH MIXED MEDIA
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Explore texture, color and creativity as you use epoxy, resin, alcohol inks and other media to create pieces of art. Create two glass resin ornaments. Registration required. Sign up through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-4904700
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14
Where: White Bear District Service Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Ave. Details: Coffee, treats and concert by the White Bear Ukelele Bears. Contact: 651-653-3124 or isd624.org
EASY PAINTING: BEGINNER
WATERCOLOR
When: 1-4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Easy to learn painting with acrylics or watercolor. Register a week before class through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-4904700
INDOOR MARKET
When: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Features items from local food and artisan vendors.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov
Veterans remembered
Nov. 11 is one time of the year we celebrate our veterans, both alive and deceased, for what they have done to maintain the freedom we enjoy today.
Many veterans have been wounded and are struggling. They need our continued support. These men and women are our heroes. Many are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and other illnesses and injuries as a result of their service to our country. Organizations like the VFW and American Legion are fighting legislative battles for education, jobs, health care, and for many veterans, a home to live in. They need your support as veterans are waiting for health services and various benefits so they can live comfortably. Remember to greet veterans wherever you see them and thank them for what they have done to keep this country free.
If you know any veterans or families of deceased veterans, thank them as we approach the holiday season of the year. Sometimes just a card, a phone call or a visit is special and meaningful. Let’s not forget them.
Serve 2 years
I believe every American citizen should serve our country for a minimum of two years in either the military or in public service.
Public service could be the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, police, fire and rescue or civil defense. Following the two years of service to our country, they could be in reserve training or reserve service.
I think this service would help to grow pride and dedication to our nation.
There were nine children in my family. Of the nine, seven have served in the military. Six were in active service and two were career service people. I’m proud of that.
Minnesota fraud
It seems like every few weeks something new has happened with inappropriate use of our state taxpayers’ money.
Our state leaders are also overwhelmed and the federal government is sending people in to help uncover and bring to trial those with sticky fingers in the pie.
Many years ago a mentor, Pastor Lloyd Mattson of Duluth, told me about behavioral science. He said, “Gene, you need to realize that a third of the people are honest all the time, another third can be tempted, and another third are dishonest all the time.”
Over the 69 years in publishing community newspapers, I am aware of several embezzlements. We have reported on stories of break-ins, robberies, and fraud, and this seems to continue.
A problem with democracy, which is a continuing experiment for the United States, centers around elections. When someone helps a person get elected through gifts of money, they also expect something in return. Many of the people appointed by presidents and governors are those who were helpful to them when they were candidates, but they are not always competent in the position they are appointed to. A lot of what we see happening is a result of incompetent people in government roles.
Now at this point in the history of our country, we have such a divided government and growing hatred of each other that the American people are not served in the best way, on both national and state levels.
Free speech is important to maintain a democracy. Let’s protect it and practice it. Letters to the editor are welcome.
Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications
How Hope Community Church began
On a crisp night in the fall of 2005, I sat in front of Comstock Hall at the University of Minnesota and looked up to the sky and said, “God, if you exist, show me!” Initially this prayer was met with silence, and I became an atheist.
Pastor’s Ponderings
Paul Stiver
In my ten years as an atheist, I looked for meaning and purpose in anything and everything. I tried to find life in partying, career, relationships, self-actualization and anything else under the sun. However, I could never quite find what I was looking for. With the weight of the world on my shoulders, I went through two serious bouts of depression during those years.
I found some meaning in community service and eventually dedicated my time to being a full-time reading tutor at a school. During that season, I met Allison, who was a Christian, and started going to church with her. I was going to be the “cool atheist” who could hear out gospel ideas.
At church, I heard the “Parable
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of the Lost Sheep.” Ten years after that night outside Comstock Hall, God answered my prayer. He showed me that not only does He exist, but that He delights in pursuing sinners (like me) and rescuing them. My heart melted to the gospel, and I put my faith in Jesus Christ. In a totally unexpected way, it was in Jesus that I found everything I was looking for.
My wife, Allison, and I were married in July 2016 and lived in Saint Paul for seven years. After that, I spent three years in an internship at our church, came on staff full-time and began preparing to plant a new church. We always knew we were going to start a church—we just didn’t know where. But God did.
In 2021, we welcomed our first son, Chase, and in 2023 his little brother, Brooks, joined our family. When Brooks was two months old, we learned that he had Down syndrome.
As we processed this new reality, we began exploring how to get Brooks the best care, and the Mounds View School District quickly stood out. In October 2023, we bought a home on the southwest side of Turtle Lake in Shoreview. Shortly after, we began gathering a team of people who shared our desire to start a new church—and God has been on the move ever since.
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.
In many ways, we’re here because of Brooks—and because God writes better stories with our lives than we ever could on our own.
We launched Hope Community Church – North Lakes on Sept. 7, 2025, and we’re excited to see what God continues to do. At Hope North Lakes, we like to joke that we’re “disappointingly normal.” Our goal is to remove barriers that keep people from starting or strengthening a relationship with Jesus. We take Jesus seriously—but we refuse to take ourselves too seriously. You belong here, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey. You belong if you’re just exploring Christianity and the claims of Jesus. You belong if you’ve been following Him for years and want to grow deeper. We exist to help people in the north suburbs start and strengthen a relationship with Jesus Christ. We value being welcoming, authentic, clear, and engaging—and we’d love for you to check it out. You might be surprised by what God does.
We meet Sundays at 9 a.m. at Chippewa Middle School in Shoreview.
Paul Stiver is the lead pastor at Hope Community Church-North Lakes.
• 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.
About the Town
Gene Johnson
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Children and social media
If you graduated after 2000, your children are growing up in a different world — one that is far less innocent. Best-selling author Jonathan Haidt calls this “The Anxious Generation,” and discusses “How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.”
But there is hope. “Working together, parents can defeat smartphones” (Clara Morell; Washington Post Weekly; 6/22/25 - author: “The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones”), Morell: “The one common denominator in all these “Tech Exit” families is they start by rejecting the premise of the inevitability of smartphones and then build their plans from there.”
“Mothers are organizing to combat social media ‘addiction’” (Christiano Lima-Strong; Washington Post; 3/6/24) A “Mothers Against Media Addiction” is trying to build state and local parent grassroots organizing.”
Chet Kittleson, a Seattle dad of three, is the CEO and co-founder of “Tin Can,” a program built around landline phones. He said in the past year the company has sold “tens of thousands” of phones to households in all 50 states and Canada, and they’re currently backordered.
It will “take a village” to solve smartphone problems: schools, churches, nonprofits, and more. It will take buy-in by young people, K-college. It will take serious work by parents.
Collectively, we need a broad program that deals with basic issues and —
most importantly — a desire and willingness to solve the smartphone addiction of most EVERYBODY. In “The Anxious Generation,” Haidt has chapters “What schools can do now;” “What parents can do now;” has graphs for “Major Depression Among Teens,” “Mental Illness Among College Students,” “Anxiety Prevalence by Age,” “Emergency Room Visits for SelfHarm,” “Suicide Rates for Younger Adolescents,” and more. The problems escalate after 2010.
This letter is a plea for “the village” to create a program that helps OUR young people deal with and overcome “smartphone addiction.” OUR children are drowning, are YOU up to helping them? This CANNOT be imposed top-down. WE must work with our children and help them see what they are losing with “smartphone” addiction. They get childhood only once.
Tom Dolen Shoreview
MN DFL is like a criminal enterprise
Our state leadership — Tim Walz, Keith Ellison, and DFL legislators John Marty, Kelly Moller and David Gottfried — are either complicit or impotent. There is a rage across the state at what has been allowed to occur, the explosion of fraud, not isolated to the DFL bad apples, but to an organized, entrenched DFL network that has become a way of doing government business.
Over $1 billion in fraud is already identified, and that may be just scratching the surface. A lot of this
taxpayer stolen money suspiciously finds its way back into the DFL’s already overflowing coffers. How much longer can innocent unknowing Minnesotans swallow their ubiquitous unscrupulous propaganda?
The U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, Joe Thompson, has said:
“Our state (Minnesota) is far and away the leader in fraud now and everyone sees it.”
“It’s an extraordinary problem, the fraud that’s pervasive in this state.”
“These programs have been abused over and over to the point where the fraud has overtaken the legitimate services.”
“Most of it’s fraud, as far as I can tell … Minnesota is drowning in fraud.”
“I’ve been prosecuting these cases for years, and I’ve literally run out of ways to express what is happening … the coming iceberg I see as we reckon with the fraud.”
“Unfortunately, our system of ‘trust but verify’ no longer works.”
Predictably, this is what happens after years of one-party incompetent DFL rule we have here in Minnesota. What has been revealed so far is but a drop in the bucket to what is actually happening. For whatever reason, the DFL fails so completely and absolutely is not the point, it’s just the fact. The time is long overdue for a change from the incapable and corrupt DFL leadership in all areas from top to bottom.
Chris Wolff Shoreview
BUSINESS BRIEF
Cafesjian Art Trust Museum adds hours
The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum will now be open every Friday from 5-8 p.m. for drop-in guests.
No reservations will be necessary. The museum is located at 4600 Churchill St., Shoreview. For more information, visit cafesjianarttrust.org.
SHOREVIEW CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• Peter Lindstrom, member of the Metropolitan Council, provided an update to the council regarding key issues impacting Shoreview, including affordable housing, transportation and infrastructure as well as the upcoming comprehensive plan update for 2050 (see full story in this week’s issue).
• Council approved entering into a cooperative agreement with Ramsey County for the County Road I boardwalk project. The agreement clarifies the city’s cost share and its responsibilities for maintenance of the boardwalk. The project will be led by the city, in partnership with Ramsey County Public Works, which is contributing $230,000 in funding. According to the agreement, the city will be responsible for snow removal, panel replacement and vegetation removal. The county will own the trail and is responsible for the reconstruction of the trail and boardwalk in the future.
• The council has accepted donations for the 2025 Slice of Shoreview Days event that took place in July. The event raised approximately $58,806 in sponsorships and around $44,558 in in-kind donations.
• The 2026 recycling fee and budget has been approved by the council. The proposed recycling budget for 2026 is $1,474,189, an increase compared to last year’s budget of $1,340,051. Expenses associated with the recycling budget include contractual fees for weekly curbside recycling, spring cleanup day, cart replacement and staff time. The budget also reflects the SCORE grant allocation funds, which are used to fund the recycling program in addition to fees collected. Residents can choose from three recycling cart sizes and are allowed multiple carts at no additional cost. The current contract with Republic Services, which began in 2024, includes a 4.5% percent increase annually. According to the staff report, the 2026 recycling fee is proposed at $110, which equates to $2.11 per week. This fee will be collected on the 2026 residential property tax statements as per the joint power agreement with Ramsey County. This is an increase of $5 for the year from last year’s fee of $105.
• A site and building plan application submitted by Capital Real Estate Inc. for the development of a Chipotle restaurant at 3333 Rice Street has been approved by council. (see full story in this week’s issue).
• Council Member Cory Springhorn announced that there are various openings on several committees and commissions. There are openings on the Public Safety Committee, Planning Commission, Human Rights Commission and the Environmental Quality Committee. Applications are being accepted through Friday, Nov. 14.
The next Shoreview City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, in council chambers.
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.
Shoreview Community Foundation (SCF) was established in 2008 by community leaders, including longtime
Madeline Dolby
COPS&COURTS
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Shoreview:
• Deputies arrested a man Sept. 22 for violating an order for protection when they responded to a request for a welfare check in the 2000 block of Blazing Star Lane involving a 37-year-old woman from Maple Grove, who had the protection order. Upon arrival, deputies spoke to the suspect and confirmed that the suspect and woman were together and placed him under arrest.
• A 27-year-old man reported losing his wallet Sept. 22 while visiting a car dealership in the 3500 block of Owasso Street. The incident is under investigation.
• On Sept. 22, a man from Forest Lake reported being parked on the side of the road in the 4100 block of Sylvia Lane S. when his vehicle was struck by a white sedan, which was driven away without exchanging information. Afterward, a man visited the patrol station to report that he was driving a white Subaru when he struck the back of the victim’s vehicle, panicked and drove away. The incident is under investigation.
• A 17-year-old female from Arden Hills reported being followed Sept. 22 by a stranger to her friend’s house in the 400 block of Old Farm Road. The man got out his vehicle and removed the keys from her ignition, which he then put in the driver’s seat. Deputies later spoke with the man, who told them he had been following the teen
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
because she didn’t have her headlights on. He said he removed the keys from her vehicle for public safety. The incident is under investigation.
• A woman reported Sept. 23 that someone went into her garage in the 4100 block of Oxford Street N., rifled through her possessions and vehicle, and stole a backpack, camping supplies and five pairs of shoes. The incident is under investigation.
• A man reported Sept. 23 that someone broke into his work vehicle in the 4300 block of Vivian Avenue and stole tools for heating and cooling equipment worth up to $6,000. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies issued a trespass notice Sept. 23 to a man after he repeatedly returned to an apartment complex in the 3500 block of Owasso Street which he had been evicted from and yelled at staff.
• A man from St. Paul, who works at a group home in the 900 block of Dawn Avenue, reported being harassed by a resident Sept. 23. The resident admitted to attempting to spit on the complainant from a second-story window. Deputies mediated the dispute and worked with the group home to address the issue, which is reportedly ongoing.
• A 29-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman in the 4100 block of Sylvia Lane S. reported Sept. 32 that a former friend had used their code to go into their home before leaving when asked to do so. Deputies provided the complainants with in-
Ramsey County Deputies arrest suspect in Vadnais Heights assault
Ramsey County Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested 21-year-old Tristen Leritz, of White Bear Township, in connection to a sexual assault in Vadnais Heights that occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
Leritz is suspected of sneaking up behind a woman out for a walk near the intersection of Centerville Road and Pond View Drive at approximately 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, dragging her off the sidewalk into a secluded area and sexually assaulting her.
According to a press release from the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, the victim provided key information to investigators that allowed them to act quickly and share accurate details with the public. The victim fought back, knocked his glasses off and bit his hand. Following the arrest, investigators conducted a search warrant and obtained additional evidence. According to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Leritz was interviewed by investigators and confessed to the assault. He is currently in the Ramsey County Jail and awaiting formal charges from the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.
Mounds View Police Department collects coats
The Mounds View Police Department will be collecting new or gently used coats through Sunday, Dec. 14, for the annual Winter Warm-Up Coat Drive benefitting the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center. Donations can be dropped off in the box located in the entryway of Mounds View City Hall, 2401 County Hwy 10.
formation about resources available to help them.
• Deputies spoke to a man Sept. 25 who told them he works at a group home in the 900 block of Dawn Avenue and one of the residents was throwing and breaking items. Deputies located a male who was said to be out of control, and determined he was not properly taking medication. Deputies worked with the group home to put a plan in place to make sure the male takes his medication.
• A man turned in a wallet Sept. 26 that he and his wife found while out for a walk near the area of Hodgson Road and Snail Lake Road. Deputies located the wallet’s owner and arranged for them to collect it.
• A man from Forest Lake reported that someone went through two of his company vehicles Sept. 26 in the 400 block of Tanglewood Drive and stole checkbooks, a computer and more than $3,000 in cash. The incident is under investigation.
• A caller reported seeing a stray dog Oct. 5 near the area of Gramsie Road and Victoria Street North. An animal control officer responded to the area and was unable to locate the dog.
• A 25-year-old man reported Oct. 5 being threatened inside a bar in the 1000 block of Highway 96 W. by an unknown male with a knife who then left the scene in a personal vehicle. Deputies interviewed the victim, spoke with witnesses and collected evidence. The incident is
COUNTY BRIEFS
under investigation.
• A man reported Oct. 5 that someone stole his wallet out of a locker while he was using the facilities at the Shoreview Community Center in the 4600 block of Victoria Street N.
• Deputies made a traffic stop Oct. 5 near the intersection of Red Fox Road and Lexington Avenue N. on a Mazda 3. They arrested a 20-year-old woman from Columbia Heights for driving after revocation and cited her for not carrying proof of auto insurance.
• A 20-year-old woman reported Oct. 6 that someone stole the catalytic converter off her Toyota Tundra in the 3500 block of Owasso Street. The incident is under investigation.
• A woman reported Oct. 7 that someone stole a package of mail containing an air purifier off her front step in the 3400 block of Kent Street. The incident is under investigation.
• A 67-year-old man reported being out for a walk with his dog Oct. 8 in the 3500 block of Rustic Place when the man’s dog was bitten by another dog that approached them from behind. There were no injuries. The case was referred to the animal control officer. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies issued a parking citation Oct. 8 in the 5500 block of Donegal Drive to the owner of a 2020 Honda Civic that was parked in a no-parking zone.
• Deputies responded Oct. 9 to a report of a vehicle crash in the 4100 block of Lexington Avenue N. They spoke with a man from
Properly dispose of your pumpkins in Ramsey County
One of the best ways to dispose of pumpkins is through composting. It’s sustainable and can enrich your garden soil. Pumpkins that end up in landfills have a hard time breaking down, because landfills function to store material and don’t have much oxygen to allow organics to decompose properly.
When it is time to throw away your pumpkins this fall, drop them off at a Ramsey County yard waste site. In total, there are seven waste sites:
• Arden Hills, 1881 Hudson Road
• Mounds View, 8307 Long Lake Road
• White Bear Township, 5900 Sherwood Road
• Summit Hill, 870 Pleasant Ave., St. Paul
• Battle Creek, 389 Winthrop St. S., St. Paul
• Frank and Sims, 1150 Sims Ave., St. Paul
• Midway, 1943 Pierce Butler Route, St. Paul
For more information, go to ramseycounty.us/ residents/recycling-waste.
DEPARTMENT OF NATUAL RESOURCES BRIEF
Deer hunters invited to share wildlife observations
Minnesota deer hunters are encouraged to use an online field log to report wildlife they see while hunting. The Minnesota Depart-
Roseville who told them he was driving a Rivian R1S when he struck the back of an Infiniti G37 driven by a 59-year-old man from Anoka who suddenly pulled in front of him. Minor bumper damage to both vehicles was documented.
• Deputies issued a trespass notice Oct. 9 to a 57-yearold man from Anoka who was inside a grocery store in the 4100 block of Lexington Avenue N. wearing a baby doll mask with pigtails and scaring other customers.
• A grandmother reported Oct. 9 that her granddaughter was being verbally aggressive, but not physically aggressive, in the 4100 block of Lexington Avenue N. She later called back and reported that her granddaughter had left the scene.
• Deputies issued a citation for theft Oct. 10 to a woman from St. Paul who was caught attempting to steal more than $300 worth of merchandise from a business in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N.
• Deputies responded Oct. 11 to a two-vehicle crash near the intersection of Victoria Street N. and Owasso Street. One vehicle was found sideways in the road and another off the road. A 35-year-old woman from Brooklyn Park told them she was driving northbound when a 21-year-old female from Brooklyn Park pulled in front of her and the two vehicles collided. No one was transported to the hospital, and no citations were issued.
Controlled archery deer hunts take place in Shoreview
Controlled archery deer hunts are scheduled to take place in select Ramsey County parks and open spaces beginning this fall. During each hunt, the entire park or portions of the park may be closed. Signs will be posted at common entry points to identify open trails or spaces visitors should keep out of.
This year’s controlled hunts in Shoreview area will take place:
• Rice Creek Trail: Nov. 17-19
• Poplar Lake: Nov. 14-16
• Turtle Creek: Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14
More information can be found at tinyurl.com/ 2jnybhc8
ment of Natural Resources uses the information to supplement its model-generated population estimates, which are used for managing wildlife.
Deer hunters can use a movable device or desktop computer to enter information about wildlife they see while in the field, including deer, turkey, bear, fish and other species. The field log will remain open through the end of 2025.
The field log can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/ deer/management/hunter-fieldlog.html.
A ‘superpower’ in helping reconnect dogs with their people
BY TRACI LEBRUN PINE CITY PIONEER EDITOR
About 5 1/2 years ago, Melissa (Missy) Milliman lost her dog, Drake. After enlisting the help of The Retrievers lost dog team to help find him, they got a call of a deceased dog nine miles from her home – it was Drake.
After some time grieving her beloved companion, Milliman, who is a referrals coordinator for Welia Health by day, realized she wanted to help others who had lost a dog, so she joined The Retrievers as a case manager and trapper.
Over 100 searches and 5 1/2 years later, she’s still doing just that — helping others find their furry friends.
When she started working with The Retrievers, she had a mentor on the first few cases. Soon enough, she was on her own helping others find their lost dogs. She was able to guide them through the search process with tips on what to do if they spot a dog who is staying in the same area, how to spread the word of a lost dog, what to do when the trail goes cold, how to best organize a search, and more.
Trainees learn to avoid sharing exact locations publicly, but instead to call in the information directly to the phone number on signs or flyers. This avoids the situation where the dog becomes even more skittish when a mass of people come looking for him.
“Every case and dog is different, so your skills sort of develop over time and you learn to adapt to changes and challenges,” said Milliman.
Milliman specifically tells pet owners to put out signs with their phone number and a photo of their lost dog, knowing that not everyone has social media.
“We’ve had so many dogs get returned because someone saw a sign and then saw the dog and was able to call the family immediately,” she noted. “We also make maps using Google maps which help us track sightings, and it helps families know good ‘suggested’ locations for signs.”
Trapping is also a technique used by the team. They use a very large trap called the “Missy Trap.” The trap was created in 2013 and named after a golden retriever named Missy who would not enter conventional traps. The co-founder of The Retrievers, Greg James, designed a trap made from horse fence panels that can be assembled in a field with quick clips. When triggered by a dog pulling on a piece of food, the gate drops and latches. A trail camera is nearby to show when the trap is triggered and the dog, or sometimes other animals, are caught.
They also use a large kennel that is hooked up to a Raytripper, a device developed by The Retrievers team, with a photoelectric sensor that drops the gate when a dog enters the trap and steps into the beam.
“When it comes to trapping, we do rely on the community and permission to use people’s properties,” said Milliman. “We are extremely respectful when it comes to getting permission
with the ‘leave it as you found it’ rule.”
The group also has a team of drone operators and a search dog named “Scout,” who is in training.
Spruce and Syrah
Milliman’s most memorable, and most challenging, case was “Spruce,” who is now called “Willow.” She was a great Pyrenees from Finlayson that traveled over 20 miles through the Snake River Forest area in the middle of deer hunting season. After the team tracked her movements for several days, they saw that she settled at a farm about 10 miles north of Knife Lake.
“It took a couple weeks of conditioning her to go in our trap,” recalls Milliman. “But she eventually did, and that’s when her new life began with a foster already in place. I still get updates from her new mom.”
One heart-wrenching rescue was on County Road 3 north of Hinckley. “We placed a trap in a deep ditch on the side of a busy road. A stray German shepherd I called Syrah was seen being dumped off with the truck driving off and her chasing after,” recalls Milliman. Thankfully, Syrah was caught and rehomed.
Volunteers try to stay within an hour of their homes but most of them have traveled further. “One of my first cases on my own was a lost dog in Brownton, Minnesota, in the winter of 2020,” recalls Milliman. “I drove 2 1/2 hours in pretty much a blizzard to trap this dog with my son Everyn, who often helps me with my cases.”
Advice from the pros
If you’ve lost a dog, do not give up, says Milliman. “Stay positive for your dog. Post online and make and put up signs with your number and dog’s photo on both sides,” she said. “Call the sheriff’s office to report your dog missing, call local vets and, if you need extra support, please reach out to organizations like The Retrievers (which serves most of Minnesota) or Lost K-9 (based out of Cottage Grove).”
To prevent losing a dog and not finding it, “microchip, microchip, microchip!” notes Milliman. “Tags don’t
always work, because they can fall off. Or you can write your number on your dog’s collar in permanent marker even. I also recommend that if you are leaving town and you’re leaving your dog with a family member, a dog sitter or even a boarding facility, you should always send your dog with an article, whether it is a worn shirt, their blanket or bedding. Often, one of the first things we do is suggest hanging out a familiar scent which could be a worn shirt or a blanket or even a dog’s bed. In case the dog has kind of gotten ‘turned around,’ they could catch a familiar scent to help find their way home.”
Milliman, who is not only a mother but a dog mom as well, says it’s exhilarating when she takes a case. “I automatically love your dog like it’s my own! Our entire team is celebrating when we retrieve your pet,” she adds.
About The Retrievers
The Retrievers is an all-volunteer team based in Minnesota. The team also serves parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, northern Iowa, and western Wisconsin, offering the tools, experience and expertise to help rescues and individual owners find their lost dogs. Their resources will help dog owners organize an effective search and, through free consultations, their experienced team members can advise on strategic decisions as the search unfolds. Their specialty is capturing skittish dogs, which is especially helpful once a dog has been spotted and is remaining in the same general area. If your dog has gone missing, every hour counts. For more information or to donate to The Retrievers, visit https://www.theretrievers.org/. The Retrievers have also designed “Never Lost U,” which focuses on lost dog prevention. That information can be found at https://the-retrievers-s-school. teachable.com/p/neverlostu.
Traci LeBrun is the editor of the Pine City Pioneer.
Melissa Milliman and friend Nicole, a fellow Retriever volunteer, after trapping a little stray in named Chase. They often work together on cases.
Best of Awards
Council receives update on Metropolitan Council projects
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
The Shoreview City Council has received an update from Metropolitan (MET) Council Member Peter Lindstrom about various MET Council projects that are impacting Shoreview.
The MET Council, created in 1967, is a regional policy-making body and planning agency that provides essential services in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. Lindstrom represents District 10, which includes the Ramsey County cities of Shoreview, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Arden Hills, Mounds View, North Oaks, Roseville and Vadnais Heights as well as the Anoka County cities of Blaine, Circle Pines, Lexington and Spring Lake Park.
The MET Council is responsible for overlooking the Metro Transit bus and rail system, Metro Mobility, Transit Link, wastewater treatment facilities, regional parks, planning, affordable housing and more.
“We have nine wastewater treatment plants. Our largest is the Metro plant. That is where all the wastewater from Shoreview and other communities goes to,” Lindstrom said. According to Lindstrom, 691 million gallons of wastewater are generated by the city every year.
The city has successfully applied for the inflow and infiltration (I/I) grant offered by the MET Council to help eliminate infiltration within the city’s sewer system. The city has also been successful in securing grant funding from the MET Council’s Water Efficiency Grant Program to offer rebates for Shoreview residents to upgrade old irrigation controllers to new smart irrigation controllers.
Grass Lake sewer relocation project
According to Lindstrom, work is underway to relocate the
sanitary sewer interceptor next to Grass Lake, a 16-acre wetland located in Shoreview. Interceptors are large-diameter sewer lines that collect flow from smaller lines and convey that flow to a treatment plant or another interceptor. These improvements will repair the aging infrastructure and improve the system’s efficiency and reliability. The project is estimated to cost $22. 5 million.
“Whenever the lake gets a lot of water, the pipes are underwater… If we ever need to maintain it, it makes it a little bit of a challenge,” Lindstrom said. “Or if there is I/I into our sewer pipe, that’s bad. It means we’re cleaning clean water. If there a crack in the pipe and wastewater is getting into Grass Lake, that’s bad. So, we want to do our best to prevent both of those things.”
In addition to relocating the sewer, the MET Council is working with Ramsey County to improve the adjacent trail. The trail often floods during high water levels.
Metro Transit in Shoreview
Shoreview has access to Metro Transit’s regular bus routes, which connect communities and provide opportunities for commuting and other activities. Lindstrom added that the MET Council has launched a new initiative called Network Now.
“It is a vision for transit in our region over the next two years. This is a good thing for Shoreview. We’re going to see considerably expanded service, 40 percent more service, for transit in our region,” Lindstrom said.
According to Lindstrom, Route 225 will be extended to Lexington Avenue and north to Arden Hills and Rice Creek Commons. Route 227 will run every 15 minutes during rush hours.
Recently, a southwestern portion of the city has become a part of the Metro Micro Transit zone. Metro Micro is a shared ride service where you can go
anywhere you need to within the service area. The service area also includes the cities of Roseville, Woodbury, Bloomington and Blaine.
“This year, we’ve seen just right around 20,000 rides on Micro Transit and roughly 125 a day,” Lindstrom said.
2050 Comprehensive Plan
The City Council and staff have begun the planning process for the city’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan after receiving the city’s plan requirements from the MET Council. The comprehensive plan is something the city is required by the MET Council to update every 10 years.
“There are requirements for cities: How much affordable housing we need to have. It’s got some forecast around housing,” Mayor Sue Denkinger said. “We have to give an update, or a projection, about what we’re doing for the community in terms of transportation, climate, parks.”
According to Denkinger, it takes the city about three years to update the plan before it is reviewed and accepted by the MET Council.
Lindstrom added that the MET Council is planning for 610,000 new residents to move into the Twin Cities region by 2050.
“Where are they all going to live? And how are they all going to get around that is efficient and economical?” he asked. “That is the job of the MET Council and your (City Council) job for the community as well.”
For more information about the MET Council, go to metrocouncil. org.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-431-1226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com.
PHOTOS BY MADELINE DOLBY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Various business owners attend the “Best of the Press” party. Winners and finalists were able to pick up their certificates, enjoy food provided by local vendors and give a statement on what it means to them to be “the best.”
Upcoming events
Teen Writers Speak: An Open Mic Night for Teens
November 6, 6:00-8:00 PM
White Bear Center for the Arts
Join fellow writers for an open mic night meant for teens to share their latest work, test new ideas, or simply soak in the words around them. Register in advance and let us know if you’d like to read. This event is for teens, but adults are encouraged to attend.
Lori Dokken Presents: "Painting Joni"
November 9 at 2:00 PM
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
A performance of Joni Mitchell's works, featuring Lakeshore’s Steinway piano, will celebrate the poetic lyrics, emotional depth, and groundbreaking style of the iconic folk artist.
Sculpting the self, exploring identity
Some artists find themselves at the potter’s wheel. Others, like Chloe Bischoff, White Bear Center for the Arts’ clay studio assistant, find themselves in Red Wing, playing Clue with four other creatives in a historic tower that once housed writers, painters, and thinkers for decades.
This past September, Chloe embarked on the Anderson Center’s prestigious Early Career Artist Residency, a month-long immersive experience for emerging artists across disciplines. Nestled along the Cannon River in Red Wing, the Anderson Center is known as an oasis of community, giving artists the gift of time and space to dive deep into their practice.
“My time at the Anderson Center was remarkable,” Chloe says. “I’ve never had such an extended period where my only focus was to create art, think deeply, and take in my beautiful surroundings.” The residency brought together five artists from across five different disciplines, sparking long, late-night conversations about craft, creativity, and everything in between.
with big questions: “What lies at the intersection of autotheory and animism? How can clay act as a mirror, facilitating and enriching the concept of the self? And how has her own relationship with clay informed the way she moves through the world?
Yoga in the Gallery
Tuesdays, November 18-December 16, 12:00-1:15 PM
White Bear Center for the Arts
Step into a sanctuary of tranquility and elevate your midday break with this yoga class in WBCA’s Ford Family Gallery. This session blends mindful, purposeful movement with deep meditative practices, offering a powerful rest for your body during the lunch hour.
“Annie”
November 21-December 14, 2025
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
Join us for this delightful musical about the loveable orphan Annie! Featuring the famous tunes “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” and “Tomorrow,” this show is the perfect holiday treat for the whole family.
You can find a full list of classes in WBCA’s quarterly printed catalog and online at WhiteBearArts.org/ classes.
Chloe approached her residency
Rooted in queer ecology and the surrealist traditions of artists like Remedios Varo, her work at the Anderson Center explored identity as something fluid, entangled, and cocreated with the natural world. The result was a sculptural self-portrait, a two-layered “mask” featuring a sculpted inner face, modeled after Chloe’s own face, peeking through
an abstract outer shell referencing imagery from nature’s architecture, such as skeletal formations, cellular organelles, and fungal growth.
Inspired by Jane Bennett’s concept of vital materialism, which suggests that all matter is inherently alive and energetic, Chloe approaches her artistic practice as a relationship between two entities, not merely shaping or using a lifeless material. Back in the clay wing at WBCA, Chloe brings that same philosophy: “I'm not simply firing kilns, I'm participating in a form of 'synthetic geology' in which I steer the physical and chemical forces that humans have partnered with for thousands of years to create long-lasting and wellloved objects from clay!”
Growing green: Art meets sustainability
This fall, White Bear Center for the Arts (WBCA) is turning over a new leaf, literally. Thanks to a grant appropriation from the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD), WBCA is offering a series of eco-conscious art classes designed to inspire deeper connections to the land, water, and sustainable living.
The idea is to use art as a bridge to nature. Using art as a means for people to connect to nature creates a different access point for education and engagement with the land and water in ways that feel personal, meaningful, and approachable. One of the RCWD’s goals is to work with local organizations and communities to help people better understand and care about water and the environment in real-world ways, and as RCWD’s Outreach and Communications Manager, Kendra Sommerfeld says, “WBCA is a strong partner in that effort.”
introduce conversations around water-conscious living through a creative approach,” says WBCA Creative Director Sara Nephew. “If a handful of people walk away more curious and connected to this place we all share, that feels worthwhile.
In September, a class led by Michelle Bruhn focused on no-dig gardening and Hügelkultur, two kinds of regenerative gardening methods that emphasize soil health and low-impact design. Coming up in December, landscape designer Kyle Manley will lead a Matrix Garden Design session focused on creating resilient, lowmaintenance gardens using native plants tailored to the Upper Midwest.
So, this season, WBCA offered three free events that explore topics like native plants and regenerative gardening practices, each with a creative, hands-on experience, aiming to reach people who might not connect with traditional water quality data or technical reports.
“The Rice Creek Watershed District has helped us to
“This partnership with WBCA is a great example of how we can use art to build connections between people and the water in their own communities,” Kendra says. “It helps make important water issues easier to understand and more relatable to people than other highly technical things like data and graphs.”
By blending art with environmental stewardship, WBCA’s fall programming is planting seeds of change. Showing how creative expression can make environmental awareness more approachable to make a difference, one class at a time.
Courtesy of Chloe Bischoff
SPORTS
Mustangs strong at state, place 3rd; sisters get silver
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mounds View placed third in the Class 3A state tennis tournament with three strong performances, after which Rory and Reese Wahlstrand placed second in the double’s tournament, Oct. 21-24 at the University of Minnesota.
The Mustangs beat Alexandria 5-2 with wins by both Wahlstrands, Stella Fagerlee, Saina Makin and Sonam Bhasker/ Mikenna Peloquin. In the semifinals, the No. 4 seeded Mustangs lost 4-3 to champion Rochester Mayo, to whom they lost 7-0 and 6-1 in the regular season, then won the third-place match 4-3 over Edina, to whom they had lost 5-2 previously.
Against Mayo, the Mustangs moved their 2-3-4 singles to doubles, which paid off with a sweep of doubles by Reese Wahlstrand/ Sofia Kostinovski, Fagerlee/Ma-
kin and Bjaskar/Peloquin. Mayo dominated singles, winning 48 of 49 games, including Malea Diehn beating Rory Wahlstrand 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1.
The Mustangs used the same lineup against Edina for another doubles sweep while Rory Wahlstrand got the clincher in a thriller against Raya Hoy 1-6, 6-1, 11-9. This marked just the second time the Mustangs have beaten 37-time state champion Edina in 30 years of playing them.
Rory, a senior, and Reese, a sophomore, the 2024 state dubs champs, were not quite able to repeat. They cruised past teams from Two Rivers, Andover and Maple Grove before Edina’s Hou and Lauryn Schneck drubbed them 6-1, 6-0 with pin-point shot making while the sisters had a slew of uncustomary missed shots. The Wahlstrand’s finished 15-1 together in two years of post-season doubles.
Mustang boys 8th at state CC, Miller all-state
The Mounds View boys placed eighth of 16 teams and had one all-stater, Hunter Miller, in the Class 3A state cross country meet Saturday.
Blaine was team champion and Minnetonka’s Sean Fries was individual champion in 14:50.6. Miller, a junior, placed 19th in 15:53.9, a big jump from 64th last
season. The top 25 are all-state.
Junior Andrew Richter was 48th (16:18.5), junior William Drury 82nd (16:42.8), sophomore Ismaeel Ahmed 91st (16:46.7) and senior Grayson Then 98th (16:49.8) among 160 runners.
Mounds View was won Section 5AAA with Richter fifth (16:00), Miller sixth (16:05), Drury seventh
(16:14), Ahmed 10th (16:24) and Benjamin Russell 13th (16:31). The Mustangs were third in a close Suburban East Conference meet behind Stillwater and Roseville. Richter was fourth, Drury eighth, Joey McVean 17th, Russell 18th and Ahmed 21st.
Bruce Strand
Mustang girls 6th in state
CC, Ousdigian medals
The Mounds View girls placed sixth in the state Class 3A cross country meet Saturday while Linnea Ousdigian finished sixth to earn all-state status for the fourth time.
Wayzata had five of the top ten, including champion Maddie Gullickson in 16:54.3, to win by a wide margin at Les Bolstad Golf Course.
Ousdigian, a junior, hit the chute in 17:52.9 to earn her fourth podium finish after placing fourth, 10th and 10th previously.
Mustang junior Leah Marchek was 58th (19:22.4), senior Adela Peterson 63rd (19:24.5), eighth-grader Maddie Schmaltz 76th (19:34.0) and freshman Emma Brodin 79th (19:35.5) among 160 runners.
Mounds View won Section 5AAA with Ousdigian snagging her third section title in 17:49. Marchek placed fifth, Peterson sixth, Brodin 10th and Abby Urriola 12th. The Mustangs were second in the Suburban East Conference behind Forest Lake. Ousdigian was second (18:03) behind Forest Lake’s Anna VanAcker (the state runner-up), Peterson eighth, Marchek 11th, Brodin 14th and Urriola 18th.
Bruce Strand
Mustang gridders beat Rogers, fall to Lakeville South in playoffs
Mounds View’s football season ended in the second round of the state Class 6A tournament with a loss to Lakeville South 37-0 on Friday evening.
The Mustangs, who finished 5-5, beat Rogers 31-21 in the first round a week
earlier, their third straight win. Against Rogers, Wheeler threw four touchdown passes, to Tanner Jude (nine and two yards), Case Wassink (51) and Godson Rufus-Okomhanru (four). Finn McArthur booted a 38-yard field
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Ellie Bina
Mounds View Swim & Dive
November 4, 2025
Ellie Bina has two meets left in a prodigious Mounds View swimming career before moving to on to her next team: Notre Dame. The distance freestyle specialist, currently gearing for sectionals this weekend, seeks to reach state again and add to her collection of six individual medals: third, fourth and fifth in the 500, seventh three times in the 200. The 5-foot-3 left-hander dominates the school record board (including 200 and 500 and individual medley). She has been having fun this season winning in the other events: 50 and 100 free, backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke.
4457 White Bear Parkway, Ste B, White Bear, MN 55110
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goal and four conversions. Wheeler was 18-for-30 for 228 yards. Alex Isabel made ten tackles and a sack and Rufus-Okomhanru had nine tackles and an interception.
Lakeville South (8-2) had four touchdowns on runs against the Mustangs and another on an interception while holding the Mustangs to 38 yards rushing. Wheeler was 14-for-25 for 128 yards, with three pickoffs. Jude caught seven passes for 75 yards.
Bruce Strand
Soccer team loses 1-0 at state
Mounds View’s Section 5AAA champion girls soccer team lost in the first round of the state tournament to Eagan 1-0 on Oct. 23. The Mustangs finished 10-7-3. Coach John Pass felt it was a good performance. “We restricted them and didn't allow many chances at all. It
felt about even,” he said. “We got caught in one moment of transition and the ball got over our backline.” Eagan got a well-struck ball past the Mustangs standout goalie Finja Poecher.
Bruce Strand
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED Reese (front) and Rory Wahlstrand were state dubs finalists again, this time losing to an Edina duo.
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Linnea Ousdigian placed sixth, her fourth top-ten state finish.
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E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y
Xcel Energy brings AI-driven wildfire detection to Minnesota
Xcel Energy is bringing the first artificial intelligence-driven wildfire detection cameras to Minnesota, providing quick notifications to first responders of grass and forest fires and helping protect communities, natural resources and power infrastructure.
The company recently announced that Pano AI wildfire detection cameras were recently installed in Mankato and Clear Lake, marking the first two of 38 camera systems planned for areas of higher wildfire risk near the company’s power lines. Pano AI cameras provide 24/7 monitoring that complements Xcel Energy’s existing wildfire mitigation strategies to ensure the grid continues to provide safe and reliable service to homes and businesses.
“Wildfires pose an increasing threat to our communities, our natural resources and, of course, our electric infrastructure,” said Ryan Long, chief legal and compliance officer and president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota, North Dakota & South Dakota. “Introducing this technology allows us to stay ahead of the risk and limit damage from wildfires while keeping the grid safe and reliable.”
Pano AI’s technology combines high-definition cameras, artificial intelligence-driven smoke detection and satellite data integration to continuously scan for smoke. Each camera station —
which is attached to a tall, existing structure, such as a cell phone tower — will perform a 360-degree sweep of its surroundings every minute. When a potential fire is detected, human analysts at Pano verify it, and then the system triangulates its location and notifies local fire agencies and dispatch centers.
“As changing weather conditions create new wildfire risks beyond the West, Xcel Energy is leading the way by putting advanced detection at the center of its wildfire mitigation strategy,” said Arvind Satyam, cofounder and chief commercial officer
of Pano AI. “Their decision to deploy Pano’s AI-powered cameras in Minnesota sets the standard for how utilities can strengthen grid resilience while helping to protect people, communities and critical infrastructure.”
Over 1,200 wildfires in Minnesota have been recorded so far this year, impacting nearly 49,000 acres, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Fire departments will have access to the Pano system’s real-time intelligence of the surrounding terrain, including areas that may be hard to monitor
using traditional methods, to support a more coordinated response to wildfire threats and shorten response times. In addition to curtailing the spread of the fire, early detection can also improve safety for first responders and reduce the overall cost of fighting fires.
While the Pano AI cameras are new to Minnesota, Xcel Energy already uses them in regions of Colorado and Texas. In June 2024, the cameras detected smoke in Douglas County, Colorado, following a lightning strike. The system quickly identified the presence of a wildfire and alerted firefighters, who responded quickly and contained the fire to just 3 acres. For more information about Xcel Energy’s wildfire mitigation efforts in the state, visit https://mn.my. xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/wildfires/ mn-mitigation.
Xcel Energy
This map depicts where the Pano AI cameras are currently installed (green) as well as where they are proposed to be located in the future (red). Thirty-eight camera systems are planned for areas of higher wildfire risk near Xcel Energy’s power lines.
Pano AI cameras spot fires early to protect communities, forests and grid.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Xcel Energy recently held a media event to announce the installation of Pano AI cameras and detail how they will benefit communities in areas across the state with elevated fire risk. Speakers (from left) included: Ryan Long, chief legal and compliance officer and president, Xcel Energy – Minnesota, North Dakota & South Dakota; Arvind Satyam,
officer, Pano
Chief Joel Schmidt, Mahtomedi Fire Department; and Michael Lamb, chief delivery officer, Xcel Energy.
CHIPOTLE RESTAURANT: Construction to begin in 2026
zoning district is 70 percent. The site currently has a lot coverage of approximately 65 percent.
“Since the proposed Chipotle building, and that includes the patio, has a smaller footprint than Burger King and the applicant does not plan to expand the parking lot, it is our (city staff) expectation that the lot coverage will end up being less than 65 percent,” Eddins said.
Currently, the site plan shows 43 parking spaces and two ADA spaces. According to the staff report, in the C1 commercial district, uses are required to provide a minimum of 5.5 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of net floor area. Eddins said when you apply this ratio, the parking requirement comes out to be 17 spaces.
RESIGNATION:
Council Member Shelly Myrland asked why the applicant was proposing 43 parking spaces on site when they only require 17.
“Why would they want to have so many additional parking spaces? It’s a lot of asphalt, and asphalt is expensive. I’m curious to why they would want to have so many more. More to maintain, stripe, all those things,” she said.
Eddins said the applicant did not give staff a reason to why they are proposing the additional parking spaces, but her assumption was that they made the decision based on parking demands at other Chipotle locations.
“In the future, if they realize they don’t need this much parking, perhaps they would get rid of some of it and increase the landscaping,” Eddins added.
Since Chipotle’s online order system is something new to Shoreview, Eddins said staff asked the applicant to provide additional information on vehicle queuing times.
“Typically, there are two customers in a Chipotlane (drive-through lane) at a time, and the queue length is four cars or less approximately 98 percent of the time. Sixty-five percent of customers are served in less than two minutes,” Eddins explained.
Construction on the site would not begin until 2026. The council unanimously approved the site and building plan 5-0.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-431-1226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com
‘Should not cast doubts on the integrity of our board’
FROM PAGE 1
for the duration of Weinhagen’s service.
“We have processes and procedures in place to ensure that no single board member has access to the district’s funds or budgets,” the statement said. Like all public school districts, Mounds View undergoes an independent, annual financial audit. The board stated the audits have never revealed any evidence of impropriety.
Weinhagen worked for the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce before leading the Minneapolis chamber for almost a decade. He left the chamber in 2024 following an internal investigation into the organization’s finances. That investigation revealed a $500,000 budget shortfall, which led to the layoff of
POLITICAL BRIEF
Local state representative runs for auditor
State Representative Elliott Engen (District 36A) has announced that he will run for state auditor after current State Auditor Julie Blaha announced that she will not seek reelection. The Office of the State Auditor oversees roughly $60 billion in local spending and watches how that money is being spent. The state auditor also serves on several state boards and councils, including ones that oversee state pensions and investments.
The 2026 Minnesota State Auditor election will take place on Nov. 3, 2026.
CITY BRIEF
Council approves increase in Comcast fees
five staff members.
Federal charges state that the Minneapolis Chamber was missing $290,000 and that Weinhagen made up a consulting company called Synergy Partners. Prosecutors allege that Weinhagen entered into contracts with the fake company under the name “James Sullivan” and used the chamber’s credit card for a family vacation to Hawaii that he claimed as chamber business. According to prosecutors, when chamber members noticed a line of credit which attempted to hide Weinhagen’s embezzlement, he faked “James Sullivan’s” death with a sham obituary.
Madeline Dolby
The Shoreview City Council has approved an increase in the PEG (public, educational, and governmental) fees collected monthly as part of the franchise agreement with Comcast, effective January 1, 2026. In 2014, the city withdrew from the North Suburban Cable Commission. The city has been operating under a franchise agreement with Comcast
OBITUARY
since 2015, which was extended earlier this year through 2030.
The franchise agreement includes a 5% franchise fee and PEG fee. Both of these fees are paid for by Comcast’s cable subscribers. The agreement allows the city to raise the PEG fee up to two times.
Comcast cable subscribers living in Shoreview will pay $2.25 per month in 2026. The City Council approved the first increase from $1.70/subscriber/month to $2/subscriber/month in late 2023.
Michael F. Krebsbach
Age 79, of Shoreview, MN.
Pick-up a newspaper at these locations Shoreview
Gramsie Corner Market 3999 Rice St.
Shoreview Amoco 3854 Lexington Ave. N
Kowalski’s Market 441 Hwy 96 W
North Suburban BP 415 Hwy 96 W
Survived by his wife of 57 years, Jacci, whom he met when they were both 12 years old. Also survived by children Amanda (Ben), Elizabeth (Justin), Emily ( Paul) and grandchildren Brenden, Riley and Cole. Also survived by sister Kathleen (Dave) and brothers Tom, David (Holly), Jim (Robin) and sisters-in-law Jean, Debbie & Christy. Preceded in death by parents Mary & Harold and sister Linda, brothers Duane, Eugene, Ron & Dennis & sister-in-law Janet.
Celebration of Life Monday November 17 (12:00 pm) at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 3920 N. Victoria Street, Shoreview and preceded by Visitation at 11 am. Mueller Memorial, 651-429-4944 www.muellermemorial.com
Shoreview Village Mall
Hwy 96 & Lexington Ave. N
Shoreview Library
4560 Victoria St. N
Shoreview
Community Center
4580 Victoria St. N
Shoreview City Hall
Brausen Automotive 1310 County Road E W.
North Oaks
4600 Victoria St. N
Taste of Scandinavia 845 Village Center Dr. VonHanson’s Meats 895 Village Center Dr. Walgreen’s 600 Village Center Dr.
MOUNDS VIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT #621 ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP PINEWOOD ELEMENTARY 2025 LTFM RENOVATIONS AND GEOTHERMAL
Bids are due Thursday, November 20, 2025 @ 2:00 pm CDT For more information regarding the above Bid, please visit the Mounds View Public School District #621 website at: www.mvpschools.org/about/finance/bids Published two times in the Shoreview Press on November 4 and 18, 2025. NOTICE OF STATE LAND SALE BY MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Notice is hereby given that state lands located in Carlton, Clearwater, St. Louis and Wadena Counties, as described below, are hereby offered for sale by the Commissioner of Natural Resources. The lands will be sold at public auction as required by Minn. Stat. Ch. 92 and 94. The auction will be held online at MNBid.mn.gov, the Department of Administration Surplus Services online auction site.
Bidders are advised to obtain property data sheets and be familiar with the property, price, and terms and conditions of sale prior to bidding at the auction. To obtain a property data sheet, visit mndnr.gov/landsale or call (651) 2595432, (888) 646-6367 or email: min.landsale@state.mn.us. In all inquiries, please specify the property number. Online Auction begins Tuesday, Dec. 2 and closes Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, as posted.
Property 09274: The Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter in Section 13, Township 48 North, Range 16 West, Carlton County, Minnesota, lying easterly of State Highway 23. Property 15052: Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter, Section 15, Township
WWII DRAMA: Set in London, focuses on war and its impact on civilians
unspeakable terror. As German bombers rain destruction night after night, the play reveals how the warfront was not only on the battlefields abroad but also in the streets, homes and hearts of those left behind.
Caisley’s script is both harrowing and deeply compassionate, weaving humor, heartbreak and hope into a vivid portrait of a community under siege.
With a cast of deeply flawed and fully realized characters, “Front” showcases how war can bring out the best and worst in humanity. In the end, each character will face impossible choices: to kill or be killed, to hope for the future or live for the moment, to love selflessly or save themselves. Suitable for anyone 13 and older, audience members will be transported to a gripping historical moment that holds lessons for us today about the incalculable cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
“We picked this show because of the depth of characters and storytelling,” said co-director Dan Perucco. “It calls for a large cast with over 30 characters, allowing us to provide opportunities for a range of performers. Yet none of these characters feel small or one-dimensional: they each feel like complex, nuanced people with their own lives and histories.”
At the center of the play is the character Judith, who works in a factory that makes bomb detonators. Her husband is fighting in the army and her children are forced to grow up far too quickly.
Joan is Judith’s friend and a headstrong single
mother whose son is fighting in the war.
Maris Ward, who plays Judith, describes her favorite scene. “There is a scene where Judith and Joan are quarreling because they have different views on the world. It breaks into a huge argument but once there’s a moment of silence, they stand together silently holding hands. “It’s moving and heartbreaking, but also shows what love looks like for the two of them.”
Claire Lamatsch, who plays Joan, spoke about powerful moments in the performance. “I hope that the small moments of hope and humanity stick out to the audience. Looking at the show as a whole, it can seem quite depressing, but it is actually so filled with hope. The play has many beautiful moments that reveal the perseverance of everyday people faced
The officer investigated and found there was no suspect information available.
• An officer responded Sept. 8 to a phone call fraud report in the 1500 block of Holly Drive. The officer investigated and determined the reporting party was not out any money. No suspects were identified.
• Officers responded Sept. 8 to a delayed report of theft in the 700 block of Apollo Drive from a local business. After investigating, the suspect was mailed a citation for theft.
• Officers responded Sept. 8 to a report of a disorderly male in a parking lot in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. Officers made contact with the male and issued him a citation for disorderly conduct.
• While on patrol Sept. 9, an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 7100 block of Otter Lake Road and cited the driver for littering.
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• While on patrol Sept. 9, an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 7400 block of 20th Avenue. The male driver was arrested on an outstanding warrant from another agency. The male was transported and booked at jail.
with the unthinkable.”
Explained Luke Baker-Trinity, “In the final scene, Judith presents a yearning monologue that serves as a declaration of her life and cry for the future that is absent of the horrors she’s faced. She
“I
stead, she talks about all the lives she has touched and have touched her.”
Baker-Trinity, who plays a variety of characters in the play, added, “In a hopeful way, it reminds us of what we choose to do in a world in which ev-
hope that the small moments of hope and humanity stick out to the audience. Looking at the show as a whole, it can seem quite depressing, but it is actually so filled with hope. The play has many beautiful moments that reveal the perseverance of everyday people faced with the unthinkable.”
Claire Lamatsch Student
is asking that universal question of ‘what now?’
under investigation.
The answer isn’t presented in any clear steps. In-
• Officers responded Sept. 11 to a report of a runaway female juvenile in the 100 block of Morgan Lane. The juvenile was later located by law enforcement and provided a courtesy transport home.
ery choice seems like the wrong one. We choose to honor our morals and memories, and we strive
• Officers responded Sept. 11 to a traffic complaint involving a business in a residential neighborhood near the intersection of Highland Drive and Arlo Lane. Officers made contact with the company and advised them of the complaint.
• An officer was dispatched Sept. 12 to a gas station in the 7500 block of Lake Drive to check on a female who was acting strangely. The female left the area prior to the officer’s arrival. The officer investigated and determined no apparent crime had been committed.
• An officer are investigating a delayed report of theft Sept. 12 in the 6800 block of Sunrise Drive.
• Officers responded Sept. 13 to a report of a suspicious group of people who were egging a car in the 7700 block of Meadow View Trail. The suspects were not identified, and the vehicle owner was provided with a case number.
for a world in which we want our children and grandchildren to live in.”
“Even though it's about the 1940 Blitz of London, its themes are relevant in our modern world of upheaval and uncertainty,” noted Perucco. “‘Front’ is about the impossible choices people face when dealing with the terror of war at home, where nowhere is safe. But it is also about hope and the unbreakable human spirit.”
MVHS Theater’s co-directors have three values that guide their work: community, education and quality. These values foster a balanced approach for the more than 100 students involved in the program by building connections, creating learning opportunities, and being part of work they can be proud of. It’s also inspiring the next generation of artists to
share their gifts with the world — either on the stage or in other ways. Ward, Lamatsch and Baker-Trinity are all seniors at MVHS this year. Ward plans to attend college for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater or acting. Lamatsch plans to major in nursing and minor in Spanish for health care professionals on a pre-physician assistant track. Baker-Trinity plans to pursue a college degree in violin performance.
All shows take place in the Mounds View High School auditorium at 1900 Lake Valentine Road in Arden Hills. The performance is appropriate for audience members 13 and older. Reserved seats are available online and at the door. Visit https:// www.mvtheater.org/ for more information and to purchase tickets online.
• Officers and the fire department responded Sept. 13 to a report of a possible explosion that was heard in the 6500 block of Hokah Drive. The area was checked, and no problems were found.
• An officer responded Sept. 9 to a traffic complaint involving a school bus in the 7700 block of Lake Drive. The bus company was contacted and notified of the complaint.
• Officers responded Sept. 11 to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked on a residential street in the 6500 block of Lacasse Drive. Officers made contact with the owners of the vehicle and determined there was no crime.
• Officers were advised Sept. 11 by another law enforcement agency that a Lino Lakes resident made a threat of violence toward a school. The incident was investigated, and a juvenile was arrested in the 400 block of Andall Street.
• An officer responded Sept. 11 to a report of harassment in the 7900 block of Henry Lane. The case is
• Officers responded Sept. 14 to a report of a neighbor dispute in the 200 block of Stallion Lane. Officers spoke with parties involved and arrested an adult male for DWI. The male was booked at jail for second-degree DWI and alcohol content of 0.08 or more within two hours.
• An officer responded Sept. 14 to a report of an attack by an animal in the 7300 block of Leonard Avenue. The victim did not need ambulance assistance. The owner of the animal was issued a citation.
• An officer responded Sept. 14 to a report of a single-vehicle motor crash that occurred near the intersection of 20th Avenue and 80th Street. No injuries were noted, and the vehicle was towed.
Students who are part of the show’s crew help with stage lighting and sound.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED Ben Schanner (left) and Xavier Hartzel work on a piece for the set.
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has launched a new online tool to help Minnesotans track how federal education investments support students and schools in their own communities.
On the site, Tracking Federal Education Investments in Your Community, users can see how much the federal government invests in their local school district, learn how their tax dollars are used to support learning and share how federal cuts and uncertainty are impacting local students and classrooms.
“MDE remains committed to ensuring every student, of every background and ability, has access to a world-class education,” said Commissioner Willie Jett. “In Minnesota, we believe education is a public good deserving of public investment — and that investing in kids pays off. Minnesotans deserve clear information about how federal investments support the students and schools in their neighborhoods. This tool helps families, educators and community members see where their tax dollars go.”
The site includes:
• District-by-district summaries showing how federal investments are used to support students through
programs such as special education and school nutrition.
• A story portal where Minnesotans can share how federal cuts and uncertainty are impacting students, classrooms and communities.
• Commissioner Jett’s letters and statements responding to recent federal education actions and proposals that affect Minnesota schools.
Visit the microsite at https://education.mn.gov/ MDE/about/fed/.
Minnesota Department of Education
