The Laker

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THE

L KER Vol. 3 • No. 4 • January - May, 2026

QUAINT COTTAGE PAGE 1B

WHITE WINGS • LAKE AVENUE DRAWINGS • ICE SAFETY Press Publications

2025 White Bear Lake Sales

Creighton Fricek | Contributed This sun dog was spotted despite belowzero temperatures on Thursday, Dec. 4, in White Bear Lake.

Thanks to the strong demand for our exclusive Private Collection of lakeshore properties, we proudly represented eight clients in buying and selling their dream homes on White Bear Lake. • Call us to gain access to our patented 3-Steps to a Successful Sale and Marketing Plan: • Sellers maximize their sale price with fewer showings • Buyers enjoy year-round access to our Private Collection of homes • Our dedicated team of five agents ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience With an extensive network of motivated buyers actively seeking their ideal lakefront property, your home could be next. Call us today for more information.

Terry Honsa | Contributed Ricky and Josie enjoy their morning stroll along the shores of White Bear Lake.

Contributed The northern lights were visible from Lake Avenue.

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The Cargo Manifest

Fishery METRO ICE MAGIC p. 7A

Shore Leave LAKER CALENDAR p. 9A-10A

Welcome to the winter issue of The Laker Hopefully, your boat, dock and lake gear are winterized and tucked away for spring. An important thing to remember is that ice is never 100% safe, even in the frigid winters of Minnesota. In this issue, you will find some general guidelines to keep in mind as well as tips from ice boater Brett Smith. If you plan to ice fish this season, make sure to check out tips, and a fish taco recipe, from a local fishing expert Aiden Johnson. Ice boater Brett Smith weighs in on ice safety. For this issue, we couldn’t leave out one of the fursbilings, so you will read about two Lake Dogs, Lolli-pup and Ginger. Get a glimpse into Jim and Peg Sensac’s Bald Eagle cottage that is famous for sheltering the Barker-Karpis gang back in the ’30s. A main event for the boating community will happen Jan. 22 - 25, 2026 — The 53rd annual Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center. You will also find a full list of other winter events in the Laker calendar. Of course, once temps start to warm this spring, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to guess when ice will officially be declared “out” on both White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake. Before you dock your reading glasses, make sure to let us know what you think about The LAKER. From our crew to your crew, we hope you find The LAKER a winter essential. As always, send your Laker images to ppinfo@ presspubs.com.

THE LAKER Staff

Loon Landings MIGRATION MAP p. 5C

Shore Leave MANITOU MAPLE SYRUP p. 10C

Publisher - Carter Johnson General Manager - Patty Steele Managing Editor - Shannon Granholm Copy Editor - Amy Johnson Contributing Writers - Debra Neutkens, Erik Suchy and Jackie Bussjaeger Production Manager - Mary Peterson Lead Production Designer - William Peter Photojournalist - Paul Dols

©2026 The LAKER is proudly published by Press Publications. 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110 The LAKER will return May 2026

JANUARY - MAY, 2026 | THE LAKER

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RIGGINGS ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

WINTER FUN, WINTER RISKS: Tips for how to stay safe on the ice this season

By Brett Smith Special to the Laker

Metropolitan lakes can see as much activity in the winter as they do in the summer. From ice fishing and neighborhood pickup hockey games to iceboating,

cross-country skiing and kiteboarding, Minnesotans have long been creative in ways to welcome winter and all of its outdoor ice activities. This winter, fun can instantly become life threatening when falling

Photos contributed Some important ice safety items to have with you include a float coat, ice picks and a throw bag.

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through the ice. The Minnesota DNR tracking annual ice fatalities, reports an average of three deaths per year. There are many safety precautions one can take to enjoy these ice activities while avoiding one’s demise. Here is a list of safety tips for anyone venturing onto the ice: • Wear ice picks to pull yourself out in the event of falling through. • Wear flotation. A float coat is preferred, but a thin life jacket works, provided the flotation over the chest does not impede pulling oneself onto the ice. • Check ice depth throughout the area of usage for at least 4 inches, following safety guidelines for depth and weight (see the DNR chart below this article). Talk to folks who are ice fishing to see what ice depth they have measured and in what areas.

• Go on the ice with other • Look for pressure ridges people. This is safer and or surface variation that can more fun. be a clue to unstable ice. • Carrying a throw line is This should be done helpful to rescue someone each time you go else or throw to someone to on the ice, as wind help you out of the water. and temperature • Carry a cell phone. This changes can can be a life saver in a create openings crisis. that may not • Watch this YouTube have been safety video on what there the to do when breaking previous day. through ice so that • Make you are prepared when sure you suddenly in the wahave good ter. Search: Pike Pole visibility. Fishing, How to perform Going out at a self rescue, Edgernight, in fog or ton Fire Department: in heavy snow makes it hard https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=QKpAz for you to see vXSldA unstable ice and for others to help Brett Smith is a retired you. Mahtomedi music teacher, • Communicate Bald Eagle Lake resident your intentions to and enjoys iceboating, others with details cross-country skiing, fat of where you are biking and skating on the going and when Brett Smith ice. ◼ you'll be back.

INFORMATION FOR LAKE USERS, AREA RESIDENTS, AND LAKESHORE PROPERTY OWNERS

Preserving White Bear Lake for Future Generations Get Smart about Salt

From skating and fishing to iceboats and golf on ice, winter is a great time to have fun on White Bear Lake. It’s also the best time to protect our lake from one of its biggest threats – salt. Chloride, a key component of salt, is one of the most common and most destructive pollutants of Minnesota’s lakes. It’s toxic for freshwater fish, aquatic bugs and amphibians. It harms aquatic plants and increases the risk of algae blooms. More than 65 Minnesota lakes and streams currently exceed the State’s water quality standards for chloride. Another 75 are at high risk. While White Bear Lake isn’t chloride-impaired yet, it may be only a matter of time, since the level of chloride has doubled in the las 30 years.

Where does all that salt come from?

It comes mostly from road salt and deicing chemicals that end up in our lake. Since the 1940s, we’ve been using chloride to make our streets and sidewalks safe for winter travel. Stormwater runoff washes all those chemicals and salt into our storm drains and eventually into the lake. Once the chloride is in the lake it’s nearly impossible to remove and even a little can do a lot of damage. A single teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute five gallons of lake water.

A little goes a long way

The good news is that one of the best ways to protect

White Bear Lake is simply to use less salt. Here are a few tips from the Minnesota DNR for how to go on a salt diet: • Shovel early and often. The more snow you remove, the less salt you’ll need to use. • Less is more. A coffee mug of salt is adequate for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sideway squares (250 sq. feet). • Sweep up extra salt. If it’s visible on dry pavement, that leftover salt isn’t doing anything to make you safer. Sweep it up to reuse later rather than leave it to wash into a storm drain. Save money and save the lake at the same time! • Check the temperature. Ordinary sodium chloride won’t work when ground temperatures are below 15 degrees, so wait for warmer weather before applying. If it’s too cold for salt, use sand, gravel or chicken grit instead for added traction. Just to remember to sweep up the excess after the ice melts! Each of us can make a real difference in the water quality of White Bear Lake. By cutting back on salt in the winter – even just a little – we help protect the lake that we enjoy all year round. And every little bit helps. When you’re out tackling the elements this winter season, remember: a little salt goes a long way. Let’s all resolve on a smarter salt diet this season.

Three Reminders for Ice Safety: 1. WBLCD ordinance requires that any dock or object remaining in the water/ice after December 1st be marked with reflective tape or paint that is visible at a distance of 100 feet. This tape or paint should be visible over the snowpack for safety of winter lake users. 2. All vehicles using the ice must remain 250 feet from the shoreline except during egress or parking. 3. The winter speed limit is 35 mph for all vehicles.

Let's Connect Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or check out our website Website: wblcd.org Facebook: “WBLCD” www. facebook.com/WhiteBearLake ConservationDistrict Instagram: “WBL Conservation District” YouTube: WBL Conservation District Email: The new email address is wblcd25@gmail.com

Please join us for these White Bear Lake Conservation District (WBLCD) Winter Events A Community Update on White Bear Lake: Water Quality and Lake Usage: Tuesday, January 27th at 6pm at the Ramsey County Library in White Bear Lake. Blue Water Science expert, Steve McComas, will present findings of an extensive study of water quality parameters and trends as well as lake usage findings and trends. Refreshments will be provided. (see graphic below; jpg w/b attached) Annual Ice Clean Up: Saturday, March 7th on White Bear Lake. Since 2004 the WBLCD has been co-sponsoring the annual ice clean up with Mahtomedi Scout Troop 89 as well as other partners. Over 1,650 volunteers have collected over 7,500 pounds of trash that would have otherwise melted into the lake.

Four Ways you can help protect WBL now 1. Keep It Clean: MN Law prohibits placing any garbage or waste on or under the ice of lakes 2. Join us for our winter events. 3. Watch the salt! 4. Mark any dock kept on the ice for the winter

wblcd.org | wblcd25@gmail.com | 651.429.8520

JANUARY - MAY, 2026 | THE LAKER

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RIGGINGS ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

WILLIAM WARD AND THE SEARCH FOR WHITE WINGS By Erik Suchy Contributing Writer

William Ward | Contributed White Bear Lake resident William Ward is on a quest to discover the legacy of his grandfather Herb’s boat, “White Wings.” Pictured here is the sole photo Ward owns of the boat’s existence, currently framed in his house.

according to Ward, lay in its handmade mahogany construction and an engine that produced remarkable horsepower. “There’s been a lot of discussion about what engine was in that boat,” he said. “People were swearing it was a Hispano Suiza, a Spanish-Swiss company; however, others were swearing it was a V-12. Then we have another group of people swearing it was an Allison 12-cylinder airplane engine. I don’t know how he

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was, but later the garage burned down, and it took the boat with it,” Ward said. Despite the lack of answers, Ward remains committed to his investigation and continues to look for clues. Among his contacts have been Lake Minnetonka-based boat owner Todd Warner, who provided information on Minnetonka Boat Works, and Skip Johnson, grandson of Johnson Boat Works founder J.O. Johnson. Ward said he has made unsuccessful attempts to contact Soucheray for more information. For now, Ward has one photo and a steadfast dedication to finding as much information as he can about White Wings. “I’m an enormous history fan, but when it’s family history, and especially something of this caliber, it’s been a real jigsaw puzzle as far as finding little pieces here and there,” he said. “Even though everybody’s seen this boat, there’s been so little information about it; if there is, it’s extremely confidential.” ◼

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Meet White Bear Lake resident William Ward. He’s a man on a mission and — although his might not be from God, as in “The Blues Brothers” — it’s of equal importance to him: uncovering the legacy of his grandfather Herb’s motorboat White Wings. In the four to five years since Ward began his search, he said, uncovering information about White Wings has not been easy. Not only have most historical records been difficult to find, but the boat itself no longer exists. Sometime in the 1970s, a garage fire that destroyed White Wings’ housing left little memorabilia, photographs or accounts of its past. Only one picture survived the fire. It remains in Ward’s possession, serving as what he calls his “sole guiding light” for continuing his investigation. White Wings was one of a line of boats built in the 1930s through the ’40s, with most around 33 feet long. Its uniqueness,

would have had an engine like that, and I can’t put together how a civilian at that time would have gotten an Allison engine in that boat.” The name White Wings came from the size of the bow wave it created on the water. Ward said the wave made it appear as though the boat was sprouting “white wings” as it moved across the lake. Eyewitnesses to the boat at the time dubbed it the “Mahogany Titanic” due to its size and texture. It is also notable for appearing in one of columnist Joe Soucheray’s books. “There are still people who remember that, during cocktail hour, my grandfather would go around and ring a bell for people to come down and go for a boat ride,” Ward said. Details of White Wings’ whereabouts remain a mystery from the 1960s onward. According to Ward, Herb sold the boat to an individual from Iowa, who later returned it, citing a seized piston. “He couldn’t get it dislodged, so he sold the boat to somebody. I don’t know who it

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◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ FISHERY

METRO ICE MAGIC: Unlocking winter fishing success on Bald Eagle, White Bear Lake Special to the Laker

Wintertime fishing on Bald Eagle and White Bear Lake can be excellent when the right conditions, time of day, and, most importantly, safe ice are working in your favor. Both of these lakes offer not only plenty of opportunities for numbers of fish but also present the occasional opportunity at a trophy to keep anglers like me coming back year after year to chase these pressured metro fish through the ice. When it comes to ice fishing at either one of these lakes, there are a few things that every angler should know that help to put more fish on the ice every season. First and foremost, to have success, you need to figure out what kind of structure the fish are relating to and pick a depth to check accordingly. Typically, different species of fish tend to stick to one of three structural options in these lakes: weeds, weed edges or drop-offs, and midlake structure/out in the basin. For example,

to execute but often holds the greatest with fish species such as bass and pike, reward if you happen to run into a big I often find that they prefer weedy areas school of fish! in the lake, from anywhere between 6 to Aside from determining what structure 14 feet of water, over the most vibrant and the fish prefer, time of day is also a crucial green-looking weeds in the lake. element to having success out on the ice. Other species, such as When fishing for species like walleye, walleyes and crappies, tend to for example, getting after them early or roam closer to the edge of the staying out after dark typically plays to weeds, and I have had more your advantage. This is especially true luck fishing right on the on White Bear, where the clear water weed edge or just beyond tends to encourage fish to eat after it over a sand/gravel the sun has set. Often, these bottom. late-night bites tend to come Lastly, fishing midin waves where lake structure smaller schools or out over the of fish push basin in some through periodiof the deepest cally throughout water in the the night as they lake, looking for suspended pancruise around fish, can also looking for a latebe an effective night snack. Contributed option. This bite is Lastly, speaking of Aiden Johnson caught this walleye more challenging snacks, if you're planning on a gravel drop off.

to keep a fish or two for the table this winter, here’s one of my favorite simple fish taco recipes: Ingredients: • Pike, crappie, or walleye fish fillets • Soft shell flour tortillas • Shredded lettuce • Taco Gringo sauce (or your favorite fish taco sauce) • Spanish rice Instructions: 1. Cook the fish – Season with spicy Catch & Cook fish batter and fry until the fillets become flaky. 2. Assemble the tacos – Place the cooked fish in a warm flour tortilla. Add shredded lettuce and Taco Gringo sauce. 3. Serve – Enjoy with a side of Spanish rice or even add it directly into the taco for a better taste in my opinion! Aiden Johnson owns Aiden’s Angling Guide Service, LLC. ◼

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JANUARY - MAY, 2026 | THE LAKER

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◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ SHORE LEAVE | EVENTS

LAKER CALENDAR JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Lake Links Association Winter Walk and Open House

Bear'ly Open Community Dance

When: 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9 Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center Details: Enjoy hot cider and treats while viewing displays, hearing progress on the trail around the lake and Streetcar Park renovation, and take a stroll along the lighted trail segment and the decorated covered bridge. Scavenger hunt and door prizes. Contact: lakelinks.net

When: 7-11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6 Where: Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn, 4940 Highway 61 N. Details: Dance to the sounds of Wildcat Combo while supporting the Bear'ly Open fundraiser for the food shelf. Free hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and contests. Contact: bearlyopen.org

Bear'ly Open

When: 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 Where: White Bear Lake County Park at Ramsey Beach Details: Golf-on-ice fundraiser for the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Players use golf clubs, hockey sticks, tennis rackets, or anything else that can propel a tennis ball through an 18-hole course. Games, food, beverages and activities along the way. Registration required. Contact: bearlyopen.org

White Bear Lake Winter Farmers Market

When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 Where: White Bear Lake Area High School Student Union (west entrance), 5040 Bald Eagle Ave. Details: Indoor farmers market with local vendors and makers. Food trucks on site until 2 p.m. Contact: forksinthedirt.com Contact: forksinthedirt.com/winterfarmers-market

The Elvis Show: Joe Sir & The Rockabilly Rebels When: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Top-rated tribute spanning every era of Elvis Presley's career. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

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POLAR PLUNGE When: Saturday, Jan. 31 Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Avenue Details: The White Bear Lake Plunge has raised over $3M for Special Olympics Minnesota in its 22-year history. Sign up as an individual or team. Contact: plungemn.org

Minneapolis Boat Show

When: Jan. 22-25 Where: Minneapolis Convention Center Details: Wide selection of boats, attractions and other features for all ages. New model boat club indoor pond for live demonstrations. Tickets available online. Contact: minneapolisboatshow.com

St. Paul Winter Carnival

When: Jan. 22-Feb. 1 Where: Various locations throughout St. Paul Details: Oldest winter festival in the United States includes family-friendly activities such as a Light the Park event at Rice Park, ice carvings and snow sculpture competitions, Grande Day Parade, Fire & Ice Run, appearances by the Royal Family and Vulcan Krewe and more. See schedule of events online. Contact: wintercarnival.com

Gateway State Trail Candlelight Walk

When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23 Where: Gateway State Trail at Stillwater Road/Wildwood Elementary School Details: Two-mile walk on a trail lit with hundreds of luminaries. Bonfires, hot beverages and marshmallows for roasting. Leashed dogs welcome. Contact: 651-677- 8483 or Clara.Brown@ state.mn.us

'The 39 Steps'

When: Jan 23-Feb. 7 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, White Bear Lake Details: Live performance of a fast-paced whodunnit comedy. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

Mahtomedi Outdoor Skate Party

When: Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center ice rink Details: Celebrate winter with community skating party, bonfire, hot beverages and food. No registration required. Contact: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com

Winery Wonderland at 7 Vines Vineyard

When: Friday, Jan. 30 and Saturday, Jan. 31 Where: 7 Vines Vineyard, Dellwood Details: Explore the vineyard on snowshoes. Guided walk lined with ice luminaries. Live music, bonfire, mulled wine and Bingo. Registration information online. Contact: mywahooadventures.com

The Older the Better Vintage Sled Show

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 Where: Blacksmith Lounge and Broaster, 17205 Forest Boulevard N., Hugo Details: See old sleds and support the Stillwater Snowmobile Club. Free admission for spectators. Food, drinks and raffle tickets available for purchase. Contact: Facebook: Stillwater Snowmobile Club

Horseshoes on Ice

When: Saturday, Feb. 7 Where: White Bear Lake VFW, 4496 Lake Ave. S. Details: Two person teams can participate in the annual fundraiser. Call to register in advance. Contact: 651-426-4944

White Bear Lake Winter Market

When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 Where: White Bear Lake Area High School Student Union (west entrance), 5040 Bald Eagle Ave. Details: Indoor farmers market with local vendors and makers. Food trucks on site until 2 p.m. Contact: forksinthedirt.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 10A

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SHORE LEAVE | EVENTS ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

LAKER CALENDAR Winery Wonderland at 7 Vines Vineyard

When: Friday, Feb 20 and Saturday, Feb. 21 Where: 7 Vines Vineyard, Dellwood Details: Explore the vineyard on snowshoes. Guided walk lined with ice luminaries. Live music, bonfire, mulled wine and Bingo. Registration information online. Contact: mywahooadventures.com

Chart Toppers & Showstoppers! From Broadway to Billboard

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Smash hits from Broadway musicals presented by James Rocco & friends. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

Best Practices for Pollinators Summit

When: Feb. 24-26 Where: Online Details: Three days of live presentations with experts on sound land practices that promote pollinators, climate resistance, clean water and lands and more. Registration information online. Contact: pollinatorfriendly.org

MARCH Northwest Sportshow

When: March 5-8 Where: Minneapolis Convention Center Details: See hundreds of boats on display, a wide selection of gear and abundance of must-see attractions for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Details and ticket information online. Contact: northwest-sportshow.com

'The Importance of Being Earnest'

When: March 13-22 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, White Bear Lake Details: Live performance of Oscar Wilde's timeless comedy that highlights absurdities of Victorian life. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

Opera Jukebox: the resident artists of the Minnesota Opera When: 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Interactive concert features favorite selections of opera arias, classical pieces, and standards. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

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ANNUAL LAKE CLEANUPS White Bear Lake When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 7 Where: Frozen White Bear Lake Details: Local Scouting groups partner with the White Bear Lake Conservation District, area Geocachers, and community volunteers to pick up trash on the frozen lake before the ice melts. Becomes a land-based clean-up if ice-out is early. Contact: wblcd.org

APRIL Tribute to Johnny Cash: Mitchell Hall and the Tennessee Trio When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Tribute to the legace of Johnny Cash. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

'Once Upon a Mattress'

When: April 24-May 17 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, White Bear Lake Details: Lakeshore Players' presents a twist on the classic fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea”. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

Trash to Treasure Day

When: All day Saturday, April 25 Where: White Bear Lake and White Bear Township Details: All city and Township residents can put unwanted items marked “free” at the end of their driveways for treasure seekers to pick up. Contact: whitebearlake.org/ee/page/trash-treasure-day

Bald Eagle Lake When:Usually takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19 Where: Frozen Bald Eagle Lake Details: The Bald Eagle Area Lake Association will have a dumpster at the boat launch for trash. All residents are invited to help. Contact: baldeaglelakeassn.org

RITE of Spring

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 25 Where: Wildwood Elementary, Mahtomedi Details: Hands-on workshops, information stations, and kids activities; on-site recycling 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and prescription drop-off 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com

MAY White Bear Lake Cleanup Day

When: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 2 Where: 4200 Hoffman Road (former public works site), White Bear Lake Details: Get rid of unwanted items for a small fee. Household hazardous waste is not accepted. Proof of residency required. See list of accepted items and fees online. Contact: whitebearlake.org

Minnesota Fishing Opener

When: Saturday, May 9 Where: Minnesota lakes, rivers and streams Details: Kickoff to the walleye, sauger and northern pike fishing seasons. Contact: dnr.state.mn.us

◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ SHORE LEAVE

DRAWING ON LAKE AVENUE’S LONG HISTORY OF CHARM By Lynn Nelson Special to the Laker

Jesse Okie is an architect and architectural artist who has done pen-and-ink "house portrait” drawings — some in France and at least 100 in Minnesota and beyond. Four of them are on Lake Avenue. Of course, he drew his own home at 4627 Lake Ave. shortly after buying it. In addition, he was commissioned to draw portraits of 4568 Lake Ave., 4681 Lake Ave., 4671 Lake Ave., and the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society’s Fillebrown House at 4735 Lake Ave. Okie’s home Okie said he thinks his home of 4621 Lake Ave. was built by its original owners, John and Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Matheis, for their daughter. They had purchased the lot in 1883 and built what was probably a summer cottage. Many White Bear Lake homes from the late 1800s were summer cottages for wealthy St. Paulites. John was a German immigrant who developed a prosperous carpet, wallpaper and drapery business in downtown St. Paul. Although Okie surmises that his house was built in about 1885, he said he has no way of knowing the actual date. The Matheises might have defaulted on the property, according to the property’s abstract summary, which indicates the property changed hands many times between 1882 and 1900. That was fairly common at the time. Okie said the exterior of his house is now brick and stucco, but it appears the walls might have been shingled under the stucco — something one would expect of a summer cottage. The brick and stucco were added, along with an addition, long ago. “It’s impossible to know just when,” he said. Okie grew up in St. Paul and spent his summers at his grandparents' home on the White Bear Lake peninsula. His grandfather invented Wet or Dry waterproof sandpaper and moved from Philadelphia to St. Paul to produce it at 3M in1922. In 1989, Okie and his first wife bought 4627 Lake Ave., where they raised their three children. He has lived there with his wife, Mary Harrington, since 2000. Changes in lake levels When Okie moved to Lake Avenue, he said, lake levels were very low — so low that neighborhood kids could play volleyball on the shore of the dry lake bottom “beach" between Banning Avenue and Highway 61. Okie was named for his grandfather, Jesse Shuman, who passed away in 1957. According to Shuman, Okie recalls, lake levels range from high to low in 11-year cycles that correspond with sunspot activity, which affects precipitation. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources data show that historical lows occurred in 1991 and 2013, and highs took place in 1998, 2002, and — theoretically — 2024, except that the level seems to be continuing to rise this year, Okie said.

Photos contributed A view of the home located at 4627 Lake Ave, which inspired the drawing on the right.

The DNR chart also shows that White Bear Lake fluctuates by as much as six feet. Okie’s grandfather’s theory is corroborated by scientific sources that study sunspots and their relationship to precipitation, including Nature.com. Other changes on Lake Avenue When Okie’s previous neighbors sold the house at 4621 Lake Ave. — with which Okie shares a garage — one of the realtors involved speculated that it would be torn down. Okie said he was surprised and relieved when the new owners invested in the home and brought it back to its original glory. For more info on that home, please see the author’s blog: https://www.lakeavenuewbl. com/post/friendly-spirit-may-inhabit-4621-lakeavenue. Okie and Harrington also live next to 4631 Lake Ave., which was once known as the only Victorian home with a turret on Lake Avenue. Their former neighbor David Colglazier, a woodworker, built the turret himself in the front yard in the 1990s and had a crane lift it into place. When the current owners bought the 1899 Victorian, the turret was removed. It sat in the front yard again until it was sold. Although some Victorian house aficionados are disappointed in the house’s changes,

Fillebrown House.

the architect in Okie is sanguine. “I think they did a good job of remodeling it to suit their tastes and the neighborhood,” he said. In Okie’s historical file is a 1992 sales sheet from a local realtor, which showed that Lake Avenue prices have gone up and down over the years—often in conjunction with lake levels. The sheet indicates that Lake Avenue home prices have increased by about 5.5 times since the early ’90s, but that can easily change with the lake level and real estate trends. Currently, most homes on Lake Avenue have a value of $1 million to $3 million. Although lake levels and prices may fluctuate, most of the historic homes on Lake Avenue look remarkably the same. This makes for charming homes worthy of house portraits, as well as wonderful window dressing for the city’s most interesting and eclectic walking path. Lynn Nelson is a writer currently working on a book/blog about Historic Lake Avenue: www.lakeavenueWBL.com. ◼

4671 Lake Ave.

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THE

L KER Vol. 3 • No. 4

SECTION B

Photos contributed This more than a century-old cottage on Bald Eagle Lake is a popular stop on the Gangster Tour.

QUAINT COTTAGE HOLDS FASCINATING HISTORY By Debra Neutkens Contributing Writer

When Jim and Peg Senesac bought their Bald Eagle cottage in 1974, they were unaware of its notorious history and the fascination it would hold decades later. Tour buses filled with history buffs still stop on the boulevard to take a gander at the quaint cottage, known as Idlewild, famous for sheltering the BarkerKarpis gang back in the ’30s. It means Peg Senesac can’t read the Sunday paper on the spacious deck in her pajamas, but she said she doesn’t mind. The Senesacs have lived in the home for 50 years, raising three children, competing in sailing regattas and enjoying lake life. A sign in the home’s front yard states the cottage was built in 1907, but Jim Senesac said he believes it dates to 1897. The couple remodeled part of the home into what is now an Airbnb.

Their guests often have familial ties to the area and appreciate the convenient location, amenities and Senesac hospitality. They are also introduced, if interested, to gangster lore — in particular, to the Barker boys, who entered the local scene in the early ’30s. Kate “Ma” Barker and her outlaw sons are a popular topic in White Bear. The family lived in the area off and on, renting cottages and keeping a low profile. The book, “John Dillinger Slept Here,” by Paul Maccabee, sits on a bookshelf for Senesac guests to peruse. It has a section on the Barker-Karpis gang’s stay at Idlewild Cottage in 1933. There, the gang planned the kidnapping of millionaire William Hamm Jr. in June. Hamm was president of Hamm Brewing Company and sat on the board of First National Bank. The gang would demand and receive a $100,000 ransom for the crime. Peg Senesac said Maccabee called the couple while researching his book to ask about the house.

“He was very thorough,” she said. A member of an FBI task force on the case also paid them a visit after they bought the house. He told them details about the ransom drop. “Instructions were to drive north to Duluth on 61 with the car doors open,” she recalled. “Money was to be pushed out when they saw headlights flash by Bald Eagle Park.” White Bear Lake was considered an ideal location for gang members to blend in with vacationers during the “first explosion of heat” generated by the Hamm kidnapping, according to the book. It describes the area as “remote from St. Paul and Minneapolis, and encircled with winding tree-lined roads and anonymous beach cabins.” It’s thought the gang rented the cottage for $250 from then-owner Alex Premo. At the time, the book notes, Idlewild was a 1 1/2-story white and green structure with a screened COTTAGE CONTINUED ON 5B

JANUARY - MAY, 2026 | THE LAKER

1B

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Instructions: 1. Add the gin, Capaletti, and sweet vermouth into a rocks glass filled with ice. 2.Stir gently to chill and combine. 3.Top with Prosecco - pour slowly so it doesn’t foam over. 4.Garnish with an orange slice or a lightly expressed orange peel. 4. Serve on the rocks.

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ACQUA Pork Shank with Broccolini, Peach Chutney & Demi-Glacé Yield: ~15 Shanks Ingredients • 3 packs volcano pork shanks (15 pieces) • 1 ½ cups olive oil • 4 onions, rough chopped • 5 carrots, rough chopped • 1 bunch celery, rough chopped • 1 cup rosemary sprigs • 6 cups red wine • 3 cups tomato paste • Salt & pepper, to taste Instructions 1. Heat Oil - Heat olive oil in a large rondeau or heavybottomed pot. 2. Prepare Mirepoix - Rough chop onions, carrots, and celery; set aside. 3. Season & Sear - Season pork shanks generously with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until deeply browned. Transfer to a deep hotel pan, placing bone-side up. 4. Sweat Vegetables - In the same pot, add the mirepoix and tomato paste and cook for about 5 minutes. 5. Deglaze & Add Wine Deglaze with red wine and bring to a boil. Add rosemary. 6. Combine & Add Water Pour the wine and vegetables over the shanks in the hotel pan. Add enough water to cover (bones may be slightly exposed). 7. Cover & Braise - Place a sheet of parchment directly on the surface. Cover tightly with foil.

Braise at 350°F for 2 hours. 8. Cool & Hold - Remove shanks and allow to cool slightly. Strain the braising liquid. 9. Store or Serve - Place shanks in pans and pour strained liquid over top to keep moist

Sautéed Broccolini

Yield: Serves ~15 Ingredients • 12–15 bunches broccolini • ½ cup olive oil • 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced • Salt & pepper, to taste • Zest and juice of 2 lemons Instructions 1. Blanch - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch broccolini 1–2 minutes until bright green; shock in ice water and drain well. 2. Sauté - Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (not browned). Add broccolini and toss to coat. 3. Season - Season with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. 4. Finish - Hold warm for service or chill for prep.

Peach Chutney Yield: ~2 Quarts

Ingredients • 8 cups fresh or frozen peaches, diced • 1 large onion, small diced • 1 red bell pepper, small diced • 1 cup apple cider vinegar • 1 cup brown sugar • 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 1 tsp chili flakes • 1 tsp mustard seeds • ½ tsp cinnamon • ½ tsp salt Instructions 1. Combine - Add all ingredients to a medium pot and stir to combine. 2. Simmer - Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 25–35 minutes until thickened and glossy. 3. Adjust - Taste and adjust seasoning: • More vinegar for brightness • More sugar for sweetness 4. Cool & Store - Cool completely. Refrigerate in deli containers; holds well for several days.

Classic Demi-Glacé (Veal + Chicken Feet) Yield: ~3–4 quarts Time: 8–12 hours

Ingredients For the Roasted Veal Stock • 10–12 lb veal bones (knuckles + marrow bones preferred) • 1–1.5 lb chicken feet (adds body + collagen) • 2 large onions, rough chopped (leave skin on for color) • 2 large carrots, rough chopped • 2 ribs celery, rough chopped • 1 head garlic, halved • ¼ cup tomato paste • 2–3 bay leaves • 10–12 black peppercorns • 3 sprigs each thyme and rosemary • Cold water (enough to cover)

Paul Dols | Press Publications

1. Roast the Bones 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. 2. Spread veal bones + chicken feet on sheet pans. 3. Roast 60–90 minutes, turning once, until deeply browned. 4. Add bones to a large stockpot. 2. Roast the Mirepoix 1. In the same pans, add onions, carrots, celery. 2. Roast 20–30 minutes until caramelized. 3. Add to stockpot with bones. 4. Deglaze pans with hot water or wine and pour into pot (critical for flavor). 3. Add Tomato Paste Stir the tomato paste into the bones/veg in the pot and lightly toast 2–3 minutes over medium heat.

4. Build the Stock Add: • Bay leaves • Peppercorns • Thyme & Rosemary Then cover with cold water, about 1–2 inches above the bones. Bring slowly to a simmer— don’t boil. Skim foam frequently. Simmer 6–8 hours, uncovered or partially covered. 5. Strain the Stock 1. Remove solids with tongs. 2. Strain through fine chinois. 3. Do not press the solids— keeps stock clear. 4. Chill or continue directly to reduction.

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3B

SHORE LEAVE ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

COLDSTONE SHORELINES BRINGS RESTORATIONS TO LIFE By Erik Suchy Contributing Writer

“Over 25 years of experience.” These five words, displayed on the company’s website, represent a promise from Coldstone Shorelines founder and owner Ben Andreski of the skill, effort, and craftsmanship behind some of the company’s most impressive projects. Based in Scandia but working throughout the Twin Cities, Coldstone builds and restores shorelines, retaining walls, stairways, and patios—each crafted to meet customers’ needs. Growing up in Upper Michigan, Andreski began building small projects for his family while attending school. “Building shorelines was how I paid my way through college. I graduated with a civil engineering degree, then worked for a couple years at a construction company in town. I didn’t like sitting in an office, so I decided to go back to what I was doing when I was younger.” Specializing largely in restoration work,

Coldstone focuses on using all natural stone—primarily trap rock, granite, and fieldstone—allowing their creations to stand out to the average viewer. “It’s all dry-stacked stone, nothing is mortared. Every piece is placed and shaped to lock in naturally.” Andreski notes. “If somebody has a wall failing, we’ll come in and remove the old wall, then rebuild it with the stone that fits the homeowner’s preference. We’ll probably spend three or four times the amount of time that a typical person would spend on something.” “A friend told me that when they work on a new house, a lot of the exterior work has a lifespan of about eight years,” he said. “Basically, if you get eight years out of it, you’re doing well and got what you could from the job. When we’re building something, were putting it together to last a generation or more.” When it comes to challenges on a project, Andreski says it comes down to a few key factors: building and maintaining a clear path to the site, preserving as much of the surrounding landscape as possible,

Ben Andreski | Contributed For over 25 years, Ben Andreski has brought skill and effort to designing high-quality shorelines, patios and stairways through his company Coldstone Shorelines.

and securing permits. Beyond the quality of materials used, Andreski says the way Coldstone approaches its work has remained consistent, and that consistency is one of the company’s biggest strengths. As a small business, Coldstone’s small crew helps prevent miscommunication

and ensures the standards he’s built his reputation on carry through every project. “The whole purpose of doing these projects is to understand the vision people have for their property and complete the work in a way that meets or exceeds that vision they had in their mind.” Andreski also notes “When you’re dealing with a big company, you might talk to a salesperson, then a foreman, and things can get lost between all those steps. With a small company, you’re getting the person you originally talked to. I’m on the job every day, and because these projects take time, homeowners can really see the progression. I’m there the whole way to answer questions or address anything that comes up.” Looking ahead, Andreski says he sees no need for Coldstone to expand into other avenues. The focus that has shaped the company’s work is the same focus he plans to maintain. To learn more about Coldstone Shorelines and their work, visit their website at www.coldstoneshorelines.com ◼

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4B THE LAKER | JANUARY-MAY, 2026

◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ PORT OF CALL

COTTAGE | FROM 1B

The living room features a comfy couch for napping and lots of natural light.

The cozy sitting area with fireplace is a favorite room with guests.

gangsters, the Senesacs said they would direct them to Lindholm, who tasted his first cream soda on the back porch with Ma and recollected ice cream socials the Barker “boys” held for neighborhood kids. Peg Senesac said Lindholm told her that Fred Goetz, an enforcer for Al Capone’s Chicago gang and a co-planner for the Hamm kidnapping, sunbathed nude in the backyard. Fred and Ma Barker were gunned down in 1935 at their Florida hideout in an FBI shootout. Karpis ended up at Alcatraz. A family friend painted a portrait of Ma Barker to hang in the cottage, but it remains in storage, Peg Senesac said. “Ma was not an attractive woman. If she’d had good foundation garments and Social Security, she may not have been a crook. A gregarious couple, the Senesacs love to entertain. They open their home to family reunions, baby showers (they have 10 greatgrandchildren), Bald Eagle Yacht Club pancake breakfasts, and the annual end-of-year sailing party over Labor Day. Although they no longer sail, their daughter Shelly Suchomel, who Peg Sunesac said “grew up on sailboats,” skippers an all-woman E-scow crew on Tuesday nights. They call themselves The Valkyries. Son Christopher Senesac lives with his family in California. In their 80s, the Senesacs retired just six years ago as wholesale reps for several clothing lines. The word “retired” is used loosely here. Peg Senesac works 15 hours a week as a receptionist at Good Life in Hugo, in addition to running the Airbnb, and Jim Senesac, whom she describes as an “energizer bunny,” keeps up with maintenance and yard work on the 1.5-acre property. They’ve been married 64 years. They lost their older daughter, Suzanne, to cancer in 2020, after

Peg and Jim Senesac

Photos contributed The Airbnb’s bedroom has a tasteful nautical theme.

remodeling the house to care for her. “We thought she’d live longer, but we only had her 15 months [after her diagnosis],” Peg Senesac said. The idea to turn the space into an Airbnb came from Jim Senesac. “I never thought I’d be a chamber maid at this age, but having the Airbnb is so much fun,” she quipped. “We meet so many cool people.”

The cottage, she added, is their little piece of paradise. “People walk in and they either love it or they don’t get it. It’s like living in a TGI Fridays with all the schlock on the walls,” she said. “But it’s where we live and what we do. When I’m on the porch at night reading a book and hearing the loons, I don’t want to be anywhere else. It’s wonderful.” ◼

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porch and two-car garage — essential for Fred Barker, who parked both his Ford coupe and a Hudson sedan there. Alvin “Creepy” Karpis drove the Hudson during the kidnapping. He and Barker had met while serving time in a Michigan penitentiary. In previous accounts, the gangsters were described as “quiet, wellmannered and bill-paying.” They told neighbors they were entertainers from the popular Plantation nightclub on White Bear Lake (now Lions Park), a favorite haunt of gangsters like Dillinger and Machine Gun Kelly. The late Al Lindholm lived across the street from Idlewild on Taylor Avenue. In the book, he recalled mowing the grass for Ma Barker, aka Mrs. Wilson, the family matriarch. She gave him $5 for the job, a generous sum that his mother said was “like pennies from heaven.” When people asked about the

5B

RIGGINGS ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

SAILING ON WHITE BEAR LAKE OFFERS SOMETHING UNFORGETTABLE If you’ve spent a summer day along White Bear Lake, you’ve likely watched sailboats skimming across the water, and maybe even thought, I’d love to try that someday. This summer, that “someday” can become a reality. Learning to sail is easier than most people imagine, and with programs for every age and experience level, White Bear Sailing School helps anyone take their first step onto the water. Why sailing? Sailing is a lifelong sport that builds confidence, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience. It invites kids and adults to unplug, be present, and work with the wind rather than against it. For many families in our community, it becomes a summer tradition. For others, it becomes a passion that fuels a lifelong connection to the sport that allows them to sail in places all over the world.

What learning to sail looks like Children start on stable, kid-friendly sailboats designed for learning. This allows them hands-on experience steering, trimming sails, rigging boats, and understanding wind direction. We spend time in the classroom learning parts of the boat, rules for the water, and getting to know one another. Students progress at their own pace, gaining independence and confidence on the water. Our instructors provide weekly feedback reports to families on how their sailor is doing and information on when they are ready to progress to the next level. For adults, our evening classes offer a relaxed, enjoyable way to learn something new, connect with others in the lake community, and develop a skill you can take anywhere in the world. We offer both beginner and advanced courses, giving you the chance to find the right fit aboard our larger sailboats. Many evenings also include visits from

members of our sailing committee, who generously bring their personal boats for participants to explore, providing a unique opportunity to experience the variety of boats sailing on White Bear Lake. When to register Registration for Spring, Summer, and Fall opens Jan. 1, 2026. Classes fill quickly, especially our youth camps in June and July. The best way to secure your preferred dates is to register soon. To find out more information about our programs, visit whitebearsailingschool.com and explore our youth camps, adult lessons, private coaching options, race teams, and other community programs. Whether you’re 5 or 55, curious about the sport or eager to deepen your technical skills, sailing on White Bear Lake offers something unforgettable. We invite you to join us this summer, catch the wind, and discover just how accessible, exciting and fulfilling learning to sail can be. White Bear Sailing School ◼

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Who can learn? White Bear Sailing School offers classes for ages 4 through adult, ranging from beginner day camps to advanced racing instruction. Even if you have never stepped into a boat before, we have a spot

for you. Our instructors are trained and certified through US Sailing, prioritize safety, skill-building, and fun in every lesson, both on and off the water.

6B THE LAKER | JANUARY-MAY, 2026

◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ SHORE LEAVE

MINNESOTA’S LARGEST BOATING EVENT RETURNS WITH LOCAL VENDORS The region’s largest and longestrunning boating event is back for 2026. The 53rd annual Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive Insurance, will return to the Minneapolis Convention Center Jan. 22 - 25, 2026. Showcasing more than 600 boats from hundreds of top brands all under one roof, the indoor boat show lets attendees compare and shop deals on everything from pontoons, fishing and wake boats to docks, gear and the latest marine innovations. A haven for boaters and anyone drawn to life on the water, the show offers a welcome winter escape filled with hands-on education, family-friendly entertainment and inspiration for every level of experience. Tickets are available at minneapolisboatshow.com/about. Hi Tempo Snowsports and Watersports and Swell Wakesurf, of White Bear Lake, and Boat Lift Boss/Ultra Legs, of Hugo, are among the local vendors attending.

Manufacturers Association vice president of Midwest Boat Shows. “There’s no other place where you can talk directly with several dealers and manufacturers from the most well-known brands, secure show-only savings and plan for memories on the water. Whether you are in the market for a boat or simply curious about the boating lifestyle, the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show is the place to be in January.”

IF YOU GO Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show When: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22; noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S, Minneapolis Details: For more information, to purchase tickets, or to explore helpful resources on the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show website, visit minneapolisboatshow.com.

Contributed The 53rd annual Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show will return to the Minneapolis Convention Center Jan. 22 25, 2026.

What makes this event stand out? Whether attendees are first-time boat buyers or looking to upgrade, they can connect directly with the region’s leading dealers and manufacturers for expert guidance and show-only offers tailored to every lifestyle and budget.

“A huge part of what has made this show a family tradition for 53 years is the unique one-stop destination to discover all that the boating industry has to offer and what makes life on the water so special,” said Darren Envall, show manager and National Marine

Show highlights include: • Fred’s Shed How-to Center with hands-on learning for new and seasoned boaters • The Plants & Things Lake Lounge for lake home and cabin living inspiration • A display of antique and classic boats • Live music • Premium food and beverage options • Giveaways, including a bag-toss tournament for a chance to win a personal watercraft and contests for boating gear ◼

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8B THE LAKER | JANUARY-MAY, 2026

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THE

L KER Vol. 3 • No. 4

SECTION C

Photos contributed Meet 9-year-old Lolli-pup and 1-year-old Ginger who call Bald Eagle Lake home. They are pictured above with their family Nico, Keely, Cory and Alex Huberty. The two Labradoodles love watching the ice boats and running around on the ice and snow. Lolli-pup also enjoys retrieving and chasing hockey pucks while her human brother Nico is practicing his hockey skills.

THE LABRADOODLES OF BALD EAGLE LAKE By Shannon Granholm Managing Editor

For 23 years, Keely and Cory Huberty have called Bald Eagle Lake (more specifically, White Bear Township) home — but it wasn’t until a neighbor’s puppy surprise nine years ago that the lake truly gained one of its Lake Dogs.

“She was one of 12. We went to just look with our two sons, Alex and Nico, and of course, we came home with one,” Keely recalled. Keely, who sails on Bald Eagle, wanted to name the new pup Sailor, but says it got shot down. “Alex picked the name Lolli-pup, and it just kind of stuck,” she explained. Lolli-pup is a Labradoodle who

apparently thinks she is human. It’s not uncommon for her to sit with her bottom on the couch and paws on the ground, sleep with her head on a pillow or sit next to her brothers at the kitchen island during meals. Keely described Lolli-pup as a “princess” who is very patient and mellow. The Lake Dog of course loves the

water, but it took her a little while to figure out how it worked. “The first time she went in the lake, she didn't understand. She ran down to the end of the dock and didn't realize that it was water; she thought she could keep running and she just dropped right in,” Keely said. “To this CONTINUED ON 3C

JANUARY - MAY, 2026 | THE LAKER

1C

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2C THE LAKER | JANUARY-MAY, 2026

◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ LAKE DOGS

LABRADOODLES | FROM 1C day, she won't jump off the end of the dock. If you throw a ball, she has to run to shore and then jumps in and goes and gets it.” She loves the water so much that as soon as someone opens the front door, Lolli-pup runs down the steps and straight to the lake. Keely explained that she has to be groomed about every eight weeks. “We try to keep her out of the lake because she starts to smell, but we can't do it. She just runs right there,” Keely said, laughing. In addition to swimming, Lolli-pup loves riding on the family’s pontoon, which is now equipped with a special dog ramp that makes it easier for her to get on and off the boat. In April 2024, with their oldest son out of the house, and Lolli aging, Keely thought it might be time to bring home a new puppy. “I

decided that I needed to fill that spot,” she said. “Lolli is our first dog ever … she has been a dream girl from day one, and so we wanted her to show another dog how to be.” The family agreed to foster one of five puppies rescued from a puppy mill in Missouri by Healing Hearts Rescue. “I kind of think we knew before we even got her. My husband went to pick her up … He took her right out of the cage, and she snuggled into him. He called me and he's like, ‘You're going to be in love,’” Keely recalled. After about three weeks of fostering, Keely knew the family had to adopt the Labradoodle pup because she wasn’t ready to write up a biography so another family could adopt her. The new addition’s name is Ginger, which pays homage to her beautiful red coat and Photos contributed Keely and Cory Huberty say a Labradoodle makes for a perfect lake dog. Pictured on the left is Ginger and her older sister Lolli-pup on the right.

“spicy” personality of puppy energy. Lolli-pup is still trying to teach her younger sister who is in charge, but the two have become quite good friends. “They don't like to be separated. They're kind of like Velcro to each other,”

Nico enjoys some Ginger snuggles on the couch.

Keely explained. Unlike her sister, Ginger is not too sure about the water, but she’s coming around. “She’s still afraid of the water, but she loves going on boat rides,” Keely said. “She’s watching her sister and getting a little braver.”

Lolli-pup loves being in the water but Ginger is still a bit scared of the water and prefers to hang out on the family’s pontoon.

Now that ice is on the lake, it’s time for the pups to put on their winter booties and head onto the lake for some winter adventures. The two enjoy watching (and barking) at the ice boats passing by, and they love playing in the snow and on the frozen lake. “They love to run on the ice. We play a lot of fetch out there,” Keely explained. “They like to smell all the tracks and sniff the shoreline from a different perspective.” Lolli-pup also enjoys chasing and retrieving hockey pucks while Nico practices his hockey skills for the Mahtomedi High School boys varsity hockey team. The Labradoodles also enjoy greeting any cross-country skiers that pass by. Even though the family “accidentally” stumbled upon the breed, they have fallen in love and say the breed makes for a perfect lake dog. “They are goofy dogs, but they love their family, and they love to play,” Keely said. “They love the water … No matter what people say, they do shed.” ◼

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LOG BOOK ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

PREDICTING ICE OUT: ANNUAL TRADITION For White Bear Lake lovers, the official 'iceout date' is practically a holiday. The tradition of calling ice out began with Benny “the barber” Schmalzbauer, followed by Jan Holtz Kraemer who took the reins in 2001. In 2022, the responsibility was passed to Mike Parenteau. Parenteau says he relies on residents all around the lake to keep an eye on conditions. Beginning in late March, you can count on many lake homeowners keeping watch of the conditions in various parts of the lake and sharing their predictions. For those who like dates, average ice out is April 14. March 8 in 2024 is the earliest on record and May 4 in both 1950 and 2018 the latest. Ice-out for 2025 was March 28. This year, according to the White Bear Lake Conservation District, ice was fully covering the lake as of Dec. 6. Be sure to submit your ice-out guesses for 2026. The White Bear Press holds a contest for White Bear Lake, and Rally WB Events hosts a contest for White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake.

File This old photo of Benny Schmalzbauer and Jan Holtz Kraemer on the Manitou Bridge was taken a couple years before his death. Kraemer is his successor as ice out recordkeeper.

WHITE BEAR LAKE Ice out history

Scan for 2026 Ice-Out Contest April 2, 1928 April 4, 1929 April 4, 1930 April 7, 1931 April 11, 1932 April 18, 1933 April 8, 1934 April 10, 1935 April 23, 1936 April 19, 1937 March 31, 1938 April 16, 1939 April 25, 1940 April 13, 1941 April 6, 1942 April 13, 1941 April 6, 1942 April 13, 1943

April 15, 1944 March 29, 1945 March 30, 1946 April 17, 1947 April 10, 1948 April 12, 1949 May 4, 1950 April 29, 1951 April 21, 1952 April 10, 1953 April 17, 1954 April 11, 1955 April 21, 1956 April 20, 1957 April 11, 1958 April 12, 1959 April 13, 1960 April 14, 1961 April 25, 1962 April 11, 1963 April 13, 1964 May 2, 1965 April 9, 1966 April 9, 1967 March 31, 1968 April 17, 1969 April 17, 1970 April 16, 1971

April 25, 1972 April 4, 1973 April 22, 1974 April 28, 1975 April 7, 1976 April 11, 1977 April 17, 1978 April 23, 1979 April 19, 1980 March 29, 1981 April 19, 1982 April 14, 1983 April 14, 1984 April 12, 1985 April 8, 1986 March 24, 1987 April 7, 1988 April 17, 1989 April 4, 1990 April 7, 1991 April 10, 1992 April 19, 1993 April 6, 1994 April 3, 1995 April 24, 1996 April 18, 1997 April 3, 1998 April 2, 1999

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March 21, 2000 April 19, 2001 April 15, 2002 April 11, 2003 April 7, 2004 April 9, 2005 April 9, 2006 April 1, 2007 April 23, 2008 April 11, 2009 April 1, 2010 April 13, 2011 March 19, 2012 May 1, 2013 April 23, 2014 April 2, 2015 March 16, 2016 March 23, 2017 May 4, 2018 April 18, 2019 April 2, 2020 March 29, 2021 April 20, 2022 April 18, 2023 March 8, 2024 March 28, 2025

White Bear Lake Conservation District | Contributed Ice was fully covering the lake Dec. 6.

BALD EAGLE LAKE Ice out history

Scan for 2026 Ice-Out Contest March 30, 1963 April 13, 1964 April 29, 1965 April 01, 1966 April 08, 1967 March 30, 1968 April 14, 1969 April 16, 1970 April 15, 1971 April 22, 1972

April 01, 1973 April 19, 1974 April 26, 1975 April 05, 1976 April 09, 1977 April 12, 1978 April 21, 1979 April 15, 1980 March 27, 1981 April 18, 1982 April 10, 1983 April 11, 1984 April 12, 1985 April 08, 1986 March 18, 1987 April 06, 1988 April 16, 1989 April 02, 1990 April 06, 1991 April 07, 1992

April 07, 1992 April 18, 1993 April 06, 1994 April 02, 1995 April 22, 1996 April 14, 1997 April 01, 1998 April 07, 1999 March 08, 2000 March 15, 2000 April 15, 2001 April 16, 2001 April 14, 2002 April 15, 2002 April 05, 2003 April 09, 2003 April 06, 2004 April 07, 2004 April 07, 2005 April 07, 2006

March 28, 2007 March 28, 2007 April 22, 2008 April 22, 2008 April 07, 2009 March 31, 2010 April 13, 2011 May 02, 2013 April 23, 2014 March 16, 2016 March 16, 2016 March 23, 2017 April 09, 2019 April 15, 2019 April 02, 2020 April 14, 2022 April 14, 2023 April 14, 2023 March 07, 2024 March 25, 2025

CREDIT: MNDNR-SCO | MNDNR-LAKESDB | MNPCA

◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ LOON LANDINGS

Photos by Ellen Maas | Contributed Top left: Meet Bob. We spotted Bob, a Loon from northern Minnesota, during our first trip to Lake Jocassee, South Carolina. Bob has been wintering on Lake Jocassee for the last four years. This map, first published in Journey with the Loons © 2014 David Evers and Kate M. Taylor, published by Willow Creek Press, are reproduced with permission from the authors. Biodiversity Research Institute Where do our Minnesota Loons winter? In the winter, Loons are observed up and down the East and West Coasts, the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and as far south as the Yucatan Peninsula. Minnesota Loons have been found wintering in the Gulf of Mexico, the Panhandle, off the coasts of Florida, Georgia and the Carolina’s, and inland freshwater reservoirs.

Middle: Most of the adults on White Bear Lake left in late September through mid-October. This solo adult, seen showing off his huge wingspan, was one of the last to leave. Bottom left: In late November, I spotted a few juveniles on White Bear Lake, loading up on fuel before taking off on their grueling journey south.

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HOW TO: APPLY FOR A MINNESOTA DNR PERMITTING AND REPORTING SYSTEMS PERMIT Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Permitting and Reporting Systems (MPARS) is an online portal for various Minnesota water-related permits, including those for water appropriation, public water works and aquatic plant management. It also allows Minnesota residents access to streamline applications, payments and water use reporting for individuals and businesses. If you need to apply for a permit through MPARS, it is important to know what one to apply for: • Water Appropriation Permits: Are required for withdrawing a significant amount of water, over 10,000 gallons a day or 1 million gallons a year. • Public Waters Work Permits: For activities affecting public waters. This also includes shorelines and wetlands. • Aquatic Plant Management Permits: Including those for invasive aquatic plants. • Dam Safety Permits: For dams and related structures.

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• Aeration: Required to operate and install an aeration system during periods of ice cover on public waters in Minnesota. Applicants can also view and request changes or renewals to existing permits, pay permit related fees, report compliance data and communicate with DNR staff. For water appropriation, public water works or dam safety permits, contact a DNR Hydrologist in your region or send a message to Mpars.dnr@state.mn.us. If you have questions about aquatic plant management permits, contact an APM Specialist or send a message to MparsAPM.dnr@state.mn.us. Those looking for more information on Invasive Aquatic Plant Management permits should contact an Invasive Species Specialist or send a message to MparsAPM.dnr@state.mn.us.

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COOL DOWN, POWER UP:

Practicing cold water therapy in White Bear Lake By Erik Suchy Contributing Writer

What comes to mind when you think of improving yourself mentally and physically? Exercising? Reading a good book? For Johnnie Schmidt, his method involves something more based in the water—and several degrees colder. “It’s about self-empowerment,” says Schmidt. “It’s about awe and being out there every day. Usually, I’m out there for two to two-and-a-half hours sometimes.” That method is called cold water therapy, also called cryotherapy, which involves using cold water to treat health conditions or stimulate health benefits. For Schmidt, it is a practice that includes these and some mental benefits. “It’s about separating my mental craziness from my body,” Schmidt adds. Schmidt said his love of cold therapy was an interest he admits came from curiosity, starting with a video from Swedish YouTuber Jonna Jinton. “I saw her do it, and there was something so beautiful and peaceful about the whole thing,” said Schmidt. “Plus,

Contributed Johnnie Schmidt is a practioner and strong advocate for cold water therapy. He plans to once again cut a hole and arrange the ice chunks on White Bear Lake this winter.

she had this awesome saw.” After buying this saw, used primarily by ice fishers to cut holes for spearing, angling and sight fishing,

Schmidt’s next move was to use it to cut out a 2-foot hole into a lake of his preference—which happened to be none other than White Bear Lake. Rather than discarding the excess ice, Schmidt arranged these chunks around the hole. “It was sort of honoring what comes out of the lake,” he said. “The only other option is to slide it under the ice. You can only do it if you cut it so long. As water circulates around, it all sort of erodes, and because of how it’s sloped, when you shove it under it tends to come right back in.” In describing cold water therapy, Schmidt said he often sees the process as experiencing it without considering the temperature. “When it comes to the self-empowerment side of it, it’s about experiencing it not as cold,” he said. “If you’re only thinking about that water as a temperature, it’s more of a sensation, like a cold shower, which is kind of miserable. You have water droplets hitting you everywhere, and it’s not very comfortable. If you can quiet yourself in a cold shower, that’s one thing. When you go into that ice water, it’s one sensation, which is what’s so amazing about it.” ◼

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8C THE LAKER | JANUARY-MAY, 2026

◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ SHORE LEAVE

BALD EAGLE YACHT CLUB PRESENTS AWARDS The Bald Eagle Yacht Club recently held its annual awards banquet Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Hugo American Legion. The following awards were presented for 2025: SUMMER WEEKEND CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON E SCOW - Chris Wiberg HOBIE 16 - Ted Jagger ​H OBIE WAVE - Mike Bradley WEEKDAY SERIES E SCOW (Tuesday) Tom Austin LASER (Wednesday) Brett Smith HOBIE WAVE (Thursday) - Brett Smith LASER DISTANCE Brett Smith MEMORIAL SERIES – (No wind, no races any class) JULY 4TH SERIES; E SCOW - Trevor Taylor HOBIE 16 - Brett Smith

LABOR DAY SERIES; E SCOW - Chris Wiberg ​HOBIE 16 - Brett Smith WAVE HOLIDAY SERIES - Eric Dorschner SEPTEMBER FROSTBITE SERIES Dean Williams SPECIAL SEASON AWARDS Most Improved Russell Dedrick Dedicated Crew - Jody McCormick Service to the Club Trevor & Raye Taylor Eaglet Award - Liam Jagger, Ceci Jagger, Miles Moore Art and Donna Kutchera Social Award – Jim and Peg Senesac SLATE OF NEW OFFICERS ​C ommodore – Trevor Taylor ​V ice Commodore – Bart Crockett ​S ailing Captain – Bjorn Bagnall ​Treasurer – Jodey Klein ​S ocial Chairs – Russell and Polly Dedrick ◼

Brett Smith and Jody McCormick were recipients of numerous awards during the evening, Here they are presented with the 4th of July Hobie 16 trophy by Bart Crockett.

Jim and Peg Senesac were the recipients of the inaugural Art and Donna Kutchera Social Award. The plaque was handmade by BEYC member Tim David.

Photos contributed Bart Crocket presents the Eaglet Award to Miles Moore, Liam Jagger, Ceci Jagger, who share this award given to the most promising young sailors. An honorable mention went to Wally Bagnal.

Ceci Jagger, daughter of Commodore Andrew Jagger, helps hand out the trophies.

New officers for 2026 are from left, Russell and Polly Dedrick (Social Chairs), Jodey Klein (Treasurer), Bjorn Bagnall (Sailing Captain), Bart Crockett (Vice Commodore), Trevor Taylor (Commodore).

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SHORE LEAVE ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

SPRING IS SWEET ON MANITOU ISLAND By Jackie Bussjaeger Contributing Writer

Some of the earliest known history about White Bear Lake includes its rich natural features—in particular, its maple trees. For generations, the Indigenous peoples of the region have come to the White Bear Lake area to harvest maple syrup in spring sugar camps. Manitou Island was especially well known for its large, mature maples that produced gallons of sap each spring. Vicki Ford grew up in the Manitou Island home of her grandparents, Clotilde and H.H. Irvine. Today, she and her husband Si still live in that home, surrounded by the shady maple trees that have drawn people to the island for generations. Every year, the trees on their wooded part of Manitou Island produce gallons of syrup that the Fords enjoy sharing with the neighborhood. “I’m very much into gardening, animals, and nature,” Vicki said. “It’s all just fascinating to me. We have a huge area outside our kitchen window and porch area where my husband sees birds; it’s just incredible to watch them.” Vicki stated that she often thinks of the people who harvested sap on that very same point in generations past, and how resources were shared among communities. She envisions what it must have been like to be present during the days of the historic sugar camps that were held on the island. “It’s hard to realize how meaningful it was,” she said. “They had all that maple syrup they could keep, when they had enough for their needs for the coming winter, they would then let the next group come in and settle in and it would be for many days. We think it

was right on the point, which looks out across to the White Bear Yacht Club. That was where they could see the sun come up, so I always think of them when I look out in that direction. It’s a wonderful way of living; total sharing.” At the end of the syrup season, the Fords celebrate by hosting a waffle breakfast for the neighbors on the island, featuring the freshly made syrup harvested right outside the window. It is a particularly fun event for children, Vicki said. Each year, syrup season begins in late February or early March, when the deep freeze of winter begins to thaw. Trees begin to come out of their winter dormancy, and the sap flows up from the roots, carrying stored nutrients and sugar to the rest of the tree. This is the perfect time to collect the natural sugar before the tree uses its energy it up to produce leaves in the springtime. Syrup production is a timeconsuming and labor-intensive process. It begins with driving a small spout called a spile into the inner wood of a mature maple— usually a tree large enough to survive despite the loss of the nutrients that will be taken away for syrup. The sap will drip out of the tree slowly, accumulating in a bucket or some other container placed below the spile. After the bucket fills, it is collected for cooking, which takes many hours. Sap is mostly composed of water, so the cooking boils off the excess water and concentrates the sweetness. Cooking done over an open fire also imparts a smoky, caramelized flavor to the finished product. Syrup cooking is usually done outside, while an attendant pays close attention to the temperature and viscosity of the sap. Once it has reached a certain point, it will be ready for finishing indoors on a stove for

It takes around 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup.

10C THE LAKER | JANUARY-MAY, 2026

Trees are usually tapped in late February and early March.

more precisely controlled conditions. It typically takes about 40 gallons of sap to produce just one gallon of maple syrup. The person behind this intensive process on the Manitou Island is Wendy Ward, the daughter of the Ford’s next door neighbors, Doug and Vicki Holmen. Ward first started syruping at her own home, but realized she’d have much better prospects at her parents’ maple-filled lot on Manitou Island. She was welcomed by Fords to tap their trees as well. “We do this the old school way, meaning we don’t have any plastic lines going from tree to tree, dumping into a warm shed where all sorts of filtering is going on,” Ward said. “It’s a bucket that has a spile and everything is done by hand, even putting it into a cart and then the cart is lugged to an outdoor, jerry-rigged refrigeration system.” When temps begin to get too high in the spring, the sap begins to turn cloudy or “buddy.” This marks the end of the sap harvest season. In recent years, unpredictable winters have been a challenge for the sap harvest. Periods of unexpected warm days followed by plunging temperatures make for an inconsistent season and a limited harvest. Each year is a strong

Sugary candies are created by boiling down syrup.

Photos by Paul Dols | Press Publications Maple syrup is a crucial ingredient in a log cabin sundae.

reminder that the syrup harvest is always at the mercy of the elements. “It’s just meaningful because of the work,” Ward said. “You have to really pay attention to the weather, the season, the trees, and respect it all. You work really hard and it can be really intense work. You’re not even done when you’re done on the island; most people will take it to their homes where you can control the last hour or so of evaporation. It’s just this incredible process that is really quite beautiful and reflective of everything a tree can give us from sap to shade to nutrients to beauty.” Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Township runs a maple syrup operation, with many opportunities for the public to participate and learn the process of creating maple syrup. Ward mentioned that she had previously participated in some of Tamarack’s syrup seasons when she was learning the process and appreciated the opportunities for people to learn firsthand. “It’s really cool that young kids can see how this works and get involved. It’s good for my friends and kids to see, and to really encourage them to do some of the work. It’s hard; it’s hours and hours, each stage of it. It’s one of the most satisfying things when you’re all done. Knowing you produced it yourself and knowing the trees that produced it year after year.” ◼

◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ XXX

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