L KER
LAKE DOG
New Lakeshore Listing! 115 Wildwood Beach Road, Mahtomedi
With 90' of Sandy Shoreline. Experience lake life at its finest in this exceptional 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom home, perfectly situated on a private dead-end street. Enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living with 2023-installed Nanawall doors that open from the kitchen to a spacious porch with Phantom screens. The main level is flooded with natural light thanks to soaring ceilings and walls of windows. Thoughtfully designed for main-floor living, it features a lakeside primary suite and walk-in closet, an elegant office, formal dining room, laundry room, and a beautifully updated kitchen. The walkout lower level is built for entertaining, complete with a spacious family room, wet bar, wine cellar, and a new media screen and projector. You’ll also find a fitness room with lake views, a sauna, steam shower the 5th bedroom, two ¾ bathrooms, and ample storage space. Additional features include in-floor heating in both the basement and 3+ car garages, new Class 4 shingles, copper gutters, and updated doors and windows on the boathouse. This rare lakefront retreat combines luxury, comfort, and locationoffering the ultimate White Bear Lake lifestyle.
A snapping turtle after burying her eggs. Diane Urbanski | Contributed
Sandhill crane near Matoska Park. Diane Urbanski | Contributed
Smoke on the water of White Bear Lake. Beth Artner | Contributed
The Cargo Manifest
Port of Call Maps
WHITE BEAR LAKE AND BALD EAGLE LAKE MAPS
Shore Leave
Lake Dog
Shore Leave
Riggings
4th of July and the second issue of the 2025 LAKER
Welcome to the busiest part of the summer on the water. As we gear up for the Fourth fireworks and long holiday weekends, our crew at THE LAKER is excited to give you a packed second issue delivered directly to lakeshore property owners, deeded access and dock association homes and dozens of newsstands where nautical people gather.
Inside this issue, you’ll find out about a couple of local lake athletes, like wakesurfer Luke Wippler (page 1C) and sailing legend Steve Johnson (page 2C).
The Midwest Ski Otters are celebrating their 30th anniversary this season. The team has grown from 13 to nearly 200 skiers. Learn about the teams history on page 10C.
Speaking of history, ever wondered about the lake home located at 128 Dellwood Avenue that belonged to Clara Harris. Frank Kellogg, former U.S. Secretary of State, was Harris’ uncle. The home was originally used as a summer house for the Kellogg family who resided in St. Paul. See more on pages 1B, 4B and 5B.
In the mood for music? You won’t want to miss our lake concert roundup (page 4C).
And who could forget this issue’s Lake Dog, Lola, who likes to paddleboard with her owner Bridget Cavanagh (page 11A). This issue’s cover features Baxter, owned by Steve Whitaker, who was one of the winners of the Laker’s first-ever cover photo contest.
In this issue you will also find information from the Ramsey County Sherriff’s Office (page 4A), White Bear Lake Conservation District (page 5A) and you can meet the Bald Eagle Area Association Board (page 8A). And don’t fall victim to swimmer’s itch (page 8C).
This issue also includes maps of White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake (pages 6A and 7A).
Before you dock your reading glasses, make sure to let us know what you think about THE LAKER. Email ppinfo@ presspubs.com. From our crew to your crew, we hope you agree the newest summer essential is THE LAKER.
THE LAKER Staff
BE RESPONSIBLE BOATERS, LAKE USERS
On behalf of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Water Patrol Unit, I want to thank everyone for an awesome and safe start to the boating season. White Bear Lake has the most recreational boat traffic of all the lakes in Ramsey County.
With that being said, we have very few issues or emergencies on the lake. That is a testament to the responsible boaters on the lake.
The Minnesota DNR has made some changes to the Minnesota Boating license. Here is some basic
information from the Minnesota DNR. The best place to answer your questions is on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ boatwater/boater-education-law. html
Thanks again for being responsible boaters and lake users. ◼
Ramsey County Water Patrol Unit, Commander Mike Servatka
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office | Contributed
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office’s 2006 21' Boston Whaler Justice, which is docked on White Bear Lake. Sgt. Troy Patterson is at the helm.
Current Threats to WBL: We need your help.
Preserving White Bear Lake for Future Generations
Please check your dock area for Starry stonewort (SSW)
New Boating Laws and Safety Reminders
Did you know that starting July 1, 2025 Minnesota law will require individuals to obtain a watercraft operator’s permit?
Previously watercraft operator’s permits were only needed for youth aged 12 to 17. The regulation will be phased in based on birth year. Starting July 1, 2025 all people born on or after July 1, 2004 will need to obtain a watercraft operator’s permit to drive a boat or personal
Chloride: Get Salt Savvy
Chloride, most commonly from road salt, washes into lakes when snow and ice melt. Unlike some pollutants, chloride does not break down over time. It continues to build up. Chloride harms aquatic life and disrupts water quality. While WBL is still under the impairment threshold, chloride continues to build each year (see chart). Please consider using less salt on driveways and sidewalks, switch to alternatives when possible and redirect downspouts and meltwater into grass instead of hardscapes and storm drains.
You are looking for a bright green (almost fluorescent), stringy macro algae with white star bulbs in shallow water. Please CHECK your dock area, SNAP a photo if you see anything suspicious SEND the photo to White Bear Lake Conservation District at wblcd@msn.com
watercraft. By July 1, 2026 all people born on or after July 1, 2000 will need a permit. This phase in will continue to expand each year. More on this new law can be found on the MN DNR’s Boater Education Page and Guide.
Safety Reminders
• State law requires children under 10 to wear a U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jacket life jacket.
• A life jacket is required
• A Type IV throwable is required on a boat 16 foot or longer, except on a
• Stay sober. Booze and
• Tell someone where you are going. Bring a phone.
(2025 Minnesota Boating Guide)
(Photo: Twinci�es.com)
Invasive Yellow Iris
Current Threats to WBL: We need your help.
Please check your dock area for Starry stonewort (SSW)
fluorescent), stringy macro algae with white star shaped bulbs in shallow water. Please CHECK your dock area, SNAP a photo if you see anything suspicious and SEND the photo to White Bear Lake Conservation District at wblcd@msn.com.
Invasive Yellow Iris
What is happening with the WBLCD in July?
1. A survey of Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) and native weeds will be completed in late June or early July. Based on findings, areas of the lake will be treated for EWM. Please watch our social media for dates and details.
2. Boating while intoxicated is very dangerous. Boating laws mirror motor vehicle laws in Minnesota. There will be targeted enforcement of impaired boating throughout the state during the first week of July called Operation Drywater.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or check out our website
• Website wblcd.org
• Facebook “WBLCD” www.facebook.com/ WhiteBearLakeConservationDistrict
• Instagram “WBL Conservation District”
• YouTube WBL Conservation District
A concerned ci�zen reported possible invasive yellow iris in Hall’s Marsh. A sample has been the DNR for tes�ng. Please con�nue to watch your shoreline and shallow water for this invasive species.
A concerned citizen reported possible invasive yellow iris in Hall’s Marsh. A sample has been sent to the DNR for testing. Please continue to watch your shoreline and shallow water for this invasive species.
3. White Bear Lake has 13.57 miles of shoreline. Did you know that a mowed or rip-rapped shoreline allows 7-9 times more phosphorus into the lake compared to a shoreline planted with native plants? Stay tuned to our social media for more information on native shorelines in July.
Photo: University of Connec�cut
YouTube-WBL Conservation District
We have a new YouTube channel. All of our meetings are available on the channel. Please subscribe if you are interested.
Four Ways you can help protect WBL now
1. Continue to check your dock area for starry stonewort and invasive yellow iris
2. Watercraft operator’s permits are required for anyone born on or after July 1, 2004
3. Remember pumping water from WBL is not permitted at any lake level
4. Stay up to date: follow us on social media
Chloride concentrations in WBL from 1954 to 2025.
CREW MEMBERS ◼
MEET THE BALD EAGLE AREA ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS
The Bald Eagle Area Association (BEAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and educating a community of homeowners, partners and ecological experts. All work collaboratively to enhance the lake’s natural beauty by preserving and protecting its water quality, so that current and future generations can experience and enjoy all that Bald Eagle Lake has to offer.
Membership in the association is open to all parties owning lakeshore property abutting Bald Eagle Lake or who have deeded access to Bald Eagle Lake. Associate members (non-lakeshore or deeded access residents) may become members with Board approval but are not eligible to vote. The board consists of a minimum of five, no more than 15 members, always ensuring an odd number.
Bridget Cavanagh, Member at Large
Bridget Cavanagh has been a resident on Bald Eagle Lake for 11 years. She's been volunteering with the BEAA Silent Auction Committee for the past three years and joined the board as member at large last fall when her daughter left for college. Bridget has enjoyed working with the Silent Auction Committee and the WBL Community Businesses supporting the association. Bridget is originally from the Quad Cities in Illinois, but has lived in the Twin Cities since she graduated from college. Bridget works at Medtronic as an implant procedure development engineer, so the lake allows her to relax after a busy day. Grace, her daughter, is an angler. Together they like to find where the bass are biting and reel in the fish. Bridget's favorite part of Bald Eagle Lake is to take things slow, either on her pontoon or stand-up paddleboard when she goes out with family, friends and her dog, Lola.
Katie Philippi, Secretary
Katie Philippi has lived on Bald Eagle Lake for the past five years. Her family enjoys the lake year-round—whether it's surfing, paddleboarding, pontooning, walking, snowmobiling, ice skating or snow shoeing with neighbors, friends and visiting family. It’s a place full of activity, connection and relaxation—a true retreat for many.
Family, community and the environment are deeply important to her. She works full-time, and even though her kids are grown, they love coming back to visit and spend time on the lake. She joined the lake association to be an active part of this wonderful community and to help foster a space where neighbors can interact and come together to care for the lake we all value.
Meg Rapheal, President
A lifelong White Bear resident, Meg Rapheal has lived on Bald Eagle Lake since 2001. Her and her husband enjoyed raising their two boys on the lake; winter bonfires and ice skating rinks, summer lake days skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, surfing and pontoon rides filled their days and nights. She joined the board in 2020 when her sons went off to college. Meg’s focus was maintaining the close-knit relationships with the RCWD and the DNR that were previously developed by the prior boards, continuing to support the lake preservation efforts required and further developing the Bald Eagle Lake community.
Jennifer Anderson, Member at Large
Jennifer Anderson has been a dedicated member of the BEAA Board since 2022. Passionate about contributing to the Bald Eagle Lake community, Jennifer is committed to preserving the lake's natural beauty. Since moving onto the lake in 2019, she and her family have cherished its stunning sunrises, breathtaking sunsets, abundant wildlife, and the peace and tranquility it provides each day. Serving on the board has been a rewarding way for her to support and protect the unique charm of Bald Eagle Lake.
Laura Shepler, Member at Large
Laura has lived on Bald Eagle Lake for just four years but her three kids (now adults) grew up enjoying the lake. When her and her husband Mark were searching for a lake home, they narrowed their search to only Bald Eagle Lake because they have loved the lake community here for years.
Laura started serving on the board shortly after moving onto the lake. Her work on the board is with social media, the BEAA gear shop and the annual Music on the Lake event that all are designed to help support a sense of community. She hopes to support engagement needs and help make sure the lake continues to be a beautiful resource for future generations.
Brad Mason, Member at Large
Brad Mason - a lifelong White Bear Lake local and proud BEAA Board member since 2023. His family moved to Bald Eagle in 2018, drawn to the lake and everything it has to offer! Whether it’s an early kayak paddle, ski run or pontoon ride to wind down the day, he is passionate about keeping our lake clean, healthy and thriving for generations to come!
Jack Jungbauer, Treasurer
Jack Jungbauer joined the BEAA Board in 2019 and served as treasurer in 2022-2024.
He and his wife have lived on Bald Eagle Lake for 36 years. He is thankful for past and present BEAA Board members and their stewardship of this beautiful lake. They taught their children and grandchildren to waterski on the lake and have had dozens of skating rinks during the winter. There is a magical relaxation to a pontoon ride at sunset.
It is so important that lakeshore residents understand the importance of Bald Eagle Area Association in maintaining and protecting the lake.
Katie Haskins, Treasurer Elect
Katie Haskins joined the Bald Eagle Area Association Board as treasurer in October 2024, eager to leverage her skills as a CPA for community involvement and to assist the non-profit. She particularly appreciates the vibrant, positive energy of the lake community, whether it's through activities like waterskiing and paddleboarding or simply relaxing on a pontoon.
Joe Boeser, Vice President
Joe is in his second term on the BEAA Board and has lived on the lake since 2011. Joe and his family (wife Kim and kids Claire and Noah) spend as much of their time during the summer on the water as kids activities and schedules allow. Joe has seen first-hand the impact that an active lake association can have.
During his time on the lake, Bald Eagle went from a pea soupy green for most of the summer to a super clear, healthy, and more enjoyable body of water.
In addition to his family and lake association duties, Joe leads the legal and risk management function for a federal credit union and finds time to coach his son's flag football and baseball teams as well as support his daughter's competitive dance team. His involvement on the BEAA Board has been a wonderful opportunity to share his background and education to the betterment of his neighbors across the lake.
Visit the Bald Eagle Area Association online at baldeagleassn.org or scan QR code.
LEAVE | EVENTS
LAKER CALENDAR
ONGOING EVENTS
Music in the Park
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Sundays through July 31
Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park, 410 Lake Ave., Birchwood
Details: All are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket as well as food and beverages. Listen to a different performance each week. Full calendar at cityofbirchwood.com.
Contact: 651-426-3403 or info@ cityofbirchwood.com
Music at Admiral D’s
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Sundays through August
Where: Admiral D’s, 4424 Lake Ave. S, White Bear Lake
Details: Enjoy live music every Sunday. Check Admiral D’s Facebook page for more information on who is performing each week.
Contact: 651-846-9036
Midwest Ski Otters Shows
When: 6 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 31
Where: Little Goose Lake, 4150 Hoffman Road, White Bear Lake
Details: The Ski Otters are celebrating 30 years on Goose Lake. Enjoy a fully scripted, narrated, costumed production of “Otter Time Fitness.” Watch the crazy antics of our water ski fitness gym trying to keep up with technology. Fun for the entire family. Bleacher seating available or feel free to bring a chair.
Contact: skiotter.com/contact
Bald Eagle Waterski Shows
When: 7 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 29 Where: Trailside Park, 7145 Main St., Centerville
Details: Volunteer waterskier team performs weekly throughout the summer, and travels throughout Minnesota to perform weekend shows. Contact: baldeaglewaterski@gmail. com or 320-438-4121
Summer Patio Thursdays at 4 Deuces Saloon
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 14
Where: 4 Deuces Saloon, 2222 Fourth St., White Bear Lake
Details: Live music with no cover charge every week, including Galactic Cowboy Orchestra on July 3, PK Mayo
MARKETFEST
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays through July 31
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake
Details: Community summer festival with over 200 food and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants. Themes include WBL School Spirit Night on July 10 and Science and Agriculture Night on July 24. Contact: marketfestwbl.com
on July 24, Ben Johnson on July 31 and Dave Burkart on Aug. 14.
Contact: kristin@ kellermanseventcenter.com or 651429-9286
Mahtomedi Area Farmers Market
When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Veterans Memorial Park
Details: The Mahtomedi Farmers’ Market encourages local growers, nonprofits and artisans to come together and celebrate the community. Local vendors offer fresh produce, honey, artisan breads, handmade crafts and much more.
Contact: mahtomedifarmersmarket@ gmail.com
White Bear Farmers Market
When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Fridays
Where: Clark Ave., between Second Street and Third Street
Details: A tradition since the 1970s, the farmers' market features more than 50 vendors—many returning as secondgeneration farmers.
Contact: whitebearlake.org or 651-4298526
Music by the Water
When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Where: Tally's Dockside, 4441 Lake Ave. S.
Details: Live music on the lakeside patio. Seating is first come, first serve. Recommended arrival time is 5 p.m. See full lineup at cghooks.com/summerevent-music-calendar. Contact: 651-429-2633
Fillebrown Fridays
When: 10 a.m.-noon Fridays, beginning June 13
Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Visit our quaint 1879 lakeside cottage—a true example of life during the resort era in White Bear Lake. The Fillebrown family occupied the house for most of its years as a residence and donated the house with its contents to the WBLA Historical Society in 1978. Contact: office@whitebearhistory.org or 651-407-5327
X Marks the Spot: A Deeper Dive
When: 11 a.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 29
Where: White Bear Lake Armory 2228 Fourth St., White Bear Lake
Details: Take a deeper look at the ten topics highlighted in the new exhibit, X Marks the Spot, showcasing ten of the places around the lake where history has happened. The collection of photos, records and artifacts will peel away the layers of local lore.
Contact: office@whitebearhistory.org or 651-407-5327
Craft Table Tuesdays
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays through August
Where: Oldies and Goodies, 4717 Clark Ave.
Details: Each week, materials are provided, and you provide the creativity. All ages welcome.
Contact: oldiesandgoodiesmn@gmail. com
JULY/AUGUST
EVENT CALENDAR
School of Rock Band
When: 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, July 2 and Aug. 6
Where: The Dugout, 96 Mahtomedi Ave. Details: Join the School of Rock St. Paul House Band for an evening filled with rock, funk, pop, dance and more. It's a non-stop party, presented by the hottest up-and-coming musicians in the Twin Cities.
Contact: 651-292-1917 or stpaul@ schoolofrock.com
Fourth of July fireworks
When: 8-10:30 p.m. Friday, July 4
Where: Memorial Beach, 4980 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: In West Park is the Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band, followed by a flyover of the WWII North American AT-6 at 8:30 p.m. The night ends with a spectacular fireworks display at 10 p.m.
Contact: info@explorewhitebear.org or 651-272-3799
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10A
LAKER CALENDAR
BOAT PARADE
When: 1-3 p.m. Friday, July 4
Where: Mahtomedi Beach, 1045 Park Ave., Mahtomedi
Details: Decorate your boat, play patriotic music and celebrate our community and country in the annual Fourth of July boat parade.
Contact: angela@redseaglass.com or 651271-6334
Music on the Lawn
When: 4-5 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Where: White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch St.
Details: Jennifer Grimm and Joe Cruz perform jazz, R & B and Latin standards at the free concert series held on the first Sunday of the month during summer. Held indoors if rain.
Contact: 651-429-9026 or wblumc.org
Greenhorn Wednesday Series Bass Tournament
When: 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
Where: Bald Eagle Lake, 5589 Hugo Road, White Bear Township
Details: Approximately 50 entrants participate as part of the Twin-Cities-based nonprofit Bass fishing league. Contact: greenhornbasstour2011@gmail.com
MN Junior B.A.S.S. Northeast Metro Open #2
When: Friday, July 18
Where: White Bear Lake
Details: Tournament includes Northeast Metro High School fishing teams of two on approximately 40 boats. Full contest rules at minnesotajuniorbassnation.com Contact: jgilmer@mnbfn.org
Author Visit
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, July 18
Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square
Details: Alex Thayer will sign copies of her young adult novel, “Happy, Sad and Everything True.”
Contact: 651-426-0918 or booksellers@earthlink.net
Fiber Optics
When: Exhibit opens Monday, Aug. 4
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Details: “Fiber Optics” is a juried group exhibition showcasing selected works from regionally based textile and fiber artists working across various techniques and traditions, curated by a panel of Twin Cities textile artists.
Contact: 651-407-0597 or wbca@whitebeararts.org
Pops on the Porch
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, August 7
Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave.
Details: Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic supper. Enjoy the big band sounds of the Moonlight Serenaders. The event is free, but donations are welcome.
Contact: 651-407-5327 or office@whitebearhistory.org
Into Nature Community Reception
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Details: Celebrate the beauty of summertime in White Bear Lake. View works of art painted “en plein air,” or outdoors, around the community.
Contact: 651-407-0597 or wbca@whitebeararts.org
Vadnais Heights Days
When: Monday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 17
Where: Community Park, 641 E. County Road F
Details: Enjoy Bingo, children’s activities, a medallion hunt, volleyball tournament and more. Full list of events and details available at cityvadnaisheights. com/459/Vadnais-Heights-Days.
Contact: 651-204-6060 or katie.everett@ cityvadnaisheights.com
Save the date
BALD EAGLE ART CRAWL
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 13
Where: Bald Eagle Lake, 5800 Hugo Road, White Bear Township
Details: Experience a one-of-a-kind art event where creativity meets the beauty of nature. The Bald Eagle Lake Art Crawl celebrates community, creativity and connection. The mission is to bring people together through the power of art, offering a unique experience where creativity and nature intersect. Local homes around beautiful Bald Eagle Lake will host up to 10 artists each, showcasing a wide range of artistic talent in outdoor settings. Contact: 651.266.0300 https://www. belarts.org/
White Bear Craft Fair
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23
Where: Hippodrome Ice Arena, 4886 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Shop over 70 booths of Minnesota's best crafters, artisans, boutiques and vendors. Food trucks on premises.
Contact: 763-269-2166 or sunriseeventsandcraftshows@gmail.com
Author Visit
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29
Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square
Details: Cary Griffith will sign copies of his fifth Sam Rivers mystery, “Rattlesnake Bluff.”
Contact: 651-426-0918 or booksellers@earthlink.net
A BREED APART:
How an out-of-the-ordinary paddleboarder found her flow
By Ricka McNaughton Contributing Writer
No one ever taught Lola how to place her feet or adjust her stance for optimal balance on a paddle board. When the time was right, Lola’s instructor, Bridget Cavanagh, simply placed her on the board, allowing Lola to make her own assessment of the watercraft’s dynamics. The rest came naturally. Now, whenever Bridget goes out for a paddle, so goes a delighted Lola on the same board. Such has been their habit for the past eight years. Lola is Bridget’s dog. She’s a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. As a puppy, she was positioned for a very different life. But early on, things changed course. Lola was originally bred for the show ring. When her breeder decided not to show her after all, Bridget got to adopt Lola as a family pet. Thus Lola found her forever home on Bald Eagle Lake, where she came on board as youngest “sibling” to humans Grace, Madeline and Henry. A breed that goes back to the 1600’s, the “Cavaliers” famously adorned the laps of Old World royals and nobles in their parlors and portraiture. It’s interesting to think that such a reputedly stiff crowd helped shape the personalities of such a cheerful and indiscriminately affectionate dog. As downsized spaniels, they’re also good swimmers. But basically, they’re up-for-anything dogs, and Lola’s no exception.
no discernible reason very pleasant, especially when platters of enticing snacks appear. She’s too well-mannered to snatch at the food. But begging is far from out of the question. It’s all in the art of the gaze. And when groups of Bridget’s friends congregate to paddleboard or just socialize around the lake, “Party Animal Lola” is right in the mix. Lola also sometimes gets to go along when Bridget’s daughter Grace, an accomplished angler, heads out to fish from her paddleboard. When Grace pulls up a nice catch, Lola couldn’t be more impressed. Because as “Huntress Lola” might see it, Grace, balancing on a mere board, has handily nabbed her wily prey. It thrashes. It wiggles. It shines. It could be dinner. How is that not thrilling?
Also, when paddleboarding with Bridget, Lola would just as soon launch into the water herself in determined pursuit of any fish or waterfowl in her sights. Such attempts have been made. But this is not allowed. Little Lola, in her zeal, could get too far out. And for another thing, it’s hazardous to provoke large birds with weaponizable beaks.
Besides “Paddle Board Lola,” there’s “Pontoon Lola,” who finds the whole idea of boating around the water for
Whatever the action-du-jour, through most of Bridget’s non-working hours, she and Lola are inseparable. Thus, Lola’s a familiar figure in the Bald Eagle community. She may have swerved off the show dog path, but she’s a regular show stealer on the lake, capturing hearts instead of trophies. Whether paddling around or just snoring on Bridget’s pillow at night, Lola is where she was meant to be. ◼
Ricka McNaughton | Contributed Bridget Cavanagh and Lola come ashore on Bald Eagle Lake.
Vol. 3 • No. 2
FROM 1 DREAMER TO ANOTHER: The house that chose its owners
By Shannon Granholm Managing Editor
Sheree Ingebritson and her husband, Russell, bought the home at 128 Dellwood Avenue in 1986.
It wasn’t until a year later that Anna Shroyer was born. Fast-forward to 2025: Shroyer now lives in that house with her husband, Jens, and their five children — Lucy, Clara, Oscar, Gus and Sylvia — and Shroyer and Ingebritson are best friends.
What do they have in common? They love old houses.
“It’s been a great experience,” Ingebritson explained. “How fortunate am I that I found this great family and get to still be involved with them? We just love each other. It's a whole love story. The house, the people in it.”
The home located on the shore of White Bear Lake has a charming historical appeal and an elevated European style. It was built in 1889, the same year that the White Bear Lake Yacht Club was founded.
The Ingebritsons
Before they were married, Sheree and Russell were looking at purchasing the lot north of the house, but the house next door caught Sheree’s attention, even though it was not on the market at the time. “I love old houses. I saw this big old house and (I thought) ‘that would be a dream living there,’” she said. “The lot was beautiful, the views. I
could see raising a family there, and I could just see what it could be.”
Five years after purchasing the property, the two were married there in 1991. Their two sons, Chase and Hunter, were born and raised in the home and lived there until they went off to college.
In the ’90s, the house went through an extensive renovation. “We added our own vision to it,” Ingebritson said. She says her favorite place in the home was the living room, where she has fond memories of helping her sons with homework assignments and listening to them
playing the piano. The boathouse also has a special place in her heart.
“We had just a fantastic life there,” she said. Ingebritson had a close relationship with the previous owner, Clara Harris, from whom she learned about the home’s history. Frank Kellogg, former U.S. Secretary of State, was Harris’ uncle. The home was originally used as a summer house for the Kellogg family, who resided in St. Paul.
Harris told Ingebritson that there was originally an old tennis court where F. Scott Fitzgerald played tennis. Harris gifted Ingebritson an old trunk full of her family’s belongings, which Ingebritson has now gifted to Shroyer. Another interesting tidbit — The home’s front door faces the lake because when the home was built there was no street. The house was only accessible by ferry.
The Shroyers
Anna and Jens were married on Dec. 26, 2020. The very next day, they looked at the home even though it wasn’t on the market. At the time, Jens was living in Chicago and Anna was living in Virginia.
Several years before the Shroyers viewed the home, the Ingebritsons had placed it on the market for a while but decided to pull it off. They had received some offers, but
Photos by Paul Dols | Press Publications
The 6,300-square-foot home at 128 Dellwood Ave. features six bedrooms, five bathrooms and one boathouse.
Former owner Sheree Ingebritson (left) and current owner Anna Shroyer have become best friends.
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ACQUA Fresh Wild Alaskan Halibut
Ingredients
For the Halibut:
4 (6 oz) Wild Alaskan Halibut fillets
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Brown Butter Sweet Corn Puree:
2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup vegetable broth
¼ cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Roasted Pattypan Squash:
8 small pattypan squash, trimmed and halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Calabrian Caper Gremolata:
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and chopped
1 tablespoon Calabrian chili paste (adjust according to spice
preference)
1 clove garlic, minced Zest of 1 lemon Juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Gremolata:
In a small bowl, combine parsley, capers, Calabrian chili paste, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Pan Roast the Pattypan Squash: Heat vegetable oil in pan on medium high heat, sauté the halved squash seasoning with salt and pepper for 5 minutes
3. Make the Brown Butter Sweet Corn Puree: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to turn golden brown. Add the sweet corn and sauté for about
3-4 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until the corn is tender.
Transfer the mixture to a blender, add the heavy cream, and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook the Halibut:
In a large skillet over mediumhigh heat, add olive oil. Season the halibut fillets with salt and pepper.
Once hot, add the halibut. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes
5. Assemble the Dish: On each plate, spoon a generous amount of the brown butter sweet corn puree. Place the halibut fillet on top and arrange the roasted pattypan squash around the plate.
Drizzle with the Calabrian caper gremolata
6. Serve & Enjoy
MIZU Blackberry Mojito
Ingredients
4 fresh blackberries, plus 1 extra for garnish
10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra sprig for garnish
1 tablespoon sugar
Juice of 1 lime
2 ounces light rum
Soda water
Ice cubes
Instructions
1. Muddle the Blackberries and Mint:
In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, add the blackberries, mint leaves, and sugar. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently mash the ingredients together until the blackberries are crushed, and the mint leaves release their oils.
2. Add Lime Juice and Rum:
Squeeze in the juice of one lime and add the white rum to the muddled mixture. Fill the glass or shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously to combine and dissolve the sugar.
3. Top with Soda Water:
Pour soda water over the ice until the glass is full. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with blackberry and mint leaves. Serve immediately with a straw.
Tips:
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.
For an alcohol-free version, simply omit the rum and top with more soda water.
SHORE LEAVE ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼
DELLWOOD HOME | FROM 1B
most of them were from builders who were looking to demolish the home and build a new one. “I couldn’t do that. I had too much history with the house. I knew too much,” Ingebritson said.
“Anna came out of the blue. I had a friend who was a Realtor, and she approached me about this young couple that wanted to see the house, could they see it the day after Christmas? I said, ‘Absolutely not!’” Ingebritson said, laughing. It took some convincing, but the Realtor explained that the couple was only in town for a short period and would be leaving town.
After the showing, the Realtor reported to the Ingebritsons that Anna had walked into the house and when she entered the living room, she had gasped and said, “this is better than I ever imagined.”
“I knew without even meeting her that this is the person to own this house and carry on the history,” Ingebritson explained. “I wanted somebody that appreciated the house, and Anna was the one that appreciated the house. The two families found each other because they were meant to be the people to buy that house.”
Shroyer told Ingebritson, “I think I manifested your house,” and Ingebritson responded, “I think I manifested you.”
It was love at first sight for Shroyer, but not so much for her husband. “He just saw dollar signs and a lot of work,” Shroyer laughed. “It was so unique. The property was unlike anything I've ever seen.” It probably helped that the house was decorated for Christmas, Shroyer’s favorite time of year.
She was attracted to the fact that even though the house was big, it “lived small and cozy.” Building a new home was never an option: she wanted an old home. “You can build things to look old, but you can't make something old,” Shroyer explained.
The family of seven moved into the home in the summer of 2021.
The Shroyers were getting ready to replace the windows, siding and roof when Bill Robey of Robey Construction LLC recommended the family consider moving out during the work. Anna was against it, but that all changed in February 2023 when she was diagnosed with stage IV lymphoma. Because the cancer was in her lungs, her doctor advised against living in a construction zone.
Anna underwent six months of chemotherapy. During that time, she met with designers from the Blue Pencil Collective, of White Bear Lake, to plan out a complete renovation. “It was a really good distraction for me while I
Remodel
Sheree Ingebritson | Contributed
When she owned the home, Sheree Ingebritson's favorite part of the house was the living room.
Carter Johnson | Press Publications Anna and Sheree photographed in front of the fireplace in the remodeled living room. Sheree said her children were photographed in the same spot before dances and events, as the Shroyer’s children probably will be too.
Paul Dols | Press Publications
The library was opened up during the renovation. It is full of books from the home's previous owners.
Anna Shroyer | Contributed A view of the home during the renovation.
Sheree Ingebritson | Contributed An exterior view of the home before the renovation.
DELLWOOD HOME | FROM 5B
was sick. It was something I was working toward besides just getting better.”
During Anna’s last week of chemotherapy, the family moved out over Labor Day weekend in 2023. The goal of the renovation was to refresh the exterior while creating a more functional interior. The family chose a new Colonial Revival architectural design to elevate the home’s existing character.
New mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems were just part of the renovation. New energy-efficient windows were installed to showcase the views of the lake while portions of the roof were reframed, floors and walls were reinforced, and the original wood-burning fireplaces were revived and made operational again.
The home boasts an owner's ensuite featuring a hot/cold plunge tub and sauna, an enlarged kitchen with fireside dining, 180-degree views of the water, an expansive parlor and a lake room. The
outdoor kitchen and massive stone patios are perfect for hosting and taking in the majestic views.
Except for two original staircases, both the main and second levels received full interior overhauls and additions.
Randy Bacchus, the couple’s Realtor, said it best. “These older houses are like a sweater. You pull one string, and you just don't know.”
Shroyer said, “The whole project snowballed. You couldn't just do one thing. Every decision opened a new can of worms.”
She added, “We kept our designers busy. They had their work cut out for them. We gave them all kinds of challenges.”
One example: the couple had already purchased all the windows, so the designers had to work with the existing window package.
On the front and the back of the home, there were large sleeping porches. At
some point, perhaps in the 1940s, the porches were enclosed with windows to become part of the house. The areas were not supported since there was no foundation underneath, so the builder had to remove that part of the home and completely rebuild it.
Although the family moved back into the home in April 2025, nearly 20 months after the project began, Shroyer says the project wasn’t complete until the day before the house premiered on the Artisan Home Tour by the Parade of Homes.
Shroyer, who is now cancer-free, says her favorite part of the home is her kitchen, where she gets amazing views of the lake while she cooks or washes dishes.
Throughout the design and construction, Shroyer often asked Ingebritson for advice. “Her approval was really important to me,” she explained.
Ingebritson added, “I said it’s time for you guys to make this your own home. We did the same.”
Ingebritson isn’t far away. In fact, she and her husband moved just down the street to a smaller, 1920s home on Echo Street. ◼
Paul Dols | Press Publications The dining room opens up into the library. The room features a mural on the ceiling from a home that was torn down on Mount Curve in Minneapolis.
Paul Dols | Press Publications
The home features a variety of spaces to entertain both indoors and outdoors.
Paul Dols | Press Publications Anna Shroyer's favorite part of the home is the kitchen.
Carter Johnson | Press Publications
cozy family room off of the kitchen includes a second original fireplace and lively wallpaper on the ceiling.
LOON LANDING ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼
We stumbled upon an amazing territorial challenge between a younger male Loon and papa Loon. The two took turns chasing each other, in expanding circles, around the Peninsula nest. Behaviors became increasingly aggressive with yodels, wing-rowing, tremolos and Penguin posturing with their lethal bills fully extended. In the end, papa Loon outsmarted the younger and is now sharing nesting duties with mama Loon, with their second hatch expected by the 4th of July.
Photos By Ellen Maas | Contributed
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Vol. 3 • No. 2
SECTION C
SURFS UP WITH LOCAL WAKESURFER LUKE WIPPLER
By Erik Suchy Staff Writer
Wherever there’s a good spot on White Bear Lake or Bald Eagle Lake to wakesurf, you can guarantee Luke Wippler will be there. Though he initially soared the open water as a skier, his penchant for board sports has shifted to wakesurfing, and he has included his sons in on the action. Press Publications sat down with Wippler to discuss how he got into wakesurfing, his equipment setup and how his love of the sport still thrives today.
Q: Tell me about how you got into wakesurfing.
A: I started water skiing. As a kid, we had a cabin up in Hayward,
Wisconsin, and I spent the better part of the weekends enjoying the water, fishing and water skiing. I switched to wakesurfing about 15 years ago. Skiing was a ton of fun, although I would say it’s not incredibly social at 30 miles an hour. For me, the aspect of getting the family on the lake, along with the advent of the more spacious social setting was a pivot point. Surfing at eight to ten miles an hour is a much more engaging activity than ripping along at 30 miles an hour. The pace of it has a more laid-back and social atmosphere as opposed to skiing.
Q: What kind of board are you using right now? What do you like about it?
A: We have a mix of SWELL-brand boards. They’re kind of your typical
surfboard. It’s about 5 feet long and has a couple of fins in it. My son, Gavin, who’s a little bit more athletic, rides a skimboard, which can do 360s and has more of a trick style to it. It’s just a different riding experience.
Q: Take me through a typical day on the board. Do you have any go-to warm-up or recovery routines?
A: We start small, so the little tykes usually go out first. We start with the smaller wave setup, and that’s more about getting them comfortable in the wave and on their feet. The most challenging part of surfing is figuring out the initial pull-out or getting up on the board. From that point, once they can figure out how to stay in the wave and get the push, they can start throwing the rope, so the boat is no
longer pulling them. Then, they can start carving and do little jumps. The cool aspect of having a boat that can carry eight to 10 people is you learn a ton just by watching technique. When you ride for eight to ten minutes, you’re pretty worn out; you’re in a squat position for that whole time, working your core, quads and legs. Then you can swap out, hang in the water a little bit longer and get a little bit of a cool down. It makes it an enjoyable afternoon to be out just cycling through.
Q: What tricks are you currently trying to master?
A: I’m trying to master the 360 spin. I would generally say that for a lot of
CONTINUED ON 3C
Photos by Luke Wippler | Contributed Luke Wippler has been a proud wakesurfer for 15 years, usually carving up waves on both White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake. Luke is pictured in the center photo with his son Theo. Luke has also taken to training his other sons Grayson (right) and Gavin (left) to wakesurf.
LAKER LESSONS FROM A SAILING LEGEND
By Tyler Quattrin Press intern
As sailing season returns to White Bear Lake, few know the waters better than Steve Johnson.
A third-generation resident from a family of sailors and boatmakers, Johnson began sailing around age 10. Now 80, he’s believed to have sailed on the lake longer than anyone else, and he says he’ll keep sailing as long as he’s physically able.
“I’ve won championships and titles and all that sort of stuff. But the most important thing is I just enjoy being out on the water.”
For those taking to the lake this season, Johnson highlighted several key aspects of sailing etiquette.
Most important, he said, is staying aware of one’s surroundings.
“When you’re driving any boat, you have to be aware of your environment, 360 degrees. It’s not like driving on a
highway where you are focused straight down,” he said.
Johnson said understanding right-ofway rules is also essential.
When two boats approach from different angles, the vessel coming from the right typically has the right-of-way. Sailboats and rowboats, he added, have the right-of-way over other powerboats.
Additionally, Johnson said sailors should stay alert for incoming wakes that might interfere with their boat’s stability. Motorboat drivers should be mindful of their wakes near sailboats to avoid disrupting races or causing accidents.
When communicating with others on the water, Johnson said there aren’t really dos and don’ts, but common courtesy is most important.
Before making a maneuver, for example, it’s important to tell others or signal to them.
Johnson said one of the most common mistakes for beginners is
struggling to read the wind, especially when approaching a dock. When approaching too fast, not turning into the wind to slow down can lead to collisions and damage. In other cases, misjudging the boat’s speed can leave sailors falling short of the dock.
It’s also important to be aware of the weather and know your limits, Johnson said, noting that some conditions can be more physically demanding than others. He added that wearing a life jacket is always a good idea.
This season, Johnson can once again be found on the lake when he gets the chance, skippering his own C boat “Zot,” which he named after the lightning bolt sound effect in the comic strip “B.C.” He also continues to race in the White Bear Yacht Club A boat races on Monday nights in “Griffin,” which, like the other A boats, got its name from Harry Potter.
Johnson said while the sailing community has gotten smaller over the years, friends made tend to be lifelong. He said the camaraderie is the best part of the sailing community, and recommended the White Bear Sailing school to those of all ages who are interested in learning. ◼
Carter Johnson | Press Publications Steve Johnson
LUKE WIPPLER FROM 1C
surfers. The aspirational goal is to get the 360 and land in a smooth way.
Q: Do you have a memorable wakesurfing experience that’s ever stood out to you?
A: There’s nothing more cool than being on the lake early in the morning. It’s quiet; you’ve got friends and family around you. People are learning with big smiles on their faces and they’re getting better. The other side of that is sitting out there at sunset; the day’s ending and everyone’s going in for the night. You’re doing the one last run, you’re watching your kids do the one last run, you’ve been working on a trick all day long, and you finally land as the sun sets and the lights come on the boat. It’s a real energizing and empowering experience.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who’s wakesurfing for the first time?
A: Get on a boat with someone who knows what they’re doing. Once you figure out the first mechanics of getting up on the board and getting comfortable, it’s amazing how quickly you can progress. You go from swallowing a lot of lake water to the point where you’ve got confidence and precision in terms of how you get out of the water and jump in the wave. ◼
PERFECT BOARDS FOR PERFECT WAVES: Inside SWELL Wake Surfing
By Erik Suchy Staff Writer
If you’re a wake surfer looking for a great board to catch some waves, you might want to give SWELL products a try. The company sells state-of-the-art wakeboards, vests and other accessories, all guaranteed to have something to fit the needs of any wake surfer, beginner or expert.
“We’ve been able to take older boats and allow people to try surfing on their existing boats instead of having to buy a new boat,” said SWELL Founder/ President Adam Moore. “I think we introduced the sport to tons of people that wouldn’t have been able to get into it without an inexpensive device that we created to get them into the sport. A lot of those people have really enjoyed it and upgraded their boats without having to spend a couple hundred dollars to try surfing behind their boat. It’s been great to get tons of people into it.”
“A lot of those people have really enjoyed it,” said Company President Adam Moore. “It’s been great to get tons of people into it.”
SWELL’s origins stemmed from research on designing a proper board connector for a boat.
“We started making aftermarket wake shapers and doing research on what we could use to create a wave. At that time, there wasn’t any aftermarket surf or wake shaper; there was only the Malibu surf system and Surf Gate. There was also a Velcro one you could attach, but I didn’t want to put it on my boat. I started playing around with suction cups and created SWELL Wake Surf. We started making them in my garage and grew from there. Now, we sell all kinds of stuff,” Moore said.
Today, SWELL’s customer base has remained consistent in terms of outreach and service, utilizing customer service and feedback as a foundation for developing new products or updating existing ones. The company has also developed a new set of life vests for wake surfers, allowing for greater flexibility.
“Previously, a lot of life jackets were designed for wakeboarding, so they’re tight and restrictive,” said Moore. “When you’re going 22 miles an hour wakeboarding, you want to make sure that nothing moves at all. With wake surfing at slower speeds, you can handle something more comfortable that's not as restrictive around your neck and arms. We’ve created a life vest that offers more room overall for your arms and is specifically designed for surfing.”
Among the company’s signature products are its Vermillion Skim and Itasca Quad boards. The former features a flat rocker and twintip shape, allowing the rider to ride both forward and backward. The Quad board features a quad fin setup for enhanced speed and responsiveness, allowing the rider to make faster, more precise carves.
“We work with our board designer to design shapes we think will be effective based on other boards we’ve ridden or previous boards that we’ve developed. We take material costs into consideration because we want to hit a certain price point that is reasonable for people to pick these up,” Moore said.
Of other note is the Wake Surf Creator H3X Plus Wake Shaper. The wake shaper features a rotating base and a hexagonal pattern,
which helps reduce air turbulence in a wave, providing the rider with a greater push in their riding experience.
“We’ve adjusted the wake shaper down so that it meets the water in a more perpendicular fashion, which is going to give you a better wave,” said Moore. “We also have an extending face so that you can change the size of the wake shaper.”
For those interested in testing SWELL-brand products, the company hosts a “Demo Day” every Tuesday at Tally’s Dockside in White Bear Lake. Here, surfers of all levels will be able to test out different boards while riding behind a Nautique Super Air G23 boat designed explicitly for wake surfers. In addition to SWELL team members, experienced surfers and drivers will be on-site to ensure that surfers get the most from their experience.
To learn more about SWELL, visit their website at www.swellwake. com. Those interested in signing up for the company’s Demo Days can do so at www.tinyurl.com/3p3sdmhr. ◼
CTM Productions | Contributed SWELL offers high-quality wake boards for surfers of all ages, guaranteed to provide a great experience regardless of skill level.
CTM Productions | Contributed
SHORE LEAVE ◼
SUMMER AND SOUNDWAVES: A GUIDE TO LOCAL CONCERTS
by Erik Suchy Staff Writer
To the average outdoorsman, summer is an excellent opportunity to bike, swim and participate in a variety of outdoor sports, all while soaking up some great sunshine. For those who enjoy music as part of their daily entertainment, there are many opportunities to sit back and relax to the sounds of local artists and bands. Those who love barbershop and a cappella can check out the local quartet Vocality. Led by Croix Chordsmen Chorus Director Jay Althof, the group will perform at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, from the porch of Althof’s home on Lake Avenue. The group will also be joined by Barbershop Harmony Society District Champion winner Kordal Kombat as a special guest. Vocality will also have albums for sale and will be accepting donations at the performance. Althof’s home is located at 4671 Lake Ave. in White Bear Lake.
The Historical Society’s annual Pops on the Porch concert will return from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Fillebrown House in White Bear Lake, located at 4735 Lake Ave. The show is a predominant fixture of past performances, featuring
the music of renowned big band Moonlight Serenaders. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blankets and a picnic.
If your musical taste buds are in the mood for R&B and jazz, look no further
than Grimm & Cruz. Described as “a dynamic duo with the tenderness of Ella Fitzgerald & Joe Pass and the rhythmic excitement of Tuck & Patti,” the duo consists of vocalist Jennifer Grimm and multi-instrumentalist Joe Cruz, who perform original songs and covers. Throughout the summer, they will perform from 5:30 to 8 p.m. every Thursday at Ingredients Cafe in White Bear Lake, located at 4725 Highway 61 N.
For a series featuring multiple genres, a great musical outdoor experience is the 4 Deuces Saloon Summer Patio series. These concerts are held on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and run through Aug. 14, featuring performances by Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, Ben Johnson Country, Jake Nelson Duo and others. The Saloon is located at 2222 Fourth St., White Bear Lake. See 4deucessaloon.com for a schedule of the concerts. Another wide variety of genres can be found at the Birchwood Music in the Parks series, held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Sunday
at Tighe-Schmitz Park. Running through Aug. 14, the series will feature performances by classic rock n’ roll/ country group Any Day Now, acoustic trio Folk Revival and Grammy and Blues Music Award-nominated songwriter Scottie Miller.
The White Bear Lake Food Shelf will put on a concert at White Bear Lake County Park on Saturday, August 2. Twin Cities-based pop rock band Yam Haus will perform, with additional bands and musicians to be announced. The shelf will also conduct a raffle to raise funds.
If one enjoys a great show from the comfort of their boat, they ought to give the Music on the Lake concert a try. Hosted by the Bald Eagle Area Association, the show will feature the returning favorite Free & Easy, specializing in jazz renditions of songs by Michael Jackson, Chicago and Prince. The concert will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9 at the east side of Bald Eagle Lake near Buffalo Street. ◼
Photos by Paul Dols | Press Publications
Free & Easy will perform at Music on the Lake, which is hosted by the Bald Eagle Area Association.
Other returning concerts include Pops on the Porch, hosted by the White Bear Lake Historical Society.
ZERO-TURN MEANS
ZERO HASSLE
Z320RZTrak™ Mower with 42-in. Deck
• Mow up to 2 acres
• 21.5 HP* (16 kW) V-Twin engine
• 42-in. (107 cm) Accel Deep™ Mower Deck
• 20-inch (50.8 cm) high-back custom-tailored seat with arm rests
• 3-year/200-hour bumper-to-bumper warranty**
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY KAYAK DEMOS
Trying a kayak before you buy can save you time, money and frustration
If you’re in the market for a kayak, it’s important to try the models you’re interested in on the water before you buy. While online research and reviews can be helpful, nothing beats actually getting out on the water and testing out your options.
The importance of trying before buying
It allows you to get a feel for the kayak’s stability, maneuverability, and overall comfort. You may find that a kayak that looks great on paper doesn’t actually meet your needs once you’re out on the water. By trying out different options, you can make an informed decision and have the peace of mind knowing that you’ve chosen a kayak based on first hand, on the water experience. It helps ensure you get the perfect kayak that you’ll enjoy using for years to come.
Factors to consider when choosing a kayak
These include the type of water you’ll be using your kayak on, the size and weight of the kayak, how you’re going to transport it, the amount of storage space you need, and the features you want, such as a comfortable seat and propulsion type (paddle, pedal or motor). By trying out different kayaks, you can get a better sense of which features are most important to you and which ones you can do without.
Making the right purchase decision
Ask questions on social media, read reviews, watch YouTube videos, talk to kayak dealers...but most importantly, try before you buy. You’ll get lots of subjective input online, but in the end you need to find what you like in your price and comfort range. Get in the seat of the kayaks you’re interested in on the water, make your own informed decision.
Where to test out your options
Hi Tempo WaterSports is a local kayak dealer that carries the top brands. They offer on the water demos of the top models of kayaks on the market. Check out their website at HiTempo.com. You can get expert help by using chat on the website, call them at 651-429-3333 or stop into the store at 3959 Highway 61, White Bear Lake. ◼
SWIMMER’S ITCH:
DavidM.Perry,O.D. • ElizabethA.Roberts,O.D. Allyson K.Caspers,O.D. • JaclynE.Doffin,O.D. HOURS: Mon.,Wed.,Fri.8:30am-5:30pm Tues.andThurs.8:30am-7:00pm
By Erik Suchy Staff Writer
During the summer, one can expect hundreds, if not thousands, of eager swimmers flocking to the beaches across Minnesota to take a refreshing dip. However, they may inadvertently pick up an uncomfortable, if not painful, skin rash that requires extra treatment. That rash is called “swimmer’s itch,” also referred to as “cercarial dermatitis.” Typically, it is caused by an allergic reaction to parasites found in freshwater lakes and ponds, although it can also be contracted in saltwater environments. These parasites are called Schistosoma, a type of flatworm that lays its eggs in duck feces. After they hatch, they move on to
Swimmer’s itch symptoms:
• Tingling, burning and/or itchy skin
• Small red pimples/ blisters developing on skin
How to prevent swimmer’s itch:
• Don’t swim in areas where it is a known issue.
• Apply water-proof sunscreen.
How to treat swimmer’s itch:
• Apply anti-itch lotions or cold compresses.
• Take Epsolm salt or baking soda baths.
• Spread baking paste on affected areas.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention | Contributed Swimmer’s itch is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction from parasites in freshwater lakes and ponds. Pictured here is the typical cycle for how these parasites develop in these bodies of water.
find a new host, primarily by infecting freshwater snails and developing into a larval flatworm form called Cercariae. When a swimmer comes into contact with the larvae, the latter burrows under their skin, leading to the development of the titular rash.
“They attempt to bear into our skin, and in that process, they don’t survive,” said Don Eaton, an aquatic invertebrate biologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “But in that process, we have an allergic reaction to these tiny worm larvae.”
The most common symptoms of swimmer’s itch are persistent itching and the development of small, red pimples and blisters on the skin. Symptoms can take up to 12 hours to develop and, while it is not contagious, can last for a week or slightly longer. Most cases of swimmer’s itch do not require medical attention and can be treated through various means.
Some of the most
common and effective methods involve applying anti-itch lotions to the affected areas, as well as using cool compresses, bathing in Epsom salts or baking soda or spreading baking paste directly to the rash itself. Baking paste can be made by mixing water and baking soda until a paste-like consistency is formed. Since swimmer’s itch is more prevalent during the summer months, it is essential to take great care to prevent contracting it. Swimmers must avoid areas where there is a known problem, and they should also refrain from swimming or wading in marshy areas where snails are commonly found. They should also towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water. Applying water-proof sunscreen is also helpful. To learn more about swimmer’s itch, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/ swimmers-itch/about/ index.html. ◼
YANKEE GIRL II TO MAKE HER DEBUT
By Debra Neutkens Contributing Writer
Since displaying the actual sailboat was not an option, the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society did the next best thing: It had a replica made of the tiny vessel that took celebrated sailor Gerry Spiess across the Atlantic.
“We knew it wasn’t a simple task,” noted society Executive Director Sara Hanson. “But Gerry was incredibly thorough. He left dimensions and drawings. He recorded his thoughts. He left us with a game plan.”
The original Yankee Girl is owned by the Minnesota Historical Society. Hanson said they inquired about a loan for both the Manitou Days Boat Show and an upcoming exhibit, but borrowing from the state’s collection comes with many rules. “Essentially, we could have people stand back and look at the boat or we could make our own and have it be interactive so people can experience it.”
Standing in the small cockpit will give people a sense of the mariner’s living quarters during his two-month voyage from Norfolk, Virginia to Falmouth, England, in 1979. At 10 feet long, Yankee Girl is about the length of a sofa, Hanson pointed out, and only 5 feet 6 inches wide.
“Unless you’re standing in the boat, you can’t comprehend how small it is,” she exclaimed. “Ten feet is mind boggling. And it was half crammed with supplies. He could barely turn around. To me, standing in the boat has more value. It made sense to have our own Yankee Girl and fortunately, we have some folks willing to do crazy things.”
Hanson is referring to two local businesses that stepped up at the society’s request.
The first was Don Peltier, owner of Pelco Construction. How did he feel about building a boat? Hanson asked. “I reminded them this one doesn’t have to float.”
Peltier agreed and the Yankee Girl replica commenced, taking about 80 hours to build. The dimensions are precise, according to Spiess’ drawings and photos, and like the original, is made of plywood.
“It’s an exact replica without the big keel,” according to Peltier, who said he read Spiess’ book before tackling the project “to understand what he went through.”
“It was a fun thing to do; we’ve never built a boat,” he added. Work was provided gratis because Peltier is “an old White Bear guy who likes to do that kind of stuff once in a while.” But he’s not looking for “high fives.”
“This is not about what we did; it’s about what Gerry did,” emphasized Peltier.
The replica will be packed as authentically as possible, based on Spiess’ supply lists and recordings, according to Hanson. It will have cans of Dinty Mooreä stew, gallon jugs of water, sextant, charts, books and gas cans, just like the provisions he carried.
The new version is as identical as possible, even painted the same color, thanks to expert work by Michael Hillman, who partners with White Bear Boat Works owner Jason Brown. Turns out Brown did some of the original work for Spiess, too.
Brown was 14 when Spiess walked into Johnson Boatworks, the long-closed shop started by Brown’s great-grandfather,
inquiring about new halyards for his boat.
“Gerry would come into the boatworks on a regular basis,” Brown said. “I had no idea what he was up to. I spliced them all for him. It wasn’t a big deal. Then four months later, he’s a celebrity on national TV.”
It didn’t take much convincing to get Brown on board for the replica project. When historical society staff approached him, he thought, ‘cool, a replica. It was fun. Gerry is a White Bear guy we all knew. We said, ‘absolutely, we’ll do it.’ How could you not? This is something White Bear is going to own forever.”
So Peltier handed the plywood boat to Brown; Hillman did the fiberglass and gel-coat work and Brown is doing the
rigging. He also installed the 12 port holes. Everything is being duplicated, with the boom, mast, rigging and sail all original material from the Spiess family and parts Brown had from a boat he made for Spiess called Bobber. That boat was red and white and looked like an upside down dog house.
Like Peltier, the work was provided pro bono. “We have to,” Brown said. “When something like this comes along, it’s a lot different than repairing boats. We are touching history.”
The replica has been dubbed YG2. She made her debut during the Manitou Days parade and will take her place in the society’s first semi-permanent exhibit called “X Marks the Spot”. The exhibit features 10 significant locations around the lake where history happened, including the building of a little boat that took a worldclass voyager across the ocean and put White Bear Lake on the map. ◼
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Gerry Spiess is about to land in Falmouth, England after 53 days at sea.
Carter Johnson | Press Publications
Michael Hillman applies special undercoat to the Yankee Girl replica. His painstaking fiberglass and gel coating took about 80 hours to complete. Once a lead guy at Johnson Boatworks, he now works with Jason Brown and White Bear Boat Works.
A view of the Yankee Girl replica ready to make her debut at the White Bear Lake Classic & Vintage Boat Show.
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A diagram of Yankee Girl that was used in promotional items.
MIDWEST SKI OTTERS
CELEBRATE 30 YEARS
By Shannon Granholm Managing Editor
Thirty years ago, the Midwest Ski Otters consisted of maybe 13 people. Now, three decades in the making, the team is nearing its 200th skier.
The team’s 30th season kicked off in June.
“It is a cool anniversary. It's very surreal. It doesn't feel like it's been 30 years,” said the team’s founder, Kristi Skillings.
Skillings and her brother, Kurt Carpenter, grew up water skiing with the Bald Eagle Ski Team. The two both skied professionally for a while, including at the Tommy Bartlett show in Wisconsin. Carpenter also skied at SeaWorld in Ohio.
After college, Skillings worked at Tally's and Dockside Water Skiing Company, owned by Keith and Jan Dehnert. Keith wanted to start a weekly water ski show. Keith asked her if she would be interested, and she responded, “Not only would I be interested, I could bring at least 10 people with me.”
She ultimately asked the Dehnerts if she could take the idea and run with it, and they gave their blessing. Carpenter explained they grew up traveling to water ski shows all over, so the idea of having a home site for a show was attractive. “There were a couple of teams in Wisconsin doing that, but nobody in the Twin Cities area was doing it at the time,” he said. “We wanted to bring something unique to the community.”
The two couldn’t think of a better location for a hometown water ski show than White Bear Lake. “It seemed like the absolute perfect town. It has that small-town community feel,” Skillings shared.
A group of 13 started meeting in the Skillings and Carpenter’s parents’ basement. Starting out, they had little to no equipment. “We were borrowing boats. Any member who had a boat would try to bring it,” Skillings recalled. “We were trying to figure things out. We were piecing equipment together and hauling it in the back of the pickup truck to and from all the practices and shows.”
In 2001, the team added a Junior Development team to focus on teaching some of its youngest members the skills necessary to not only water ski, but show ski. Approximately five years later, the team added its Stepping Stones program. All summer long, four days a week, the team offers lessons for all ages and abilities in a one- or two-day lesson.
Today, the team has a few third-generation team skiers and several second-generation skiers.
“This is an activity or sport that you or the entire family can do. We try to get mom, dad, brothers, sisters, everybody involved in whatever capacity we can in the boats, on the docks or on the water,” Skillings explained.
Carpenter added, “It’s not like other sports … you can go coach, but it is not the same thing. You are not out on the ice with them, you are not playing in
the games with them; skiing you are. You are a part of it, and they are a part of it.”
The youngest member of the team is just months old and the oldest is 70.
“You have a 7-year-old on top of a pyramid who is working with teenagers, 20-year-olds and 50-yearolds,” Skillings explained. “We’ve got every age, every demographic all working together for a common goal.”
Over the years, the team has produced many skiers that have gone on to ski professionally. Before the Tommy Bartlett show closed, the team had several skiers who would leave for a while to do that and then return to the Ski Otters to get their own families involved in the sport.
“Seeing some of these kids who have started in our junior program that couldn't ski to becoming national or even world champions is pretty amazing to have been there for that whole journey,” Skillings said.
Most of the team’s shows are home shows, but the team does travel to compete in the Regional Show Ski Tournament in July as well as the National Show Ski Tournament in August if it qualifies.
In addition to the growth of the team, the size of the crowd has grown, too. Skillings and Carpenter continue to be amazed by all the first-time attendees each week.
“People who have lived in White Bear Lake their whole lives have never been to a show. They have no concept of the size, scale, production, quality and technical level that's there in their own backyard,” Carpenter said. “Our show, compared to Tommy Bartlett, is bigger, there is way more overall talent and quantity, and the productions are on par or better.”
Skillings added, “It’s Tommy Bartlett on steroids.” Every two years, the show’s theme switches. “A script is written out (by Carpenter), so it is like a play,” Skillings explained. "There are characters, costumes, a story, and it is all acted out on stage and on the water.”
For 2025, the show’s theme is a continuation of last year’s theme, “OtterTime Fitness.” To wrap up the season, the Ski Otters will host a reunion/ alumni show on Sunday, Aug. 24, to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The show will incorporate each of the themes that have been done since the team’s inception.
“We did it at our 20th anniversary, and it was so much fun,” Skillings recalled. “It was fun to see all those people come back. It’s amazing how many people have come through this team and the impact it has made on (so many) lives.” ◼
The pyramid has become a staple of the show.
Photos contributed
The Midwest Ski Otters are celebrating their 30th anniversary all summer long.
CLEARING THE WAY FOR BETTER LAKE DAYS
By Erik Suchy Staff Writer
At Premier Lake Harvesting, General Manager Dominic Cerise says the company is always prepared to deliver high-quality lake weed removal services for anyone who needs them.
The company emphasizes multiple core values, including quality, customer service, consistency and efficiency through its client services, while maintaining highend customer relationships. “A big talking point for a lot of different clients that we have is their struggle to find reliable and consistent services at a cost-effective price,” said Cerise. “Our biggest thing that we strive for is customer relations. We want to be that point of contact for lake services. We build these relationships with our clients based around that as a reference point for them.”
Despite the company’s unique combination of mechanical and scubabased approaches to weed harvesting, Cerise emphasized that these services are affordable for lake homeowners. “Very commonly, people will see it and attach a high price tag to it. We want to create
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packages as well.”
Another popular service is the company’s “Weekly Floating Weed CleanUp.” “It’s definitely great for people with sandy beaches who have a consistent flow of weed clippings that show up on their shore. With that, we typically come either Thursday or Friday, and we make it look really nice for the weekend.”
solutions that better fit more homeowners on lakes no matter what region they’re in. Typically, we use our harvesters to remove the bulk of it, so that really cuts costs down. Then, we use our divers to fine-tune the area where they’ll go down, grab the roots and clippings at the bottom, and clean it up. It’s a lot quicker of a process and a lot more cost-effective.”
The company provides different removal plans for customers, including a one-time service, a bi-weekly service consisting of eight visits and a weekly service of 16 visits.
Your Lake Weeds Removed
“The one-visit services are very common for those with a Fourth of July, graduation party or something quick and need to get it cleaned out and looked good. The fourservice visit is the most common in our services; it keeps it looking clean all year round. Clients have us come by once a month each summer and it’s just kind of a routine. The six-service or anything above that are for people that don’t want to think about weeds at all; they want a pristine lakeshore. We come weekly or bi-weekly, and it’s our most extensive packaging. We do offer extra services with those
Each weed-cleaning service is done without chemicals, helping minimize environmental impacts for clients. Some of the more prominent invasive species the company tackles include coontail and curly pondweed, which Cerise says is removed early to contain its spread before summer.
Of the company’s main objective, Cerise said it all comes down to providing solutions for homeowners: “The way that we’ve done that is through a plethora of services, including scuba diving and harvesting. We have created a system that has not only made it more efficient but more effective. Using our harvesting and scuba diving, we’ve combined those two services at a lot of our jobs, which drives the cost down and provides minimal impact on the environment.” ◼
Premier Lake Harvesting is dedicated to providing high quality lake weed removals at a cost-effective price.
ROOFING INSTALLATION
We install several types of roofing materials including asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, metal, slate and more.
STORM DAMAGE REPAIR
We repair roofs and siding damaged by severe weather. We are happy to work with your insurance company as well.
SIDING INSTALLATION
We install vinyl, wood or metal siding for your home or business. We can help you determine the best option.
GUTTER SERVICES
Water damage from poor gutters can lead to expensive repair. We install and repair gutters to keep the water away from your home.
SOFFIT & FASCIA
Usually part of a roofing or siding project, soffit and fascia are important feature for a finished home exterior.
WINDOW INSTALLATION
New windows can make a huge difference for your home both in appearance and energy efficiency.
