New police chief drawn to city’s ‘small-town feel’
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
After spending his entire law enforcement career in Columbia Heights, the new police chief says White Bear Lake’s small-town feel and the close-knit community drew him to the position.
Erik Johnston, who has more than 23 years of experience in law enforcement, has taken over as the White Bear Lake Police Chief following the retirement of Dale Hager.
Johnston got his start as a computer technician for IBM for a few years before he decided to go into law enforcement.
“It was either computer science or law enforcement, and law enforcement seemed more interesting to me at that time,” Johnston explained. “It sounds cliché, but it really is about helping people. I think if you are not interested in helping people, this isn't the right job for you. You are not going to be able to weather the challenges that come with the
job, because it's really about getting out there and being there for people.”
Johnston has a bachelor's degree in business administration, a master's degree in police leadership and completed the Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command. He started his career with the Columbia Heights Police Department in 2002 and has held the titles of captain, sergeant,
featuring the music of “Footloose.” Performances are set
A.
Penguin Players put on summer celebration
BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
Food scrap pickup program expands this summer
BY MADELINE DOLBY SHOREVIEW PRESS EDITOR
Beginning on July 6, more Washington and Ramsey County residents will be able to have their compost collected directly from their homes as part of the Ramsey County/Washington County Food Scraps Pickup Program.
Currently, the program is offered in more than 28 cities and towns within the two counties. In Ramsey County, the program has been implemented in Maplewood and North St. Paul. This summer, cities within Ramsey County such Gem Lake, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Vadnais Heights, North Oaks, New Brighton, Shoreview, Mounds View and Arden Hills will also roll out the program.
In Washington County, the program has already been implemented in several cities including Birchwood Village, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, Oakdale, Stillwater, Willernie and Woodbury. This summer, five more communities will be added including Forest Lake, Hugo, Marine on St. Croix, May Township and Scandia.
School may be out at White Bear, but their theater lights are staying on. This weekend, the Penguin Players—a theater troupe for people with developmental disabilities, ages 16 and up—will perform a musical revue featuring selections from the musical “Footloose.”
Penguin Players is one of three programs for people with disabilities that is run out of Northern Starz Center for Performing Arts, a nonprofit theater in the City of Ramsey. While
the Ramsey location boasts an entire season worth of programming, executive director Rachel Bohnsack saw a need in White Bear as well.
“More individuals with special needs need more things to do,” Bohnsack stated, “and theater has never been
one of those things that has been accessible to them on a larger scale.”
Northern Starz’ creative director, Kyle Frederickson, explained that all three Penguin programs stage wellknown shows, such as “Annie” or “Willy
Ramsey and Washington counties have worked together since the 1980s to manage trash responsibly, according to Annalee Garletz, who supervises the Food Scraps Pickup Program for Ramsey/ Washington Recycling and Energy.
“We’re always finding ways to reduce, reuse, recycle,” Garletz said.
Food scraps comprise more than 20% of household trash by weight. By separating these materials, residents can help turn it back into soil instead of becoming waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and converging resources.
SEE FOOD SCRAPS, PAGE 18
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
White Bear Lake’s new Police Chief Erik Johnston is officially sworn in at a City Council meeting.
Love Seniors!
Family
Students perform at Minnesota’s largest theater celebration
Students from White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS) will join more than 1,200 students from across Minnesota at the Spotlight Showcase, the state’s biggest high school theater celebration. WBLAHS students will perform a medley from “Cinderella” on Tuesday, June 9.
Spotlight Showcase celebrates student achievement in theater performance, technical theater, student journalism and musical performance after a year of participation in Hennepin Arts’ statewide Spotlight Education program.
In addition to feature school performances, the showcase highlights Minnesota theater educations and alumni. It includes opportunities for students to
participate in specialized learning tracks. It also provides select students the opportunity to compete for national recognition through the National High School Musical Theatre Awards.
Also performing are the Triple Threat Honorees Ethan Christensen, Holly Flood and Eli Murphy. Evan Smejkal will play the violin in the student orchestra.
Spotlight Showcase takes place Monday, June 8 and Tuesday, June 9, at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis, 805 Hennepin Ave. Tickets can be purchased at hennepinarts.org/events/spotlightshowcase-2026. For more information about Spotlight Education and the showcase, visit hennepinarts.org/ education
3375 Willow Ave, White Bear Lake June 18, July 16, Aug 20
Podvin Park
1700 9th St, White Bear Lake
June 25, July 23, Aug 27, Sept 24
St. Andrews
900 Stillwater Rd, Mahtomedi July 9, Aug 13, Sept 10
Community of Grace
4000 Linden St, White Bear Lake July 2, Aug 6, Sept 3, Sept 17 All are welcome!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
BIRCHWOOD MUSIC IN THE PARK
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 7
Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park, Birchwood
Details: Sweet Rhubarb performs three-part harmonies melding folk, bluegrass, country and pop. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concerts every Sunday during the summer, except July 5.
Contact: cityofbirchwood.com
COMEDY IN MAHTOMEDI
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4 Where: Dugout Bar, 96 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi Details: Monthly standup show hosted by local comedian and promoter Nate Hood. Food and beverages available for purchase.
Contact: 651-440-9128
COMMUNITY & COFFEE WITH MAYOR NICKLAWSKE
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 6
Where: Stellmacher Park, 3930 Linden St., White Bear Lake Details: The mayor will visit parks in each ward over the summer/fall to chat with residents about ideas, questions, concerns or just conversation. Drop-in event.
Contact: 651-429-8526
LANDSCAPE REVIVAL 2026
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 6
Where: Rockpoint Church, 5825
Kelvin Ave. N., Lake Elmo
Details: Visit with local conservation and restoration groups to learn how to select and grow native plants to benefit pollinators, wildlife and water quality.Purchase native plants from a variety of local growers. Food truck on site. Contact: tiny.cc/LR26
SUMMER KICKOFF: UNTAMED MAGIC'S TRAVELING READING SHOW
When: 10:30-11:15 a.m. Saturday, June 6
Where: Wildwood Library, 763 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi Details: Kickoff summer programming at the library with a ventriloquist and magic show that reinforces the
importance of reading. Contact: washcolib.org
MICK STERLING PRESENTS: HEART & SOUL! THE MUSIC OF HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6 and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 7
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Three-piece horn section and vocals pay tribute to Huey Lewis and the News. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org
CAR CARE 101: ESSENTIAL VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SKILLS
When: 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday, June 9
Where: 916 Intermediate
School District Body Shop, 3300 Century Ave. N., White Bear Lake
Details: Hands-on class for ages 13+ covers the basics of vehicle maintenance. Registration required. Contact: 651-407-2018 or communityed.mahtomedi. k12.mn.us
CAR SEAT CLINIC
When: 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9
Where: Mahtomedi Fire
Department Details: Certified car seat technicians will help properly install child car seats. Appointment required. Contact: cpsdiana@hotmail. com
100 YEARS OF THE HIPPODROME
When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9
Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St. Details: Hear the stories of the White Bear Hippodrome, from its beginnings as an exhibition building for the Ramsey County Fairgrounds to one of the metro area's first indoor rinks. Contact: whitebearhistory.org
RED CROSS BABYSITTER TRAINING
When: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 10
POLITICAL BRIEF
Where: Mahtomedi Middle School room 123
Details: One-day certification course teaches basic care of infants and children, basic first aid, emergency protocols, home safety, age-appropriate activities, leadership and more. Registration required. Contact: 651-407-2018 or communityed.mahtomedi.k12. mn.us
GET HELP WITH MEDICARE
When: 12:30-4:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 10
Where: Wildwood Library, 763 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi
Details: Free service for those with questions about Medicare, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage plans. Call to make appointment, required. Contact: 651-426-2042
CONCERT IN THE PARK
When: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10
Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center parking lot
Details: Outdoor concert featuring music and entertainment by the Teddy Bear Band. Treats available; bring a lawn chair or blanket. Canceled if inclement weather. Contact: 651-407-2018 or communityed.mahtomedi.k12. mn.us
Postal service policy changes could affect newspaper delivery
Sen. Amy Klobuchar has asked USPS Postmaster General David Steiner to reconsider policy changes that will lower postal standards and eliminate end-of-day mail collection at most of the nation's post offices.
A news release issued by Klobuchar's office said the changes disrupt service for local newspapers, with two Minnesota newspapers citing they expect delivery delays of at least one additional day.
“Local newspapers are already facing an existential crisis.... The United States Postal Service should be helping these local newspapers reach their communities, not making it more difficult for them to do their critical work,” Klobuchar wrote in a letter to Steiner.
Welcome to the neighborhood
Hi! I’m Logan Gion, and I’m joining Press Publications as its newest staff writer.
For the past three years, I’ve worked as a contributing writer for Press Publications, covering the Arts and Culture page, the White Bear Lake Area School Board and the White Bear Township Board. Over the past two years, I’ve also served as the editor of SaVour: The joy of living magazine, Press Publications’ quarterly food and lifestyle imprint covering the northeast metro.
Looking Out with Logan Logan Gion
Writing has been a part of my life since I was 6 years old, when my first-grade teacher praised a story I wrote about a man who wanted to be green and met a mad scientist in need of a Frankenstein. The font color of that story? Definitely green.
Since then, I’ve produced all types of writing. I graduated from the University of Miami, Florida, in 2011 with degrees in communications and English From 2012-2015, I wrote and co-produced a movie. After that, I read submissions for the Austin Film Fest, the largest screenplay competition in the world. During that time, I gravitated to editing, becoming a communications coordinator and curriculum editor for a tutoring agency, liaising with the Stillwater School District.
T hroughout COVID, I helped many students and their families navigate the rapidly changing education landscape. Because of these students, I gained an interest in how local school boards and city councils functioned. The assignments available at Press Publications were the perfect fit.
P ress Publications has skyrocketed my writing and editing capabilities over the past three years. Writing is a craft; the more a person does it, the better they get. That’s true for a writer’s entire career. That means the baseline quality of my work is higher this year than it was in 2024 or 2025. What I produce next year will likely be superior to what you read this year. What that means for profile pieces is continually finding or rediscovering people and places in our community. What that means for traditional news is constantly sharpening my ability to fairly report the facts with necessary context, giving appropriate space to multiple perspectives without minimizing or over-representing them.
Separate from what I share in opinion columns here, I paradoxically hope readers find my writing full of personality yet devoid of slant. The highest compliment I’ve received on this job came from a council member at a previous assignment: “Logan, you’ve always treated us fairly, and that’s all we’ve ever asked for.” In my position as staff writer, I’ll aim not to tell readers what to think, but rather what to think about.
I n my time at Press Publications, I’ve learned one lesson above all else—no one can keep their eye on everything. That’s what the local newspaper is for; that’s what local readers are for.
My email is quad news@presspubs.com if you have a story idea or need to reach me.
I n my free time, I obsesses over the latest movies and television shows, take drawing classes at White Bear Center for the Arts and sample the latest specials at local cafes. Feel free to send me recommendations.
Logan Gion is a staff writer at Press Publications.
Understanding PFAS and their local impacts
In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, fishing is a treasured pastime and a major source of tourism revenue. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sells 1.4-1.5 million fishing licenses each year, and it is estimated that fishing in Minnesota generates between $4.2 billion and $5.9 billion in economic activity annually. Unsurprisingly, state and local partners also dedicate countless hours and dollars toward protecting Minnesota lakes from a wide variety of threats, including pollution, development, over-fishing, and aquatic invasive species.
In spite of our hard work and collective action, however, some kinds of water pollution remain nearly impossible to resolve.
This March, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued updated fish consumption advisories for several lakes and rivers statewide. In northeastern Minnesota (St. Louis, Lake and Cook Counties) the MDH updated its guidelines for mercury, a toxin that comes from the atmosphere (major sources include coal burning and artisanal gold mining) and can reach even the most pristine and remote locations. In the Twin Cities metro, the MDH updated its fish consumption advice for several lakes and rivers that have recently been impacted by PFAS (perfluori-
nated alkylated substances). PFAS are a group of chemical compounds used to manufacture Scotchguard, nonstick coatings, and fire-fighting foams and are commonly known as “forever chemicals” because they are incredibly long-lasting and slow to break down. According to a 2019 report by CHEMTrust, PFAS polymers can have half-lives as long as 8.5 years in human blood, 40 years in water, and more than 1000 years in soil. The term “half-life” is used to describe the length of time it takes for half of the molecules in a sample to decay.
Locally, 3M disposed of manufacturing waste containing PFAS in landfills in Oakdale, Lake Elmo, Woodbury, and Cottage Grove during the 1950s and ‘60s. Over time, the chemicals leached into groundwater aquifers used as a source of drinking water for communities in the area. The Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) first discovered the groundwater contamination in 2002 and has been continuously working with 3M, local communities, and the MDH ever since to ensure that local residents have safe water to drink.
In 2018, the State of Minnesota and 3M agreed to an $850 million settlement to address PFAS contamination in the Twin Cities east metro. The majority of these funds have been used to treat and provide safe drinking water in 14 communities in central and southern Washington County. In addition, $20 million in funding will be distributed later this spring to support natural resources restoration, as well as fisheries and education projects in the region.
Though scientists are still researching the long-term human health impacts from PFAS exposure, we know that it can affect people’s immune systems, decrease the success of vaccinations, and cause higher cholesterol, elevated liver enzymes, and kidney cancer. Pregnant women exposed to PFAS can also have babies with lower birth weights.
While the MDH still encourages people to eat fish as part of a healthy diet, they do urge caution in some of our local lakes and rivers. In the east metro, this includes:
• Clear and Mud Lakes (City of Forest Lake), Tanners Lake (Oakdale), Battle Creek Lake (Woodbury), Johanna and Little Johanna (Arden Hills), Gervais (Little Canada), Keller (Maplewood), McCarron (Roseville), Phalen (St. Paul), and Mississippi River (Pool 2 – Ford Dam to Hastings Dam): Those not planning to get pregnant can eat one meal of fish a month. Children and all other women should not eat fish from these water bodies.
• Centerville and Peltier Lakes (Lino Lakes): Those not planning to get pregnant can eat one meal of sunfish a week. Children and all other women can eat one meal of sunfish a month.
Learn more about Minnesota’s work to address PFAS on the MPCA’s website: www.pca.state. mn.us/air-water-land-climate/minnesotas-pfas-blueprint.
Angie Hong is the coordinator for Minnesota’s East Metro Water Resource Education Program.
will not be published. Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published. All letters are subject to editing. Deadline is 5 p. m., Thursday of the week prior to publication. To submit a letter, e-mail
to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Press Publications publishes 99% of the letters to the editor that meet the guidelines.
Carter C. Johnson -
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
Movers & Shakers
Angie Hong
Proud of community
A huge thank you to everyone involved in planning and carrying out Mahtomedi's Memorial Day ceremony. I am so very proud of my community for honoring in this special way those who have given and continue to give their lives in the pursuit of liberty and justice for all. Extra thanks as well to the Mahtomedi High School band for its outstanding contribution to the event. You were amazing!
Mary Hoff Stillwater
Superintendent is CEO
Under White Bear Lake Area Schools Policy 302, the superintendent serves as the district's Chief Executive Officer—the highest-ranking executive in the organization. CEOs are entrusted with significant responsibility, compensated accordingly, and routinely subjected to criticism from employees, board members, taxpayers, and stakeholders.
Strong leaders understand that scrutiny comes with the job. In healthy organizations, criticism is not treated as a threat but as valuable feedback that promotes accountability and improvement.
That is why the board's recent censure of a member who questioned district leadership is troubling. If asking tough questions and expressing criticism warrants censure, then perhaps the board should also censure every parent, taxpayer, employee, and community member who has ever publicly disagreed with the superintendent. Public institutions are strengthened by transparency and open debate—not by silencing dissent.
Scott Smith White Bear Lake
Give residents opportunity to vote
Residents of Vadnais Heights are not asking to eliminate public safety. We are asking for transparency, accountability, and the right to vote on a major public debt decision that could
affect taxpayers for decades.
The proposed South Fire Station project involves millions of dollars in long-term bonding obligations. Residents deserve clear answers about the project’s necessity, total cost, alternatives considered, projected tax impact, and whether renovation or modernization could meet operational needs.
Democracy works best when citizens have a voice in decisions that carry significant financial consequences. Public debt on this scale should not move forward without meaningful public participation.
Asking questions, reviewing the facts, and seeking voter input is not obstruction—it is responsible civic engagement.
Many residents have been surprised by how quickly this project advanced and believe the community should decide whether this level of spending is justified. If the project is truly necessary and broadly supported, then allowing voters to weigh in should strengthen public confidence in the outcome.
This effort is about more than one building. It is about a fundamental democratic principle: the people who will pay for a major public investment should have the opportunity to vote on it. Regardless of where residents stand on the project itself, most can agree that democracy is stronger when citizens are informed, engaged, and included in decisions that affect their community.
The petition effort provides a legal and constructive way for residents to participate in that process. It gives voters the opportunity to review the facts, ask questions, and decide for themselves.
Visit LetVHvote.com for information about the proposed South Fire Station project, petition updates, FAQs, and ways to get involved. Residents can also print and sign the petition. This legal process allows voters to decide whether this issue should be placed on the ballot, ensuring the community has a direct voice in this important decision.
Troubling pattern
Joe “Liberty” Kincaid’s May 20 letter about the White Bear Lake Area Schools continues a troubling pattern. Over the past several months, a small but organized group of letter writers has worked to discredit the school board and district administration through selective data, misleading claims, and repeated assumptions of bad intent.
Most concerning is the false claim that the district’s move toward some 4th/5th grade multi-age classrooms is financially driven because “there is not enough money for teachers.” The district has never said that.
White Bear Lake’s neighborhood elementary schools are one of the district’s greatest strengths. Families value their close-knit atmosphere and community identity. But because many schools have only two or three sections per grade level, small enrollment shifts can create large class-size differences between grades. One grade may average 19-20 students per classroom while another has 29 or more. Multi-age classrooms are intended to create more balanced and consistent learning environments while preserving the neighborhood school model families support.
Mr. Kincaid’s staffing claims are also misleading. He cites national data suggesting major administrative growth, yet an independent audit of the district’s records shows an overall reduction of eight employees during the period he referenced. That net reduction of staff is even after part-time positions were added in nutrition services and extended-day care, positions that are funded through food service revenue and childcare tuition, not classroom dollars.
Reasonable people can disagree with district decisions. Parents should ask questions and expect transparency. But productive public discussion requires facts and context, not exaggerated claims designed to undermine confidence in public schools.
The White Bear Lake area deserves honest debate, not organized efforts to erode trust
White Bear Lake Area
in the people serving students and families every day.
Dawn
Hank White Bear Lake
Pay attention to talk of fraud
As we move into this year’s election season, we’ll be hearing a lot from candidates about fraud. Candidates will take one of two approaches. Some of them will be committed to the hard work of fighting fraud. It will take time, effort, and funding. Others will use claims of “fraud” as a way to attack communities or institutions they don’t like. They won’t be particularly interested in actually doing anything about the problem, because they don’t care about fixing it. They don’t care about how fraud negatively impacts essential government services, like ones that feed kids, take care of people with disabilities, or provide critical health care. Some candidates will even attack whole communities in an attempt to link all people from an ethnic group to fraud. When a candidate asks for your vote and talks to you about fraud, pay attention to how they talk about it. Make sure that candidate actually intends to do something about fraud while preserving the government services we all rely on. And, make sure that candidate isn’t linking whole communities to fraud— that’s just racism.
Cathy Crea White Bear Lake
Safety concerns at intersection
We are asking too much of the intersection of Highway 61 and Buffalo Street. Highway 61, the north/south railroad tracks and Hugo Road are intersected by Buffalo Street within a very small space. This bottleneck becomes a free-for-all twice a day during the academic year before and after the school day. With the completion of the new White Bear Lake Area High School, an increased significant portion of school traffic converges on this intersection in or-
der to get to and from Hugo and other points north. At the end of the school day on Thursday, May 28, this came to a head. I was biking from the east on Buffalo St. crossing Hwy 61 with a green light into the confluence of traffic as a school bus from the west turned left to go north. As I proceeded through the intersection, a vehicle of young people behind the bus cut into my path. Had it not been for my evasive action, I would have been taken out. As I made my way over the railroad tracks, I came upon a head-on collision at Hugo Road and Buffalo Street with airbags deployed and smoke coming from the crashed vehicle. With this increase in traffic, I hope the County or MNDOT are studying traffic patterns and looking at options to improve safety. As Eagle Brook Church has scheduled police officers for their Sunday services to facilitate safe traffic flow, scheduled County Sheriffs at this intersection might be another option during these times of congestion.
Pathetic parade
I am not sure if I should laugh or cry after watching the City of Mahtomedi Memorial Day Parade this year. It lasted about 30 seconds. It consisted of the Color Guard/Scouts, the Fire Chief's SUV, one ambulance and one fire truck. That was it! The Mayor of Mahtomedi and the City Council should be ashamed and embarrassed about this parade. There are no words to describe how pathetic it was. But a BIG shout out to the Mahtomedi Fire Department and Wildwood Lions for hosting the annual pancake breakfast. The fire fighters/ EMTs handed out junior fire fighter badges, interacted with the kids and the kids were able to explore the many vehicles at the station. Plus, the Wildwood Lions had their Lion Mascot there too. The parade was a disaster, but the Fire Department and Lions saved the day for the kids.
Terry Nyblom Vadnais Heights
Brett Smith White Bear Township
Scott Bocklund Pine Springs
COPS&COURTS
REPORTS
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
A woman was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault-harm in the 1500 block of Fifth Street May 20.
• Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 1900 block of Eugene Street May 20.
• Officers responded to disorderly conduct reported in the 1900 block of Whitaker Street and the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue May 20.
• Officers responded to a report of weapons in the 1900 block of Highway 96 May 20.
• A noise complaint was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue May 20.
• Officers responded to a dispute in the 4000 block of Cranbrook Drive May 21. Shortly after, a disturbance involving an intoxicated female was reported in the same area.
• Harassment was reported in the 2600 block of County Road E May 21.
• Officers mediated a civil dispute in the 3600 block of Howard Avenue May 21.
A black bear was reported roaming around Gem Lake May 21, but was not located.
• Theft was reported in the 2700 block of County Road E May 21.
• Officers responded to a juvenile incident in the 4800
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:
Grant
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies received a report from a person at 6:20 a.m. April 22 about being dropped off in an area unknown to them after meeting with a male in Minneapolis. No assault was reported, and deputies gave the complainant a courtesy ride from 75th Street N. and Kimbro Avenue N. to the White Bear Lake Speedway on Century Avenue. On April 22 deputies received a call from the 11000 block of 80th Street N. regarding a scam incident. The complainant stated that her Amazon account had been hacked. The complainant was later able to contact Amazon and Delaware Police Department, where the packages were supposed to be delivered. Amazon cancelled the orders, refunded the complainant and cancelled her account, so in the end, the complainant experienced no financial loss.
• A motorist on Manning Trail N. and Manning Avenue Court N. was cited for expired registration on April 24, following a traffic stop for that violation
Mahtomedi
An Iris Street resident reported that his daughter had been followed home by a male in a white sedan flashing his lights at 10:07 p.m. April 21. The complainant noted that the male looked familiar from around the area and didn’t know why his daughter was followed. He stated that there appeared to be no issues with her vehicle and that his daughter was driving just fine.
• After deputies received a report of a traffic hazard at the Stillwater Road at Hilton Trail traffic lights April 22 and arrived on scene to find a driver who explained that her vehicle had stalled at the light. Deputies directed the driver to shut the vehicle off and restart it. Then the driver was instructed to drive to a nearby parking lot while deputies followed behind with their emergency lights activated.
• Wedgewood Drive residents on April 22 reported a dog bite incident that had happened earlier in the week.
• A resident in the 1000 block of Griffin Avenue N. on April 22 reported a dogbiting incident that had happened the previous week. The victim said he was the one bitten and had been to the doctor. Furthermore, he stated the owners had
block of Highway 61 May 21.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1700 block of Cedar Avenue May 21. Fraud was reported in the 3900 block of McKnight Road May 21.
• A Minneapolis man was arrested for DWI after being reported for erratic driving at the intersection of Highways 96 and 61 May 22.
• Officers investigated a report of child abuse in the 2400 block of Floral Drive May 22.
• Officers responded to a juvenile incident in the 3700 block of Bellaire Avenue May 22.
• Harassment was reported in the 4900 block of Birch Lake Circle May 22.
• Officers responded to a noise disturbance in the 3800 block of Oak Terrace May 22.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3400 block of Willow Avenue May 23.
• Officers responded to an assault in the 1000 block of Highway 96 May 23.
• Harassment was reported May 23 in the 3500 block of Century Avenue N. May 23.
Theft was reported in the 2100 block of 12th Street May 24.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 4900 block of Johnson Avenue May 24.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 4400 block of
confirmed that the dog was vaccinated and just wanted the incident reported.
• Deputies spoke to Ridge Way residents about a trespassing incident on April 22 and learned that a no trespass order was in place. Deputies took care of that formality immediately and issued a trespass notice.
• In this week’s NERF wars update on April 22, deputies address juveniles on Mahtomedi Avenue who were doing it this week and informed them they needed to be more respectful and drive carefully.
• A View Road resident reported his mailbox struck by a moving vehicle April 24 and that he had yet to hear back from the driver since the day of the incident. Later in the day, the complainant followed up to say he had received payment for the damage and didn’t need anything more.
• After deputies responded to an April 24 report of a male potentially trying to steal bicycles from Stillwater Road, they found the male who had gone to the location to retrieve mail. Deputies gave him a courtesy ride to a metro bus stop.
• Deputies were dispatched to the scene of a reported restricted burn on Iris Street on April 24 and found an unattended fire that was mostly burnt down. They advised the homeowner that there should be a readily available water supply nearby and the fire should be put out before the homeowner leaves the scene. The homeowner put out the fire and deputies carried on with their patrols.
• Suspicious activity reported in a wooded area on 72nd Street N. on April 25 turned out to be two male youths building a fort out of sticks. As deputies observed no damaged trees or trash in the area, they advised the juveniles to keep the noise down and clean up their mess.
Pine
Springs
Deputies initiated a traffic stop April 21 on a vehicle traveling along Hilton Trail N. headed toward the ramp to westbound Highway 36 with registration that expired in September 2020 and cited the driver.
• Deputies assisted the State Patrol at 4:51 a.m. April 22 on northbound I-694 at the ramp to eastbound Highway 36 in investigating a single-vehicle accident. After contacting the registered owner, deputies learned that the driver had fallen asleep on his way home from work at around 11p.m. and had walked home from the crash. After deputies relayed the individual’s insurance and contact information, the State Patrol took over from there.
Lake Avenue S. May 24.
• A Chisago City man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 2000 block of County Road E May 24.
• A barking dog was reported in the 3700 block of Howard Avenue May 24.
• A Ramsey resident was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 1700 block of County Road D May 24.
• A Coon Rapids resident and a Rosemount resident were arrested for DWI in back-to-back early morning traffic stops May 25 in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue.
• Theft was reported in the 2000 block of County Road E May 25.
• Animal complaints were reported May 25 in the 4800 and 4300 blocks of Lake Avenue.
• Officers responded to a verbal family argument in the 4500 block of Bald Eagle Avenue May 25.
• Officers responded to a juvenile runaway in the 4800 block of Centerville Road who later returned May 25.
• Officers responded to disorderly juveniles near the intersection of County Road E and Century Avenue May 26.
• A Minneapolis man was arrested for misdemeanor theft in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue May 26.
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township: Vadnais Heights
• An animal control officer responded April 26 to a report of a dog that escaped from a neighbor’s yard in the 4300 block of Jay Circle and charged at someone. It had returned to its yard upon arrival.
• Deputies responded April 26 to a report of a tree that fell on a vehicle in the 100 block of County Road F East. Deputies made sure nobody was hurt and kept the area safe while the Vadnais Heights Fire Department cleared the fallen tree. The vehicle was damaged but drivable.
• Deputies cited a 58-year-old man from North St. Paul April 26 for trespassing after he entered a store in the 800 block of County Road E East from which he has been trespassed.
• A 44-year-old woman in the 4400 block of Bramblewood venue reported April 27 that her credit card was used by an unknown person at a gas station. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies arrested a 19-year-old Minneapolis man for theft April 28 after he was caught by loss prevention employees at a business in the 800 block of County Road E East attempting to leave the store without paying for more than $150 worth of fishing equipment.
• A 33-year-old St. Paul woman in the 300 block of County Road F East reported April 28 fraudulent transactions on her bank account. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies issued a theft citation to a 34-year-old woman April 29 after
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
she was caught by loss prevention employees at a business in the 800 block of County Road E East attempting to conceal merchandise in her coat and leave the store without paying for it.
• Deputies responded to a restaurant in the 1000 block of Highway 96 East on April 30, where a vehicle being parked by a 74-year-old woman struck the building causing significant damage.
• Deputies recovered a baggie of suspected controlled substance April 30 from a 64-year-old Elk River man, who found it while he was mowing grass in the 1000 block of Kristen Court. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies responded April 30 to a report of a 14-year-old male throwing dishes and punching staff at a group home in the 500 block of Spring Hill Road. No injuries were reported, and the situation was calm when deputies arrived.
• A 36-year-old woman from Cannon Falls reported May 2 that someone struck and damaged her Dodge Durango while it was legally parked on the side of the road in the 4300 block of Buckingham Court before driving away. The incident is under investigation.
White Bear Township
Deputies responded April 28 to a report of someone in the 5800 block of Mallards Ponds Drive allegedly posting photos of themselves online with guns and drugs. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies arrested a 50-year-old man from North Branch April 28 in the 5600 block of Otter View Trail for violating a non-contact order after his girlfriend reported that he took her personal property and refused to return it.
Punch Pizza damaged after accident
Punch Pizza, located at 1018 County Highway 96 in Vadnais Heights, is currently undergoing renovations after a vehicle crashed into its building April 30. According to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, a man suffering from a medical situation crashed into the building. He was transported to the hospital.
NEW POLICE CHIEF: Community-focused policing tops priority list
investigator, school resource officer, street crimes unit member and patrol officer. He most recently served as the deputy chief of police.
“I've always been satisfied with where I'm at in each step, because you're always learning something along the way and developing the skills to do the job a little bit better,” he said. “This looked like a good opportunity when it came up, and I’m glad I took the chance on it.”
So why White Bear? Johnston says when the opportunity arose for the police chief position, people only had good things to say about the department and the city.
“Columbia Heights is often referred to as that smalltown feel in the big city, and I think that’s very applicable here as well. Even as big as it is, it has this smalltown, close-knit community feeling. It felt like a good fit,” he explained.
During his first year on the job, Johnston says his
Wonka,” then fit the show to the cast’s abilities without simplifying the content.
“This is not a sideshow attraction,” Frederickson said. “There’s not one person who goes and doesn’t come out of it crying because it’s so well done.”
‘The actors are doing what they should be doing at their age and ability level,” Bohnsack added.
Bohnsack used Northern Starz’ recent production of “Aladdin” as an example, in which the actor who played The Genie was nonverbal. To work around this,
the actor delivered her lines through a voice box, and a “genie choir” performed all of her musical numbers. This version’s Genie, then, had a unique, mystical feel, and the actor still delivered an effective performance.
“That’s what the fun part about the Penguin Players is,” Frederickson said. “It does not matter if you are wheelchair bound or if you are nonverbal. You have a good chance of getting a lead.”
Northern Starz is also home to Penguin Pals, for ages 5-12, and Penguin Project, for ages 10-21. Having programming
focus will be getting to know everybody in the department, city and community. He plans to continue Hager’s initiative to drive up community engagement opportunities.
“I’m highly motivated to continue the community engagement part of things. That’s a piece that this department is already doing very well. They are engaged in a lot of community activities,” he said. Policing is a partnership with the community and the police officers. We can't police to a community; we have to police with the community.”
Johnston said it’s important, for both officers and community members, that the interactions between the two are not always negative.
“You don't want to have all your interactions be those moments in people's days when something bad has happened or they needed to call the police. We want to have those positive interactions with them; we want to meet them in those low-stress environments. We want to get
to know people,” he said. “Having those positive, meaningful interactions with our community and the public is important because we need to remember, they're not all like the people that we interact with at 2 a.m. There are a lot of positive and supportive people out there.”
Johnston plans to attend many community events this summer, including Marketfest. When Johnston is not at work, much of his time is dedicated to his family. He and his wife Stephanie have a blended family of five ranging in age from high school to college as well as two golden doodles. Johnston enjoys being outdoors, deer hunting, learning to golf, reading, experimenting with recipes in his smoker and playing video games when he can find the time.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
The Vadnais Heights Lions recently awarded scholarships to area high school seniors. Scholarships were given to: Anna Fink, Ella Paradise and Jacob Baltzer from White Bear Lake Area High School; Kiyo Ziegler from Gentry Academy; William Danielson from Mounds View High School; and Katie Fisher from the Academy for Sciences and Agriculture (AFSA).
Black Bear Yacht Racing Association (BBYRA) held its annual Mayhem Regatta May 2324 on White Bear Lake. The event featured PHRF and Capri 22 One Design keelboats with 10 boats racing.
The BBYRA held its annual Mayhem Regatta May 23-24.
The top finishers were:
1. Capri 22 - #571 - Swamp Critter - Charlie Helmes
2. Capri 22 - #965 - Echo Too - Mark Berens
3. Capri 22 #972 - Hausboat - Craig Witthaus Visit bbyra.com to learn more.
Nearly 200 community members came together to support the nursing and orthotics and prosthetics programs at Century College through the Futures in Bloom breakfast event, which raised $100,000 to support students.
for all ages, Bohnsack described, helps foster a continued sense of confidence in people with developmental disabilities.
“We had a nonverbal kid last year,” Frederickson recalled, “and we gave him the part of a dog. He was so excited. That’s what he wanted to do, and he was so happy … on stage, and everybody gave him encouragement. So now, he’s starting to be verbal, and his parents are like, ‘This is amazing.’”
Each Penguin artist also has a peer mentor, someone close by in age who can confidently support an individual
with special needs.
“Theater kids and choir kids love being mentors because they’re back on stage,” Frederickson stated. “They have to get costumed, and they have to know all the lines.”
While peer mentors serve as a kind of understudy, they almost always become dear friends with the artists.
“Spending so much time one-on-one with each other?”
Frederickson remarked. “The mentors start to realize Penguins are just like everybody else.”
The Penguin Players perform “This is Me: An Inclusive Cabaret Celebration,” featuring
City enters partnership to collect mattresses in June
Residents can recycle their old mattresses and box springs at no charge. The city of White Bear Lake has partnered with Ramsey/ Washington Recycling and Energy and Second Chance Recycling to offer free curbside mattress and box spring recycling collection on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the month of June. Pick-ups must be pre-scheduled. Schedule your pick up and learn more at whitebearlakemn.gov/recycle.
the music of “Footloose,”
7 p.m. Saturday, June 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at the White Bear Lake Area High School
Theater, 5040 Division Ave., Door A. For tickets and details, visit northernstarz.org/ns-offsite-events-and-shows.
Cerenity Senior Care: Council to consider parking lot expansion
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE —
Benedictine Cerenity Senior Care, located at 1900 Webber Street, would like to expand its parking lot to alleviate staff from parking on the neighboring streets.
Cerenity submitted a concept plan to expand the parking lot on the north side of the building with an additional 35 stalls.
Community Development Director Jason Lindahl explained that Cerenity decided to go the concept plan route in order to gather feedback on the proposal from the neighbors, planning commission and city council before its formal application for a planned unit development (PUD) amendment.
“We are really trying to add additional parking to the facility. With staffing increases, we want to get parking off the streets and get people in the parking lot where they belong,” said Jim Jonson, architect for the project. “We will add some nice landscaping to the parking lot, and we added some additional islands that were not required just to get more green space in there.”
The subject property is a 5.6acre site. The property extends the full block between Second and Fourth Avenue, with one remaining single-family home located along the northwest corner. According to Ramsey County records, the building was originally constructed in 1956, prior to the first adopted
zoning code. Throughout the years, Lindahl explained that the property has been granted PUD approvals to expand the campus. In 2012, the property was granted approvals to repurpose and renovate the nursing care facility and expand the campus to add transitional care and assisted living buildings to the site. Also included was an off-site 31-stall parking lot across the street on Second Avenue and 26 angled street parking stalls along Florence Street.
Cerenity purchased two adjacent properties along Webber Street and demolished the two single family homes in 2024 to provide additional on-site parking. They have since combined those two parcels with their property at 1900 Webber.
The concept plan proposes to add the 35 new stalls in the parking lot where the two single family homes were previously located. The existing lot contains 105 parking stalls. The proposal to expand the parking lot onto the newly acquired land would reconfigure the lot by eliminating 11 of the existing stalls and adding 46 stalls, resulting in a net gain of 35 additional parking stalls. Six of the proposed stalls will be ADA accessible. The plan also includes three parking lot islands. No new street access point is proposed.
Four residents attended the neighborhood meeting and shared concerns about on street parking on Webber Street, construction and
property maintenance.
“The planning commission was generally supportive of the concept,” Lindahl said. One resident, Andrew Enright, spoke during the public hearing about his concerns regarding the construction phase of the project. He requested that Cerenity provide a temporary parking plan that the neighbors could review and provide feedback on ahead of the project.
City Council Member Kevin Edberg wanted to know how much on street parking is used currently and how that might shift if the parking lot was expanded.
Ariel Miller, Executive Director of Cerenity, said she wasn’t sure on a specific number of vehicles, but said the topic of street parking, especially along
Webber Street, has come up many times in discussion over the years with neighbors.
Edberg said, “I do not object (to the concept), especially if it means adding parking spaces and getting parking off of Webber.”
City Council Member Ellen Gurrola commented that when she drives by the property, there always appears to be spots available in the existing lot. Miller said it really comes down to the shift change for staff. She explained that when the new shift is coming in and the other shift is leaving, there tends to be overflow of parking onto the streets.
Gurrola questioned what could be done to save the trees slated to be removed. Johnson explained that the trees slated
to be removed were in “pretty rough” shape. He added that they are not planning to touch any of the trees on the neighboring residential lot, and they are planning to add trees to the lot, as well as a stormwater basin to create a buffer. “The landscaping there will be increased,” he said.
City Council Member Bill Walsh described Cerenity as a “great neighbor” and said he was supportive of the concept. The council already held the first reading for the PUD amendment and will conduct the second reading June 9.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@ presspubs.com.
The City Council will conduct the second reading for a Planned Unit Development amendment for a parking lot expansion at Cerenity Senior Care June 9.
• The district is revising its consent agenda policy. While the March 2, 2026, revision required a motion, second and majority approval to remove an item from the consent agenda to independent consideration, the May 11, 2026, revision—which the School Board Policy Committee and Cabinet submitted for expedited approval—removes this requirement. Now, a school board member needs only make a “timely request,” i.e. prior to the vote approving the consent agenda, to set aside items for discussion. Board Member Christina Streiff Oji, who voted in favor of the March 2 version of the policy, supported its reversion, explaining, “I voted in favor of the original motion because the consent agenda is meant to promote efficiency … I’m voting in favor of the motion to rescind this because maintaining the trust of the community is more important than the considerations that led me to vote in favor of this motion. I’m fully committed to strong governance, and that means listening, reflecting and making adjustments when needed.” Board Member Daniel Skaar commented, “Thank you for correcting this judgment error and getting back on track to what I would call good governance.” Addressing the entire body, Board Member Chair Dr. Scott Arcand stated, “I have the expectation that, if you’re going to want to pull something, that a board member is going to reach out to the superintendent … Truly, if it’s about getting that information, I don’t know why you wouldn’t reach out.”
• The district is putting surplus property, located at 4871 Bald Eagle Ave., up for sale. Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Tim Wald explained that the district bought the property in 2020 using proceeds from the General Obligation School Building Bonds for the purpose of providing a connecting path from the high school and Central Middle School to Lincoln Elementary. Because district administration no longer believes this project necessary, the parcel must be declared as surplus property.
• The district is continuing its milk-product contract with St. Paul Beverage Solutions, LLC for the 2026-2027 school year, with an option to extend for up to three years. The contract bid is just over $290,000. “Milk is kind of a big deal in schools. We serve over 63,000 gallons of milk each year,” stated Wald. When Board Member Deb Beloyed asked for amounts of the previ-
ous milk contracts, Wald informed her that the price of milk has risen 60% since 2019. Wald added that, should the federal government’s estimation of the market value price of milk rise or fall, the contract’s amount will be adjusted accordingly. “These contracts take the risk out of it for school districts and the risk out of it for the vendor,” Wald said.
• The board will hold a second reading next month of numerous policies. The district’s student attendance policy will now include a subsection requiring the district to count a student in attendance each day the student receives supervision, instruction or services from school staff during scheduled hours. While the current policy already has language regarding reasonable accommodations for excuse from curricular activities on religious grounds, the new version will add provisions for American Indian cultural practices, observances, and ceremonies. The policy will also clarify that, to find a child under 12-years-old habitually truant, a school must present clear and convincing evidence that a child’s absence is not due to a failure of the child’s parent, guardian or custodian. Other changes are largely being made for grammatical or clerical reasons.
• Similarly, the board approved numerous policies. Their mandated reporting of maltreatment of vulnerable adults policy now defines “mandated reporter” as “a professional or professional’s delegate while engaged in education.” The board’s video recording other than on buses policy now requires the school district retains video recordings for at least 45 days. This version of the policy also allows no reason to record bathrooms or locker rooms, whereas the previous version allowed surveillance of those area in extreme situations with extraordinary controls. All school district policies may be viewed at www.isd624.org/about/district-policies.
• The school board is recognizing middle school students for achievements in History Day. This includes two state champion group exhibits: “Jenson v. Eveleth” and “The Love Canal.” Both exhibits qualify for National History Day. The board is also highlighting Triple Threat Finalists in the Hennepin Arts Spotlight Showcase. To view a video listing each student’s accomplishment, visit youtube. com/@ISD624.
During June, the White Bear Lake Area School Board does not meet for monthly work sessions. Therefore, the board will next convene for its monthly regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 8, at the District Service Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Ave., White Bear Lake. The public may both livestream the meeting and find the schedule for future board meetings at isd624.org/about/school-board/ meeting-materials.
10
VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
PUBLIC NOTICES
CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Vadnais Heights City Council will meet and consider Ordinance No. 801 regarding a moratorium on data centers at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at City Hall, 800 East County Road E.
The materials are available for public review at City Hall during normal business hours. Questions or comments should be directed to Nolan Wall, Planning/Community Development Director, at nolan.wall@ cityvadnaisheights.com or 651-204-6000.
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 3 and 10, 2026. METROPOLITAN MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT (MMCD)
BID NOTICES
Project: St. Paul Lab Renovation
Project: Maple Grove Warehouse Storage Owner: Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) Notice to Bidders
MMCD gives notice that sealed electronic bids will be received for the St. Paul Lab Renovation and Maple Grove Warehouse Storage. Sealed electronic bids for each project will be received by MMCD only through QuestCDN Bids received after the stated deadline may be rejected as nonresponsive. Visit www.mmcd.org for more information.
The work generally consists of renovation work for the St. Paul laboratory facilities, together with related materials, supplies, equipment, labor, and incidental work described in the plans, specifications, and bidding documents. The Maple Grove Warehouse Storage is the construction of a new warehouse storage building.
Time and Place for Receipt, Opening, and Public Reading of Bids
Bids will be received until July 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m (Maple Grove Warehouse Storage) and July 1, 2026, 2:00 p.m. (St. Paul Lab Renovation) Central Time, at which time bids will be opened and read publicly.
The bid opening will occur by remote conference, hosted from the Board Room located at 2099 University Avenue West, St. Paul, Minnesota 55104. The public is welcome to attend the opening in person from the Board Room at that address or to observe remotely using the virtual meeting information below.
Virtual Bid Opening Information
Meeting Name: Maple Grove Warehouse Storage and St. Paul Lab Renovation Virtual Bid Opening
Date and Time: July 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m (Maple Grove Warehouse Storage) and July 1, 2026, 2:00 p.m. (St. Paul Lab Renovation) Central Time
Bidders and members of the public may join the bid opening conference from a computer, tablet, or smartphone using the following meeting information: Meeting Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/ meet/269569363609198?p=moGMBZ9gR6F1VyKetQ OR: https://tinyurl.com/MMCABidOpening070126
Meeting ID: 269 569 363 609 198 Passcode: MK6oh9Ya
Bid Submission Requirements
All bids must be sealed and submitted in accordance with the instructions to bidders and all other bidding documents issued for the project. Each bid must identify the project name, the bidder, and any other information required by the bidding documents.
Bidders are responsible for confirming all submission requirements, including delivery method, required forms, bid security, addenda acknowledgment, insurance requirements, bonding requirements, and any other conditions stated in the bidding documents.
Terms and Conditions of Award
After bids have been duly received, opened, read publicly, and recorded, MMCD may award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, subject to the terms and conditions of the bidding documents and applicable law, or may reject all bids.
MMCD reserves the right to set qualifications and specifications, to require bids to meet those qualifications and specifications before acceptance, to waive informalities or irregularities to the extent permitted by law, to reject nonresponsive or nonresponsible bids, and to readvertise if no satisfactory bid is received.
Any contract awarded will be executed in writing. The successful bidder may be required to provide sufficient bond or other security to MMCD for faithful performance of the contract, as required by the bidding documents and applicable law. Any contract involving the employment of labor must include terms and conditions regarding labor, hours, wages, and other conditions as MMCD deems reasonable and as required by applicable law. Published three times in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 3, 10 and 17, 2026.
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES
MAY 19, 2026
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:01 a.m. with the following members present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, and Chair Ortega. Commissioner Xiong joined the board meeting remotely pursuant to Minnesota Statues 13D.02, Subdivision 2. Also present were Ling Becker, County Manager, and Stacey D’Andrea, Assistant County Attorney, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Read by Commissioner Moran. AGENDA of May 19, 2026 was presented for approval. Motion by JebensSingh, seconded by McGuire. Unanimously approved. MINUTES of May 12, 2026 were presented for approval. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Jebens-Singh. Unanimously approved.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
Board of Commissioners – Settlement Agreement in Tameca Williams v. Ramsey County (Court File No. 62-CV-25-4466). Motion by Moran, seconded by Jebens-Singh. Unanimously approved. (B2026-061) Human Resources – Salary Schedule and Grade for New Classified Position – Data Practices Officer. Motion by Moran, seconded by JebensSingh. Unanimously approved. (B2026-062) Property Tax, Records & Election Services – Repurchase of a Tax-forfeited Property Located at 601 Annapolis Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55118. Motion by Moran, seconded by Jebens-Singh. Unanimously approved. (B2026-063)
PRESENTATION
Social Services – Detoxification and Withdrawal Management Facility Update. For information and discussion only. Presented by Sophia Thompson, Director, Social Services Department; Jim Langer, Human Services Manager, Social Services Department. Discussion can be found on archived video.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Presented by commissioner McGuire. Discussion can be found on archived video.
COUNTY CONNECTIONS
Presented by County Manager, Ling Becker. Discussion can be found on archived video.
OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Discussion can be found on archived video.
BOARD CHAIR UPDATE
Presented by Chair Ortega. Discussion can be found on archived video.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Ortega declared the meeting adjourned at 10:39 a.m.
CLOSED MEETING
Pursuant to Minnesota Statues 13D.05, Subdivision 3(b) in order to discuss the Benjamin Hill vs. Thomas Rudenick et al. matter. Ramsey County Board met in a closed meeting, which was not open to the public. Re: Benjamin Hill vs. Thomas Rudenick et al. matter
The Closed Meeting was called to order at 11:10 a.m.
Present: Commissioners Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, and Chair Ortega. Commissioners Xiong was excused. Also present: Ling Becker, County Manager; Kristine Nogosek, Assistant County Attorney,
www.presspubs.com
Ramsey County Attorney’s Office; Jason Hively, Outside Counsel; Gloria Reyes, Deputy County Manager, Safety and Justice; David Metusalem, Chief Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff’s Office; Amelia Cruver, Chief Financial Officer, Finance; and Jason Yang, Chief Clerk, County Manager’s Office.
The Board of Ramsey County Commissioners authorized the Ramsey County staff to proceed as discussed in this closed meeting. Motioned by Miller, seconded by McMurtrey. Motion passed. (Resolution B2026-064).
The closed meeting was adjourned at 11:25 a.m.
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 3, 2026.
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in the Ramsey County Courthouse – Saint Paul City Hall (Council Chambers, Room 300), 15 West Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55102.
This Public Hearing will be conducted in order to afford the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed 2027 Salary Ordinance for compensation to the Board of Commissioners for calendar year 2027.
The entire proposed Ordinance can be found on Ramsey County’s web site www.RamseyCountyMN.gov (under the Public Notice section on the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners’ page), or obtained by calling Jason Yang, Chief Clerk – County Board (651) 266-9200.
Persons who intend to testify are requested to contact the Chief Clerk prior to Tuesday, June 16, 2026. If in-person testimony is not feasible, comments may alternately be provided via the following methods:
Email: chiefclerk@RamseyCountyMN.gov
Written Mail: Chief Clerk, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd., Suite 250, Saint Paul, MN 55102.
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 3, 2026.
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA PUBLIC NOTICE SOLICITATION OPPORTUNITIES
Ramsey County releases solicitation opportunities on DemandStar as an alternative method of public notice pursuant to Section 331A.03 of the Minnesota Statutes. Individuals may go to the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” section of the “Doing Business with Ramsey County” webpage at ramseycounty.us/ContractWithRamsey to access registration information. If you are new to DemandStar, please follow the DemandStar registration instructions on the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” webpage. Access to all Ramsey County documents is free if the instructions that are posted are followed. You may call 651-266-8072 or email ProcurementTeam@ ramseycounty.us if you need assistance.
Ramsey County is accepting only electronic Request for Bids (RFBs) responses submitted through DemandStar. Public openings are conducted digitally, as a video conference. See the link above for details. To view current solicitations, please go to: https://bit.ly/3W8XWan
SOLICITATION: RFB-PRMG37233-KB
OPENING DATE: JUNE 18, 2026
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH THE REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A PRIME CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, LABOR, AND INCIDENTALS FOR THE UNION DEPOT ESCALATOR REPLACEMENT PROJECT. PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: UNION DEPOT LOBBY, 214 4TH STREET E, ST PAUL, MN 55101 - JUN 4, 2026, 9:30 AM CST.
SOLICITATION: RFB-PUBW31312-KB
OPENING DATE: JUNE 18, 2026
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A PRIME CONTRACTOR FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF MARYLAND AVENUE FROM CLARK STREET TO EDGERTON STREET AND WILL INCLUDE GRADING, BITUMINOUS SURFACING, CONCRETE SIDEWALKS, CURB AND GUTTER, TRAFFIC SIGNALS, SANITARY SEWER, STORM SEWER AND WATERMAIN WORK.
SOLICITATION: RFB-PUBW31266-KB RAMSEY COUNTY
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
STATE PROJECT NO. S.P. 062-623-060 FED PROJECT NO. HSIP 6226(053)
BID OPENING THURSDAY, JULY 02, 2026
Ramsey County will receive sealed electronic bids for Bid RFBPUBW0000031266-0-2026/KB, Resurfacing County Road C Project until 2:00 PM, Thursday, July 02, 2026, through DemandStar.com. Immediately thereafter, all bids will be opened publicly and read aloud via Zoom, https:// zoom.us/j/102575333?pwd=dDA2Rnk4MEtlVW9DS3k4cUplRDJIQT09 or https://tinyurl.com/RamseyCoBidOpening31266
Work includes grading, bituminous surfacing, ADA improvements and pedestrian crossing enhancements, concrete curb & gutter, and traffic signal replacements and upgrades.
Bidding documents, including the Bid Form, Drawings, and Specifications, will be available to be downloaded from DemandStar on our website at http:// www.demandstar.com. A bid bond in the amount of 5% is required. Minimum wage rates to be paid by the Contractors have been predetermined and are subject to the Work Hours Act of 1962, P.L. 87-581 and implementing regulations. All prospective Bidders/respondents are hereby cautioned not to contact any member of the Ramsey County Staff or officials other than the specified contact person in the Ramsey County Procurement Department in St. Paul.
Minimum wage rates to be paid by the Contractors have been predetermined and are subject to the Work Hours Act of 1962, P.L. 87-581 and implementing regulations.
READ CAREFULLY THE WAGE SCALES AND DIVISION A OF THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS AS THEY AFFECT THIS/THESE PROJECT/PROJECTS
The Minnesota Department of Transportation hereby notifies all bidders: in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Act), as amended and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Subtitle A Part 21, Non-discrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation, it will affirmatively assure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded maximum opportunity to participate and/or to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, disability, age, religion, sex or national origin in consideration for an award; in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, and Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 230 Subpart A-Equal Employment Opportunity on Federal and Federal-Aid Construction Contracts (including supportive services), it will affirmatively assure increased participation of minority groups and disadvantaged persons and women in all phases of the highway construction industry, and that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be provided to all persons without regard to their race, color, disability, age, religion, sex or national origin; in accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363A.08 Unfair discriminatory Practices, it will affirmatively assure that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be offered to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age; in accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363A.36 Certificates of Compliance for Public Contracts, and 363A.37 Rules for Certificates of Compliance, it will assure that appropriate parties to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement possess valid Certificates of Compliance.
If you have employed more than 40 full-time employees in any state, on any single working day during the previous 12 months, you must have a
compliance certificate issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights to bid on any job in this advertisement. Please contact the Department of Human Rights immediately if you need assistance in obtaining a certificate. If you are not a current holder of a compliance certificate issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and intend to bid on any job in this advertisement you must contact the Department of Human Rights immediately for assistance in obtaining a certificate.
The following notice from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights applies to all contractors:
“It is hereby agreed between the parties that Minnesota Statute, section 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 are incorporated into any contract between these parties based on this specification or any modification of it. A copy of Minnesota Statute 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 is available upon request from the contracting agency.”
“It is hereby agreed between the parties that this agency will require affirmative action requirements be met by contractors in relation to Minnesota Statute 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules 5000.3600. Failure by a contractor to implement an affirmative action plan or make a good faith effort shall result in revocation of its certificate or revocation of the contract (Minnesota Statute 363A.36, Subd. 2 and 3).”
This Project has a Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Neutral requirement.
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 3, 2026. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-417
NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In re the Estate of: Benjamin Ellis Marsh, a/k/a Benjamin E. Marsh, Decedent.
NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 2:15 p.m., a hearing using remote technology will be held by this Court for the Formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s last will dated August 22, 2007 (“Will”), and for the appointment of Analisa Maria Echevarria, whose address is 3982 Oak Hollow Circle, Westlake Village, CA 91362, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unserpervised administration.
Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by call the Court at 651-266-8145.
Any objection to the Petition or Will must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are files or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real estate and personal property, and to do all cecessary acts for the estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.
Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section §501B.41, Subdivision 5.
NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN by publishing this Notice as provided by law and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice. Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred. BY THE COURT:
Date: May 6, 2026
Theresa Ames, Court Administrator
Elizabeth Girling, Deputy Court Administrator Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 3 and 10, 2026. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-450 CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (WITHOUT A WILL) In re the Estate of Carol Jean Janson, Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
Notice is hereby given that an application for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Court. No will has been presented for probate. The application has been granted.
Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: Randolph L. Zimmer, 28550 Frontage Road, Saint Joseph MN 56374 as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as Personal Representative, or may object to the appointment of the Personal Representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3607, and the court otherwise orders, the Personal Representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate. Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the Personal Representative or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred.
Laura J. Stevens, Probate Registrar
Theresa Ames, Court Administrator
Date: May 15, 2026
Attorney for Personal Representative
NICHOLAS JOHN HEYDT
Attorney License No.: 327864
Pemberton Law PLLP
203 22nd Avenue West. Alexandria MN 56308
Telephone: 320-759-3143 / E-Mail: n.heydt@pemlaw.com
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on May 27 and June 3, 2026.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-470
CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE
NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE (WITHOUT A WILL)
In re the Estate of Tamra Chaterlays, Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Notice is hereby given that an application for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Court. No will has been presented for probate. The application has been granted.
Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: Pedro Chaterlays, 1048 4th Street East, Saint Paul MN 55106 as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as Personal Representative, or may object to the appointment of the Personal Representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-607, and the court otherwise orders, the Personal Representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.
Laura J. Stevens, Probate Registrar
Theresa Ames, Court Administrator
Date: May 20, 2026
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 3 and 10, 2026.
James “Jim” J. Kohler
Age 85 of Hugo. Loving Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa & Brother, passed away surrounded by family on May 20, 2026. Preceded in death by wife of 59 years, Kathleen; brothers, Leonard, Dennis. Survived by children, Lori (Boyd) Metcalf, Jaime; Jon(Trisha); grandchildren, Tanya (James) Dessner, Tara (Kyle) Breitbarth, Taylor (MacKenzie) Metcalf, Chris Kohler, Kacie (Kirk) Nelson, Cydney Kohler; greatgrandchildren, Jayci, Layne, Jack, Isla, Rhet, Dutton, DeEtta, Jonathan, Nora, Joey; brother, Jerry (Marilyn); many nieces, nephews, other relatives friends. Jim was born in White Bear Lake and was a lifelong resident. He was the owner of Bald Eagle Sports in White Bear Lake. Jim’s life will be celebrated with a gathering from 4-8 PM Friday, June 5th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. Private interment at St. Genevieve Cemetery, Centerville. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Beyond Hospice/The Pillars of Oakdale. www.RobertsFamilyFH.com 651-464-4422
Obituaries celebrate and honor unique lives.
To Submit an obit
Email obits@presspubs.com Call 651-407-1225
Visit us at
All American Bears Contest White Bear Lake
Decorate your bear in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America! How to Participate:
• Decorate your concrete bear in red, white and blue
• Enter contest by uploading a photo online at presspubs.com/ allamericanbears and filling out contact information
• Enter between May 14th and June 9th
• Voting online from June 10th - 21st
• All American Bear winner will be highlighted in Press Publications 250 American Anniversary special commemorative, printed in the July 1st edition of the White Bear Press.
Darwin D. Demeny
Age 76, of White Bear Lake, MN, formerly of Krakow, WI, passed away peacefully after a courageous four-year battle with cancer on May 27, 2026. Born May 21, 1950, in Oconto Falls, WI, he graduated from Pulaski High School (1968) and UW-Madison with a BS in Chemical Engineering. His career with 3M brought him to MN. He later earned an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and worked for several area companies, alongside his passion for home restoration. Darwin was a proud lifelong Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan, and he deeply loved coaching his children and grandchildren in soccer and softball. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda; children, Angela (RJ) Safranek, Aaron (Angela), and Andrew (Kelly); nine grandchildren; brother, Roger; and sisters, Clarice Miller and Chris Holewinski. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Helen; brothers, Gary and Lee; and sister, Sandy Czachor. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Church of St. Pius X, 3878 Highland Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, followed by a Memorial Mass at 12 p.m. Private family interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org). Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172, honsafamilyfuneral.com.
Mary C. Kuehn (Banken)
Age 64. Of White Bear Lake. Memorial Services will be held at 1PM, Friday, June 12, 2026 at Honsa Family Funeral Home, 2460 East County Road E, White Bear Lake. Visitation 11a.m. – 1p.m. Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society. Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172
Rodney L. Glem
Age 87 of White Bear Lake.
Passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026 in the Memory Care unit of Maplewood Care Center. Rodney was born in Ellsworth, WI. Graduate of White Bear Lake H.S. and went on to serve his country in the Army.
Rodney’s professional journey spanned over three decades with Xcel Energy, where he worked in the Electrical Department for 33 years. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
A devoted family man, Rodney held a special place in his heart for his wife, Karen, who was truly the love of his life. Together, they created a warm home filled with love.
Though Rodney was often quiet and reserved, he will always be remembered for his kindness and dedication in everything that he did.
Preceded in death by his wife, Karen Glem.
Survived by son, Mike (Julie) Glem and their daughter, Alexis; and daughter, Diane (Debbie) Glem. Mueller Memorial, 651-429-4944 www.muellermemorial.com
David Charles (Wolverine) Tatreau
Passed away May 2026 at Riverwood Hospital in Aitkin, MN. His Godson and sister were by his side.
David was born January 29, 1955 and spent most of his life living in White Bear Lake, MN.
Dave graduated from White Bear High in 1973, where he was known for his extraordinary wrestling skills. David also enjoyed hunting up North.
He is survived by brother Donald Tatreau, Jr. (Gail), sisters Sandra Wilson, Laurie Tatreau (Chris), Mary Jo Tatreau (Nick) and seven nieces and nephews and multiple great nieces and nephews. Father Donald Sr. passed in 2023 and mother Laura June, passed in 2004. Celebration of Life to be held June 21st at Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn, Hwy 61, White Bear Lake, MN. from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Weekly Outlook
We finally received some much needed rain late Sunday and early Monday. I totaled nearly a half inch. For the month of May, I totaled 2.47” which is just over an inch less than normal. With the late surge in above normal temperatures the last week of May, we finished near normal on temperatures; otherwise, we were on pace to finish cooler than normal. It should be also noted this past May didn’t feature many thunderstorms, windy days or smoky skies. This week’s forecast calls for above normal temperatures and the threat of showers and thunderstorms. Nature Notes: Red-wing Blackbirds are aggressive, Cottonwood seed season is here, clover is seeding and dandelion season is tapering.
“Small Job Specialist” 45+
Clint Hallmark Enterprises is your small job specialist. Clint specializes in small jobs that the others don’t do. Clint Hallmark is a lifelong area resident who has been meeting the community’s carpentry needs for over 45 years.
Hallmark Enterprises also does windows, doors, locks, siding, small roofs, odd jobs and decks as well as ceiling texturizing winter damage repair, tree and hedge trimming and roof snow removing. Free estimates are cheerfully given. The small job specialist with the small price and high quality that counts. Call 651-653-9920. See Clint’s ad weekly under “Carpentry.”
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MAHTOMEDI & WILLERNIE
Students write letters, mayor responds in person
BY ALICE SEUFFERT SPECIAL TO THE PRESS
When students in Mahtomedi High School’s Advanced Placement Language and Composition (APLAC) class sent letters to Mayor Richard Brainerd, they didn’t expect him to show up in person. Recently, he did just that.
APLAC (a college-level course with the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school) is taught by Elisabeth Haen, Brenda Wagner and Katlyn Bailey. The letter-writing assignment helps students examine how audience and purpose influence a speaker's writing. They practice
MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL NOTES
that skill by writing letters about a community issue that interests them. Students research an issue, identify their reason for advocacy, gather information, conduct interviews and eventually craft a letter. The objective of the activity is to reinforce analysis of the rhetorical situation (values of the audience, positionality of the speaker, overarching purpose of the letter) and to encourage students to utilize the power of their own voice. When the mayor came to speak, students from all MHS APLAC courses filled the room. At the start of the conversation, he called down the students' names to sit alongside him as he went through their
• The council had approved the reappointment of Mark Ganz to the White Bear Lake Conservation District Board.
• James and Ann Woodruff can now install an awning after being granted approval by the council for their residence at 1356 Griffin Avenue.
• In honor of Arbor Month (in May), three trees will be planted in Hallam Park to celebrate — two redbuds and one quaking aspen.
• Deputy Roser from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office recently visited the council to share that there were 309 incidents and 121 traffic violations within the city during April. Deputy Roser also provided an update on the 14-year-old girl who went missing on April 19. After being found at MSP Airport, she was brought back to Mahtomedi and is now back home.
Deputy Roser also highlighted a handful of incidents at Vista Point Apartments on Wildwood Road, including a shots fired report on April 13 and a domestic dispute on May 3. City Administrator Scott Neilson shared that
letters. Surprise and a bit of fear ran across their faces as they took a spot next to the mayor. One by one, the mayor had the students stand up and summarize their letters to their peers. For each question, the mayor gave the students background information and solutions. The letters included ideas and questions on subjects ranging from bike safety to affordable housing. Students offered ideas to improve access to dog waste bags across the city, as well as new opportunities to gather and connect, such as an annual car show.
The mayor discussed effective letter-writing tips for contacting an elected official. “All your
there are plans to have monthly meetings with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Vista Point Apartments managers and Real Estate Equities Apartments to find a solution to reduce frequent police calls and visits to Vista Point Apartments.
• The council has approved the temporary expansion of licensed premises for on-sale liquor license to Quinny’s Sports Bar, allowing them a “temporary expansion...to allow the sale, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages inside a tent which will be erected adjacent to the north door of the restaurant.”
• The city will pay $138,000 to MN Boardwalks, LLC to build a boardwalk in Katherine Abbott Park.
• Derek Hansen and Jolene Resemius requested to detach their property at 245 Dwinnell Avenue from the city of Mahtomedi and “place their entire property into the city boundaries of Dellwood.” The council approved the request.
• A dog park is in the works for Southwest Park. Candace Amberg, of WSB, said plans include an area for small breed dogs, an agility course and wire fencing around the walking
correspondence should be concise, clear, professional and have integrity and honesty,” he said. Note whether you are a constituent, include your address, and always ask for a followup, like “I look forward to hearing from you,” were additional tips he shared.
The mayor concluded the event by answering students’ questions about city ordinances and open meeting law, and he complimented the students on the quality of their letters.
Alice Seuffert is the director of communications for Mahtomedi Public Schools.
path in the woods that border the park.
Hannah Testa
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Mahtomedi Mayor Richard Brainerd recently visited students in Mahtomedi High School’s Advanced Placement Language and Composition (APLAC) class in response to their letters. He took time out of his day to discuss effective letter-writing tips for contacting an elected official.
FOOD SCRAPS: More residents gain access to program
According to Reyna Chavez from Ramsey County, there are a few ways residents can recycle food scraps at home. One of the ways Chavez mentioned is at home composting.
“Many people do it…It does have its limitations such as its seasonal and you can’t put your bones in there or dairy,” she said. Residents who do participate can compost their fruit and vegetable scraps, however.
The second way is through drop off sites. Residents can bring collected food scraps, such as fruit, vegetables, meat and bones, to compost facilities located throughout the county. The third way residents can recycle food is through the pickup program.
Residents who participate in the Food Scrap Pickup Program can choose between 6-gallon and 13-gallon sized bags to use. Households will receive 60 bags per order and are able to receive two orders for free per calendar year. The bags are BPI-certified and are 100% compostable according to Chavez.
Garletz said the Food Scraps Pickup Program is in the process of being rolled out to all Ramsey and Washington County residents. The program will be available to all residents of the two counties by the middle of 2027.
In 2025, 13,531 total residents participated in the program. From that total, 1,891 reside in Ramsey County. Thanks to this program, 210 tons of food scraps have been composted through the program.
Learn more about the program by visiting FoodScrapsPickup.com or by calling 651-661-9393.
Shoreview Press Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-431-1226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com
Whats accepted
All food items are accepted. This is a list of common food scrap items:
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Beans and lentils
Fruits and vegetables (including peels, pits and rinds)
• Tea leaves and paper tea bags
• Dairy products (including cheese and yogurt)
• Corn cobs, corn husks and popcorn kernels
• Nuts and nut shells (except black walnut shells)
Pastries, pies, dough and candy
• Bread, tortillas, pasta, rice and cereals
• Herbs and spices
• Eggs and eggshells
• Seeds (including bird seeds)
• Moldy or rotten food
• Pet food
• Meat and seafood (including bones, scales and shells)
next to emagine theater
Bear flag footballers earn state trip
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
The White Bear Lake girls flag football team emerged as champion of the district tournament in dramatic fashion at Forest Lake. They’ll play in the state tournament June 8.
The Bears (8-3) opened with a lopsided win over Mt. Iron-Buhl, then tripped top-seeded Mahtomedi 25-12. The Bears and Zephyrs had split two regular season games. Mahtomedi beat Cloquet 32-0 in the first round.
In the finals, the Bears won 13-12 over Forest Lake, a team that beat them twice in the regular season.
Freshman Stella Hemquist returned an interception for a touchdown early in the game, and Chloe Thiessen passed to Elaina Hosfield for the extra point. The Bears gave up two touchdowns but stopped both point-after attempts and trailed 12-7 late in the game.
BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS
BOYS TRACK & FIELD
White Bear Lake was runner-up behind host Stillwater in Section 4AAA, led by triple gold medalist Tomi Animasaun. Animasaun won 110 high hurdles (14.76) and 300 intermediates (38.50). Dashawn Ballinger was second in the 300 (39.61). The Bears won the 4x100 in 43.26 with Animasaun, Brian White, Antonio Brown and Otis Buffalo. Easton Miles won long jump (22-5). Max Popp was second in the 3200 (9:37). All will compete at state Thursday and Saturday at St. Michael-Albertville. Popp placed third in the 1600 (4:32.31), Animasaun third in long jump (21-10), White fourth in the 100 (11.26) and Vincent Kazmierczak fifth in discus (145-11).
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD
White Bear Lake has five state entrants after placing second behind host Stillwater in Section 4AAA. Qualifying with second-place finishes were Madelyn Erickson in discus (115-2) and shot put (38-4 1/2), Piper Heinsohn in 400 dash (57.46), Mabel Nethercut in 1600 run (5:13.99) and Taylor Comer in 300 hurdles (46.27). Other top-five finishes were: Brynn Heinsohn, third, 800 run (2:22.72); Grace Weierke, fourth, 100 dash (12.50); Khloe Pankonien, fourth, triple jump (34-11); Sophie Sargent, fifth, pole vault (8-4); and Pearl Niemioja, fourth, shot put (34-11) with Karen Enow fifth (34-9). The 4x800 team also heads to state, after a sec-
With 1:40 left, Thiessen passed to Sophie Menier, who made a remarkable over-the-head catch while twisting her body, and ran into the end zone for a 13-12 lead. Another interception by Hemquist sealed it.
“We had some injuries during the season but we knew with everyone back, if we played at the level we can, that we could win it,” said coach Taelynn Gittins. “The main thing we worked on was the girls' confidence that they could do it.”
The state tournament
ond place finish (9:49.56) with Logan Bailey, Isla Bloomquist, Grace Laszio and Brynn Heinsohn.
BOYS GOLF
Easton Fiddle, Bear sophomore, placed third in Section 4AAA at Bunker Hills and will go back there June 9-10 for his fourth state tournament. The Bears placed third behind Cretin-Derham Hall and Stillwater. Fiddle shot 72-68-140, two strokes behind the co-medalists from CDH. Grady Giefer placed 10th (73-80-153), Easton Jensen 18th (78-81159) and Cody Olinger, the lone senior, 22nd (75-86161).
GIRLS GOLF
Adelle Blasing and Maddy Vang of White Bear Lake qualified for the state tournament while the Bears placed third in Section 4AAA at Goodrich in St. Paul. Blasing, an eighth-grader, placed fourth with 83-85168. Vang, a senior, placed eighth with 98-88-178. State will be June 9-10 at Coon Rapids. Lilly Maietta was 13th (189) and Mila Palmer 14th (190).
SOFTBALL
White Bear Lake’s season ended with 6-4 loss to Mounds View/Irondale in Section 4AAAA. Lily Martin allowed five hits and struck out 12 but walked seven. Allie Castro knocked in three runs with a double and single. The Bears, defending champions and seeded No. 2, went 2-2 in the section and finished 12-11.
Zephyr tracksters win section, gain state in 8 events
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
(21.92) and took second in the 100 (11.06).
will be Monday, June 8, at the Minnesota Vikings practice facility in Eagan. Flag football is sponsored by the Vikings. Thiessen got the district’s top quarterback award while Marin Peterson and a Forest Lake player were named top defensive players.
Other Bear team members are Natalie Peltier, Katie Koller, Josie Butters-Levahn, Vanessa Fyksen, Katelyn Palmgren, Jordyn Johnson, Jordan Hillestad, Ella Paradis, and Madeline Thompson.
BASEBALL
In Section 4AAAA, White Bear Lake won 7-6 over East Ridge (169), lost to Stillwater 8-3 and beat Roseville Area 4-2. Against East Ridge, Jackson Kolb pitched the distance, with nine strikeouts. Riley Helmberger had a triple and double. Jack Kook and William Connor also had two hits. Kook was the starter against Stillwater and took the loss. Against Roseville, Kolb spun a three-hitter with nine strikeouts. Getting RBI’s were Max Butters (single), Kook (sac fly), Connors (single) and Helmberger (ground out).
GIRLS LACROSSE
White Bear Lake beat Mounds View 19-7 in a Section 4 game at home. The No. 2 seeded Bears (11-3) hosted Gentry Academy on Monday, with the winner advancing to the finals Wednesday against No. 1 Stillwater or Roseville Area at high seed.
BOYS LACROSSE
White Bear Lake defeated Totino-Grace 18-1 in Section 4. Colton Butts had five goals, Gavin Huot three, Wyatt Raleigh three (with seven assists), and Nolan Buetow two. Adrian Eicher had a goal and won 81 percent of face-offs. The No. 2 seeded Bears (12-2) hosted Hill-Murray on Monday, with the winner advancing to the finals Wednesday vs. No. S Stillwater or Centennial at high seed. Bruce Strand
The Mahtomedi boys captured the Section 4AA track-andfield championship and qualified for state in eight events Wednesday and Friday at St. Anthony Village. Ericdarren Daafour was champion in both long jump (22-3 1/2) and triple jump (45-7 1/2). Jaxon Mitchell won the 200 dash
GIRLS TRACK
Parker Maas won the 800 (1:59.72) and placed second in the 1600 (4:21.20).
Andrew Russell (6-8) and Eliah McCormick (6-4) placed 1-2 in high jump. The 4x100 relay placed first (42.82) with Cael Brummel, Russell, Daafour and Mitchell. All the firsts and seconds advance to state Friday/Saturday at St.
SPORTS BRIEFS
Mahtomedi finished a close second in Section 4AA and qualified for state in five events. Top three teams were Hill-Murray with 144.33, Mahtomedi 142.5 and DeLaSalle 133.66. Mahtomedi had two first places — Giada Garrity in the 400 dash (59.16), and the 4x800 team (10:07.9) with Eloise Taylor, Julia Clayton, Elizabeth Driscoll and Garrity. Placing second were Xiaobao Liang in both the 100 (12.22) and 200 (25.01) dashes and Jacquelyn Worden in shot put (34-2). The Zephyrs scored heavily in relays, also placing second in the 4x400 and third in the 4x100 and 4x200.
BOYS GOLF
Mahtomedi’s Brooks Ashfield and Leo Miller qualified for the state tournament while the Zephyrs placed fourth in the team standings Friday at Bunker Hills. Ashfield, a junior, tied for sixth place with 74-74-148. Miller, a sophomore, was eighth with 73-78-151. Chace Swanson was 15th with 76-80156 and Malik Washington 20th with
Michael-Albertville.
The Zephyrs placed 4-5-6 in pole vault with Evan Miller (111), McCormick (10-1) and Aidan Carlson (10-1). Placing fourth were Anders Nelson (110 hurdles), Daniel Ruiz (discus), Thomas Bengtson (shot put) and Alexander Hotoveck (high jump).
Top three teams were Mahtomedi with 176, Blake 132 and St. Paul Como Park 114.5.
80-80-160. The state tournament will be June 9-10 at Bunker Hills.
GIRLS GOLF
Mahtomedi junior Reagan Juhl was medalist while Lily Carlson also qualified for state in Section 4AAA at Goodrich in St. Paul. The Zephyrs totaled 693 and placed second behind Stillwater (672). Juhl shot 78-75-154 and won by three strokes. Carlson, a senior, placed sixth with 88-84-162.The state meet is June 9-10 at Bunker Hills. Sailor Carlson placed 10th (91-91-182) and Lexie McGrane 11th (93-92-195).
BASEBALL
Mahtomedi, defending state Class 3A champion, is one win away from a return trip to state after defeating Minneapolis South 17-0 and Hill-Murray 11-3. The Zephyrs (20-4) will have two chances to win one at Northwestern on Thursday. Against South, Tino Foster, Peyton Erickson and Zach Harrod combined for a five-inning no-hitter. Cody Loida delivered a threerun double and a two-run triple. Isaac Iten had two hits, two walks and four runs. Against Hill-Murray, Connor Finn threw 4 2/3 innings (two runs, 10 strikeouts) and Alex Kurpis finished. Finn had two hits, two walks and two RBI’s. Peyton Whitbeck was 2-for-4 with three RBI’s.
SOFTBALL
Mahtomedi’s season ended with a 7-4 loss to St. Anthony Village. The Zephyrs were 1-2 in the section and 7-15 overall. Kristen Johnson’s two-run homer was the highlight for Mahtomedi. Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Reagan Juhl
Mahtomedi Golf June 3, 2026
Reagan Juhl, Mahtomedi junior golfer, was individual champion in Section 4AAA, shooting 78-75-154 at Goodrich in St. Paul to win by three strokes. She nailed it down playing even par the last four holes. “Reagan drove the ball very well and did what she always does,” coach Matt Huss said. “She has the great ability of taking the round one shot at a time and always looking forward.” Juhl also placed second in the Metro East Conference individual standings. She is averaging 78 strokes for the season. Next for Juhl is the state meet June 9-10 at Bunker Hills.
ZEPHYRS
CONTRIBUTED
White Bear Lake players and coaches waved No. 1 fingers after edging Forest Lake 13-12 in the finals.
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Leo Miller is one of four Mahtomedi state qualifiers.
