Council receives update on Century Avenue project
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Now that the jurisdictional transfer from MnDOT to Ramsey and Washington counties is complete, the Century Avenue North reconstruction project is entering the final design and right of way acquisition phase.
The project, which encompasses Century Avenue from Interstate 694 to County Road E, is a joint venture between Ramsey and Washington counties. The cities of Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake are also project partners, along with Century College.
The White Bear Lake City Council last received an update in September 2024. Washington County Design Engineer Erin Blaylock recently visited the council to share project updates and answer questions.
“Both counties recognize the regional significance of this corridor and that just another roadway resurfacing project wasn’t what the communities really needed; they needed a deeper dive,” Blaylock said.
Since the project kicked off in 2023, there has been one meeting between elected officials, three public open houses, seven meetings with Century College, two meetings with Metro Transit, one neighborhood meeting and one business door-knocking event. Two alternatives were explored, but the preferred alternative includes full pavement reconstruction as well as new multiuse asphalt trails along both sides of the roadway, upgraded traffic signal equipment and the construction of two roundabouts. One roundabout would be located at the intersection of Century Avenue with the southernmost Century College access to east campus as well as at the intersection of East County Line Road with Ramsey County Highway 15 (County Road E)/ Washington County Highway 12 (Wildwood Road).
Council Member Kevin Edberg said the intersection of Century Avenue North and County Road E seemed like a tight intersection with a lot of traffic for a roundabout. Blaylock explained that when evaluating whether to
A tale of 2 soldiers: Finding purpose in service
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
One thing that Kevin Larson and Bobby Zellmann have in common is that the military gave them purpose.
From convoy cop to project manager: Veteran reflects on journey
After graduating from high school, Kevin Larson wasn’t sure what his future would hold.
“I didn’t really know what to do right out of high school. I didn’t really have much of a plan or know where I wanted to go or what I wanted to major in, so the military was kind of the next step,” he said.
Larson, now a Lino Lakes resident, grew up in Coon Rapids and graduated from Anoka High School in 2005. He joined the military not only
for the benefits, but also because he wanted to travel.
“I was wanting to travel, wanting to see the world and explore and see what the rest of the world has to offer,” he said. After completing boot camp and training for the Air Force, Larson drafted his “wish list” of five bases he would prefer to be stationed at.
“All five of my bases that I chose were overseas. Then I found out I was going to Minot, North Dakota. I’d never heard of it,” Larson laughed. Larson
served active duty in the Air Force as a police officer from 2006 to 2010. Although that base wasn’t on his wish list, he was thankful to be able to travel home to see family and friends on long weekends.
The Minot Air Force Base opened in February 1957, filling the need for a fighter interceptor base responsible for protecting the United States’ northern border from Soviet bombers. The base is the only dual-wing nuclear capable base in the Air Force, hosting two legs of the “Strategic Triad.”
Larson’s job was as a convoy cop.
“Anytime warheads needed to be transported, or maintenance was required, we needed to do a convoy,” he explained. “It’s exactly what it sounds like. The new warhead was in a big semitruck, and we had vehicles in the
SEE VETERANS DAY, PAGE 16
JUDY
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Bobby Zellmann
Kevin Larson
Blue Water Science recaps aquatic invasive species survey, treatment
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — A report will soon be available online detailing the aquatic invasive species (AIS) survey and treatment for 2025. Steve McComas, of Blue Water Science, recently presented highlights from the report to the White Bear Lake Conservation District Board. In 2025, approximately 30.82 acres were treated for Eurasian water milfoil in the lake. Chair Bryan DeSmet wondered whether the conservation district should treat the light growth areas, and McComas said it likely wasn’t necessary. “We are not seeing it turn into heavy growth by the end of the season,”
McComas said.
Zebra mussels, which were first discovered in the lake in 2016, are starting to peak and will likely begin a declining trend, according to McComas. “They take about seven or eight years to peak and then they start to decline,” he said.
The VFW launch, Matoska launch and Ramsey County launch were all searched for starry stonewort, but it was not located. McComas explained it is important to locate starry stonewort early to have the potential to contain it. He noted treatment of the invasive species is pricey.
“I work with about 12 lakes with starry stonewort … We have yet to eliminate it from a lake once it is in,” McComas said. “We treat it three to
four times a summer and it still comes back.”
Vice Chair Meredith Walburg wanted to know if McComas could speculate as to why many lakeshore residents reported seeing a lot of weeds washing up on their beaches in early September. McComas guessed it was likely water celery, which grows in relatively shallow water and has weak roots. As the summer goes on, it can lose its root strength and waves can dislodge it.
Walburg also wanted to know what caused the “noticeable decrease” in water quality in the lake in late August/early September. McComas speculated it was probably benthic filamentous algae.
“Typically, algae that grows on the bottom, it will stay there for most years, but based on temps, wind, boat action, it can dislodge or release from the bottom and come up into water column. That typically happens
White Bear Lake resident Leslie Vincent is set to release a new album called “Little Black Book” this November. Vincent says the original jazz and pop album is about “dating in the modern age” and is based on her own life experiences.
The album presale starts Nov. 7. A hometown album release show is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at The Parkway Theater in Minneapolis. For more information about Vincent or her album, visit https://leslievincent.bandcamp. com/; for more information about the show, visit https://theparkwaytheater. com/all-events/little-black-book.
toward end of summer,” he explained.
Director Shari Salzman-Hankins explained she had heard some concerns from people regarding the use of herbicides in the lake and how that could impact its users.
“Herbicides are designed to affect plants, so they shouldn’t affect people,” McComas said. “All herbicides that are used on White Bear Lake, or any lake, have gone through a rigorous process through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and hundreds and hundreds of hours of testing. The EPA has certified these as being low enough risk that they are okay to use in any lake.”
To view the full report, visit www. wblcd.org.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
NAMES IN THE NEWS
Leslie Vincent
WHAT’S HAPPENING
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHREDDING EVENT
When: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6
Where: North Environmental Center, 6065 Headwayers Pkwy, Forest Lake
Details: Document shredding by Shred-Right. Limit 6 boxes, 30 lbs per box. Open to residents and businesses in Washington County; proof of residency required. Contact: washingtoncountymn.gov/3031/ShreddingEvents
TEEN WRITERS' SPEAK
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, Details: Open mic night for teens to share their latest work, test new ideas, or soak in the words around them. Adult welcome. Register online. Contact: whitebeararts.org
CRAFT CORNER 50TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
When: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8
Where: White Bear District Service Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Ave.
Details: Explore a selection of handmade treasures, holiday décor and gifts created by local seniors. Contact: 651-653-3124 or isd624.org
WHITE BEAR LAKE ROTARY BLOOD DRIVE
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7
Where: St. John in the Wilderness Church, 2228 4th St., White Bear Lake
Details: Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: WBL Rotary to schedule an appointment.
‘A CHORUS LINE’
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 & 14; 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8 & 15; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 & 16; 7: 30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
Where: Century College West Campus Theatre, 3300 Century Ave. N., White Bear Lake Details: Classic musical performed by Century College Theatre Playhouse. Ticket information online; free for current Century College students, faculty and staff. Contact: www.cur8.com
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
County provides one-time assistance to local food shelves
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved $250,000 in one-time funding for 10 area food shelves serving Washington County communities in response to the anticipated disruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
More than 5,000 Washington County households that rely on SNAP benefits every month are now at-risk for increased food insecurity. The County Board held a special meeting to discuss providing
VETERANS DAY LUMINARY
When: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11
Where: Veteran’s Park next to White Bear Lake VFW Post 1782, 4496 Lake Ave. S.
Details: VFW Post 1782 Auxiliary will set up luminaries at Veterans Park honoring the veterans who inspired our auxiliary membership. Community members who wish to honor a current or past veteran are welcome to participate.
Contact: 651-426-4944
HOLLY BOUTIQUE AND BAKE SALE
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8
Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake
Details: Handcrafted items, delicious baked goods, food for sale, and live music.
Contact: 651-777-1107
PAINTING JONI-CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF A MASTER
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Lori Dokken and friends play a music tribute to Joni Mitchell. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
When: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11
Where: Veterans Park and White Bear Lake VFW, 4496 Lake Ave.
Details: The White Bear American Legion and VFW will hold a brief ceremony at Veteran's Park followed by free lunch for veterans and a guest at the VFW.
Contact: 651-426-4944
WHITE BEAR LAKE WINTER MARKET
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8
Where: White Bear Lake Area High School Student Union (west entrance), 5040 Bald Eagle Ave.
Details: Indoor farmers market with local vendors and makers. Food trucks on site until 2 p.m.
Contact: forksinthedirt.com
‘THE COMPLEX ROLE OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER’
When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12
Where: Maplewood Library, 3025 Southlawn Drive
Details: Former Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt leads a discussion and opportunity for residents to engage with current Ramsey County commissioners Tara JebensSingh and Kelly Miller, and Washington County commissioners Fran Miron, Bethany Cox, and Stan Karwoski.
Contact: lwv-wbla.org
SPEAKER ON BOUNCING BACK
When: 10-11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake
Details: Speaker Kelly Nygard, author of “Bounce Back – Navigating Change and Building Resilience” will lead a powerful session designed to help face life’s uncertainties with strength and purpose. Join for coffee at 9:30 a.m.
Contact: 651-777-1107
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14
Where: White Bear District Service Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Ave.
Details: Coffee, treats and concert by the White Bear Ukelele Bears.
Contact: 651-653-3124 or isd624.org
county financial assistance to area food shelves to ensure children and adults continue to have access to healthy food if SNAP benefits are not issued beginning Nov. 4.
Among the 10 food shelves receiving one-time funding are the Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf
($6,250), St. Andrews Community Resource Center ($6,250) and the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf ($18,750). The allocations were determined based on organization size, volume of traffic, communities nearby, and proximity to households of SNAP recipients.
Start a holiday tradition as a
bell-ringer
The Salvation Army's red kettles will be out in front of store entrances and street corners throughout the Twin Cities in the coming weeks. With an anticipated increase in the number of families and individuals in need of food and housing assistance, more bell ringers are needed. Individuals, families, churches, businesses and others can find out more information about how to volunteer as bell ringers or sign up at RegisterToRing.com.
Veterans remembered
Nov. 11 is one time of the year we celebrate our veterans, both alive and deceased, for what they have done to maintain the freedom we enjoy today.
Many veterans have been wounded and are struggling. They need our continued support. These men and women are our heroes. Many are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and other illnesses and injuries as a result of their service to our country.
About the Town
Organizations like the VFW and American Legion are fighting legislative battles for education, jobs, health care, and for many veterans, a home to live in. They need your support as veterans are waiting for health services and various benefits so they can live comfortably.
Remember to greet veterans wherever you see them and thank them for what they have done to keep this country free.
If you know any veterans or families of deceased veterans, thank them as we approach the holiday season of the year. Sometimes just a card, a phone call or a visit is special and meaningful. Let’s not forget them.
Serve 2 years
I believe every American citizen should serve our country for a minimum of two years in either the military or in public service.
Public service could be the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, police, fire and rescue or civil defense. Following the two years of service to our country, they could be in reserve training or reserve service.
I think this service would help to grow pride and dedication to our nation.
There were nine children in my family. Of the nine, seven have served in the military. Six were in active service and two were career service people. I’m proud of that.
Minnesota fraud
It seems like every few weeks something new has happened with inappropriate use of our state taxpayers’ money.
Our state leaders are also overwhelmed and the federal government is sending people in to help uncover and bring to trial those with sticky fingers in the pie.
Many years ago a mentor, Pastor Lloyd Mattson of Duluth, told me about behavioral science. He said, “Gene, you need to realize that a third of the people are honest all the time, another third can be tempted, and another third are dishonest all the time.”
Over the 69 years in publishing community newspapers, I am aware of several embezzlements. We have reported on stories of break-ins, robberies, and fraud, and this seems to continue.
A problem with democracy, which is a continuing experiment for the United States, centers around elections. When someone helps a person get elected through gifts of money, they also expect something in return. Many of the people appointed by presidents and governors are those who were helpful to them when they were candidates, but they are not always competent in the position they are appointed to. A lot of what we see happening is a result of incompetent people in government roles.
Now at this point in the history of our country, we have such a divided government and growing hatred of each other that the American people are not served in the best way, on both national and state levels. Free speech is important to maintain a democracy. Let’s protect it and practice it. Letters to the editor are welcome.
Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications
Winter is coming...
Balancing community priorities within a budget is big work made even more challenging during a year marked with political polarization and governmental paralysis. As I write this article, impacts of the Federal Government Shutdown are hitting Ramsey County like an early cold front. The suspension of safety-net programs such as HeadStart, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance (SNAP), Women Infants and Children (WIC), and Energy Assistance immediately impact residents, providers, and community. Costly healthcare options will increase the need for public assistance just as Medicaid changes are implemented, and federal staff cuts are delaying service support and administrative payments to the county.
Earlier this spring, state-level budget shortfalls and anticipated federal cuts challenged the Minnesota legislature to make tough funding decisions such as future changes to county- administered Disability Waiver Services. Then this summer, the Federal Reconciliation Bill made significant structural funding and policy changes to Medicaid and SNAP including unprecedented federal cost-shifts to counties combined with additional
administrative mandates. Local governments entered their budget season with major concern, with some municipalities considering double-digit property tax increases.
This fall, Ramsey County Manager Becker proposed a 2026-27 budget that focused on prioritizing County responsible services, operating as One Ramsey County, investing in organizational excellence, advancing partnerships, and supporting long-term fiscal health. The initial budget proposed a 9.75% property tax levy increase.
Hearing from residents in District One, I was told consistently to prioritize public safety, care for our most vulnerable, and infrastructure improvements. These priorities were paired with a plea to keep property taxes low due to their regressive nature and the stress of increased housing, food, and healthcare costs. The collective impact of city, school, and county property taxes creates increased risk of taxing residents into needing the very services the county provides.
That is why I directed the County Manager to identify and implement additional measures to lower the levy. This includes a tighter focus on county-responsible services, re- examining intergovernmental contracts, improving grant reporting processes, ensuring fair and appropriate charges for services, advocating for state and federal aid formulas that better reflect the county’s growing needs, and leveraging our strong financial position.
ments in long-term operational efficacy and accountability. These thoughtful adjustments demonstrate our shared commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with the moral obligation to provide critical services.
Winter is coming. It is imperative that Ramsey County continues to collaborate with local municipalities, organizations, businesses and nonprofit providers to collectively build capacity to meet the needs of our community. Our work is strongly intertwined and impacted by state and federal decisions. We continue to join coordinated efforts across the state and the nation to diligently advocate with and to our legislative and congressional representatives to prepare for the coming storm.
Resident voices are vital. Please review the proposed budget, attend public hearings, and share your priorities with representatives at the county, state, and national levels. Your input helps guide our decisions and ensures that the choices we make reflect the shared values and needs of the community we serve.
Here is how to stay connected:
• Budget documents, recordings of the hearings, and important dates can be found at ramseycountymn.gov/your-government/budget-finance
• Reach out to my office at ramseycountymn.gov/your- government/leadership/board-commissioners/tara-jebens-singh-district-1
Tara Jebens-Singh is Ramsey County Commissioner, District 1. Movers & Shakers
• Limited to 350 words.
• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least
While the final county budget may not lower the tax-levy as much as desired, it reflects sound invest-
four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p. m., Thursday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
Gene Johnson
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Thanks for donations
Thank you to everyone who donated hats and coats to the White Bear Country Inn and Rudy’s coat drive. Because of the community we were able to deliver 150 coats to St. Andrew’s Outreach Program. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much!
Bill Foussard White Bear Lake
Cancel Greenhaven trail
The Vadnais Heights City Council is planning to narrow Greenhaven Drive from 36 ft to 26 ft wide. There will be a 10-foot green boulevard added, separating the narrower street from a new 10-foot asphalt trail. The goal is to make the road safer by slowing down traffic from the current posted 30 miles per hour. Currently well-maintained grass lawns will be replaced by a 10-foot asphalt trail. The new 10-foot boulevard will have small ditches to hold water and will be planted with rain garden vegetation. The city has indicated that maintaining the boulevard will be the property owner’s responsibility.
The problems with this new design are many. Realtors have indicated that a trail in front of a home will lower property values. Thirty driveways will be shortened; some will lose half of their available parking places. At the same time, only 17 usable street parking places will be situated along the 2 miles of the new narrower Greenhaven Drive.
The narrower street will cause a problem during the winter because Greenhaven is the main route to exit the area. The narrower street will be a hazard, as many cars will leave before the snow is removed. The tire pathways created and slippery conditions on the narrower road will cause accidents because cars are closer together while passing each other. After the street is plowed, accessing the trail will be difficult. Many people have stated they will walk on the narrower street because trails are too slippery. The residents with driveways on Greenhaven will first have to shovel the snow piles left by street plowing and, the next day, snow piles left from the trail plowing.
The City Council wants to make Vadnais Heights a greener city with multimodal transportation. That sounds great, but I’ve driven in St. Paul and Minneapolis, which have narrower streets and unused bike lanes. The cities are now more difficult to negotiate in a car, trying not to turn into the wrong lanes or run someone over. The reduced parking in the cities has resulted in
lost business and falling property values.
In my opinion, the Greenhaven Trail project ought to be canceled.
Craig Johnson Vadnais Heights
Project devalues property
I have lived in the Greenhaven Development in Vadnais Heights for more than 40 years, and I am so sad about what is happening in our development. Instead of lowering the speed limit to 25 miles per hour and installing stop signs, the city wants to spend money to put in a trail, which will take away privacy, land and trees from residents who have taken care of their property. It will devalue our property. Who is going to want to buy a house with hardly a front yard left? They want to narrow the road by 10 feet, making it impossible for traffic to flow when there is a delivery, mail or garbage truck in the way.
It's interesting to note that none of the City Council members live in Greenhaven. They are pushing this through and not listening to the residents. It is so pretty to drive Greenhaven and see the beautiful trees in summer and fall. They will replace these 40-plus-year-old trees with saplings. One more thought — how much are our taxes going up for this project?
Mary
Jo Anderson
Vadnais Heights
Residents oppose trail project
I am writing regarding our objection to the proposed plan for Greenhaven Drive.
I believe there are some issues that have been ignored completely by the city regarding this project.
I find it unbelievable that the “original” notification of this project was supposedly sent on a postcard in the spring to residents. To our knowledge and several others on Greenhaven Drive, we do not ever remember getting such a card. I am wondering why a project of this size that affects so many residents wasn’t sent with a more straightforward notice so that the city would actually be able to show proof of delivery to the residents?
We were encouraged to provide feedback regarding the plan to the mayor and council, which we did at council meetings, through emails and letters and by attending the “Breakfast with the Mayor” in September. We were told that “they appreciate the feedback and take our
League of Women Voters continues Hot Topics series
The League of Women Voters – White Bear Area will host its third event in its Hot Topics series titled “Navigating Uncertainty: The Complex Role of County Commissioners” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Maplewood Library. County commissioners face many challenges, including balancing mandates with limited resources, navigating complex regulations and uncertainties, and managing diverse constituent needs. Former Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt will lead an in-depth discussion with five current commissioners from Ramsey and Washington counties. In attendance will be Tara Jebens-Singh and Kelly Miller from the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners and Fran Miron, Bethany Cox and Stan Karwoski from the Washington County Board of Commissioners. Attendees are invited to engage with their commissioner, hear their concerns and share their own concerns. Two more events in the series are planned for spring 2026.
The Maplewood Library is located at 3025 Southlawn Drive in Maplewood. For more information, visit lwvwbla.org.
concerns into consideration.” That cannot possibly be true, because at the Oct. 7 workshop, the council voted unanimously to continue with its original plan. The only concession they acknowledged was providing four more parking spaces in “bump outs.”
They did not listen to any of our concerns: how unsightly the path will look in a few years, the loss of parking in our own driveways, privacy issues about a path this size close to the windows of our houses, not being able to have on-street parking for guests. They ignore the fact that every other street in the Greenhaven area is wide enough that the homeowners have parking on both sides of their streets.
In letters, I questioned exactly how companies such as lawn services, roofing and siding companies, tree companies, driveway repair, etc. are going to be able to work in our neighborhood with no place for their trucks to be parked in front of our homes.
I believe that the “luxury” of a walking path through a residential neighborhood favored by people that do not even live on Greenhaven Drive definitely should not take the place of the common conveniences or wishes of the homeowners who actually live on this street.
Jeannie and Mike Richards Vadnais Heights
A nation of facts, not slogans
In response to the recent letter defending former President Donald J. Trump, it is important to ground our discussion in facts rather than partisan rhetoric.
Calling Mr. Trump “neither the enemy within nor authoritarian” ignores his repeated efforts to overturn a lawful election — behavior that strikes at the heart of our democracy. Respect for the rule of law means that no person, including a former president, is above it.
The claim that inflation and job losses were “inherited” from the Biden administration is not supported by evidence. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment has fallen to historic lows, and while inflation rose worldwide due to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, it has since moderated. Food prices, contrary to the letter’s claim, have risen by more than 20% since 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Assertions that judges “appointed by Obama, Biden and George Soros” have caused criminal chaos are both
misleading and unfounded. Federal judges are confirmed through a bipartisan process, and there is no evidence of systemic leniency allowing criminals “14 times or more” in and out of jail.
Finally, “Antifa” is not a federally designated terrorist organization, and the unrest following George Floyd’s death, while tragic, does not define the broader peaceful movement for justice.
Democracy depends on informed citizens and factual discussion. We can disagree on policies and leaders, but the debate should rest on evidence—not slogans or misinformation.
Stop flipping off grandmothers
Many of you may have driven by the corner of Highway 61 and Fourth Street in downtown White Bear Lake and seen protesters holding antiTrump signs. Some people honk and give a thumbs up in support, and some give a thumbs down. Everyone has a right to express their opinion, and I have no problem with either of these responses. What I do take issue with is people flipping off the group. Most of the people in the protesting group are older women - grandmothers! A thumbs down says you don’t agree with someone’s opinion. The middle finger is a vulgar, personal and threatening gesture aimed at the person themselves. Even if you strongly disagree with their political views, these are your neighbors. We’re better than that, White Bear Lake.
If you disagree with the signs you see on the corner of Hwy 61 and Fourth, by all means express your opinion, but have some class and don’t flip off a group of neighbors and grandmothers.
Supported referendum
As a long time CPA, I believe that Mahtomedi schools have done a great job of financial stewardship. The schools did a good job of providing both my sons and both of my grandchildren (first and fourth grade) a well-rounded education. I totally support the current referendum.
Charity Huberty White Bear Lake
Jessica Ponthan White Bear Lake
Mike Bromelkamp Mahtomedi
Community of Grace packs 20K meals
Students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade at Community of Grace Christian School in White Bear Lake participated in a food packing event Friday, Oct. 17. The students packed 20,000 meals for Mission of Hope. The meals will be provided to children and families in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
COPS&COURTS
WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Oct. 24.
• A Vadnais Heights man was cited for misdemeanor theft Oct. 24 after being identified on surveillance following a report of theft at a business in the 1000 block of Highway 96.
• Officers responded to a verbal domestic incident involving multiple family members in the 2400 block of Floral Drive Oct 24.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 900 block of Wildwood Road Oct. 24.
• Check forgery totaling $9,652 was reported in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road Oct. 24.
• Burglary was reported Oct. 25 in the 3700 block of Hoffman Road.
• A jury duty scam was reported in the 2000 block of Elm Street Oct. 25.
• Officers responded to a road rage incident in the 4500 block of Centerville Road Oct. 25. Officers responded to a dispute between neighbors in the 2100 block of County Road F Oct. 25.
• Charges are being brought against two parties who sustained injuries in an assault Oct. 25 in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue.
• Officers responded to noise complaints Oct. 25 in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road and the 4000 block of Schueneman Road; and Oct. 26 in the 2100 block of Roth Place and the 4000 block of Bellaire Avenue. Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3200
block of White Bear Avenue Oct. 26.
• Theft was reported in the 1800 block of Birch Street Oct. 26.
• Officers responded to a complaint of a rooster making noise in the 3900 block of Van Dyke Street Oct. 27.
• Officers responded to reports of disorderly conduct in the 3500 block of Century Avenue N. and the 1600 block of County Road E East Oct. 27.
• Officers responded to a barking dog complaint in the 4600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue Oct. 28.
• Officers responded to the 2400 block of Hillside Road Oct. 28 for a complaint about a bucket of dead chickens left in front of a home.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1900 block of Third Steet Oct. 28.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for a domestic abuse no-contact violation in the 1900 block of Garden Lane Oct. 29.
• Officers responded to a dispute in the 4900 block of Highway 61 Oct. 29.
• Officers assisted Ramsey County with a DWI arrest in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive Oct. 29.
• A phone scam was reported in the 1700 block of Fourth Street Oct. 29.
• A vehicle was stolen Oct. 29 in the 4600 block of Highway 61.
• A missing person was reported in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Oct. 29.
• Theft and disorderly conduct were reported Oct. 30 in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road.
• Officers responded to a protection order violation in the 2000 block of Dotte Drive Oct. 30.
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 deputies issued a citation Sept. 7 on Settlers Way and Manning Avenue N. for expired registration.
• After deputies investigated a report of vehicle tampering at a golf course in the 11000 block of 60th Street N. Sept. 7, they found a vehicle with several damaged, but not broken, windows.
• The resumption of the school year brought numerous reports of shenanigans. Weapons were reported on a school bus in the 8000 block of 75th Street N. on Sept. 9. The playhouse at Wildwood Elementary School was reported damaged Sept. 10. The Mahtomedi High School security officer reported reckless driving on campus Sept. 11. Video confirmed the behavior, and trespass notices and citations followed. An unknown suspect was reported for jumping the fence at the high school stadium as part of a TikTok challenge.
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
White Bear Township man charged in sexual assault in Vadnais Heights
The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office has charged Tristen Alan Leritz, 21, of White Bear Township, with one count of first-degree Criminal Sexual Assault in connection to a sexual assault that occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 28 in Vadnais Heights.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim was out for an evening walk on Centerville Road near Langer’s Tree Service. Leritz
allegedly watched the woman for about five minutes before he snuck up behind her and grabbed her from behind, dragged her off the sidewalk and sexually assaulted her for approximately 20 minutes.
According to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, the 51-year-old victim provided key information to investigators that allowed them to act quickly and share accurate details with the public. The victim fought back, knocked Leritz’s glasses off and bit his hand. After the assault, the criminal complaint states the victim was
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
• Deputies responded Oct. 6 to a report of theft at a business in the 800 block of County Road E East. They spoke to the loss prevention employees, who told them a woman had come into the store and left without paying for approximately $50 worth of groceries.
• Deputies responded Oct. 7 to a report of shoplifting at a business in the 800 block of County Road E East and arrested a 45-year-old woman and a 37-year-old woman after they were caught attempting to leave the store without paying for approximately $80 worth of merchandise.
• Deputies responded Oct. 8 to a report of a vehicle crash near the intersection of Centerville Road and Highway 96 E. and cited a 17-year-old female for failure to yield the right of way to cross traffic. No injuries were reported.
• Neighbors in the area of 700 block of Berwood Avenue West reported finding and containing a stray dog with a collar and tags Oct. 9. When deputies responded, the group was not there.
• A 32-year-old man from Little Canada reported Oct. 9 that his wallet was stolen while working at a business in the 800 block of County Road E East.
• Deputies responded Oct. 9 to a report of theft at a business in the 800 block of County Road E East and cited a 38-year-old man from White Bear Lake for theft after employees caught him attempting to leave the store without paying for more than $200 worth of merchandise.
• Deputies responded Oct. 10 to a report of a domestic dispute in the 100 block of Star Circle and learned that a 22-year-old man from Faribault had pulled his 20-year-old girlfriend out of her vehicle by her wrists. He attempted to force her to go inside a house before she was able to drive away. Deputies
Mahtomedi
A motorist on I-694 at Century Avenue at 5:37 a.m. Sept. 8 was cited for failure to insure a vehicle and for displaying an expired temporary tag.
• Several females were reported for recording themselves at the intersection of Wedgewood Drive at Ridgeway Court on Sept. 8.
• A sinkhole was reported Sept. 8 in front of an address on Stillwater Road. Deputies arrived on scene and found a sinkhole that was approximately 12 feet in diameter and 8 feet deep. The hole extended further east underneath the asphalt, although no infrastructure was exposed. The public works department was contacted.
• Deputies dispatched out to St. Andrew’s Church on Stillwater Road Sept. 9 on a disturbance call arrived on scene to find a recently terminated employee causing a scene in the parking lot. After staff requested that she be trespassed, deputies filled out and printed a trespass notice for the suspect. The suspect stated she understood and promised to leave without incident and never return.
• A driver reported for driving through
able to get help from someone on Pond View Court before being transported to the hospital. Leritz picked up his bike and backpack and headed home.
Leritz initially denied the sexual assault, according to the criminal complaint, but the complaint alleges that he admitted to the assault, stating he “fully raped her” and “F*** it, since I’m a virgin.” Leritz was scheduled to make his first appearance in Ramsey County District Court on Monday, Nov. 3. The Press will continue to provide updates as they become available.
later found the suspect at the woman’s house and placed him under arrest.
• Deputies conducted a traffic stop Oct. 10 on a Volkswagen Passat with an altered license plate in the parking lot of a gas station in the area of County Road E East and I-35E. Deputies arrested the driver, a 46-year-old man from White Bear Township, for fifth-degree drug possession. Deputies made a traffic stop Oct. 10 on a Chevrolet Silverado near I-694 and Edgerton Street and cited its driver, a 48-year-old man from St. Paul, for operating a motor vehicle with expired registration and failure to stop at a control signal.
White Bear Township
• Deputies responded Oct. 5 to a single-vehicle crash in the area of Portland Avenue and Short Street after a 19-year-old from Hugo swerved to miss an animal and struck a large rock in a yard. The driver was not injured.
Deputies responded Oct. 5 to a report that a trailer belonging to Mahtomedi Public Schools was stolen in the 2300 block of Leibel Street. The incident is under investigation.
• A 45-year-old woman from St. Paul reported Oct. 6 receiving phone calls from her ex-boyfriend, against whom she has an order for protection in the 5600 block of Otter View Trail. Deputies issued a citation to the man.
• A 41-year-old man in the 4000 block of Park Valley Lane reported Oct. 7 that he received email notifications about someone opening a credit card in his name without his knowledge or permission. The incident is under investigation.
• A woman reported Oct. 9 that an unknown man had been looking through the windows of her residence in the 2400 bock of Fourth Street. The man knocked on the door and asked strange questions about a recreational vehicle the complainant does not own. The incident is under investigation.
construction barricades on Old Wildwood Road Sept. 9 was arrested on multiple warrants after deputies reviewed video footage of her driving across a “road closed” sign, which allowed deputies to note her license plate number. With that information, deputies found her previous crimes on file, as well as the location of her residence.
• A suspicious male who left his diesel truck running in a parking lot on East Avenue on Sept. 9 turned out to be a driver who had fallen asleep while charging his truck battery.
• Following the report of a male sitting in the middle of East Avenue at 7:10 p.m. Sept. 10, deputies checked on his welfare as darkness was approaching and advised him to move out of the middle of the street.
• A motorist was arrested on multiple Hennepin County warrants Sept. 10 on northbound Century Avenue and Wildwood Road.
• A motorist backing his car into his driveway on Frankland Street on Sept. 11 reported his vehicle hit by a passing motorcycle.
• A customer was banned from a store in the 3000 block of Century Avenue
Sept. 11 after getting into an argument with the proprietor.
• A motorist was cited Sept. 13 on Wedgewood Drive at East County Line Road for displaying tabs that expired in September 2024.
Pine Springs
• A westbound motorist was arrested for DWI at 2:41 a.m. Sept. 7 on Highway 36 at Hilton Trail N. following a traffic stop for speeding and failure to maintain the lane. Deputies cited a motorist on Highway 36 at Hilton Trail N. Sept. 13 for displaying registration that expired in January 2024. The driver was not the registered owner but said she had purchased the vehicle from a family member in March. She had failed to transfer the title or update the registration, which resulted in a ticket for both violations.
Willernie
• A motorist on Wildwood Road at Stillwater Road was arrested on multiple warrants at 12:40 a.m. Sept. 11, following a routine traffic stop. Loretta Harding
City Council tables administrative fine for MNJ Tobacco Inc.
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — Rather than follow city staff’s recommendation to issue an administrative fine of $150 for a tobacco license violation, the City Council has decided it needs more information before imposing a fine or revoking a license.
According to City Clerk Caley Longendyke, the city was notified in September by the Minnesota Department of Revenue that contraband was seized from MNJ Tobacco Inc., located at 4074 White Bear Ave., on May 23, 2025. The contraband reportedly included products obtained from an unlicensed tobacco seller, tobacco products on which the tax had not been paid, and tobacco products offered for sale for which there was no proof of invoice from a licensed seller. Longendyke explained that those actions were in violation of Minnesota Statutes section 297F.21, and the contraband was forfeited to the state after the period for challenging the seizure lapsed.
Longendyke noted that the business owner contacted the city to challenge the Department of Revenue’s findings, and she advised the owner to work directly with the state, which should then contact the city if any corrections are needed. “I haven’t received any communication from them, nor did the Department of Revenue receive an appeal,” she noted.
According to a city memorandum in the council packet, the business has a history of failed compliance checks. In June 2023, MNJ Tobacco Inc. failed an educational tobacco compliance check for underage sales. In November 2023, the establishment failed a tobacco compliance check for underage sales, resulting in an administrative citation. In June 2024, the establishment failed a THC compliance check for underage sales.
“It should also be noted that the City Council reviewed the establishment’s tobacco license at the March 28,
2023, meeting after two failed edible cannabinoid compliance checks (November 2022 and March 2023),”
Longendyke said. “The establishment was selling edible cannabinoid products during the city’s moratorium, which prohibited sales of such items. A vote to approve a resolution denying the tobacco license renewal failed 2-3 following a debate about grounds for denying a tobacco license in response to violations relating to edible cannabinoid products.”
Per city code, the council may impose administrative penalties for violating state and local tobacco laws. Since the last tobacco-related violation was more than 12 months prior to the reported seizure of contraband, the presumptive administrative fine, as outlined in the city’s fee schedule, is $150.
Council Member Kevin Edberg wanted to know what other authority the council had in terms of “punishment.” Longendyke said it ranges from doing nothing all the way to revoking the license.
Mayor Dan Louismet asked if there were any other shops in town that had “such a significant history” of violations. Longendyke responded, “Not to this degree, or you probably would be hearing about it.”
“I’m more inclined to say we should really think about whether we ought to be more punitive in this one,” Louismet said. “The notion that because they bought unlicensed product and the state didn’t get a tax on it, that’s the state’s
problem … We don’t know what product they were selling, and they have a history of selling to minors. This doesn’t really sit well with me to just say $150.”
Council Member Bill Walsh inquired whether the business was fined by the Department of Revenue. Longendyke explained she wasn’t aware of any fine from the state, but the product involved was forfeited.
“$150 feels like a light fine, but if that is what the schedule calls for, I certainly would support it,” Walsh said, adding
that if other council members had the appetite to increase the fine, say double it, he could get behind that too.
Council Member Heidi Hughes said she would be uncomfortable with imposing a stricter penalty without more information. “I feel like I’m acting like a judge, and this isn’t enough information,” she said.
Louismet suggested the council consider tabling the item so they could get more information and suggested it would be helpful to hear more from law enforcement on the matter.
City Attorney Dave Anderson mentioned that city staff were in the process of notifying the establishment of another potential violation relating to a compliance check with an underage person.
The council agreed to table the item to its meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Louismet encouraged the business owner to attend the meeting.
“I think the council needs to take this recurring pattern of very serious infractions seriously. This is a recurring pattern, and it is a problem,” Louismet said.
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Dr. Carlson receives prestigious back and neck pain treatment award
Dr. Dustin Carlson, owner of the Carlson Clinic of White Bear Lake, was recently recognized by the International Medical Advisory Board on Spinal Decompression at the National Spinal Disc Disorders training facilities in North Palm Beach, Florida.
International Medical Advisory Board on Spinal Decompression is made up by 10 medical physicians and 10 chiropractic physicians, including orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists, who have obtained National Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression University-based certification and have demonstrated an exemplary level of excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal disorders. The advanced certification is provided in conjunction with DISC Centers of America.
Carlson Clinic of White Bear Lake is located at 2130 Second Street. For more information, visit www.carlsonchiro.net.
Muddy Cow acquires Beartown
Beartown Bar & Grill, located at 4875 Highway 61 in White Bear Lake, is under new ownership. Hugo resident Patrick Conroy, president of Muddy Cow, confirmed it became official Oct. 28, but said he’s been talking to his friend, former owner Joe Claussen, for a few months.
“The location is great. I’ve always had a thing for Beartown,” Conroy said. “I drive by there 100 times a year and always thought, ‘Someday
I’ll own that place.’ Something about that place drew me to it.”
The Muddy Cow group is up to 21 locations throughout Minnesota, including MC’s Taphouse in Lino Lakes and MC’s Taco & Tequila in White Bear Township.
In terms of what customers should expect from the change in ownership, Conroy says the customers won’t notice much right away. “We are keeping it status quo over there. It’s been a wellestablished place for so long, we don’t need to mess with the recipe,” he said.
According to Conroy, Mike O’Shea is staying on as manager. In the future, Conroy says they might add a few “signature” MC appetizers and a few sandwiches, but there are no plans to change the burgers or wings.
In spring 2026, Conroy hopes to expand the bar area with an addition on the east side of the building (facing Highway 61). “Hopefully we can accomplish it. I think it would change the whole look in there,” he said.
For more information about Beartown, visit www.beartownbarandgrill.com.
OBITUARIES
Ronald Gregg Nelson
Ron Nelson age 89 of White Bear Lake passed away on October 23, 2025. He is survived by wife Sharon (Larson) of 61 years; children Joelle Nelson (David Steglich), Jill Nelson, Jessica Shortridge (Jay), grandchildren Henry and Gus Steglich, Ben and Grace LeMire, Wes and Charlie Brandt, Evelyn and Levi Shortridge, Siblings Blair Nelson, Leslie Martin and extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by parents Gregg Nelson and Bertha Nelson, son-in-law Patrick Brandt, brother-in-law Dennis Martin and niece Tracee Schultz.
The memorial service will be held on Monday, November 10th at 3:00 with visitation beginning at 1:30 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1660 Birch Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake. Memorials preferred to Christ the King Lutheran Church, White Bear Lake Education Foundation, or the Mahtomedi Education Foundation.
Security Bank & Trust commits $1 million to ‘Local Return’ initiative
To celebrate its 90th anniversary, Security Bank & Trust Company is launching its Local Return initiative, a $1 million commitment over the next five years to invest directly in the communities it serves. Through the initiative, $200,000 each year will go back into local organizations, schools and community projects that strengthen the places Security Bank calls home. Founded in 1935, Security Bank & Trust has grown from a single branch in Glencoe to a $1.3 billion community bank with 21 offices across Minnesota. The local North Oaks branch is located at 1048 Meadowlands Drive in White Bear Township.
“When people trust us with their deposits, that money fuels the next business on Main Street, the next school upgrade, the next generation of growth,” said Andy Schornack, president of Security Bank & Trust. “That’s the heartbeat of a community bank. Local Return isn’t a new idea — it’s what we’ve been doing for 90 years. We’re just making it official.” For more information about the initiative or Security Bank & Trust Company, visit www.security-banks.com.
Janice Goodwin Rupert
Born October 22, 1941 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Passed away on September 19, 2025. Preceded in death by parents, Bill and Francis Goodwin and survived by her brother, Gary.
She loved sailing and raced scows almost her entire life.
She was also a wonderful skier, raced slalom in college, and taught professionally at Trollhaugen.
She was first married to Jim Wengler and they had two daughters Lisa (Bruns) and Christine Wengler.
She subsequently married John Rupert whom she met sailing scows at age 15 and they lived a life of wonderful adventures around the world for forty years and Jan was blessed with 4 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of the Way in Shoreview on Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9:30 AM
Shannon Granholm
CONTRIBUTED
Dr. Dustin Carlson (right) was recently recognized by Dr. Eric Kaplan, co-chairman of the International Medical Advisory Board on Spinal Decompression.
FOOD FOREST: Will offer community education and food for consumption
encourage community engagement in learning about healthy soil practices that support the ecosystem.
“The forest is based on an agricultural practice of mimicking the structure of a natural forest,” said Green Team member Judy Lissick. “It includes a canopy of fruit and nut trees, an understory of fruit-bearing shrubs, a herbaceous layer of herbs and other edibles, and ground covers and root edibles. This creates the biodiversity needed to ensure resilience against pests and disease while building soil fertility and supporting wildlife, including pollinators, birds and beneficial insects.”
The idea for the forest originated after team members participated in a 16-week Sustainability in Practice program offered by the National Recreation and Park Association. The team received a $10,000 stipend to fund a project in one of Vadnais Heights’ parks. The team decided to create a forest to offer both community education and food for consumption.
“This is our largest and biggest project to date in the area of sustainable landscaping,” said Project Manager Cathy Missaghi. “It’s going to feature 100%
Minnesota native edible plants, which is very unique.”
In starting the project, the team also drew on the Migiziwazison Foundation, a private nonprofit focused on land restoration and grassroots efforts to promote sustainability. According to Missaghi, the organization, which is in the process of restoring 20 acres of land in Grant, was important in helping the team learn more about sustainability practices.
“They have indigenous knowledge about plants and how you benefit from them. This is all learning they’ve learned over thousands of years, and we’re enthusiastic about learning the best practices and sharing them with the rest of Vadnais Heights.”
The forest’s edibles will include a wide variety of berries, including hack, aronia and service, as well as hazelnuts. Blueberries, blackberries, currants and raspberries will also be featured, as will a layer of herbs with different wildflowers and river grapes. Missaghi added that organizations such as Minnesota Wildflowers and Blue Thumb were key in helping select what kinds of edibles and plants to add to the garden.
“The variety of species in the garden will create fertile soil,” said Missaghi.
The forest will consist of various fruits and nuts grown from
Manager Cathy Missaghi and team member Judy Lissick say the forest will
ty learn about healthy sustainability practices.
“As for the design of the garden, we want everyone to have access to all the different fruits, vegetables, nuts and herbs. There will be pathways through the garden that will make it easy to get to all of this.”
Though the forest’s development is still in its early stages, Missaghi noted that volunteers and donations of plants and building materials will be crucial to getting it started. The team will finalize the garden design by winter: most plant purchases will be made the season before spring growing.
“The whole purpose of the garden is to serve the community,” said Missaghi. “We’d like to get both Vadnais Heights
and White Bear Lake to participate in some way or other, whether it’s volunteering to plant or help with the maintenance of the garden. We also want education on good growing practices, good soil health, how to harvest without harming and maybe even some cooking lessons. We want to familiarize people with our native Minnesota plants and how you can do it in your garden.”
Volunteering opportunities for the forest will be posted on the team’s website at www.vadnaisheightsgreenteam.org. To learn more about the Migiziwazison Foundation, visit their website at www. migizifoundation.org.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME
Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:
1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Proteus Strategic Partners
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 8977 Hunters Trail, Woodbury, MN 55125
3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.
Scott Little 8977 Hunters Trail, Woodbury, MN 55125
I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath. Dated: October 28, 2025
Signed: Scott Little Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on November 5 and 12, 2025.
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-COMGR4348-MM OPENING DATE: DECEMBER 4, 2025 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY (THE “COUNTY”), THROUGH THE COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENT, IS SEEKING RESPONSES FROM OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS FOR THE PUBLICATION OF VARIOUS COUNTY NOTICES.
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on November 5, 2025. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-860 CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In re the Estate of Lloyd Henry Rogers, Jr., Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
Notice is hereby given that an application for informal probate of the abovenamed Decedent’s Last Will dated March 7, 2022 (“Will”) has been filed with the Court, and the application has been granted.
Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed Kurt Lloyd Rogers, 5946 East Mining Camp Street, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, 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. § 524.3-607, 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.
Any objections to the probate of the Will, or to the appointment of the personal representative, must be filed with this court, and will be heard by the court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing.
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
Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator
Date: October 15, 2025
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on November 5 and 12, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT
COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-859
CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE
NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (WITHOUT A WILL)
In re the Estate of Dee Ann Marie Cady, a/k/a Deeann Marie Cady, Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
Notice is hereby given that an Amended Application filed on October 27, 2025 for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Court. No will has been presented for probate. The Amended Application has been granted.
Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed David Cady of 1102 Scenic View Court, Rushford, MN 55971, 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. § 524.3-607, 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.
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
Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator
Date: October 27, 2025
Attorney for Personal Representative
GREGORY MARK SCHIEBER
Attorney License No.: 395855
Nethercut Schieber PA 32 Main Avenue North, Harmony MN 55939
Telephone: 507-886-6131
E-Mail: greg@ranlaw.net
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on November 5 and 12, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION
COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-898
NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR DESCENT OF PROPERTY
Estate of Mai Lee, Decedent.
A Petition for Determination of Descent has been filed with this Court. The Petition represents that the Decedent died more than three years ago, leaving property in Minnesota and requests the probate of Decedent’s last Will, if any, and the descent of such property be determined and assigned by this Court to the persons entitled to the property.
Any objections to the Petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper, and no objections are filed or raised, the Petition may be granted. 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 IS GIVEN that the Petition will be heard using remote technology on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. by this Court using remote technology via zoom. Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that this Notice shall be published in a legal newspaper in Ramsey County once per week for two consecutive weeks in a row 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.
BY THE COURT: Michael Upton, Court Administrator
BY: Elizabeth Girling, Deputy Court Administrator
Date: October 16, 2025
Attorney for Petitioner: Christy V. DePasquale
Safe Harbor Estate Law
3240 Rice Street, St. Paul, MN, 55306
Attorney License No: 0401523
Telephone: (612) 615-9535 / FAX: (651) 691-2001
Email: christy@safeharborestatelaw.com
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 29 and November 5, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION
COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-915
NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Frances Mae Wolfe, Decedent NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. a hearing will be held using remote technology by this Court on the petition for formal adjudication of intestacy, determination of heirship, and for the appointment of Steven J. Wolfe, whose address is 2052 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55104, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration.
Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.
Any objections to the petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed 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 and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the Estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.
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:
Michael F. Upton, District Court Administrator
BY: Benjamin Linker, Deputy Court Administrator
Date: October 27, 2025
Attorney for Petitioner: Michae Davey, #0388285 Full Circle Law
716 E Willow Grove Avenue Wyndmoor, PA 19038 Tel: 612-234-1551; Fax: 888-375-8783
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 29 and November 5, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-865
CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE
NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Sally Ann Coddon, Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
Notice is hereby given that an application for informal probate of the abovenamed Decedent’s Last Will dated December 8, 2005 (“Will”) has been filed with the Court, and the application has been granted.
Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed Tiffany Coddon of 8283 Baymeadows Road East, #1418, Jacksonville, FL 32256 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. § 524.3-607, 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. Any objections to the probate of the Will, or to the appointment of the personal representative, must be filed with this court, and will be heard by the court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing. 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,
JUDY LISSICK | CONTRIBUTED
native Minnesota plants. Project
help the communi-
1. Liberty Classical Academy’s volleyball team completed a winning season and reached the Section 4A finals for the first time. First-year varsity head coach Brook Kleiman was also names Section Volleyball coach of the year. — Contributed
2. North St. Paul Fire Chief Jason Mallinger and Dellwood resident Wayde Kirvida of Custom Fire Apparatus, Inc. recently attended the annual Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association annual conference in Duluth. — Contributed
3. Various business owners attend the “Best of the Press” party. Winners and finalists were able to pick up their certificates, enjoy food provided by local vendors and give a statement on what it means to them to be “the best.”
— Shannon Granholm, Press Publications
4. Press Publications is selling this year’s Main Street Inc. holiday ornaments. Proceeds from every ornament sold will go to supporting journalism. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications
Pumpkin, Mincemeat, Strawberry-Rhubarb, Dutch Apple, Apple-Pecan Pies... from Pine Tree’s own recipes. Reserved pie pick-up
Fall play practice performance prelude
Above: Ethan Christensen and Holly Flood play the roles of Prince Topher and Cinderella. At left: A chorus of Lords and Ladies accompany Eli Murphy, in the role
Lord Pinkerton, during
White Bear Country Inn is NOW HIRING a Weekend Laundry Attendant for Saturdays and Sundays. Start time 10:30am.
Send resumes to Jacqlyn at JSchoen@WhiteBearCountryInn.com or call 651-272-3783
White Bear Country Inn is NOW HIRING a P/T Front Desk Clerk.
Job duties: Checking guests in and out, answering the telephone, and other duties as assigned. Must be fun, friendly, and have great customer service skills. Shifts vary from 7am-3pm and 3pm-11pm. Must be flexible to work both.
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For more information please contact us : Transportation@marinevillageschool.org or check out marinevillageschool.org/careers/
WE’RE HIRING!
Press Publications is now hiring an Administrative Assistant to work 2 days/ week, for a total of 10 hours.
Send resume to ar@presspubs.com
White Bear Country Inn is hiring for a Banquet Captain. For more information contact April at: April@ rudysredeye. com or Call 651-429-5393 Ext. 421
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WANTED:
VETERANS DAY: Veterans grateful for military experience
front, vehicles in the back, and transported them wherever it needed to go and provided security.”
Larson is not the only member of his family to go into the military. His father also served in the Air Force for four years and his brother served in the Navy for 12 years.
After Larson completed active duty, he started working in Minot for a little bit before deciding to move back to Minnesota to be closer to family.
“Going from military life to civilian life is a tough transition,” he recalled. “I didn’t really know where I was headed.”
Larson found out there were some openings at the Minneapolis – St. Paul Air Reserve Station at the Minneapolis – Saint Paul International Airport. He has been a member of the reserves now for 12 years.
“That’s where my civilian career really took off. I started doing nondestructive testing (NDT) and to this day I’m still in it,” Larson said. “It’s pretty crazy where life can take you.”
As a member of the Reserves, Larson is required to work one weekend a month. He is also required to put in 15 annual training (AT) days throughout the year. There are also temporary duty assignments (TDY) that he can partake in all over the world. Some range from one to two weeks, while others can last up to four to six weeks. Most recently, he took on an assignment last February in Hawaii.
On a quarterly basis, Larson visits the Hugo American Legion to help out with the Friday night meat raffle.
For the past 4 1/2 years, Larson has worked at Terracon, an engineering and consulting firm, as a project manager in the materials department.
Larson says his time in the military has shaped who he is today and provided him life experiences he would not have gotten any other way.
“I am so grateful for the military. I truly am. It made me the man I am today,” he said. “After high school, I was kind of lost and didn’t know what to do. I was kind of a punk kid and didn’t really appreciate anything,” Larson recalled. “Once I got into the military, went through boot camp and everything … It made me mature in a hurry.”
Larson says he is fortunate in that he has never been deployed, but he has still had to make some sacrifices, like missing out on special times with his wife Katie and their two children, 2-year-old Sophie and 4-year-old Theo. “My last drill weekend, I missed going to the pumpkin patch,” he explained.
Larson says being in the military has been a great experience. “I wouldn’t change it ever,” he said.
From athlete to officer: Veteran finds fulfillment in Army National Guard
Zellmann, a Hugo resident, grew up in the Norwood Young America area and graduated from Shakopee High School. He had always considered joining the military, but completing his college education was the motivating factor.
“I wanted to finish my col -
lege degree. I was three credits away, and basic training gave me four credits,” Zellmann explained.
Military service runs in Zellmann’s family: his paternal grandfather served in the Navy, and his maternal grandfather in the Army.
“I didn’t really have much direction as far as what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I had good leadership traits and leadership ability, and I felt I could contribute to an organization,” Zellmann said. “I played my sports entire life, and I knew that chapter was closing. I’d always heard about the camaraderie in the military, and I wanted to continue that.”
In 2012, Zellmann graduated from Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Marietta, Georgia. He and Emily, his now wife, moved out there for several years before Zellmann transferred back to Minnesota. From March 2021 to February 2022, he deployed with the 1st Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment, an Army National Guard battalion supporting the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Red Bull Infantry Division.
While deployed for Operation Spartan Shield, “Task Force Bastard” comprised 1,100 soldiers. In August 2021, Task Force Bastard, serving as the United States Central Command Regional Response Force based out of Camp Buehring, Kuwait, helped secure Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul during the evacuation of U.S. citizens and allies following the drawdown of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
The task force worked alongside units to support Operation Allies Refuge by securing vital sectors of Hamid Karzai International Airport and providing humanitarian assistance to U.S. citizens, special immigrant visa holders and their families.
After returning from deployment, Zellmann reentered his civilian career in finance. “It just wasn’t satisfying for me anymore. I didn’t really have a purpose,” he recalled. “The military gives me purpose.” He added that the military has allowed him to see the “greater perspective” and have a greater impact.
Since 2022, Zellmann has served with the Army Nation -
al Guard full time in various roles. Most recently, he serves as the medical detachment operations officer and is based out of the Cottage Grove Armory. He drills at the Minnesota Army National Guard Readiness Center in Stillwater.
Zellmann says he is thankful for the friendships and camaraderie he has gained while being in the military, something he hasn’t experienced since being a three-sport athlete in high school. He is also thankful for the general support that communities of the north metro have shown him.
“Many times, I’m in a uniform going to work, and I stop at gas station … Everywhere in our area has just been super supportive. Everyone says, ‘Thank you for your service.’ I’ve never had a negative interaction,” he said. “Everyone appreciates what we are trying to do, whether they agree or disagree with the politics; everyone seems to generally be supportive of everyone who wears a uniform.”
Kevin Larson with his wife Katie and daughter Sophie.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Bobby Zellmann with his wife Emily and their two children Marek and Kennedy.
CENTURY AVENUE: Reconstruction project entering final design phase
keep the traffic signal or shift to a roundabout, the project team looked at how the intersection operates today but also projected its operation out 20 years. Because three of the four intersection legs have similar traffic volumes, it was a good contender for a roundabout, she said.
Blaylock added that it will be an “urban roundabout,” which has one single lane of traffic. She added that the industry seems to be shifting away from multilane roundabouts.
The estimated construction cost is just shy of $20 million; the city of White Bear Lake is responsible for approximately $79,000. Those numbers do not include right of way acquisition costs, which could run anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million.
“Right of way acquisition is the hardest thing to project. It is an unknown until you actually get the document signed,” explained Public Works Director/ Engineer Paul Kauppi.
Edberg wanted to know an estimate for how much right of way will be needed for the project. Blaylock responded, “The corridor is surprisingly different in elevation and different in land use … We are looking at each property differently. Some may need a small temporary construction easement, others maybe 50 feet.”
The project is slated for construction in 2027 but could be delayed to 2028. Blaylock noted that new concerns have been brought to the team regarding the project timing and conflicting schedules with other major community improvements. She explained that if the project is pushed back, it would not impact the funding that has been secured for the project so far.
Edberg wanted to know what the project price tag might look like if it were to be delayed one year. Blaylock acknowledged that it was a real concern but said it is a decision that
the project team doesn’t take lightly. Edberg also questioned whether the project team would need to use eminent domain if the property owner wasn’t willing to sell.
“The best-case scenario is that we have a willing participant and landowner who acknowledges the appraised value is what we are asking for,” Blaylock said. “Ultimately, it will be a project team decision if we want to enact eminent domain on the project. We are hopeful that our offers will be received well.”
Mayor Dan Louismet wanted to know if a bus lane or any type of rapid transit was proposed for the project. Blaylock said that early in the project planning there were conversations about bus rapid transit being a part of the project, but it became clear that the projects were on different timelines. She said the project team is committed to ensuring that all the local bus stops around the route are improved.
Council Member Bill Walsh asked whether the college’s pedestrian crossing above the roadway would stay, and Blaylock said it is her understanding that Century College, which privately owns that crossing, doesn’t have any plans to get rid of it. In addition, some pedestrian crossings at traffic signals are proposed to be added.
Council Member Andrea West wanted to know why the cities were involved in the project when MnDOT handed the roadway over to the counties. Blaylock explained that both counties have a cost participation policy, Ramsey County for White Bear Lake and Washington County for Mahtomedi.
“There are a lot of things that cities request above and beyond a minimum road a county would typically build,” Kauppi said, adding that the main thing the city of White Bear Lake wanted to see was the pedestrian trails along the roadway.
Edberg expressed some concern
Veterans Day observance includes presentation by the authors of ‘Veterans in Crisis’
WHITE BEAR LAKE — Veterans Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 11, and White Bear Lake VFW Post 1782 has several events planned to mark the occasion.
From 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., there will be a Veterans Day ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park, located at 4520 Highway 61 White Bear Lake. It will be followed by a lunch for veterans at the VFW next door. Beginning at 4 p.m., there will be a luminary event at the Veterans Memorial Park to honor those who have served.
Another event is planned for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at Boatworks Commons, located at 4495 Lake Street South, White Bear Lake. The VFW will host a slideshow presentation on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide prevention and book signing by the co-founders of the nonprofit Veterans Empowered Inc. The organization was established to educate and inform veterans, first responders, care providers and the public about PTSD.
Veterans, emergency responders and their families are all invited to attend.
“The holiday season is an especially tough time of year for people who are dealing with PTSD, and we felt bringing an event like this to the community would be very beneficial,” said Deb Courts-Brown, Department of Minnesota 4th District Auxiliary president.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, there are approximately 950 veterans living in White Bear Lake.
“This is a major community event that will be especially helpful for those who served and for those most affected by the impact of trauma in loved ones, whether from military combat, law enforcement, firefighting or other occupations that bring home the effects of trauma,” said Gary Carlberg, White Bear Lake VFW Post 1782 Commander and retired USAR/ ARNG Colonel and FEMA Chief of Staff.
Col. Wayne Quist and Dr. Steve Lansing will discuss what living with PTSD is like, and how they ended up teaming up to start their nonprofit aimed at helping prevent their fellow soldiers from turning to suicide. Both men are Vietnam War veterans.
about the varying project cost. “We have 2 to 3 miles of city streets that have been waiting for construction for pushing 20-some years now. I was hoping to see those completed by the time I die,” he said. “If we have cash issues on this thing, that will force us to have to make some tough decisions on where we allocate resources.”
Kauppi said that as the project advances through the final design phase, city staff will continue to monitor numbers and adjust numbers as necessary. If the council decided it didn’t want to move forward with asking for the trail, that could be changed to bring down the cost, he said.
Both counties are “getting their ducks in a row,” according to Blaylock, and the next step is hiring appraisers. She anticipates that the process will begin in early spring.
To stay up to date on the project, visit the project website at www. co.washington.mn.us/centurynorth.
In addition to sharing their personal stories, Col. Quist and Dr. Lansing will talk about their “Veterans in Crisis” book series, which now features three volumes.
Copies of all three books presented at the event will be offered free to disabled veterans. In addition to being part of the VFW’s Veterans Day programming, the event will serve as the kickoff for a fundraising event. Veterans Empowered Inc. is in the process of raising $150,000 to translate the first book in the series into the Ukrainian language and then print 25,000 copies to be given to Ukrainian soldiers and families suffering from PTSD.
To learn more about the nonprofit, visit www. vetsempowered.org.
Light up the Night for Veterans
VFW Post 1782 Auxiliary will host its inaugural luminary event to honor veterans starting at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park. Fourth District Auxiliary President Deb CourtsBrown heard about the idea from the Browerville, Minnesota, Auxiliary, which will have 1,500
The project boundaries are on Century Avenue from interstate 694 to County Road E and is a joint venture between Ramsey and Washington counties.
luminaries on display this year.
“I really liked the idea of it and the visual representation of the service members associated with our Auxiliary,” she said.
This year, the event will focus on service members who allowed the auxiliary members to be eligible to join. The Auxiliary also opened it up to community members if they had someone they wish to honor. As of press deadline, Courts-Brown said there will be about 300 luminaries.
Misty Yang is an outstanding leader and scholar who truly embodies what it means to be a Birch Lake Academic Achiever. She consistently goes above and beyond in her academics, always showing curiosity, creativity, and pride in her work. Misty not only excels individually but also takes time to help classmates who may be struggling, showing kindness and leadership in every situation. She is a responsible, thoughtful, and confident voice for others. Overall, Misty is an incredible team leader and a shining example of what it means to be a Birch Lake Bear!
Misty Yang Birch Lake Elementary School
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The graphic above shows a typical section of what is proposed for Century Avenue, including separated trails on both sides of the road along with a raised center median.
MAHTOMEDI & WILLERNIE
From silent battles to healing others
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
For many years after the Vietnam War, Tim Doble suffered in silence. Now his mission is to make sure other veterans are not alone in their recovery journey.
Doble, a Purple Heart recipient, will be the keynote speaker at O.H. Anderson Elementary School’s Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11. The Hugo resident grew up in Minneapolis in a family of 15 children. Of the eight boys, six served in the military. Since 1964, someone in his immediate family has served in the military.
While working at a summer camp, he met Julie, the woman he wanted to marry. In 1968, he decided to join the Marines to help finance the completion of his degree and to pay for a wedding. Doble served in Vietnam in 1969 as part of Golf Company 2/4, an infantry battalion. After six months in Vietnam, Doble was severely injured and was ultimately released from the Marines.
Doble was a teacher for 30 years, but he was fighting a battle many people didn’t know about.
“Every night was a challenge. I didn’t know if the nightmares were going to come or not,” he recalled. “I would end up half awake, half sleeping, with two soldiers hovering over me … I wanted to scream for help, but I was frozen in fear, and I couldn’t.”
His wife knew that he was having some issues with nightmares, but what she didn’t know was that when she wasn’t around, sometimes Doble would lock himself in the bedroom, barricade the door and surround himself with weapons to fight.
“She would come home, and I would be a mess, but I was too embarrassed to tell her why,” he said. Over the years, Doble dealt with anxiety and many bouts of severe depression, triggered by life events like the death of his younger brother and his mother.
He estimates he had about six trips to the emergency room because he thought he was having a heart attack, but it was really anxiety attacks.
On Dec. 5, 2009, Julie tricked him into seeking help. She pretended like they were going to go Christmas shopping, but ended up bringing him to the VA Medical Center. “When we walked in the door, she said, ‘Maybe we should go to mental health.’”
“Saying the words PTSD brought great anxiety
over and over again.”
Thanks to the professionals at the VA, the support of his family and the love of his therapy dogs, Doble was able to accept the difficult truth that he had PTSD and he began his ongoing journey of emotional trauma recovery.
Finding a new mission
From 2010 to 2021, Doble served as a peer support specialist at the VA. Peer specialists provide peer support services to help other veterans with similar experiences and help veterans work on their recovery.
After the pandemic, Doble resumed volunteering at the VA in a new role, with a four-legged friend by his side. First with Milly, then with Semper Fi, then with Dyna and now with Lil — all English Labradors. Doble visits the inpatient mental health clinic at the VA. While there, he says it is an honor for him to sit and listen to the veterans’ stories.
“I encourage veterans to join me in working on their recovery, because everything they went through gives them a value on the recovery side. They can use their experience and stories to reach out to our brother and sister veterans and bring them along the way.”
He added, “So many of us miss that mission purpose, being a part of something that is bigger than you … this gives me another purpose. This is my mission in life right now.”
In addition to sharing his story with veterans he meets while visiting the VA, Doble published an autobiography titled "Surviving the Night,” meant to help veterans and their families. Visit timdoble.com for more information.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Tim Doble is the author of an autobiography titled “Surviving the Night,” meant to help veterans and their families.
Tim Doble pictured with his therapy dog Milly after winning the Minnesota Veterinarian’s Association Companion Animal of the Year Award.
Tim Doble receives a Purple Heart for wounds suffered in the Vietnam War.
SPORTS
Zephyrs in state volleyball tourney
BY BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Mahtomedi is playing in its fourth consecutive state volleyball tournament this week, no surprise to the Zephyrs’ leading hitter.
“Yup, I actually did,” said Louisa Tarnowski, asked if she expected to end another season in St. Paul. “I knew we had a good team and our section is not the hardest.”
Top-seeded Mahtomedi (21-9) made it official beating No. 2 seed Chisago Lakes 25-12, 24-26, 25-12, 25-20 at home in the Section 4AAA finals. They face Stewartville on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. at Grand Casino Arena. Tarnowski rattled off 24 kills. Sahar Ramaley added 10 kills, Nora BonifasJohnson seven and Jaelyn Schany four. Providing sets was Katie Hergenrader, who has over 1,400 in her career. Hergenrader also dropped in three kills with no-look tips. Claire Crothers, libero, led in digs, and ace serves (four).
“It’s (state) our goal from the start every year. It gets harder every year,” Crothers said, referring to the proverbial targets
on their backs. Their mindset, she said, is always “to get the momentum early, and run with it.”
Assistant coach Eric Poppelman assessed, “We have an excellent senior class with four captains who’ve played since they were sophomores — Claire, Louisa, Sahar and Katie, and we added very good pieces from both older and younger girls.”
Mahtomedi has lost in the first round of state the last three years but won twice to capture the consolation championship last year.
State 3A pairings
WEDNESDAY
1-Marshall (30-2) vs. 8-Big Lake (10-15), 5 p.m.
4-Sauk Rapids-Rice (25-2) vs. 5-CretinDerham Hall (22-4), 5 p.m.
2-Benilde-St. Margaret’s (26-5) vs. 7-Grand Rapids (2210), 7 p.m.
3-Stewartville (26-4) vs. 6-Mahtomedi (219), 7 p.m.
FRIDAY
Semifinals 9 and 11 a.m.
SATURDAY 3rd place 4:30 p.m., finals 6:30 p.m.
In the Oct. 29 Press story “Bear girls returning to state x-country” Zoe Siverson's name was misspelled. The Press apologizes for the error.
Once a Zephyr, always a Zephyr
Class of 1985 alumni Joe Rohrer (#59) and Ron Fedie (#26) attended the Mahtomedi High School Zephyr homecoming football game Friday, Oct. 3 to cheer on the team when they noticed it’s been 41 seasons since Mahtomedi has had numbers 59 and 26 as co-captains. It just so happens that the 1984 football captains had the same jersey numbers as this year’s captains, Dawson Duback (#59) and Sam White (#26).
Rohrer and Fedie were coached by Assistant Coaches Ken Stevens and Joe Kocianski, who still coach the team today. Both Rohrer and Fedie’s sons all played Zephyr football, including Rohrer’s son Dominic (Class of 2022) and Fedie’s sons Dominic (Class of 2020), Blake (Class of 2023), and Fergus (Class of 2028). Rohrer, Fedie and another former player, Greg Heinsch, have attended every Zephyr varsity football game this season.
Bear girls 14th at state x-country
The White Bear Lake girls placed 14th of 16 teams in the state Class 3A cross country meet at Les Bolstad Golf Course, after qualifying as Section 4 runner up. Mabel Nethercut placed 71st, Logan Bailey 87th, Isla Bloomquist 99th, Brynn Heinsohn 138th and Irene Bakke 145th. Max Popp, the Bears’ lone boys qualifier, was headed toward a top-ten finish before falling late in the race. He finished 27th in 16:01.5 among 160 runners, down slightly from 23rd last year. The top 25 make all-state.
“Popp was eighth place … and passed out 50 meters from the line from exhaustion,” coach Dan Kovacich said. “He got up, but 21 runners passed him. He would have been in the top 10.”
The Wayzata girls had five of the top ten, including champion Maddie Gullickson in 16:54.3, to win by a wide margin. The Blaine boys were team champs and Minnetonka’s Sean Fries was first in 14:50.6.
Bruce Strand
Zephyrs furious rally falls short
Cretin-Derham Hall got seven touchdown passes from Isaac Johnson but had to withstand a huge Mahtomedi rally to stave off the Zephyrs 49-44 in the Section 4AAAA finals Friday.
The Zephyrs, who trailed 35-16 after three quarters and tallied 28 points in the final quarter, finished 8-2. The Raiders, reversing a regular-season 28-27 loss to the Zephyrs, are 7-3.
Johnson threw TD passes to Owen Welk (65 yards), Isaiah Thom (three yards), Dre Frierson-Hollie (41 yards), JaDale Thompson (11, 48 and five yards), and Sam Heath (45 yards). He was 22-for-31 for 398 yards and scrambled for 66 yards in 16 carries.
Mahtomedi’s fourthquarter touchdowns were a 12-yard run by Jacob Reubish, a 45-yard pass from Trevor Rogosheske to quarterback Mark Graff, a 35-yard pass from Graff to Luke Torgrude, and, with 46 seconds left, a 21-yard run by Graff. Torgrude recovered an onside kick before his TD.
Earlier, Mahtomedi had a one-yard sneak by Graff, a safety, and
a seven-yard pass from Graff to Jacob Sokoll. The safety occurred after Graff’s punt pinned CDH on their own two. Johnson was called for intentional grounding in the end zone.
Reubish carried 29 times for 200 yards, giving him a 1,062yard season, while
catching four passes for 44 yards. Graff completed 11 of 21 for 142 yards with no interceptions, and ran for 57 yards in 14 carries, notching two touchdowns each way. Moseh Mouacheupao intercepted a pass.
Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Claire Crothers
Mahtomedi Volleyball November 5, 2025
Claire Crothers will play in her fourth state volleyball tournament this week; she’s the only one of Mahtomedi’s core senior quartet with that distinction. The 5-foot-4 libero has made over 1,000 career digs and excels as a passer and server as well. This season, Crothers has logged 363 digs while serving 92 percent with 37 aces and making 91 percent good passes. “Claire sees the play early. When other players are reading the ball, she is already moving,” noted Eric Poppelman, assistant coach. Crothers is consistent, energetic, and “a spitfire, yet also very calm,” Poppelman added. “She has a good head on her shoulders.”
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Louisa Tarnowski led the Zephyr attack with 24 kills in the finals against Andover.
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — The City Council is scheduled to hold a second reading and public hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 12, regarding an ordinance amendment to Chapter 706 of the city code regarding trees.
City staff initiated a review and update of the city’s tree ordinance following the acceptance of a grant in 2024 from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The grant was provided through the DNR’s shade tree bonding grant program for the removal and replacement of ash trees affected by emerald ash borer (EAB), explained Public Works Director/City Engineer Paul Kauppi. The grant requires that trees that are replaced must remain under the control of the city, but the current city ordinance language puts the responsibility of boulevard trees on adjacent property owners.
“City staff, along with the city attorney, reviewed the ordinance and found a lot of it to be outdated. Much of the current language has been in place since the 1970s and 1980s,” Kauppi said. “From staff’s perspective, the ordinance is in need of updating to make it more user-friendly.”
In addition to general cleanup, the draft ordinance adds a definitions section, clarifies the process for inspections/abatements and assessments, and clarifies the city’s ability to maintain its
urban tree canopy within public rights of way. (See pullout for more information.)
Mayor Dan Louismet wanted to know whether a private property owner must ask for permission to cut down a tree if they decide they don’t want a tree anymore.
City Attorney Dave Anderson responded, “A tree within the boulevard is the city’s to do what it wants to do with … people can do what they want on their property, but they need to understand that if they are planting trees and the city doesn’t want a tree there for whatever reason, we have every right to go take it down if it is in the boulevard or right of way.”
Council Member Kevin Edberg said he understood problem trees, but questioned the authority given to the city in the code due to the language, “The site and the species of any replacement tree will be determined by the city in its sole discretion.”
“I don’t have an issue with removal for all those reasons (diseases, public safety) … I do have an issue with telling people that they are going to have to have a tree that they may not want that might interfere with where they want, and then it is at the sole discretion of the city.”
Anderson said the city is always going to work with property owners, but said the ordinance language is intended to make sure that everyone understands the city has the right to do what it wants with trees located within the public right of way.
Changes to draft tree ordinance
• Add a definitions section to clarify terms used within the ordinance.
• Clearly define the control and prevention of hazardous trees.
• Clarify the processes for inspections, abatement and assessment of hazardous trees.
• Clarify the city’s ability to complete emergency abatement of hazardous trees, as necessary, when circumstances justify immediate action.
• Clarify the city’s ability to maintain its urban tree canopy within public rights of way, including trimming, removal and planting.
• Delete outdated language that has been deemed no longer relevant
Assistant City Manager Rick Juba explained that most of the scenarios the city deals with are related to code enforcement, where a neighbor is concerned about a neighbor’s tree threatening their property. “I’m going to stand up for staff’s reasonableness in these situations. We have a patient staff, we work with our residents,” Juba said. “I realize it is a policy that gives us the authority, but we do also have practices in place that we show a lot of restraint and respect for our residents when exercising that authority.”
He added, “We have a very patient approach to code enforcement in general. We are generally trying to work with people. We issue several notices trying to get ahold of people to discuss what issue might exist on the property in order to find a solution.”
Anderson noted that the proposed changes to the ordinance extend quite a “bit of grace and provide due process” to property owners that isn’t necessarily in the city code currently. For example, the new language would give homeowners 45 days, instead of 20 days, to remove a tree deemed a public nuisance. In addition, the draft ordinance also spells out the appeal process.
Currently, there are approximately 1,700 trees located within the city rights of way that are infested with EAB and need to be removed. If the ordinance doesn’t change, the cost to remove those trees would call for a 50-50 split between the city and the property owner, Kauppi said. “We are taking that burden off of residents,” he said.
Louismet described the ordinance amendment as a positive for both the residents and the city. “We are pretty reasonable working with residents,” he said.
If the ordinance amendment is approved Nov. 12, city staff will then work on bringing back an EAB management plan to the council and authorize an advertisement for bids for tree removal, another requirement of the grant funds the city received.
