Vadnais Heights Press by Press Publications

‘Grease’ captures lightning-in-a-bottle talent

BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER

White Bear Lake Area Schools

production of “Grease” rolls into the high school’s Performing

Arts Center July 23-26.

While the show’s venue is neat, its threads are hip and its sets are “grinchy,” the main highlight is the show’s stacked cast and crew.

“This is the last show

of so many seniors who have been doing shows together since sixth grade,” said director Odelis Garcia Anderson. “We’re having so much fun.”

“We have a lot of

talent, and we were able to utilize it in such a great way,” added Assistant Director Yahaira Nok-Chiclana, a White Bear alumna

SEE ‘GREASE’, PAGE 8

Tree sale brings the benefits of nature to Vadnais Heights

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“I think that I shall never see a thing so lovely as a tree,” said Steve Jorissen, quoting a classic poem by Joyce Kilmer. Jorissen is a member of the Vadnais Heights Green Team, the community group helping to facilitate the upcoming tree sale that will be available to Vadnais Heights residents.

The Green Team is working alongside the city of Vadnais Heights and Tree Trust, a Minnesota nonprofit that works to plant trees in urban areas. Tree saplings can be expensive, but sales such as this one offer trees at a discount rate. Most Vadnais residents can purchase saplings for $60 each, but property owners located in the priority area will be able to buy them for $40. This area is just south of County Road E and stretches roughly from I-35E on the west and Highway 61 on the east.

“This is where we would really like to see the landlords, business owners and apartment owners come snap up a whole bunch of these trees,” Jorissen said. “That’s an open area that really needs trees.”

Some residents will also be eligible to have their trees planted for free. The Vadnais Heights city website has an order form and link to check eligibility for this service.

The benefits of a strong tree canopy are numerous, Jorissen said. One of the most

SEE TREE SALE, PAGE 24

Friendship inspires lasting fight against cancer

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

On May 13, 2022, Kari Moore lost her best friend from college to cancer. Since then, she’s joined the mission of fighting back against the disease.

“Every time the American Cancer Society finds a new option through research, helps a patient get to treatment, or supports another family at Hope Lodge, that's another family that has a chance that Jenny's family missed out on,” said White Bear Lake Area Chamber Executive Director Kari Moore. “So, when I can support their fundraising mission to fund these critical supports, it makes me feel closer to Jae.”

Moore and her best friend, Jenny (Jae) Vannelli, attended Moorhead State University (now Minnesota State University) together. Jae was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 9. After a bone marrow transplant donated by her younger brother, she went into remission. And that remission lasted until she was about 40 years old. She was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma — a rare aggressive cancer that develops in muscles found in organs.

“She spent a couple of years fighting back, feeling good and repeating the cycle. Then she died at age 45,” Moore explained. Jae left behind five children ranging

SEE RELAY FOR LIFE, PAGE 12

CONTRIBUTED

Best friends (from left) Kari Moore, Jenny (Jae) Vannelli and Bobbie Bigwood.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The cast of “Grease” practices for their July 23-26 run at White Bear Lake Area High School’s Performing Arts Center. Pictured cener: Oliver Grawe as Danny and Luisa Maruyama as Sandy.

The article, “White Bear Township says city ‘misled’ them,” in the July 15 issue of the White Bear Press, contained an error. The document the reporter referred to was a memorandum in support of a summary judgment from the city of White Bear Lake’s attorneys, not a summary judgment from a judge. No opinion has been issued regarding the city of White Bear Lake’s request for summary judgment. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

White Bear Lake seeks to reinvest in Birch Lake Boule-

vard property

White Bear Lake will solicit proposals for the sale and possible redevelopment of cityowned property located at 1280 Birch Lake Boulevard North. The city constructed the subject property in 1990. Since its completion, it has served as the offices for the Northeast Youth

and Family Services (NYFS) counseling center. NYFS vacated the property in December 2025, creating the reuse/ redevelopment opportunity.

Recognizing the value of the community’s investment in this property, Community Development Director Jason Lindahl says the city now seeks competitive market-rate proposals for the reuse or redevelopment of this site.

The RFP says the city is open to proposals

that would either reuse the existing building or redevelop the site. The future land use map within the 2040 Comprehensive Plan guides the property as Business Park (BP). Similarly, the property is also zoned BP, which is intended for use in locations where offices, research and development, warehouse and distribution, and production uses are located within proximate access to Interstates for truck traffic.

Support local businesses by voting for the best! Vote once per day in all categories or pick your favorites to support.

CONCERT IN THE PARK

When: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 22

Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center parking lot, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.

Details: Outdoor concert featuring music and entertainment by The Royal Order of Chords and Keys (R.O.C.K.) Treats available; bring a lawn chair or blanket. Canceled if inclement weather. Contact: 651-407-2018 or communityed.mahtomedi. k12.mn.us

GIRL SCOUTS SUMMER NATURE FUN

When: 3-4 p.m. Sunday, July 26

Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township

Details: Girls in grades K-3 can enjoy a nature adventure and try out a new Girl Scout troop in the White Bear Lake/Hugo area.

Contact: forms.gle/956gkqLFH7sp7n529 or 651-3031584

MUSIC IN THE WILDERNESS

When: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26

Where: St. John in the Wilderness Church, 2175 First St., White Bear Lake

Details: Jeffrey Merrill performs Jazz on the piano, with Billy Peterson on bass.

Contact: stjohnwilderness.org/

BIRCHWOOD MUSIC IN THE PARK

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 26

Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park, 410 Lake Ave. Birchwood

Details: The Capri Big Band includes jazz-loving musicians of all ages playing classic songs. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Contact: cityofbirchwood.com

BOBBER-STYLE FISHING CAMP

When: 10 a.m.-noon Monday July 27 to Wednesday, July 29

Where” Tally's Dockside, 4441 Lake Ave. S.

Details: Kids who have completed grades 1-5 can experience the fun of “bobber-style” catch and

release fishing at various spots around White Bear Lake with a guide. Equipment provided to bring your own. Registration required. Contact: 651-407-2018 or communityed.mahtomedi. k12.mn.us

MONEY TALKS: BANKING, ROBBERIES, AND MONEY MOVES

When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 28

Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St.

Details: Learn how banking began, the community's connection to the Federal Banking System, stories of local robberies, and discover how US currency has changed over time.

Contact: whitebearhistory.org

GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF LAKE AVENUE PART 1

When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 29

Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St.

Details: Guided walking tour highlighting the history of the former resorts, boat-building businesses and summer cottages along the shores. Part 1 is from the Armory to Boatworks Commons. Registration required. Contact: whitebearhistory.org

GARAGE SALE DAYS

When: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30 and 8-11 a.m. Friday, July 31

Where: Wildwood Elementary, 8698 75th St. N., Stillwater

Details: Shop for gently used items while supporting youth scholarships through Mahtomedi Community Education. All items are free with a $10 donation. BYOB bag or box to bring items home. Contact: 651-407-2018 or communityed.mahtomedi. k12.mn.us

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 23

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave. Details: Celebrate the beauty of summertime in White Bear Lake. View works of art painted “en plein air,” or outdoors, around the community from July 23-Aug. 27. Contact: 651-407-0597 or wbca@whitebeararts.

Aging is challenging

Health issues have gotten in the way of my column writing. Pain in my lower back has created a great deal of discomfort that Tylenol and CBD cream do not totally relieve. I’ve been to doctors in Florida, Wisconsin and Minnesota who specialize in vertebrae filling and nerve ablation.

About the Town

Gene Johnson

I’ve also had physical therapy in four different locations with some success. The most recent therapist recommended I see a spine specialist. In the last week, I’ve had four steroid injections in the lower spine. That has given me some relief.

We are very fortunate to have good medical care and resources available to us locally. Dr. Moriarity has given me good direction for finding specialists.

Over 20 years ago, I had prostate cancer surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. During the surgery, some cells escaped, so I have been treating that reoccurring cancer every four months under the guidance of Dr. Eugene Kwon at Mayo in Rochester, Minnesota. The treatment keeps the remaining cancer cells from multiplying and relocating.

Celebrating 90 years

In March of this year, our four children hosted a great birthday celebration at our rental home in Cape Coral, Florida. Over 80 people attended the BBQ dinner. Family, boaters and friends were represented from eight states.

Our great-grandson, Patrick, attended with his mom, our granddaughter Meredith, from California. He hugged me and commented, “You’re the best great-grandpa ever!”

Our son Cameron prepared over a dozen racks of ribs. The girls took care of food placement, serving and all the clean-up. What a privilege to have family who pitches in whatever the need.

Lifestyle changes

As Carter indicated in his column last week, Kathy and I have moved to a senior living facility, New Perspectives in White Bear Lake. This is a major adjustment and not always easy. We are discovering a lot of friends who live here and many of them have been White Bear Press readers for years. When I ask residents why they chose this facility most of them say, “Our children live nearby.” They have given us a resident handbook of all the programs they offer and the extra care that is available. The theme of New Perspectives is “Living Life on Purpose.”

A big benefit is three meals a day which are ordered from a menu. Each week, a calendar shows the activities for each day; Bingo night, various speakers, shopping expeditions, a walking club, morning exercise, chair dancing, movie night, coffee and conversation, “Did you Know?” sessions, social hour, and various card and board games.

Midterm elections

Voting is important for the future of our government at all levels. Primary voting begins in August and, often, the turnout is light. Here in Minnesota, television and other media are carrying a lot of messages of what is good for our state and Congress. Our state has been overrun by fraudulent programs that have cost taxpayers hardearned money. Accountability has been lacking because voters have elected people without adequate experience in handling budgets and programs. Don’t complain, just do your homework before you go to the polls to vote. Remember, protection of our democracy depends on your participation by voting.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire – and heart health risks

Smoke from wildfires is rapidly drifting into the U.S. and the American Heart Association warns that this wildfire smoke exposure may pose an increased risk for heart disease.

Movers & Shakers

American Heart Association

“Wildfire smoke contains a lot of pollutants including fine, microscopic particles that can be toxic and cause inflammation and get into the blood vessels,” said Dr. Catherine Benziger, a cardiologist at Essentia Health. “The acute toxic effects include increased risk of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. It may also increase blood pressure and cause dizziness, headaches, strokes, heart attacks and heart failure exacerbations.”

Several research studies have linked smoke exposure to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest and a higher volume of visits to local emergency rooms for other cardiovascular disease-related causes.

In research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023, investigators

found smoke from summertime wildfires that created short-term spikes in fine particulate matter air pollution was significantly associated with same-day hospitalization for unstable chest pain in Utah.

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that exposure to heavy smoke during wildfires raised the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests up to 70%. The risk was elevated among men and women, among adults 35-64 years old and in communities with lower socioeconomic status.

Previous findings from the same research group noted that wildfire smoke exposure was associated with increased rates of emergency room visits, not just for breathing trouble, but also ischemic heart disease, irregular heart rhythm, heart failure, pulmonary embolism and stroke. ER visits increased 42% for heart attacks and 22% for ischemic heart disease within a day of exposure to dense wildfire smoke. The increase was most notable for adults age 65 and older.

People with underlying cardiovascular disease risk factors may be at risk for an acute cardiovascular event when exposed to wildfire smoke. Recognizing the signs of a heart attack or stroke are important. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you have:

• Chest discomfort. Most people

having a heart attack feel discomfort in the center of the chest. It can last more than a few minutes, or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in the arms (one or both), back, neck, jaw and stomach

• Shortness of breath.

• Breaking out in a cold sweat; nausea, rapid or irregular heartbeat, feeling unusually tired; feeling lightheaded

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, offers a zip code-level tracking map of current air quality at airnow.gov. Benziger offers the following tips for reducing exposure to wildfire smoke:

• Stay indoors with doors and windows closed.

• Use high-efficiency air filters in air conditioning systems or portable air cleaners.

• Avoid exertion.

• Keep well hydrated.

• Consider seeking other shelter if your home does not have an air conditioner and it’s too warm to stay inside.

• Be mindful that pets may also be affected by the smoke and bring them indoors, as well.

The American Heart Association has resources to help at www. heart.org.

WHITE BEAR / VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES

• Election season is considered to be when filing first begins until the day of the election. Limited to 350 words. Paid letters running longer will be charged $10 per 30 words after that.

• Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $50 fee. Please call 651-407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement letters are labeled, “paid letter.”

• Letters for or against a candidate will qualify as paid letters. Submissions must include a full name, address and phone number for verification. Letter-writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.

Letters are meant to express opinions. If letter-writers include facts, they must attribute those facts to a reputable source.

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. Repeat unpaid letters by the same writer about the same

subject matter will not be published. Repeat paid endorsement letters will be published as space permits. Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters at the editor’s discretion. Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

• Letters by campaign managers or candidates designed to champion the candidate’s position on a specific issue will be accepted as paid letters.

• Letters reprinted as part of letter-writing campaigns are paid letters. All letters are subject to editing. We reserve the right to not publish any letter.

• The deadline to submit a letter is 5 p.m. Wednesday the week prior to publication. The last batch of letters to be printed before the Nov. 3 election will be printed in the Oct. 20 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.14. To submit a letter, email news@ presspubs.com or mail/deliver it to Press Publications.

End support of flavored tobacco

As the White Bear Township Board considers policy changes on the sale of flavored tobacco, I ask board members to think about what this decision means for young people like me.

As an 18-year-old, I see what trends catch the attention of people my age. Flavored tobacco products are the ones many teens are curious about, and that's no accident. Tobacco companies know exactly what they're doing. They use sweet flavors and colorful packaging to attract young people and mask the harmful effects of nicotine to make lifelong customers.

I support changing White Bear Township's policy on flavored tobacco to send a clear message that our community cares more about the health of our youth than the profits of an industry that depends on getting young people addicted. By not doing anything now, it gives the tobacco industry time to get more new, young customers hooked for life.

The science is clear that nicotine is harmful to growing adolescent brains. Kids and teens need a brain free of nicotine to learn and lungs free of harmful vapor to run and play. We deserve the chance to build healthy futures without becoming addicted to nicotine.

I know there has also been talk of how a potential policy will impact businesses here. I’d ask the board to consider other economic challenges, too, like how much youth would spend on flavored tobacco products once they’re addicted. Our money needs to be put toward furthering our education or training for a future career, not toward an industry that has manipulated us.

To my generation, this policy isn't just about limiting youth access to a highly addictive product. It's about whether adults in our community are willing to stand up for us.

Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products would show us that White Bear Township wants to create a city where younger generations can thrive. I hope the Township Board considers our long-term health and moves forward with a policy change.

Clara Seeley White Bear Township

Loved

article

Thank you for the splendid report written by Graham Johnson in the July 8 issue of the White Bear Press. I’m getting many nice words from friends and strangers alike.

Frank Kuettel White Bear Lake

Washington County Fair’s 1st mascot to debut at

Senior Event

A very young minipig named Baby Penny is the first fair mascot in Washington County Fair’s 155-year history. She will make her debut at the Senior Event on Wednesday, July 29, as part of her “royal duties.”

“Baby Penny is definitely being integrated in our fair this year,” said Marguerite “Margot” Rheinberger, who came up with the idea of having a fair mascot. There is a Baby Penny QR code on signs in and around the fairgrounds, and stickers at the entrance gates. Additionally, many vendors and others at the fair are honoring her in a variety of clever ways, Rheinberger noted. Rheinberger

Appreciate column

Please let Paul Dols know how much I appreciated his column in the July 8 issue of the Vadnais Heights Press. I, too, am a fan of Henry Louis Gates Jr. and "Finding Your Roots."

On July 3, I received an email from a genealogy site that reported I had an ancestor who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The email was very timely, as it hit my inbox a day before the Fourth of July. I have Nordic roots and my ancestor was the only delegate with "Nordic" heritage among the 56 men who signed the Declaration. The family tree for my Nordic ancestry dates back to 1400 with ancestors immigrating to America in the 1650s.

In 1776, my ancestor John Morton cast the deciding vote among the Pennsylvania delegation at the Second Continental Congress. He, like Benjamin Franklin and others, was in favor of independence and separation from the Crown. At that time in history, all of the delegates could have been hanged for treason.

Instead, the Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783) raged on.

John Morton was the first of the 56 signers to die when he succumbed to tuberculosis on April 1, 1777, nearly six years before the end of the war. On his deathbed he is quoted as saying:

"Tell them they shall live to see the hour when they shall acknowledge it to have been the most glorious service I ever rendered to my country."

During these turbulent times, it is a good reminder to acknowledge that our ancestors also experienced turbulent times. As a counterpoint, it is uplifting to witness the millions of World Cup soccer fans who have descended upon America and awakened our national pride.

Sandra Bestland Vadnais Heights

Happy to support schools

As a resident of White Bear Township, and the parent of a WBLAS grade schooler, I’m happy to pay property taxes to support the operations and facilities of ISD 624. Our local schools are accountable and responsive directly to us, and that portion of our property taxes goes directly to funding our kids’ future. My family has made our home here largely because of this community’s shared commitment to public education. Our son gets to see the benefits of that commitment every day, from excellent teachers and support staff to a school that is safe and welcoming.

I’ve recently seen some letters

co-chairs the senior event.

The senior event will be held on the Main Stage, across from Building D on the fairgrounds in Lake Elmo. While the event is officially scheduled to begin at noon, Rheinberger highly recommends people come earlier for seating. Light refreshments will be served and door prize tickets given out until 12:30 p.m. Fifty door prize winners will each receive certificates for four pints of custard.

The musical entertainment runs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Joe Sir and the Rockabilly Revels Band will perform “The Elvis Show: The Las Vegas Years.” There will be reduced gate admission for seniors until 1 p.m. on July 29. There is no cost for parking, admission to the senior event and refreshments.

The Washington County Fair

criticizing the school district’s budgeting, bonding and management of the facilities improvement process. I’m very supportive of careful resource stewardship by the School Board and broad public participation in that process. But I worry that some people are purposely sowing anger in an attempt to undermine the commitment to our kids and our schools. I hope it doesn’t work. Good governance and stewardship are about building, not tearing down.

Peter Marincel White Bear Township Letter needs correction

Ramona Jwanouskos's letter to the editor in the July 8 edition contains errors that deserve correction with respects to Senator Gustafson’s record.

First, facts matter. The 2024-2025 session was not “controlled by DFL in both chambers” as she states. In 2025, the House was a 67-67 tie.

Second, on vehicle tabs: Sen. Gustafson voted for reducing tab fees. That's in the record.

Third, let's talk about what Sen. Gustafson has actually delivered in terms of helping her constituents with affordability. She authored the bill eliminating the state tax on Social Security income, putting real money back in the pockets of Minnesota retirees. She authored the school meals bill that saves the average family roughly $2,000 a year in grocery costs. And this session, she helped deliver $125 million in property tax relief, along with significant funding for food banks and food shelves. That's real relief for families on a budget.

And while we are talking about who has actually voted for affordability: in 2023, Minnesota passed the largest tax cut in state history, including a one-time $300 million public safety aid program funding for local governments. Every single Republican voted against it.

Steven Jorissen Vadnais Heights

Taxed too much

New York’s insane mayor is the only politician more screwed up than our governor.

Texas and Florida are gaining momentum with huge companies moving to their state with corporatesensible programs. More jobs, more than fair taxes overall. What do we do? We tax the hell out of everything, hand out everything. Look like clowns. Case in point. While in Europe this spring, we had two separate individuals, one in Amsterdam and another in Paris, ask, “What is wrong

runs from July 29 through Aug. 2. See: washingtoncountyfair. org. Call Margot Rheinberger at 612-406-2604 with questions about the senior event.

Park

visitors invited to participate in study

You might notice county staff in bright vests chatting with visitors in the park and on trails this summer. They’re part of the 2026 Regional Parks & Trails Visitor Study. Led by the Metropolitan Council in partnership with Wilder Research, the study helps improve parks and trails across the Twin Cities region. To learn more about the survey, visit www.metrocouncil.org/ parkvisitor.

with your governor; why can’t you get rid of him?”

Must be bad if they are aware of it so far away.

Dave Brockel White Bear Township

Response to letter

If I may respond to Susan Williams’ reply to my letter in the White Bear Press July 15, I believe Ms. Williams’ words confirm my point. Constant references made year after year in the classroom to differences and inequalities toward certain groups of people can backfire. It may seem to a child in a classroom which focuses lessons on inequitable treatment to various ethnic groups or dissimilarities such as skin color that those lessons are showing preference for the groups that are claimed to be wronged and in the present time ignoring those who are not from those groups. Case in point: a program for gifted students was initiated at my daughter’s school. The selected few who were participating were called out of the classroom in the middle of the day for special classes. When a new teacher asked what was going on, she was told by one child that “those of us left behind are the dumb kids.”

Would those children who do not fit the ethnic categories of this curriculum feel as if there is something wrong with them because of what went on before their time? How is this addressed in the new curriculum? And again, I ask who created this curriculum? Has it been tested in the classroom to ascertain students’ responses to what is taught? Has Ms. Williams read through it? She has her own ideas of how children should be made aware of differences, but can that be done without laying guilt on current students who had no part in the past? It almost sounds like a reparations program. And 12 years of it isn’t indoctrination?

I would ask, as long as Ms. Williams mentioned inclusive classrooms, are students with disabilities part of the inclusiveness to be taught? That is one group of students that is frequently overlooked, ignored, and exiled — out of sight, out of mind. If there is to be a curriculum dedicated to enlightening students to the inequalities and discrimination of past years to the present, the disabled should be No. 1 on the list.

County parks seeking volunteers

Washington County Parks is seeking volunteers for two roles — park ambassadors and park counts.

Park ambassadors are welcoming and informative individuals who are passionate about county parks. Ambassadors greet park visitors near trailheads in the parks and provide information about programs, park facilities, amenities, current projects and park rules. Park ambassador shifts are flexible in terms of day/ times and park location.

Park counts help record visitation numbers. Counters are stationed at a variety of trailheads or park entrances for two-hour shifts between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Volunteer shifts are

available through Labor Day. To sign up for a volunteer opportunity or to learn more, fill out a volunteer interest form online at www.washingtoncountymn.gov/FormCenter/ Parks-20/Volunteer-Interest-Form-217. Background checks are required for both roles.

County Board approves temporary liquor license application

The Washington County Board of Commissioners has approved two temporary on-sale liquor license applications from Washington County Agricultural Society. The temporary onsale liquor licenses are for the Washington County Fair from July 29 through Aug. 2.

Cindy Paslawski White Bear Lake

WASHINGTON COUNTY BRIEFS

COPS&COURTS

The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

Criminal damage to property was reported in the 1800 block of Birch Street July 8.

• Fishing equipment was stolen in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue July 8.

• A man who was soliciting funds and refused to leave the 4600 block of Highway 61 July 8 was located and advised to stop.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2100 block of Third Street July 8.

• Officers responded to a disorderly incident in the 2200 block of Elm Drive July 8.

• Harassment was reported in the 2600 block of Riviera Drive South July 8.

• A Stillwater man was arrested for DWI and test refusal charges in addition to possible charges for driving after revocation and open container violations following a traffic stop in the 4000 block of White Bear Avenue July 8.

• Theft was reported in the 4000 block of White Bear Avenue July 8.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1800 block of County Road F July 8.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road July 8.

• Officers assisted Ramsey County probation officers in the 2200 block of Fifth Street July 9.

• Officers responded to a civil issue in the 2200 block of Elm Drive July 9.

• Harassment was reported in the 2200 block of County Road E July 9.

• A man was cited and released for traffic offenses following an accident near County Road F and Bellaire Avenue where one party was transported to St. John's Hospital July 9.

• A vehicle versus bicycle accident occurred near Fourth Street and Bloom Avenue July 9.

• Officers responded to a civil issue in the 5000 block of Stewart Avenue July 9.

• Theft was reported in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue July 9.

• A disorderly male was reported in the 1500 block of County Road E July 9.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:

Dellwood

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a trespassing report June 15 on Apple Orchard Court, where they found and identified the suspect before taking the inevitable action.

• A speedy motorist was cited for that violation June 16 on Dellwood Road N. and Meadow Lane N.

Grant

• Fraudulent credit card activity was reported June 15 from a Maple Street address.

• Property owners of a vacant lot in the

• Theft was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road July 9.

• Officers assisted in locating a missing person in the 3700 block of Van Dyke Street July 9.

• Officers mediated a fight in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road July 9.

• Theft was reported in the 2100 block of Orchard Lane July 9.

• A hit-and-run accident involving a parked vehicle was reported near the intersection of Fourth Street and Lake Avenue July 9.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1700 block of County Road E July 10.

• A disorderly male was trespassed from a business in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road July 10.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI and felony drug charges after officers were flagged down in the 1800 block of County Road F for a person passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle July 10.

• A bike was stolen in the 2100 block of Second Street July 10.

A hit-and-run involving a parked vehicle was reported in a parking lot in the 1800 block of Highway 96 July 10.

• A White Bear Lake resident with two juvenile passengers was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near Bellaire Avenue and Mayfair Avenue.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 4700 block of Highway 61 July 11.

• An unwanted male was trespassed in the 4300 block of Lake Avenue S. July 11.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road July 11.

• Graffiti was found in the Lions Park restroom July 11.

• A dog was found in the 2100 block of Cedar Avenue July 11 and brought to Otter Lake Animal Care Center.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 1900 block of Campbell Circle July 11.

A man was arrested on Buerkle Road on two active felony warrants and for suspected methamphetamines July 11.

• Officers responded to a verbal argument between a man and woman in the 2000 block of Spruce Place

11000 block of McKusick Road under construction on June 16 reported that trucks were driving off the road and onto their lot without permission and leaving tire tracks all over the place. The complainant said that when a neighbor tried to take pictures of the trucks trespassing, one of them drove at her.

• A business in the 8000 block of Lofton Avenue N. on June 17 reported an employee stealing from the company.

• Packages were reported dumped on the side of the roadway in the 10000 block of 107th Street N. on June 17. Deputies found the packages and alerted the public works department to pick them up.

• A resident in the 10000 block of Joliet Avenue N. on June 18 reported fraudulent activity on multiple accounts, where someone opened credit card

Weekly Outlook

Frank Watson

July 11.

• A fireworks complaint was reported near the intersection of Hazel Street and Floral Drive July 12. A Blaine man was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault in the 3100 block of Karth Road July 12.

• Officers responded to a report of an unsheltered person sleeping at a business in the 4600 block of Centerville Road July 12.

• Multiple owners of off-leash dogs were advised July 12.

• Officers assisted with a civil problem in the 2100 block of First Street July 12.

• A vehicle was stolen in the 3100 block of Century Avenue July 13.

• A Minneapolis man was cited for theft in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road July 13.

• Theft was reported in the 1400 block of Highway 96 July 13.

• Officers responded to an e-bike complaint near the intersection of Birch Lake Blvd. and Otter Lake Road July 13.

Disorderly conduct was reported July 13 in the 1800 block of Birch Street and the 2000 block of County Road E.

• A Mahtomedi man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 2200 block of Eighth Street.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 4800 block of Highway 61 July 13.

Theft was reported in the 4500 block of Lake Avenue July 14.

• Officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 2100 block of Division Court July 14.

• A male was trespassed from a business in the 4600 block of Centerville Road July 14.

• Officers responded to a missing persons call in the 3700 block of Van Dyke Street July 14.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 2200 block of Fifth Street July 14.

• A domestic incident was reported in the 5100 block of Long Avenue July 15.

Officers assisted Oakdale police in searching for a woman with felony warrants who fled on foot in the 5400 block of Geneva Avenue, Oakdale, and in the 3700 block of Hoffman Road. She was not located.

accounts and took out personal loans in her name. The complainant, who reported the activity to the FTC and her banking institutions, suffered no monetary loss. She made the report to receive a case number for her records.

• Residents in the 10000 block of 75th Street N. on June 18 reported three teens riding a golf cart on their property. Deputies contacted the juveniles and their parents to advise them of the complaint. The parents made it clear that the children would stay away from the complainant’s property.

• Deputies were called out at 10:29 p.m. June 19 to conduct a welfare check on a male walking along the highway in the 10000 block of 60th Street N. They found the male who had run out of gas and provided him with a round-trip courtesy ride to the gas station and back to his vehicle.

• Deputies cited two motorists for speeding on Manning Avenue June 21, the first at 97th Street N., and the second at Dellwood Road N.

Mahtomedi

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Mahtomedi Avenue June 15 with a male sleeping inside. After the male was found to be homeless and no crimes were committed, he was referred to the Washington County Emergency Housing Center.

• At parks around the city in the summertime, people must be reminded that it’s not OK to hang around in them all night long and that there are patrolling deputies awake at those hours to remind us all. At 12:32 a.m. June 16 deputies found a suspicious vehicle parked at White Bear Beach park and made its owners leave the park after they returned to

their vehicle. Meanwhile, at Katherine Abbott Park on Lincolntown Avenue, deputies found an occupied, running vehicle in the parking lot at 3:01 a.m. that same morning. Contact with the two individuals inside resulted in written warnings for both.

• Deputies trying to serve a St. Louis County Department of Corrections warrant on a male from the group home on Quail Street June 16 met resistance from staff. The male was not found, and uncooperative staff said he left on foot 30 minutes prior to deputies’ arrival.

• A motorist on Hilton Trail N. and Stillwater Road was cited by patrolling deputies June 17 for failure to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for failure to maintain just one lane. Deputies cited another motorist the same day for expired registration, after a traffic stop for speeding on Long Lake Road. A third motorist was cited June 18 on Long Lake Road and Century Avenue for driving after revocation and failure to provide proof of insurance. A fourth motorist was cited at 3:05 a.m. June 21 on southbound I-694 east of Century Avenue for driving after revocation.

• Deputies needed to intervene in a Door Dash transaction on Stillwater Road June 18 after the driver dropped off the wrong order.

After responding to an address on Stillwater Road about juveniles shooting each other with Orbeez guns on June 20, deputies spoke to the juveniles and a parent about the disturbance caused by their activities.

• A teenager was cited for undisclosed violations at 10:18 p.m. June 20 after deputies responded to a juvenile party disturbance on Dahlia Street and Forest Avenue.

School board unanimously approves 2 long-term facility maintenance plans

BY SARAH BAKEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The White Bear Lake Area School Board unanimously approved two long-term facility maintenance action plans at the July 13 meeting – one for White Bear Lake Area Schools’ own buildings, and the other for the Northeast Metro District 916’s property.

Director of Finance Andi Johnson presented an estimated $12.6 million in maintenance projects for the district’s own buildings for the 2027-28 school year. A categorized list of planned projects and associated costs was provided in the meeting materials, with the highest projected cost being $3 million for casework replacement, $2 million for professional services and design, and $1.9 million for boiler and steam system replacements. This presentation is routine — a long-term maintenance plan for White Bear Lake Area Schools’ properties is brought to the school board every July.

Following the board’s approval, the next step is for the Minnesota

Department of Education to approve the plans. If that happens, the necessary revenue for the improvement projects will be included in the district’s property tax levy this fall. Though the district goes into each year with detailed project plans, Johnson addressed the changing nature of maintenance needs.

“Because we’re planning for a year or two in advance, we recognize that facility needs change, priorities change and costs may change,” Johnson said. “The plan will remain responsive to those needs moving forward.”

The board approved a second long-term maintenance plan for the Northeast Metro 916 school district. Northeast Metro 916 is an affiliated school district that provides specialized education, often for students with complex disabilities and behavioral needs, to public school districts in the North Metro. The district also provides area learning centers and career and technical education that individual districts may not be able to run efficiently on their own.

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

• On July 5 in the 20 block of West County Road F, multiple 911 callers reported that someone broke the windows on their vehicles, which were parked on the street. The matter is under investigation.

• On July 5, near County Road D, a woman reported that an ex-boyfriend broke her kitchen window because she wouldn’t open the door, came inside, took a nap and left. The incident is under investigation.

• On July 7 in the 60 block of Southwood Drive, a 911 caller reported an ongoing issue related to a neighbor’s cat wandering into his garage. An animal control officer noted a past warning that was delivered to the cat’s owner and sent a citation this time.

• On July 7 in the 700 block of North Oak Drive, water patrol responded to a death investigation. RCSO has assigned an investigator to the case.

• On July 7 in the 3300 block of Highway 61, a Buerkle Hyundai employee reported the business’s garage performed mechanical services on a silver Hyundai Santa Fe owned by an 81-year-old man from Woodbury who left without paying. The incident is under investigation.

• On July 7 in the 800 block of East County Road E, a noncompliant 30-year-old man from St. Cloud was detained in hand restraints. He, along with a 31-year-old woman from Maplewood, were cited for theft and given a trespass notice after they were stopped by Walmart asset protection employees who saw them fail to scan merchandise at the selfcheckout registers.

• On July 8 in the 1000 block of East County Road D, deputies assisted members of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office in executing a search warrant.

• On July 8 in the 1000 block of East County Road E, deputies issued a trespass notice to a 25-year-old man from Mounds View after responding to a 911 hangup and learning he had been stealing food from a Panera restaurant.

White Bear Lake Area Schools is one of 13 districts represented on the 916 School Board. It is a responsibility for all districts involved to pay a share of the 916’s long-term maintenance needs for its properties annually. A categorized list of expenses was provided in the meeting materials.

This year, White Bear Lake’s share of maintenance needs is 9.3%, amounting to $55,703. A packet

DNR announces state park license plate design contest

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is inviting Minnesotans to help in creating the next Minnesota state parks license plate. The theme for this plate is the North Shore and the Lake Superior agate. The North Shore refers to the western shoreline of Lake Superior from Duluth to the Canadian border.

The DNR encourages anyone with a connection to Minnesota's outdoors to participate. Artistic experience isn't required — creative ideas from Minnesotans of all backgrounds are welcome.

was provided to School Board members disclosing what the other 12 districts that benefit from 916’s services are paying in, and what amounts they are responsible for. Each district’s contribution is based on a blended rate that takes net tax capacity into account.

For a copy of meeting materials, visit: https://www.isd624.org/about/ school-board/meeting-materials.

Shore and the Lake Superior agate, our Minnesota state gemstone,” DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said.

“Across generations, Minnesotans have walked the North Shore’s rocky beaches hoping to find a Lake Superior agate, and this new plate will celebrate that heritage as well as the scenic beauty of this landscape.”

• On July 9 in the 3200 block of Greenbrier Street, a 73-year-old woman reported that someone went into her vehicle and stole her purse. The incident is under investigation.

• On July 10 at the intersection of East County Road E and Talmage Circle, deputies responded along with medics to a two-vehicle crash involving a 25-year-old male motorcyclist and a 20-yearold woman who told them the collision happened while both drivers were attempting to pull into a gas station. The motorcyclist was transported to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. The matter is under investigation.

• On July 10 on Magnolia Lane, deputies responded to a report of a woman in medical distress. They arrived to find medics performing CPR on a 37-year-old woman from Minneapolis who — according to her present family who rendered aid until medics arrived — suffered a seizure before going into cardiac arrest.

• On July 11 at the intersection of Rice Street and I-694, a 68-year-old woman from Roseville reported that someone struck and damaged her Jeep Wrangler while it was at a Holiday gas station, then drove away without exchanging information with her. The matter is under investigation.

White Bear Township

• On July 7 in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive, deputies cited a 28-year-old man from Coon Rapids for theft after he was seen by Cub Foods employees opening a package of seltzer, removing two cans and leaving the store without paying before attempting to leave the scene in a Kia Forte.

• On July 10 in the 2600 block of Arbor Drive, a 56-year-old woman reported that she was out for a walk with her dog, who escaped and bit a 25-year-old woman on her ankle. Deputies called the victim, who said that both ankles were bitten, but the skin was punctured on one. She did not want anything to happen to the dog and declined to provide anything further. Deputies advised the dog’s owner to quarantine the 6-year-old, 18-pound terrier mix for 10 days. She responded that she’d already enrolled her in obedience class.

Vehicles with the new plate, which is expected to be available for purchase in January 2027, will be able to enter all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas without a vehicle permit.

“This exciting contest will both benefit Minnesota state parks and trails as well as showcase the iconic North

New resources help parents, caregivers prevent and identify physical infant abuse

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released new tools for parents and caregivers aimed at preventing and identifying abuse in infants age 6 months and younger. The Minnesota Legislature passed Statute 144.124 in 2025, which directed MDH to make resources available to educate parents and caregivers on the signs of physical abuse in infants and how to report it. MDH has developed a new webpage, fact sheet and series of social media posts to help families identify warning signs of physical abuse in babies 6 months old and younger and provide information about seeking immediate medical attention. Health care providers are also encouraged to use the educational resources during well-baby visits.

"Ensuring that parents and caregivers recognize the red flags for serious injury in babies is a vital step in protecting our most vulnerable Minnesotans," said Dr. Robsan Tura, assistant commissioner for the MDH Health Improvement Bureau. "By providing clear, accessible information during

Contestants can begin working on their designs now. Entries will be accepted online via the DNR website this fall from Sept. 15 through Oct. 31. A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on criteria such as creativity, quality, representation of the theme and suitability as a license plate image. Three finalists will be selected in late November, and their designs will be posted on the DNR website. Minnesotans will then have the opportunity to vote for their favorite design. Online voting will take place in early December. The winning design will be announced in mid-December.

the first months of life, we are giving families and caregivers the tools they need to act quickly, trust their instincts and seek help before a situation becomes a tragedy."

Signs of physical abuse in infants can include bruising, mouth or facial injuries, as well as symptoms of abusive head trauma (also called Shaken Baby Syndrome). Infants under 6 months of age are more likely to experience serious physical abuse than older children. In 2025, there were 195 infant physical abuse cases opened for a child protection response in Minnesota.

"Physicians throughout Minnesota see firsthand the devastating, lifelong impacts of physical abuse in infants," said Dr. Katie Smentek, president of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Early intervention saves lives and I am proud to support efforts to educate parents and caregivers on how to identify symptoms that indicate a baby needs urgent medical attention.”

The new resources also provide information on how to report possible abuse and provide additional support for parents and caregivers. For more information, visit www.health.state. mn.us/people/womeninfants/infantabuse.html.

Come and reconnect with old friends and share stories and laughs as we move forward in life. Please spread the word! Let your classmates know.

‘GREASE’: White Bear Community Education’s summer

who played the lead in the school’s 2025 production of “Legally Blonde.” Many of the show’s principal characters played prominent roles in last fall’s “Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” or this spring’s “Dear Evan Hansen,” and have been featured in this paper’s Arts and Culture page as Emerging Artists.

Nok-Chiclana is excited to be working in the PAC, as construction on the space was completed after she graduated. “There’s so many more opportunities that we have,” she said.

Luisa Maruyama, who plays Sandy in “Grease” and literally soared as the Fairy Godmother last fall compared how the upcoming show is using the PAC’s capabilities. “We’re not flying a person, but we are flying sets. We’ll be flying in different backdrops to change scenes.” Maruyama noted that the drive-in movie scene will have a specialized starry background.

“We’re using the star drape for that and a couple other scenes as well,” said the show’s light designer Jacob Pasiuk, who was ISD 624’s first student to be admitted into the Hennepin Arts Technical Theater Career Pathway. For “Grease,” Pasiuk was excited to experiment with new angles of light and shadow. “There’s big reveal moments where the lights go up … and the audience goes, ‘Whoa, didn’t see that there.’”

Attendees, however, will not be able to miss the cast dynamics.

“‘Grease’ is totally a show where you can be with your friends for a while and not think too much,” said Oliver Grawe, who plays Danny Zuko and received a Hennepin Arts Evaluator Shout-Out last fall. “‘Grease’ is so famous … You know how great these people are.” Grawe is speaking not only about the characters, but also the people playing them. Graduating seniors play many of the show’s parts.

“We knew that this summer show would be our last hurrah as a generation of White Bear Lake,” said Lucas Maahs, who plays the greaser Roger and received Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role from Hennepin Arts last fall. “We’ve gotten really lucky with such a talented group of seniors … it’s the perfect ending for us.”

“Grease” was also an opportunity for the older cast members to pass knowledge on to the next generation.

“They all take a lot of time out of their lives to bond with younger casemates and talk to them

— almost like older siblings,” said incoming sophomore Ben Storelee, who plays Teen Angel. “Most of the people who come to the show probably know it. I hope what’s taken away after seeing the show is not the story, but us.”

Performances of “Grease” run from July 23-26 at the White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center, 5040 Division Ave., Door A. For tickets and more information, visit sites.google.com/ isd624.org/wblas-summer-community-theatre/ box-office.

cast of “Grease” runs a dress rehearsal. The cast consists of

Culture page. Odelis Garcia Anderson directs with Yahaira Nok-Chiclana as assistant director.

Pictured center: Ethan Christensen practices choreography for “Greased Lightning.”

Pictured center: Holly Flood, who plays Rizzo, poses with her Pink Ladies.

Fairview breaks ground on major St. John's Hospital expansion

Fairview St. John's Hospital is expanding to meet the health care needs of a rapidly growing and evolving east metro. The hospital has broken ground on a transformative project that will significantly increase capacity and enhance access to care for people across the region.

The project includes approximately 200,000 square feet of new construction and 30,000 square feet of renovations, nearly doubling the hospital's current footprint. The expansion will increase emergency, surgical, heart and vascular, critical care and inpatient capacity while creating more coordinated, patient-centered spaces that can adapt as care continues to evolve.

"Generations of East Metro families have come to St. John’s to welcome babies, receive care during emergencies and recover from illness," said Will Nicholson, MD, vice president of medical affairs and hospitalist at St. John's Hospital. "This expansion is an investment in those families and in our ability to meet the healthcare needs of our community for decades to come.”

For more than 160 years, St. John's Hospital has grown alongside the east metro. As the region's health care needs have changed, the hospital has expanded its services, technology and expertise to bring more advanced care closer to home. Through Fairview's partnership with University of Minnesota Physicians, patients have access to nationally recognized specialists, leading-edge research and the latest medical advancements without leaving their community.

"The East Metro is growing, becoming more diverse and bringing new healthcare needs with it," said Danielle Gathje, vice president of operations at St. John's Hospital. “By expanding capacity, advancing our heart and tertiary care services, bringing more specialists together under one roof, and improving the patient experience, we're making it easier for people to access high-quality, affordable and equitable care close to home."

Project highlights include:

14 new surgical suites built to current standards

• A new hybrid operating room to support complex vascular procedures

• A second dedicated heart surgery operating room to increase capacity for scheduled and emergency cardiac procedures

• Expanded robotic surgery capabilities, allowing for more minimally invasive procedures that can reduce recovery times and length of hospital stays

• A significantly expanded emergency department

• 36 new inpatient beds, including 24 intensive care unit beds and 12 intermediate care beds

• Renovations and upgrades to laboratory, sterile processing, mechanical systems and other essential support services

The hospital’s design also includes space to support future growth and changing models of care. Existing patient care areas will receive updates and refreshes, while renovations throughout the hospital will improve functionality and the experience of patients, visitors and care teams.

The project was designed in partnership with HDR Inc., a nationally recognized architecture and engineering firm specializing in health care facilities. The expansion is expected to be completed in summer 2028.

White Bear Lake Area

Fairview St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood breaks ground this week on approximately 200,000 square feet of new construction and 30,000 square feet of renovations, nearly doubling the hospital’s current footprint.

A side view of the building. The expansion will increase emergency, surgical, heart and vascular, critical care and inpatient capacity.

A rendering of a patient room. The expansion will create 36 new inpatient beds, including 24 intensive care unit beds and 12 intermediate care beds.

• Mahtomedi contracts with the law firm Eckberg Lammers P.C. to prosecute low-level crime within the city. These crimes include petty misdemeanors (non-criminal adult traffic offenses); misdemeanors (DWI, assault, theft, property crime and ordinance violations) and gross misdemeanors (more serious DWI and assault). Their work does not include juvenile offenses and some statutorily assigned gross misdemeanors. Joe Van Thomme presented the council with the 2026 update on the scope of prosecution services, trends, the prosecution team and its plans moving forward, and Mahtomedi case numbers from 2021-2025. The number of Mahtomedi cases prosecuted from 2021 to 2025 increased from 298 in 2021 to 626 in 2025. From

2024 to 2025, the city saw a big jump in crime with 232 more total cases, 60% of which are due to traffic violations, Van Thomme said.

tate LLC, Century College, Lincoln Square and others. Council unanimously approved the new joint powers agreement.

• Council approved Amendment No. 2 of an agreement for law enforcement services from Washington County through the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The amended agreement notes that the portion stating “the total duration of the agreement, including all renewal terms, shall not exceed five (5) years” will be deleted. The total contracted cost for the cities of Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie is $753,516,29. Mahtomedi’s share is 75.9%, or $571,918.86.

• Although the city won’t pay out any money or have its bond rating or debt affected, it must approve the issuing of bonds in connection with upcoming bond financing for the acquisition of New Perspective Mahtomedi at 111 and 113 East Avenue, according to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Citadel Housing I Inc., a Georgia nonprofit corporation, has asked the Public Finance Authority, a commission organized under the State of Wisconsin law, to issue its senior living revenue bonds to finance its acquisition of five facilities for senior memory care in three states, including one in Minnesota. The Minnesota facility is on East Avenue and will cost $10 million. The cost for all five facilities in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Minnesota is $165 million. As part of Wisconsin law, a public hearing was required before Mahtomedi could approve the issuance of bonds for the new buyer. No operational changes are expected for residents or employees, and the facility will operate as it has been operating.

• Following a short public hearing, council approved a petition from the property owners of 641 and 645 Warner Avenue S. to consider vacating a plat dedicated to drainage and utility easements at those properties. The property owners also petitioned for an administrative lot line adjustment which would transfer a piece of property from the parents at 641 Warner Avenue N. to their daughter at 645 Warner Avenue N. Following the lot line adjustment, the drainage and utility easements running along the current property line would serve no purpose. Staff reviewed the request and determined that there were no concerns with vacating the existing drainage and utility easements.

• The cities of Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake have previously entered into joint powers agreements, dating from 1983 through 2008, related to White Bear Lake’s provision of sanitary sewer and water utility services to various properties along the border between the cities, especially along Wildwood Road and Century Avenue. Both cities want to continue this arrangement, and both cities have decided to terminate the multiple existing agreements and roll them all into one new agreement defining each agency’s role and responsibilities. Some of the properties involved include East Shore Place, Dairy Queen, Auto Edge, Chuck and Don’s Grooming and store, the gas station and repair shop at 1000 Wildwood Road, JPH Real Es-

• Council approved the service contract between Washington County and the City of Mahtomedi to continue the county organic drop-off site at the fire station parking lot until Dec. 31.

• Following the presentation from Van Thomme of Eckberg Lammers P.C., city criminal prosecutors, council approved the three-year contract for criminal prosecution legal services with the firm. The annual fee paid by the city will increase by 3.5% every year through 2029. The city will pay $38,391.27 for 2027 and 3.5% more each year after that.

• It’s election season again, and the election judges are lined up: council approved a resolution to appoint election judges for the Aug. 11 Primary Election. Both Mahtomedi polling places will be at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road. Precinct 1 will have 12 judges on duty and Precinct 2 will have 13 judges.

• City staff were approached by the owners of a single-family residence at 200 Warner Avenue S. with a request to be allowed to maintain their existing detached garage while constructing a new detached garage on their property. Because the total square footage of the existing garage and the new garage would exceed the allowable square footage for such accessory structures on the property, an agreement was prepared for approval by the council and property owners. The agreement approved by council outlines the requirements for the removal of the existing garage after the new garage goes up. The agreement states that if the old garage is not removed, the city can obtain a court order requiring its removal and that the property owners must pay any legal fees incurred to enforce the agreement.

Loretta Harding

FINANCIAL PLANNING

A midyear money check, before summer gets expensive FINANCIAL PLANNING

A midyear money check, before summer gets expensive

BY SHIVAM VASHISHTHA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

BY SHIVAM VASHISHTHA

July has a way of making extra spending feel ordinary.

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A few more trips to the grocery store. A higher electric bill after a hot stretch. More water used on the lawn. A weekend outing. A sports registration. A cart full of back-to-school items before anyone is ready to admit summer is moving that quickly.

July has a way of making extra spending feel ordinary. A few more trips to the grocery store. A higher electric bill after a hot stretch. More water used on the lawn. A weekend outing. A sports registration. A cart full of back-to-school items before anyone is ready to admit summer is moving that quickly.

None of those costs may feel dramatic on their own. But for households in White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights, Hugo and Centerville, summer is a useful time to pause and look at where the year’s budget is actually going.

Financial planning is often treated as something people do in January, around tax season or when a major life event forces the issue. July may be just as important though. Half the year is already gone, several seasonal expenses are still ahead and there is still time to make adjustments before fall and winter costs arrive.

One place to start is the utility bill.

Energy bills are not only a winter concern in our state. Everything including, but not limited to, air conditioning, dehumidifiers, fans, extra laundry, electronics and longer days at home can all push summer usage higher. In late June, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved an electric rate increase for Xcel Energy customers, allowing the company to collect about 5.8% more from Minnesota customers.

That does not mean every household’s bill will rise by the same amount. The total still depends on how much electricity a household uses. But it does make summer habits a bit more important.

To save money, families do not necessarily need to make their homes uncomfortable. Rather, small changes can help: closing blinds during the hottest part of the day, replacing dirty air filters, using ceiling fans properly, running full loads of laundry and dishes and avoiding heat-producing chores during peak afternoon heat.

Water is another summer cost that can quietly grow.

In White Bear Lake, the city utility bills include water, sewer, trash and recycling charges. Whereas in Hugo, the city uses a conservation rate structure, meaning customers pay based partly on how much water they use, and the rate increases as usage rises. Moreover, Hugo also limits municipal water irrigation to odd-even days and prohibits irrigation between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Vadnais Heights has also put more attention on outdoor water use. The city’s lawn and landscape watering policy limits residents to certain watering days and prohibits watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The city notes that water loss is greatest during that window. It has also offered rebates for smart irrigation controllers, which adjust watering based on rain or soil moisture.

Those rules are not only environmental. They are also financial. Watering in the heat of the day wastes more water. A sprinkler timer set months ago can quietly affect a quarterly bill. For households trying to manage summer costs, checking the irrigation schedule may be as practical as checking the bank account.

Food costs are another place where small changes add up. Federal inflation data released in July showed that grocery prices were 2.7% higher than a year earlier, while food away

from home was 3.4% higher. That means the difference between cooking at home and eating out still matters, especially when summer schedules make convenience spending easier to justify.

July is also the beginning of another budget season: back-toschool spending.

Even families without children in school can feel the seasonal pull of sales, clothes, supplies, sports gear, electronics and household restocking. Minnesota does exempt general-use clothing from sales tax, but not everything bought for school or activities receives the same treatment. Backpacks, sports equipment and many protective items are taxable.

That makes a list more useful than a sale sign. Shoes, clothing, backpacks, activity fees, school supplies and technology can quickly become one large late-summer bill if they are not planned ahead.

A midyear financial check does not need to be complicated.

First, compare the last two or three utility bills with the same period last year. Look beyond the amount due and check the usage. If usage is higher, habits may need adjusting. If usage is similar but the bill rose, rate changes or fees may be part of the answer.

Second, write down known costs for August and September. It might be a good idea to include school expenses, sports or activity fees, insurance renewals, subscriptions, travel, car maintenance and any expected home repairs. Costs are easier to manage when they are visible before they are urgent.

Third, protect a small emergency buffer. Summer spending may feel harmless in the moment, but a household with no cushion is probably more likely to rely on a credit card when the car, furnace, appliance or medical bill arrives later.

The point of a July money check is not to stop enjoying summer. Rather, it’s to keep ordinary summer spending from quietly taking control of the year.

A good budget is not built only around the biggest bills. It is built around the small ones people notice early enough to do something about.

WHITE BEAR LAKE RELAY FOR LIFE: ‘Inhale

in age from 4 to 14. In 2022, Moore decided to move her family from Clarksville, Tennessee, back to her home state of Minnesota so she could better support Jae’s family.

Last year for the first time, Moore walked the Relay for Life in White Bear Lake to support the cause and greet chamber members involved in the event. When she saw the Milk Mart Ice Cream truck, everything came full circle: that truck was hired to provide ice cream to those who attended Jae’s funeral.

“Relay for Life is a sad reminder of what I've lost. And it is the most spectacular demonstration of the community safety net that can be created inside of that vacuum,” Moore explained. “Walking into Relay for Life for the first time feels like walking into kindergarten; you don't know what to expect, you might not have any friends (yet), but the people you need most in this moment are there waiting for you on the other side of the door.”

Moore says Jae’s mantra through her adult cancer journey was “inhale courage, exhale fear.”

“Jenny was always fierce. She was strong and feisty. She refused to ever show weakness ... Maybe she had those traits because of her childhood leukemia; maybe she was always that person,” Moore recalled. “But

Relay for Life

When: 4 p.m.

Friday, July 31

courage, exhale fear’

Where: White Bear Lake Area High School, 5045

Division Ave.

Details: The 32nd annual White Bear Lake Relay for Life draws hundreds of cancer survivors and their caregivers, friends and families from across the metro for a fun, family-friendly evening of live music, powerful speakers, food trucks, online silent auction, games and fun.

Contact: www. wbrelay.org

when she got sick again at first, I thought that research had come so far and she was impossibly stubborn, and so she would be protected and would just get through it. In her last four years, she ended up going through a few cycles of illness-diagnosis-treatment-remission, and we mourned and celebrated every time.”

She added, “Watching her go through it after already beating it was deeply disorienting. So many people survive cancer. She had survived cancer. The unfairness of it was hard to reconcile.”

Losing Jae has taught Moore to inhale courage and exhale fear.

“It’s in the small moments. It's smiling when the song

‘Getting Jiggy with It’ comes on. It's craving to watch ‘Friends’ or ‘The Sweetest Thing.’ It's choosing to eat almond M&Ms before I eat my meal. It's fiercely loving on and advocating for her five kids, and in doing so, it's ending up at extra hockey games, wrestling matches, dance competitions or ice-skating shows.”

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

Jenny (center) did the survivor’s walk with Nolia (left) and Emma (right). Nolia and Emma are Bobbie Bigwood’s daughters.

RELAY

WHITE BEAR LAKE RELAY FOR LIFE

Each year, White Bear Lake and the surrounding communities light luminaries, small white bags with the name of someone lost to cancer or who is fighting, and those luminaries glow against the night sky in testimony to each cancer battle fought. Relay For Life of White Bear Lake, started by local residents Keith & Patty Warner, attracts hundreds of cancer survivors, their caregivers, friends, families, and neighbors to this moving and fun community event celebrating its 32nd year. This family-friendly event includes live music by Dave Lenz and John Evans, Irish dancers, food trucks, a bouncy house, and a chance to meet baby kangaroos from Sustainable Safari. Please join this army of

purple warriors who gather to celebrate, remember and commit to ending cancer. And invite a Cancer Survivor to join you for a lap. Your donations support many urgent needs right here in Minnesota. In 2025, ACS’s Road to Recovery, where volunteers ensure patients have free rides to their cancer treatments, provided more than 2000 rides. For

patients coming to the Twin Cities or the Mayo Clinic for treatment, our Hope Lodges near the UofM Campus and Rochester provided more than 43,000 free night stays. This service alone saved patients an estimated $6M in 2025. The American Cancer Society, second only in funding cancer research grants to the federal government, funded grants

for research and training here in MN totaling more than $6M last year.

This year’s Relay theme pays tribute to the classic board game, “Unwrap the Cure - a Candyland Adventure for Everyone. “It’s a fun afternoon/evening for all ages- especially for cancer Survivors, their caregivers

and families. If you can’t attend in person, you can donate a luminary in honor or in memory of someone you love and for event information, go to www. wbrelay.org Thank you to our passionate participants, our dedicated sponsors noted below and to White Bear Lake Area Schools.

Notice to Voters

August 11th, 2026

State Partisan Primary

Review the information below to learn about upcoming elections.

Access Your Sample Ballot

Your official ballot will have the names of all candidates for your precinct.

To see a list of the names of candidates and questions that will be on the ballot for your precinct visit: mnvotes.gov/myballot

You may also be able to view your sample ballot online by scanning:

You may request to have a free copy of your sample ballot mailed to you.

Find Your Polling Place

Election Day is Tuesday, August 11th

You can find your Election Day Polling Place by visiting:

Voting Before Election Day

You can vote early with an absentee ballot starting Friday, July 24th

You can vote early by mail, in person, or from the military or abroad. Learn more by scanning:

Contact Your Local Election Official

Your county election official:

• Can mail you a sample ballot for free

• Keeps your voter registration record

• Handles other parts of the voting process Ramsey County Elections Phone: 651-266-2171

Additional Election Information

[Election Day Polling Places are open 7am to 8pm.]

[You may live in a precinct where a ballot is mailed to you as a mail ballot voter.]

[If voting by mail, return your ballot no later than 8pm on Election Day.]

[Election results will be available starting after 8pm on Election Day at: www.mnvotes.gov

[Check to see if you are pre-registered to vote by scanning:]

Website: https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/elections-voting

Email: elections@co.ramsey.mn.us

90 Plato Blvd. W., St. Paul, MN 55104

Notice to Voters

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA ELECTIONS

NOTICE OF ELECTION 2026 STATE PARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION AUGUST 11TH, 2026

Notice is hereby given that the State Partisan Primary will be held on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026. Visit mnvotes.

gov to view full lists of candidates and to view your sample ballot. The following partisan and non-partisan primaries will appear on ballots in Ramsey County:

Partisan Races:

• United States Senator

• United States Representative – District 4

• United States Representative – District 5

• Minnesota Governor and Lieutenant Governor

• Minnesota Secretary of State

• Minnesota Attorney General

• Minnesota State Auditor

• Minnesota State Senator – Districts 44 & 65

• Minnesota State Representative - Districts 39B, 40A, & 65B

Non-Partisan Races:

• Ramsey County Commissioner – District 5

• Maplewood Mayor

• Roseville Mayor

• Roseville City Council

The following polling locations will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 11th:

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES

JULY 7, 2026

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. with the following members present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Xiong, and Chair Ortega. Also present were Ling Becker, County Manager, and Jada Lewis, Civil Division Director, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Read by Commissioner Moran.

AGENDA of July 7, 2026 was presented for approval. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved.

MINUTES of June 23, 2026 were presented for approval. Motion by Moran, seconded by Miller. Unanimously approved.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

Public Works – Release of Storm Sewer Easement. Motion by Moran, seconded by Miller. Unanimously approved. (B2026-083)

Housing Stability – First Amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Saint Paul for the Administration of the Byrne Grant for the Familiar Faces Program. Motion by Moran, seconded by Miller. Unanimously approved. (B2026-084)

Social Services – Gift Acceptance from the Minnesota State Fair to the Social Services Department. Motion by Moran, seconded by Miller. Unanimously approved. (B2026-085)

Board of Commissioners – Summary of the Conclusions from the Performance Evaluation of the County Manager and Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ramsey County and Ling Becker, County Manager. Discussion can be found on archived video. Motion by JebensSingh, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved. (B2026-086)

PRESENTATION

Public Health – Presentation: Recycling & Energy. Presented by Trista Martinson, Executive Director of Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy. For information and discussion only. Discussion can be found on archived video.

COUNTY CONNECTIONS

Presented by County Manager, Ling Becker. Discussion can be found on archived video.

OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

Discussion can be found on archived video.

BOARD CHAIR UPDATE

Presented by Chair Ortega. Discussion can be found on archived video.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Ortega declared the meeting adjourned at 10:32 a.m. Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on July 22, 2026.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA PUBLIC NOTICE

SOLICITATION OPPORTUNITIES

Ramsey County releases solicitation opportunities on DemandStar as an alternative method of public notice pursuant to Section 331A.03 of the Minnesota Statutes. Individuals may go to the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” section of the “Doing Business with Ramsey County” webpage at ramseycounty.us/ContractWithRamsey to access registration information. If you are new to DemandStar, please follow the DemandStar registration instructions on the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” webpage. Access to all Ramsey County documents is free if the instructions that are posted are followed. You may call 651-266-8072 or email ProcurementTeam@ ramseycounty.us if you need assistance.

Ramsey County is accepting only electronic Request for Bids (RFBs) responses submitted through DemandStar. Public openings are conducted digitally, as a video conference. See the link above for details. To view current solicitations, please go to: https://bit.ly/3W8XWan

SOLICITATION: RFB-PUBW31600-KB

OPENING DATE: AUGUST 13, 2026

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A PRIME CONTRACTOR FOR THE RICE CREEK COMMONS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT THAT INCLUDES SITE CLEARING AND GRUBBING, TREE REMOVAL, WATERMAIN CASING INSTALLATION, SANITARY SEWER FORCE MAIN INSTALLATION, SLIT FENCE INSTALLATION FOR PROTECTION OF BLANDING’S TURTLE, AND AGGREGATE PIER INSTALLATION FOR FUTURE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION.

SOLICITATION: RFB-PUBW31205-KB

OPENING DATE: AUGUST 13, 2026

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SEEKS QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS TO PROVIDE MARINE MAINTENANCE, SEASONAL PREPARATION, STORAGE, REPAIR, AND RELATED SUPPORT FOR COUNTY-OWNED VESSELS AND MARINE EQUIPMENT.

SOLICITATION: RFB-PRMG37719-KB

OPENING DATE: AUGUST 20, 2026

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, SEEKS PRIME CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, MATERIAL, LABOR, AND INCIDENTALS FOR THE RAMSEY COUNTY COURTHOUSE DATA CLOSET COOLING PROJECT, LOCATED AT 15 W KELLOGG BLVD, ST. PAUL, MN 55102

PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: RAMSEY COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 15 W KELLOGG BLVD, SAINT PAUL, MN 55102 - AUGUST 4, 2026, 8:30 AM CST Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on July 22, 2026. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-587

NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of: Laurie Jean Nevers, a/k/a Laurie J. Nevers and Laurie Nevers, Decedent. NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, from 3:15 p.m until 3:30 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 Mary Elizabeth Nevers, whose address is 4965 Parkview Road, Duluth, MN 55804, 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 is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

BY THE COURT:

Date: June 29, 2026

Theresa Ames, District Court Administrator

BY: Amy Andersen, Deputy Court Administrator

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on July 15 and 22, 2026.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-549

NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of: Virginia Marie Jordan, Decedent.

NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 2:00 p.m until 2:15 p.m. a hearing will be held using remote technology by this Court on the petition for formal adjudication of intestacy, detennination of heirship, and for the appointment of Melissa Marie Jordan, whose address is 422 Nevada Ave. E., St. Paul, MN 55130, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in Choose an item. administration.

Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.

BY THE COURT:

Theresa Ames, District Court Administrator

BY: Elizabeth Girling, Deputy Coutt Administrator

Date: June 23, 2026

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on July 15 and 22, 2026.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY

DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT

PROBATE COURT DIVISION

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-556

NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of: Joetta M. Janeiro, Decedent.

NOTICE is given that on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. a hearing using remote technology will be held by this Court for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s last will dated April 8, 1988 (“Will”), and for the appointment of Angeline Janeiro, whose address is 9460 Bataan Street NE, Blaine, Minnesota 55449, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in a supervised 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 or Will 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 estate and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.

Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 501B.41, Subdivision 5.

NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN by publishing this Notice as provided by law and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice. Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

Date: June 22, 2026

BY THE COURT: Theresa Ames, Court Administrator BY: Elizabeth Girling, Deputy Court Administrator Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on July 15 and 22, 2026.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-563 CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (WITHOUT A WILL)

In re the Estate of David Paul Kuester, a/k/a David P. Kuester, David Kuester and David Paul Kuester, Sr., Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:

Notice is hereby given that an application for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Court. No will has been presented for probate. The application has been granted.

Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: David Paul Kuester, Jr., 8210 Indian Boulevard South, Cottage Grove MN 55016 as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as Personal Representative, or may object to the appointment of the Personal Representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3607, and the court otherwise orders, the Personal Representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate. Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the Personal Representative or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred.

Attorney for Personal Representative

CHRISTY VU DEPASQUALE, Attorney License No.: 401523

Safe Harbor Estate Law 3240 Rice Street, Saint Paul MN 55126

Telephone: 612-615-9535; E-Mail: christy@safeharborestatelaw.com

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on July 15 and 22, 2026.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: QUIET TITLE SUMMONS

Herbert Darnell Steele Plaintiffs, vs. Estate of Corene Neal, Bonita W. Carruthers, Veronica Warmsley, and any unknown heirs of Corene Neal, Defendant.

TO: ESTATE OF CORENE NEAL, BONITA W. CARRUTHERS, VERONICA WARMSLEY AND ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS OF CORENE NEAL

1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written

response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: KUEPPERS, KRONSCHNABEL & SKRYPEK, P.A.

ATTN: Sean O. Skrypek, Esq. 2805 Dodd Road, Suite 160, Eagan, Minnesota 55121

4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the complaint.

5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.

6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.

7. THIS ACTION INVOLVES, AFFECTS, OR BRINGS INTO QUESTION FEE OWNERSHIP OF REAL PROPERTY. The real property is situated in the County of Scott, State of Minnesota commonly known as 1319/1321 Dayton Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota and legally described as follows: Lot 1, Block 1, Amberwood KUEPPERS, KRONSCHNABEL & SKRYPEK, P.A.

Dated: June 10, 2026

By: Sean O. Skrypek #331028

2805 Dodd Road, Suite 160, Eagan, MN 55121

Telephone: (651) 222-5000; Fax: (651) 222-1313

Email: sskrypek@kuepperslaw.com

Attorney for Plaintiff Published three times in the Vadnais Heights Press on July 8, 15 and 22 2026.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-565

NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of: Salvador Gonzales Sanchez, Jr., a/k/a Salvador Gonzales Sanchez and Guadalupe Salvador Sanchez, Decedent.

NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 2:30 p.m until 2:45 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 Nora Sanchez, whose address is 14709 W. Burnsville Parkway Lot 167, Burnsville, MN 55306, 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.

BY THE COURT: Theresa Ames, District Court Administrator

BY: Elizabeth Girling, Deputy Court Administrator

Date: June 25, 2026

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on July 15 and 22, 2026. DISTRICT COURT CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA CASE NO.: A-26-938523-C DEPT NO. 9

UNITED FINANCIAL CASUALTY COMPANY, an Ohio Corporation, Plaintiffs, vs. YOANNA MARTINEZ PELEGRINO, an individual; ALEXIS CARILLO, an individual; JOSE CHACON OLIVA, an individual; ANIS ALEX ZARANDIOON, an individual; an individual; STIEG ANTONIO BOLIVAR RAMIREZ, an individual; CRISTIAN OSBALDO CORTEZ, an individual; and DOES 1-25, INCLUSIVE; Defendants.

SUMMONS

NOTICE! YOU HAVE BEEN SUED. THE COURT MAY DECIDE AGAINST YOU WITHOUT YOUR BEING HEARD UNLESS YOU FILE A RESPONSE WITH THE COURT WITHIN 21 DAYS. READ THE INFORMATION BELOW CAREFULLY.

TO THE DEFENDANTS:

ALEXIS CARILLO, an individual; JOSE CHACON OLIVA, an individual, and STIEG ANTONIO BOLIVAR RAMIREZ, an individual; CRISTIAN OSBALDO CORTEZ, an individual

A civil Complaint has been filed by the Plaintiff(s) against you for the relief set forth in the Complaint, which is for Declaratory Relief for claims of Rescission, No Duty to Indemnify and Defendant, Breach of Contract, Unclean Hands, Breach of Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, and Fraud.

1. If you intend to defend this lawsuit, within 21 days after this Summons is served on you exclusive of the day of service, you must do the following:

a. File with the Clerk of this Court, whose address is shown below, a formal written response to the Complaint in accordance with the rules of the Court.

b. Serve a copy of your response upon the attorney whose name and address is shown below.

2. Unless you respond, your default will be entered upon application of the Plaintiffs and this Court may enter a judgment against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint, which could result in the taking of money or property or other relief requested in the Complaint.

3. If you intend to seek the advice of an attorney in this matter, you should do so promptly so that your response may be filed on time.

4. The State of Nevada, its political subdivisions, agencies, officers, employees, board members, commission members and legislators each have 45 days after service of this Summons within which to file an Answer or other responsive pleading to the Complaint.

IV. CONCLUSION

Based on the foregoing, Plaintiffs respectfully request that this Court grant this application and provide them with an additional 90 days in which to serve Defendants Carillo, Oliva, Ramirez, and Cortez and to be able to do so via publication.Dated: 2nd day of June 2026

COLMAN PERKINS LAW GROUP

Dated: 2nd day of June 2026

Above: A trio of swimmers combine their kicking power to propel a floating mat across the water during a recent early evening excursion out on White Bear Lake.

At right: A shallow area near Memorial Beach is a popular spot for lake visitors to cool off and dip their feet in the water.

Above: Lori Krause gives her canine companion Sully the extra treat she purchased during a

visit

Cone.

OBITUARIES

Beverly “Bev” Jeanne Moline

Was born March 30th, 1933, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to parents Roger and Helen Hage. The youngest of four children (Douglas, Gordon, Doris and herself), Bev’s insatiable curiosity and enthusiastic spirit lead her to participate in activities at Central High School ranging from student council to a wide variety of sports, including speed skating, basketball and, especially, golf. Bev loved golf and shared many rounds with family and friends.

While working as a roller-skate wearing “Carhop” in South Minneapolis, Bev met the love of her life and future husband, Vernon Zorn Moline. The two were married on September 11th 1954 at St. Paul’s Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and cherished 71 years together.

The newlyweds first home was in South Minneapolis where Jennifer, James and John were born. They moved to their newly constructed home in Brooklyn Center in 1959—where they would add Joel and Jeana to their growing family. They joined their beloved Brookdale Covenant Church during this time and remained members for over 60 years.

With five young children and a couple still in diapers, Bev and Vern bravely embraced the concept of camping. Beginning with an old canvas army tent, they eventually graduated to a Bethany Citation 8 camper. Bev and Vern, along with their “5 J’s,” explored dozens of states on annual summer trips that spanned the better part of a month. When all the children were grown, Bev and Vern bid goodby to the the family home and built the home of their dreams in 1999 in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, where they lived for 25 years watching waterfowl, deer and blue birds among the wild grasses that surrounded their backyard pond.

Following Vern’s retirement, Beverly and Vern headed out to see the world. It would be difficult to name a region of the world they did not explore and impossible to name a place where they didn’t find a new friend.

Beverly was an engaged and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother and an adoring wife to Vern. Her inquisitive, sharp mind often expressed itself with wit and witticisms that left companions laughing or a bit baffled wondering what they missed.

Beverly was known for her radiant smile and warm personality. She was comfortable visiting with anyone who came her way. She loved people, and they loved her in return. She was always welcoming and accepting, making everyone feel comfortable in her presence. Her faith and family were the most important values in her life. We will miss her kindness and the way she made all of us feel loved and special.

Beverly Jeanne Moline passed away on March 29, 2026, only hours before her 93rd birthday. Bev’s husband, parents and brothers and sister passed before her. She is survived by children: Jennifer (Scott), James (Elizabeth), John (Chrystel), Joel (Rachel) and Jeana (Tom). In addition to grandchildren Betsy, Michael, Anna, Mira, Asha, Léna, Chloé, Alex, Easton, Andrew, Jasper, Levi and Sydney, Bev is survived by nine great-grandchildren. She leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews and old friends (including childhood friends, Alice and Laverne) who continue to hold her in their hearts. We would also like to thank Boutwells Landing’s wonderful team and Beverly’s many caregivers, companions and friends that spent so much time with her in her later years. They truly brought her great joy and we trust she repaid their kindness with her bright eyes and appreciative smile.

A celebration of Beverly’s life will be Thursday, July 23, 2026, 2:00 P.M. at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater with visitation one hour prior to the service.

In honor of Bev and Vern’s many faithful years at Brookdale, please send memorials to Brookdale Covenant Church, 5139 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Center, MN, 55429.

Mary Ellen Solberg

104, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born August 10, 1921, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Mary Ellen lived a remarkable life devoted to family, faith, service, and adventure. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Solberg, and her son, Thomas Solberg.

She is survived by her son, Dennis and his longtime partner Sally, daughter-in-law, Gail Solberg, and Carolyn Solberg; grandchildren Christopher (Janelle), Benjamin (Jessica), Stephanie, Katie, and Laurie; many beloved greatgrandchildren; and extended family.

Mary Ellen attended Macalester College and worked at TCF Bank in St. Paul. She volunteered with her church, Cub Scouts, Plymouth Christian Youth Center, and the Dunn County Fair. She enjoyed downhill and cross-country skiing, golf, snowmobiling, billiards, square dancing with Lyle, winters in Mesa, Arizona, entertaining family and friends on Lake Tainter, pontoon rides with a Manhattan, and spirited card games.

Her warmth, generosity, adventurous spirit, and deep love for her family touched countless lives and will be remembered always.

A visitation will be held at Big Elk Creek Lutheran Church in Elk Mound, WI on Tuesday, July 28th at 10:00 followed by a service at 11:00.

Abby Louise (Amundson) Howe

Age 99, died July 14, 2026 in her home at Waverly Gardens. She was born in White Bear Lake on Oct. 16, 1926 to parents Fritjof Amundson and Helen Mar (Torinus). Abby was preceded in death by her husband Richard Howe, son Richard Howe Jr., and brother Rolf Amundson. She is survived by sister Georgia Weiss; sister-inlaw Doris Amundson; sons Andrew (Kathy), David (Lynn), Scott (Cheri) and Paul (Pam); numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other loving family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1pm on Aug. 9, 2026 at Parkview United Church of Christ, 3737 Bellaire Avenue, White Bear Lake. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Private family interment at Union Cemetery. Memorials preferred to The Masonic Cancer Center or the Presbyterian Homes Foundation.

Robert Bergstrom

Age 84, of White Bear Lake, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Nov. 20, 1941, in Minneapolis, MN, to Lewis and Anna Bergstrom, Bob pursued his passion for education studying at the University of MN, Mankato State University, and UW-River Falls. His dedication to teaching spanned 50+ years, primarily at Willow Lane Elementary School where he deeply impacted generations of students and families. Even after retiring in 1999, Bob continued to share his love of learning as a substitute teacher at Sunrise Middle School.

Bob was also a lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast. An avid softball player, he competed well into his late 70s, playing until 2020. He played tennis in college and later coached tennis, football, basketball and hockey for WBL. His involvement extended to officiating football, basketball, and hockey games and working with the WBL High School hockey association and the WBL Rec Dept. Known affectionately as “Bergey” or “Mr. B,” Bob was an amazing storyteller who brought people together with his kindness and memorable laugh. He enjoyed fishing, attending concerts, playing cribbage, and relaxing with a glass of Irish whiskey. Above all, he cherished time with loved ones and never missed an opportunity to share a story or make someone smile.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Bergstrom; his parents; and his 11 siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Jane Kope; his son, Tim Bergstrom; his grandchildren Helen Kope (Jack), Taylor Kope, Lukas Bergstrom (Ellie), and Brennan Bergstrom; as well as many extended family members, former students, colleagues, teammates, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Kellerman’s in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Guests are encouraged to share stories in Bob’s honor. In lieu of flowers, contributions toward the celebration of life costs and a scholarship in Bob’s memory will be welcomed through a GoFundMe linked in his obituary on the Mueller Memorial Funeral Home website.

Mary Lucinda Bosscher (Beard)

David Alford Kolling

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 27,2026. Age 90. Survived by wife Lorraine 6 children Kris, Kim, Lisa, Heidi, Matt, Meg. 9 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren. For full obituary go to www. muellermemorial.com

Passed away on June, 29, 2026. Born July 6, 1944. Beloved mother, friend, and mentor. Preceded in death by E.R.C. Beard & Mabel Beard, William “Bill” Beard, and Douglas Bosscher. Survived by sons, Chris & Dan Bosscher. Christian Mass 11am Sat. 8/1 at St. Pius X Church, WBL with visitation starting at 9am, burial at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery. The Mass will be livestreamed, link available on Mueller website. Memorials preferred to St. Pius X Church or White Bear Lake Food Shelf.

The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of the Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs. No specific page or position shall be guaranteed.

The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.

SPORTS BRIEF

White Bear Township loses to Irish and Hops

White Bear Township baseball lost twice last week, falling to 8-9-2 for the season.

WBT lost to Stockman’s Irish 9-2. Owen Mortimer took the loss, nicked for six runs in three innings. Tyler Allshouse was 3-for-4 and Isaiah Weber 2-for-4 with an RBI.

St. Paul Hops beat WBT 5-3 on Wednesday. Isaiah Weber belted a two-run homer. Hunter Moffet was 2-for-2, and Kevin Zollinger 1-for-3 with an RBI. Ben McCrady, first of five pitchers, took the loss, allowing four runs in two innings. WBT will host Metro Knights on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., and Plymouth Hit Dawgs on Sunday at 4 p.m., both at Polar Lakes.

STUDENT NEWS

The following students were named to the dean's list or received academic honors at a college or university in Spring, 2026:

Capitol University: Dylan Christopherson of White Bear Lake.

Marquette University: Maggie McCarty and Emily Muetzel, both of Mahtomedi.

Milwaukee School of Engineering: Tyler Christianson of Vadnais Heights; Ryan Malvey of Birchwood.

Morningside University: Logan Lundgren of White Bear Lake.

South Dakota State University: Nicholas Clark and Addison Saterbak, both of Mahtomedi; Christine Atilade of Vadnais Heights; Noelle Wilding of White Bear Lake.

Southern New Hampshire University: Aveline McCabe of White Bear Township.

University of Minnesota-Crookston: Phillip Keng Su Moua of White Bear Lake.

University of Minnesota-Rochester: Evie Karle of Mahtomedi; Josie Haag and Taison Thao, both of White Bear Lake.

University of Wisconsin-Superior: Owen Farrington and Sophia Sagerer, both of White Bear Lake.

The following students graduated from a college or university in Spring, 2026:

Iowa State University: Ian Mulheron of Vadnais Heights, Bachelor of Science, accounting, cum laude; Fisher Hoy of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Architecture, cum laude; Karen Miller of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering, cum laude; Riley Philippi of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, mechanical

Now two months old, the chicks have completed molting and are ready to start flying. Flying however,lessons, remain on hold, until smoke and heat abate. A trio of subadults have joined the mix.

engineering; Sydney Plumb of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, animal science, magna cum laude.

Marquette University: Julia Bjork of Mahtomedi, Bachelor of Science, biomedical sciences, with honors.

Minnesota State University-Mankato: Ryan Vingers, Bachelor of Science, aviation, magna cum laude; Ashton Garcia of Mahtomedi, Bachelor of Science, Psychology; Abbey Pierce of Mahtomedi, special education, educational leadership; Makenna Caswell of Vadnais Heights, Bachelor of Science, nutrition and dietetics; Lila Auger-Thompson of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, accounting and certificate, business law; Emily Bruesehoff of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, Registered Nurse Baccalauereate completion; Tylor Conway of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, sport management; Annie Demanou of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, Registered Nurse Baccalauereate completion; Joseph Marsh of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, avaiation, cum laude; Mason Messerschmidt of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, marketing; Jillian Moor of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, nutrition and dietetics, magna cum laude; Sidney Mullin of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, special education, academic and behavior strategies, summa cum laude; Sofia Wigstrom of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, criminal justice; Isaac Thiessen of White Bear Township, Bachelor of Science, management and certificate, integrated business experience.

Utah Tech University: Lindsey Hall of White Bear Lake Western Technical College: Jack Volkmeier of White Bear Lake, associates degree.

More details on White Bear Lake trap team’s national meet

The White Bear Lake trap team placed 63rd of 258 teams in the USA High School Clay Target League national tournament that concluded July 12 in Mason, Michigan.

In addition to sixth-grader Grayson Schwab placing 69th of about 1,800 entrants, hitting 98 of 100 birds, Blake Haas, a senior, led the team to nationals by averaging 23.10 of 25 in Minnesota, ranking eighth in the conference. At nationals, he posted a 97/100 score, placing him 190th of 1,800 athletes.

He had several 25 straights and one 50 straight, helping the team reach Sunday’s team competition. This was the first time White Bear Lake team reached the final day in eight years attending nationals.

After the final round Sunday, he gave Coach Monty his last fired shell for the team, and a hug. Seniors Aaron Thilmany and Zach Brock also maintained and out-performed their season averages to get the team to Sunday. Both posted 25 straights throughout the three days. Jimmy Lightner provided a key performance for the team on Friday, posting a 47/50. Al Melde and Ben Svendsen also shot respectable scores as first time participants. Each athlete who attended nationals had to finish the season with a varsity level overall season average of 21 or higher.

The team made it to Sunday by placing 63rd of 238 teams with an overall score of 464/500.

The chicks, now two months old, have completed molting. Photos of Artemis, taken on July 9 and 19, capture this dramatic transformation. The family continues to thrive, as they navigate their way through the heat and smoky haze together. The last few days have been challenging, with all the heat index and air quality alerts. Loons’ efficient respiratory systems make them more vulnerable to inhalation of particulate and inflammation. Buoyancy can be compromised by particulate deposits in the Loons’ feathers. Flight and diving vision also may be affected. This may explain why the chicks’ flying lessons remain on hold.

Loon Chronicles XI: Group Hug

We are starting to see more drop in Loons, gathering between 6:15-7:00am. The Peninsula parents regularly join the expanding water dances, while their chicks stay behind, near the bullrushes or under docks. Artemis and Apollo have no trouble staying entertained and remain inseparable. When their parents return, the chicks immediately swim to the first returning parent and take turns circling their neck and picking at their neck feathers. The parents can only take so much and often will dive abruptly, leaving the chicks swimming in circles until surfacing. While circling and rubbing a parent’s neck, that parent often will tap the chick’s head which, from afar, looks like a kiss. There are now three subadults on the lake. They are slightly larger than Artemis and Apollo, but have red eyes and longer white necks, with emerging necklaces, which make them easy to spot. The subadults will be joining the chicks and drop in juveniles in August and September. Two nights ago, a water dance of six drop in Loons gathered in the smoky sunset, near our dock. What a treat! Hopefully, flying lessons will resume soon, and the chicks can stay on schedule. Stay tuned.

Ellen Maas

ELLEN MAAS

Pictured here are the three seniors who participated at nationals. From left, assistant coach Tim Schwab, Blake Haas, Zach Brock, Aaron Thilmany and head coach Jake Montgomery.

SPECIAL ED UCATION PARAPROFESSIONALS Annandal e Public Schools. Works with students with disab ilities in meeting the academic behaviora l, social and physical needs as iden tified in the IEP goals. 6.5 hours per day 171 da ys per year Salary range $16 47-$24.33. Annandal e Elementary School (gr ades k5).www.applitrack com/isd876/onlineapp/

VistaTek in White Bear Lake is now hiring a Process Technician. Primary responsibilities are Troubleshooting molding, tooling, and material issues to maximize uptime and product quality. Qualifications: 3+ years of injection molding process technician experience preferred. Competitive pay based on experience. Benefits.

*Please see full ad for more detail. www. vistatek. com Please send your resume to judy@ vistatek.com

Salary Range $12.45$18.80 www.applitrack.com/isd876/onlineapp/

Vista Technologies (VistaTek) 4467 White Bear Pkwy, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Now Hiring: Process Technician – Injection Molding

CHOOSE EARTHLINK FIBER Intern et for sp eeds up to 5 Gigs no data caps no thrott ling. Prices starting at $54.95. Plus, a $100 gift card when you make the sw itch Call 844/*453*698 3

END YOUR TAX WORRIES TODAY Let us make your tax pr oblem our priority Scared, stuck with high tax amounts? Our A+ tax professionals can help. Call for a FREE consultation. Call Priority Tax now 855/634*3517

GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to a ssist the blind and visually impaired. Ar range a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Herita ge for the Blin d Today at 844*/220

Primary Responsibilities: Troubleshoot molding, tooling, and material issues to maximize uptime and product quality

Qualifications: 3+ years of injection molding process technician experience preferred Preferred Qualifications: RJG Scientific Molding certification (or willingness to obtain)

Experience in medical or cleanroom molding environments

Knowledge of automation, robotics, and vision systems

Experience with DOE (Design of Experiments), SPC, and process capability Understandingstudiesof plastics materials and resin behavior

Salary: $80,000+ annually, depending on experience

Benefits: Competitive pay based on experience. Health, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) with company match. Paid vacation and holidays. Career development and training opportunities. Stable, growing company with state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.

Join VistaTek and help turn innovative ideas into world-class products

Q&A: Vadnais Heights author talks mysteries, his latest thriller

From the courtroom to the crime scene, Vadnais Heights resident Brian Lutterman has built a career crafting suspenseful mysteries with strong local roots. A former attorney and Mariner High School graduate, Lutterman has published nine novels and recently collaborated with four fellow Minnesota authors on the medical thriller, “The Kill Code Collective.” In this Q&A, the current Vadnais Heights resident discusses how he found his way to writing, the inspiration behind his latest book, the support of the local literary community and what readers can expect next.

Q. Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer.

A. I grew up in White Bear Lake and graduated from Mariner High School. I used to be an attorney, and that’s when I discovered that I really liked writing. I got the idea of writing mysteries from my friend and high school classmate, Fred Huebner, who was a successful author.

Q. How many books have you published?

A. I’ve published nine books, plus a tenth, “The Kill Code Collective,” of which I’m a co-author.

Q. What sparked the idea for your latest book, and how did it evolve from that first idea?

A. I’m a member of the Midwest Mystery Works, which consists of five Minnesota mystery authors who join together to promote our books. At one of our meetings, I made an offhand remark that two characters belonging to two of our authors would make a cute couple (they wouldn’t, as it turned out). It was a throwaway comment, but I couldn’t let go of the idea of combining our characters in a single story and having them work together. The result is “The Kill Code Collective,” our medical thriller.

Q. How much of your stories are inspired by real people, places, or experiences?

A. I’ll often use real events as a starting point.

Mystery authors visit Lake Country Booksellers

Five Minnesota mystery authors will sign copies of their collaborative thriller, “The Kill Code Collective,” from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, July 31, at Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake.

The novel, written by Brian Lutterman of Vadnais Heights, John Baird Rogers of Golden Valley, Chris Norbury of Owatonna,

Julie Holmes of Arlington, and Rob Jung (former resident of North Oaks, currently residing in Apple Valley), combines characters from each author’s previous works in a story of medical technology, corporate corruption and international intrigue. For more information, contact Brian Lutterman at 651503-4582 or brian@ brianlutterman.com.

For example, I got the idea for my paraplegic character, Pen Wilkinson, after reading about a journalist who uses a wheelchair. I wrote one of my books, “Incel,” after I’d read about online groups of young men called incels, or involuntary celibates, and learned they are sometimes dangerous.

Q. Can you describe your writing process? Are you a planner, or do you discover the story as you write?

A. I’m basically a planner. I start with an outline. I know how the story will end. But I still engage in a lot of discovery as I write, and my original conception can change a lot.

Q. Which character or part of the book was the most fun — or the most difficult — to write, and why?

A. The most fun for me was getting to write other authors’ characters and see how they wrote mine. The most difficult was combining the efforts of five authors to produce a seamless, integrated story, to the point where you can’t tell who wrote what. That was hard! But we succeeded; William Kent Krueger, our local mystery-writing legend and New York Times

bestseller, calls the book “…a smooth, fast-paced, thoroughly enjoyable medical thriller.”

Q. As a local author, how has our community influenced your writing or your journey as an author?

A. The White Bear area has a great educational system and book community, which I’ve benefitted from. Everybody has been supportive. Teachers, readers, authors and booksellers have all played a role.

Q. What has been the biggest surprise or challenge you've encountered in publishing your books?

A. The biggest surprise is how friendly and supportive the mystery writing community is here in the Twin Cities. The biggest challenge is market saturation. It’s become easy to publish a book—maybe too easy—to the point where even good books by serious authors run the risk of getting lost in the flood of books.

Q. What advice would you give someone who has always wanted to write a book but doesn't know where to start?

A. Don’t do it alone. Find a group. There are many classes and resources available, locally and online. Many local writers start at The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis.

Q. What are you working on next, and is there anything readers can look forward to?

A. I’m working on the latest book in my series featuring Pen Wilkinson, a young woman who’s a paraplegic attorney. I hope (knock, knock) to have it ready later this year.

Compiled by Shannon Granholm

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Support neighbors in need at lakeside concert

The White Bear Area Food Shelf will bring music to the shores of White Bear Lake with its second annual Heartbeat for Hunger concert from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, August 1, at White Bear Lake County Park. The concert headliner is local band Nunnabove, along with a guest performance by Frankie Torres. There will be food trucks as well as

beverages for sale. All proceeds from the event will support WBLAFS efforts to provide food and support to nearly 300 daily visitors.

To purchase tickets for the event, go to heartbeatforhunger.org.

Registration open for Gloria's Shortest Marathon

Would you be more likely to finish

a marathon if it were just one block long? Save the date for Gloria's Shortest Marathon, the annual fundraiser for the White Bear Area Food Shelf that has raised more than $143,000 in the past 14 years to help neighbors in need.

This year's block-long run/ walk/ wheel on Bald Eagle Avenue between Second and Third streets begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Participants are invited to arrive at 10:30 a.m.

for a White Castle carb feed at the corner of Bald Eagle and Third Street. Stick around for the post-race celebration with donut holes, coffee and lemonade.

All ages are welcome. Register at whitebearfoodshelf.org by Sept. 11 to get an event T-shirt. Monetary donations are also welcome and are tax-deductible. For more information, call Peggy Parenteau at 651-426-3088.

Members of the Midwest Mystery Works gather for an idea session. Pictured (from left) are the co-authors of “The Kill Code Collective”: Julie Holmes, John Baird Rogers, Rob Jung, Chris Norbury and Brian Lutterman.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

“The Kill Code Collective” combines characters from each of the five authors’ previous works in a story of medical technology, corporate corruption and international intrigue.

Brian Lutterman

Jumping worms found at county yard waste sites

Jumping worms have been found at Arden Hills and White Bear Township yard waste sites. As a precaution, all yard waste sites have paused distribution of mulch and compost while the county and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) assess the situation to determine what more can be done to contain the

spread of this invasive species.

Jumping worms are an invasive species of worm. They quickly degrade soil, kill garden plants and damage lawns. They look like nightcrawlers and other earthworms and can be identified by the way they wiggle intensely when disturbed.

Workers saw what they suspected to be jumping worms at the Arden

MEETING NOTES

• The board unanimously approved an estimated $12.6 million long-term maintenance project plan for the district’s own buildings for the 2027-28 school year. The next steps are for the Minnesota Department of Education to also give approval, and then the necessary revenue needs to be included in the district's property tax levy this fall.

• The board approved a second long-term maintenance plan for the Northeast Metro 916 school district. This year, White Bear Lake’s share of maintenance needs is 9.3%, amounting to $55,703. Northeast Metro 916 is an affiliated school district that provides specialized education, often for students with complex disabilities and behavioral needs, to public school districts in the north metro. It also provides area learning centers and career and technical education that individual districts may not be able to run

efficiently on their own.

• At the beginning of the meeting, School Board Member Daniel Skaar moved to add a “discussion on future classroom consolidation and the process the board uses to review such consolidations.” There was no second to this motion, though Board Member Chris Streiff Oji asked Chair Scott Arcand to restate how to add agenda items before meetings. She then noted, “when an agenda item is added the night of, I don’t know that I would be prepared to have a conversation about it.”

Skaar claimed he has sent 10 emails requesting items to be added to the agenda beforehand, and all 10 have been denied.

• Skaar requested that the invoice register be moved from the consent agenda to the regular agenda and received a second. Director of Finance Andi Johnson then came up to answer questions Skaar had about June invoice items: over 2,000 invoice items

coded by 3- or 4-word descriptions for each.

Some of the items, such as a new district vehicle and textbook expenses, Johnson could identify from memory. Others she could not address. “If you were to give me a heads up, I would be prepared to answer that,” Johnson said.

• During the public forum, parent Dan Arcand asked about BEAR Time — a daily, 30-minute flexible period built into the school day. Arcand said he has gathered from his third grade son and other parents that the time may lack structure and supervision. Kids in his son’s class spent the time looking up French swear words and watching Mr. Beast videos, he noted. “I’m just wondering if there’s supposed to be some sort of supervisor associated with that, or if it really is a do-whateveryou-want time,” Arcand said. “If that’s the case, could that be addressed and changed to something that’s a little

Hills yard waste site on June 28 and immediately paused mulch distribution at that site. County staff collected samples and photographs and contacted the DNR, which confirmed the presence of jumping worms at the site on July 7. The wood mulch was hauled away to be ground and burned at high temperatures to produce energy. High temperatures can help kill jumping worms at all stages of life. County staff found suspected jumping worms at the White Bear Township site on July 8. The public was informed that wood mulch and compost would no longer be available for pickup at this site until further notice. Wood mulch is being removed from the site. DNR staff confirmed the presence of jumping worms on Monday, July 13.

Out of an abundance of caution, wood mulch and compost have been removed from all county yard waste sites and will not be available until further notice. Residents who took mulch or compost home from a county

bit more structured?” Arcand added that he did reach out to the school and has not heard back.

Chair Scott Arcand said the board would follow up with the school.

• The board unanimously voted to renew its membership in the Minnesota State High School League for 2026-27. The MSHSL is a

yard waste site are encouraged to inspect their mulch, compost and yard or garden for signs of jumping worms. Mulch and compost can unintentionally spread jumping worms from one location to another. If you see jumping worms or signs of jumping worms, contact the Minnesota DNR.

More information on jumping words can be found online at www.dnr.state. mn.us/invasives/terrestrialanimals/ jumping-worm/index.html.

CONSERVATION DISTRICT BRIEF

Conservation district to treat Eurasian watermilfoil this week

The White Bear Lake Conservation District will treat Eurasian Watermilfoil Thursday, July 23. Over 500 locations on the lake were sampled for Eurasian Watermilfoil growth. Approximately 28 acres in six areas will be treated.

nonprofit that regulates interscholastic athletic and arts programs for schools across Minnesota.

• The board unanimously approved a resolution relating to the election of School Board members. This covers election logistics such as polling locations and hours, publishing notices

in the school newspaper, ballot preparation, and more. School Board elections will be held on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2026.

• The meeting ended with a closed portion to allow the board to discuss an evaluation of the superintendent.

Sarah Bakeman