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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2025
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TOP 10 AT PRESSPUBS.COM: See the most visited stories of 2025 PAGE 5
YEAR IN REVIEW 2025 Before we say goodbye to 2025 and welcome in 2026, it is a tradition of the White Bear Press and Vadnais Heights Press to look back at some of the most memorable moments this past year. In 2025, pages were filled with a variety of news, government meetings, events, sports, businesses, the arts and much more. Some of the most memorable stories are the ones that featured local residents — From a story about Barb Hinrichs, a quadruple amputee who is able to snorkel, hike, water ski and drive; to the story about Mason Fike’s journey of recovery one year after being attacked, to White Bear Lake native Joel Reichow placing first among over 9,000 runners in the 48th annual Grandma’s Marathon.
See pages 8-11 for a full recap of this year.
March 2025
February 2025
November 2025
October 2025
New Year: What’s your wish for 2026?
“Margaret and I agree that we have experienced the goodness of White Bear Lake this last year, and we want to continue to experience goodness in people we see in 2026.” - Mark Schwartz (owner of Orso Bianco Gelato) and White Bear resident Margaret Eaves-Smith
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FINALIST Best of the Press White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights
“I wish for us to all have a sense of community again, and all get along again, and we're not so hateful and ready to blame each other.” - Christine Hajney
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“My wish is for more silence in my life. Silence like sitting alone quietly and not being like constantly distracted and stimulated. I just like to do a lot of things and I think it would be good to challenge myself to do fewer things and just be more quiet. I went on a silent retreat in October, and I just have been thinking about it a lot, how I like the silence.” - Acadia Hegedus
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“I wish for two frogs. I don't know, because to keep me company.” - Brayden (9 years old)
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES BRIEF Dispose of holiday greens correctly this season
Holiday greenery and Christmas trees bring joy throughout the season, but they can also hide dangerous pests. To protect the environment, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is asking residents to take these steps to properly dispose of greenery and trees after the holiday season: • The best option is to use a curbside tree collection or bring trees to a designated drop-off site. Check with your waste hauler, city or county to see what services are offered in your area. • Don’t toss trees or greenery into your backyard woods or residential compost pile, which can spread the invasive species or disease. • Wreaths and other decorative greens can be disposed of in trash cans. • If your city or county does not have
an organized pickup or drop-off, the last resort is to burn the greens. Always check fire danger conditions and burning restrictions before burning and follow city ordinances. Pests of concern include elongate hemlock scale. Damage caused by its invasive insect can cause the needles of hemlocks, firs and spruces to yellow and prematurely drop off. Also, boxwood blight, a fungal disease, and round leaf bittersweet, an invasive noxious weed, can be found on wreaths and centerpieces and can endanger native trees. If you suspect your greenery or tree may be infested with an invasive insect or disease, contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Report a Pest line at 1-888-545-6684 or reportapest@ state.mn.us. Minnesota Department of Agriculture
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“My wish is peace and love toward all our neighbors, especially our immigrant neighbors.” - Sherry Jordon
Jean: “It's fairly simple. It's the thing everybody wants, which is good health and happiness for my family and my kids. Nationally, just less anger, less division, and more unity.” Noah, a computer science student at North Dakota State University: “I'm finishing up school, so just hopefully that goes well. My friends graduate as well. Find a job. But I don't know, there's not a lot to complain about right now, at least personally.” - Jean and Noah Nickman
DECEMBER 31, 2025
WHAT’S HAPPENING www.presspubs.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE BEAR DROP
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LAKE LINKS ASSOCIATION WINTER WALK AND OPEN HOUSE
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9 Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center Details: Enjoy hot cider and treats while viewing displays, hearing progress on the trail around the lake and Streetcar Park renovation, and take a stroll along the lighted trail segment and the decorated covered bridge. Scavenger hunt and door prizes. Contact: lakelinks.net/post/january-3-winterstroll-and-open-house
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31; bear will be lowered at 8 p.m. and midnight; Kids Bash from 6 to 9 p.m. Where: Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn and Rudy’s Redeye Grill Details: In New York City they drop a ball, in Flagstaff, AZ, they drop a pinecone, and in White Bear Lake - they will drop a white bear. In addition to the bear drop, there will be a dinner service with a special menu, the Rooftop will be open for cocktails, a hot chocolate bar will be in the hotel lobby and the New Year’s Eve Kids Bash will include an Italian buffet, dessert bar, party favors, DJ music, dancing, sparklers and prizes. Call Rudy’s Redeye Grill for tickets. Contact: Bill Foussard at 651-2715985 or bill@whitebearcountryinn. com
CHASE AND OVATION’S NEW YEAR’S EVE TRIBUTE TO PRINCE
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Prince tribute concert. Ticket information online.
Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org
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WHITE BEAR LAKE WINTER MARKET
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 Where: White Bear Lake Area High School Student Union (west entrance), 5040 Bald Eagle Ave. Details: Indoor farmers market with local vendors and makers. Food trucks on site until 2 p.m. Contact: forksinthedirt.com
MARAUDERS HOCKEY PANCAKE BREAKFAST
When: 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Jan 4 Where: Roseville Ice Arena, 2662 Civic Center Drive Details: Support the Roseville/ Mahtomedi High School girls hockey team with breakfast and raffles.
WINTER SHINDIG
When: 204 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 Where: Community park, 641 East County Rd. F, Vadnais Heights Details: Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, ice skating, snowshoeing and all things winter. Free community event. Contact: ciryvadnaisheights.com
COMMUNITY SEED PACKAGING
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 6 Where: Wildwood Library, Details: learn to identify, clean and prepare a variety of seeds for the seed library. Drop-in event; registration encouraged. Contact: washcolib.org
CRIBBAGE
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
When: Monday, Jan. 5 and ever 1st & 4th Monday of each month. Where: Rice Lake Centre in Hugo, 6900 137th Street N. Details: All senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding areas are invited to join for an afternoon of Cribbage. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Contact: Alice at 651-429-4413
THE ELVIS SHOW- JOE SIR & THE ROCKABILLY REBELS
When: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Top-rated tribute spanning every era of Elvis Presley's career. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org
CHURCH BRIEFS will be served prior to the program at 9:45 a.m. For more information, call 651-777-1107.
Begin New year with prayer Start the New Year in quiet and contemplation. St. Mary of the Lake
Catholic Church is offering Taizé Prayer on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 at 7 p.m. All are welcome. St. Mary of the Lake is located at 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake. For more information call 651429-7771 or visit stmarys-wbl.org.
Your Local
Meteorologist Frank Watson’s 2026 Weather Calendar
Watson’s weekly weather is featured in Press Publications
Calender features data on temperature, rainfall, snowfall, climate, phenology and astronomy For Locations and ordering visit WeathermanWatson.com or call 651-206-5364
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Curious about how to remain independent as long as possible? “Maintain your Memory: Strategies to Stay Sharp” is a workshop designed to provide tips
and strategies to help maintain independence and make daily living easier and more enjoyable. The workshop, presented by Family Means, will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake. Coffee
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OPINION www.presspubs.com
DECEMBER 31, 2025
Time to set goals
L
eading up to the new year, I asked a number of friends and colleagues to share their New Year’s resolutions. One said she is going dry for the New Year. Another said she watches the ball drop with her mom's group. Goals regarding better health, losing weight, and starting new hobbies are often mentioned. One friend plans to set a retirement date. While goal-setting should be ongoing throughout the year, New Year's Day can be a symbolic time to start a goal or resolution. I have found that writing down my goals has been helpful. For many years I carried goals written on a scrap piece of paper in my wallet that I could periodically refer back to. I had both short and longPublisher’s term goals written down. Some took many years to achieve, and View I'm due for a new set of goals.
Carter Johnson
No slop
With the new year comes new words, terms and slang. We are all trying to figure out what 6-7 means. If you don't know about this, ask your children or grandchildren. The only reference I knew about was dialing *67 before making a call to hide the caller ID. That is not, however, the current use of the term, which is Dictionary.com's word of the year for 2025. According to their definition, 6-7 (pronounced six seven, not sixty seven) is “a viral, ambiguous slang term that has waffled its way through Gen Alpha, social media and school hallways. While the term is largely nonsensical, some argue it means “so-so” or “maybe this, maybe that,” especially when paired with a hand gesture where both palms face up and move alternately up and down.” The phenomenon is believed to have originated on TikTok with the rap song “Doot Doot” by Skrilla, where 6-7 is repeated, and/or videos of professional basketball players such as Lamelo Ball, who is 6'7”. This is a good example that while we may not always relate to or understand the next generation, they continue to be creative. The Oxford University Press' word of the year is “ragebait.” They define it as “online content deliberately designed to elicit anger or outrage by being frustrating, provocative or offensive, typically posted in order to increase traffic to or engagement with a particular webpage or social media account.” They go on to explain that the word has tripled in usage in the past 12 months, and attribute it to a news cycle dominated by social unrest, debates about the regulation of online content and concerns over digital wellbeing.” My personal favorite in Merriam-Webster's 2025 Word of the Year: “slop.” They define it as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence (AI).” If you are this far into reading my column, I'm guessing you also may be tiring of all the rage bait and slop produced by AI, social media sites and even many media organizations. With the year coming to a close, thank you for the continued support of our readers who subscribe and our advertisers who choose to market their products and services through our papers. The outpouring of support is necessary and wonderful. Thank you for keeping it local. Know that one of our top goals is to continue to keep the slop out of your local newspaper! Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
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Reflections on 2025 and priorities for the year ahead
A
s 2025 draws to a close and Minnesotans enjoy a holiday season filled with family, friends, and, yes, snow, I wanted to take stock of what we’ve accomplished this year, reflect on some of the challenges we’ve faced, and look forward to the work ahead. This year started with the transition of power from one President to another. I chaired the bipartisan inauguration committee and spoke about the need to recommit to my North Star: finding common ground where I can and standing my ground where I must. Last Legislator Congress, during a highly partisan Lingo time, I was again ranked as one of Amy the Senators with Klobuchar the most bipartisan bills. Washington is a polarized place right now, but I figure you’ve sent me there to do my job. I’ve worked hard to continue bringing investments to our state. Thanks in part to major infrastructure investments we made in recent years, there are nearly 180 road and bridge projects underway in Minnesota this year alone, like renovating I-94, one of our state’s busiest highways. And we officially rerouted the Red River after lots of bipartisan work to mitigate flooding for hundreds of thousands of people along the Minnesota-North Dakota border. And after years of organizing by advocates across our state, we passed a number of bipartisan bills
to help Minnesotans. Recently, my bipartisan bill with Republican Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act—supported by the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters Association and championed by Julie Paidar, who lost her husband, St. Paul firefighter Mike Paidar, to a service-related cancer in 2020— was added to this year’s defense bill and is on track to become law. It expands support for families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away from service-related cancers. The FASD Respect Act, which I introduced with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and passed thanks to the advocacy of former First Lady Susan Shepard Carlson, helps children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and their families access care. These laws will make a real impact for thousands of Minnesotans. Our state was also struck by tragedies this year: the assassination of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shooting of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in June; and just a few months later, the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School, where 30 people were injured and two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, were murdered in a senseless act of violence. We will never be able to fill the hole in their families’ hearts, but we must continue to honor their lives. I brought their stories with me to Rome, where, on a visit to help Ukrainian kids abducted by Russia, I presented the Pope with a Senate resolution honoring the entire Annunciation community. We can truly commemorate those we lost by focusing on what
unites us, not what divides us. I heard a lot of common concerns this year during my annual visits to all 87 counties. From Lac qui Parle to Lake of the Woods, I heard the same thing: this administration’s across-the-board tariffs mean household costs are too high. I remain committed to bringing them down. Whether you’re planning to buy a home, purchase a car, get your crops to market, or simply pay your monthly bills, the tariffs are driving up costs and making it hard for families to make financial decisions big and small. Our farmers have been hit particularly hard, losing access to markets they spent decades building and seeing input costs soar. My bipartisan legislation to end the tariffs on Canada passed the Senate, as well as other bills I supported involving other countries, and I’ll continue working to bring certainty back to our economy. We also need to lower health care costs. That’s why I’m working to build on the law I passed to lower prescription drug costs for tens of millions of seniors on Medicare. And I’m fighting to prevent premiums from soaring and rural hospitals and nursing homes from closing their doors. You deserve leaders who work together, no matter which way the winds are blowing in Washington. Going into 2026, we have a lot to do. But I know that together, we can address these big challenges and make a real difference for Minnesotans. Happy Holidays! Amy Klobuchar is a U.S. Senator from Minnesota.
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Carter C. Johnson - Publisher cjohnson@presspubs.com Gene Johnson - Publisher Emeritus ppinfo@presspubs.com Patty Steele - General Manager marketing@presspubs.com Shannon Granholm - Managing Editor whitebearnews@presspubs.com
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
On this page two weeks ago, Dec. 10, Cora Hankins’ “Incident on Hwy 244” reported on a confrontation and safety-related incident she and her husband experienced while riding bicycles along Hwy 244 through Dellwood. She defended her riding-left-ofthe-white-line decision, citing Minnesota law (see Minnesota Statute 169.222, “ Operation of A Bicycle”). She described her options, noting with no viable sidewalk, shoulder or trail, bicyclists only have one option on this stretch of highway — riding in the traffic lane, which, by the way, is legal. This past week, Dec. 17, reader John Cundy’s rebuttal, “The Real Danger,” noted Cora’s describing a driver passing her crossing
the centerline, causing an oncoming driver off the road. Anyone driving a car knows to check the oncoming lane before passing. The bike caused the situation? No. The transportation system is based on priority, who has the lane. She rode where it was safest, given the options. The driver who passed was impatient and careless. Take a look at Minnesota Statute 169.18, “Driving Rules,” Subd. 5. Cars are allowed to cross the centerline to pass a bike that has the lane — but it’s key to first see who is coming. Mr. Cundy and the irate resident in Dellwood demonstrate the need for continuing education of drivers of motorized vehicles and bicycles to get everyone on the same page about the law and what each of us is supposed to do while using
the sometimes-confusing transportation system. In addition, none of this would have happened if there was an adequate and safe infrastructure alternative for bikes and pedestrians in the highway corridor. The safety issue on Hwy 244 is a mirror image of what is going on along Hwy 96 just up the road. Better education. Safer infrastructure. Both are needed — now. Michael Brooks Lake Links Association
Tool against fake news Let’s do a test. Trump Republicans recently justified military actions against Venezuela because “they stole our oil.” I asked ChatGPT if Venezuela has ever stolen U.S. oil. Short answer: No.
Venezuela did not “steal” U.S. oil. Venezuela nationalized its own oil industry, which hurt U.S. business interests, but it did not steal oil belonging to the United States. We have to be careful to distinguish between political rhetoric and legal or fact-based arguments. Let’s try another example. Do Trump Republican actions/policies reflect conservative values regarding the deficit? Short answer: No. Trump-era Republican policies did not support traditional conservative values regarding deficit reduction or fiscal restraint. They increased deficits during economic growth; cut taxes without paying for them; expanded spending; and treated deficit concerns as conditional, not principled. In these two examples, ChatGPT is useful in
BUSINESS BRIEFS
The Edina Realty Foundation recently announced that the White Bear Lake office has awarded $7,000 in grants to several nonprofit organizations, including: Corrie’s House, Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf, Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf, North St. Paul Area Food Shelf, White Bear Lake Educational Foundation’s Angel Fund, White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf and the White Bear Lake Meals on Wheels program. “It’s an honor to be able to give back to our communities,” said Brad Griffith, Edina Realty Foundation representative for Edina Realty’s White Bear Lake office. “Adequate shelter, food and other basic needs are a major issue for some people in our community, and we are proud to support the local organizations providing vital services, resources and support to our neighbors in need.” Created in 1996, the Edina Realty Foundation offers financial support to nonprofit organizations serving those experiencing homelessness and homelessness prevention. Supported through donated funds and volunteer time by Edina Realty agents and employees, the foundation has raised more than $12 million since its inception.
Nicolet Bankshares plans merger with MidWestOne Financial Group Nicolet Bankshares Inc. has announced it has agreed to acquire MidWestOne Financial Group Inc. in an all-stock transaction valued at about $864 million, creating one of the largest community banking franchises in the Upper Midwest. Under the agreement, Nicolet will exchange 0.3175 shares of its common stock for each share of MidWestOne, valuing MidWestOne at approximately $41.37 per share based on Nicolet’s closing price. The deal has been unanimously approved by both companies’ boards. Based on results this fall, the combined company would have $15.3 billion in assets, $13.1 billion in deposits and $11.3 billion in loans, with
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discriminating between fact and fiction. Unfortunately, people need to want the truth. If we learned anything from the last presidential election, it’s human nature to protect our deeply held beliefs, all evidence to the contrary. Trump Republican rhetoric is simplistic and plays on emotions, so it’s effective. It is not reality. How the query is phrased is key. I asked ChatGPT if AI can lie. Here’s the response: “I don’t lie on purpose, but I can create fiction when that’s what you want.” Trump Republicans have created a lot of fiction. Maybe AI is a viable tool against fake news. Try it.
more than 110 branches across Wisconsin, Iowa and surrounding states. There are MidWestOne Bank locations in White Bear Lake, Centerville, Forest Lake, Stillwater and more. Nicolet National Bank’s closest locations are in Wisconsin. “This is a transformational deal for Nicolet ... Our goal with every acquisition is not just to become bigger, but to become a better bank. We have worked hard to put actions to those words. While we had high expectations when we founded Nicolet 25 years ago, few expected us to be where we are today,” said Mike Daniels, chairman, president and CEO of Nicolet. “Now, along with the people at MidWestOne, we remain optimistic about our future, and very much look forward to seeing what our employees, customers and shareholders can do to create continued shared success over the next 25 years.” For more information, visit www.nicoletbank. com or www.midwestone.bank.
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Top 10 at PressPubs.com: 2025 Year in review Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories
1. Best of White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights 2. 2 teachers look to launch microschool in White Bear Lake-2-12 3. Doc’s Landing gets deadline for meeting public safety conditions-8-6 4. The ‘Joe Mauer of Mahtomedi’ marks 3 decades-10-1 5. White Bear Lake native runs for governor-12-9 6. No Kings protest in White Bear Lake-10-22 7. Police presence downtown-5-29 8. 4th of July calendar of events-7-3 9. One year later: Mason Fike’s road to recovery-7-23 10. White Bear Lake 2025 election results-11-4 See Press Publications’ website www.presspubs.com for stories from the White Bear Press, The Citizen, Vadnais Heights Press, Shoreview Press, Quad Community Press, The Lowdown-Forest Lake Area and The Lowdown-St. Croix Valley Area.
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6 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
COPS&COURTS www.presspubs.com
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW THE BEST OF 2025 – ANIMAL tales, as purloined from the Erle Stanley Gardner animal crime reading room . . . because animal behaviors cause Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies to be dispatched out as often as humans do. Sometimes, sadly, deputies do some humane dispatching of their own.
Birchwood
• In the Case of the Trespassing Turtle, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on routine patrol for stop sign violation at the corner of Hall Avenue and Jay Street May 4 observed a snapping turtle having run the stop sign while blocking the southbound lane. Deputies were unable to conduct a traffic stop and arrest the snapper, as it fled officers and hid in the pond. • In the Case of the Reprieved Raccoon, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Oct. 13 received a report from Wildwood Avenue about an injured raccoon. The complainant planned to find an animal shelter,and did not want the raccoon shot, so deputies did not shoot the raccoon.
Dellwood
• In the Case of the Resilient Raptor, an owl was reported at 7:06 p.m. Feb. 20 for being struck by a vehicle on Highway 96 at Apple Orchard Road. The driver who hit the owl reported that it lay in the road after being struck. As deputies were rounding up animal control to remove the owl, the reporting party called back to report that their feathery friend had up and flown away. • In the Case of the Restrained Raccoon, a stuck raccoon was reported March 21 in a window well on Augusta Lane. Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies helped the resident remove the struggling raccoon. • In the Case of the Temperamental Turtle, Lacosta Drive residents on June 30 reported a turtle stuck in their window well. Deputies located the turtle and placed it in their squad bag for transit to its new home. However, the turtle urinated in deputies’ squad bag during the ride. “I’m unable to determine why it felt the need to do so,” deputies said in their report. “The turtle also made it clear that it did not want to be handled, regardless of how many times I tried to let it know I’m there to help,” they said. Deputies de-escalated the situation by calling the turtle a “good boy” and providing water to the thirsty turtle. The turtle then responded in kind by “urinating in my bag some more.” At the end of it all, the turtle was safe for the time being. • In the Case of the Masked Bandit, a raccoon was reported for acting strangely on Aug. 1 on Eldorado Avenue. The caller was advised to just leave the raccoon alone.
Grant
• In the Case of the Alarming Animals, a driveway alarm going off at 11:06 p.m. Dec. 23, 2024, in the 9000 block of Ivy Avenue N. to alert the homeowner about intruders turned out to be caused by wildlife, after deputies located a large number of animal tracks in the yard. • In the Case of the Robin-Hooded Ruminant, deputies dispatched out to a wild animal call Dec. 28, 2024, in the 11000 block of Irish Avenue N. found an injured deer with an arrow sticking out of it. As the deer
was walking around and its injury didn't appear fatal, deputies left the deer alone to go through life sporting an arrow. • In the Case of the Helpless Hawk, deputies rescued a hawk from a yard in the 11000 block of Irish Avenue N. on Jan. 11. • In the Case of the Lambs on the Lam, deputies were dispatched out to the scene of loose sheep in the 8000 block of Kimbro Lane on Jan. 25. By the time deputies arrived, a neighbor had corralled the sheep and had led them back into their pen. • In the Case of the Delinquent Dogs, a property owner in the 10000 block of 66th Street N. at 6:20 a.m. March 14 reported two dogs for trespassing and chasing his llamas. When deputies arrived on scene, the dog owner stated the dogs had been breaking through the fence. Deputies advised the dog owners of a previous similar incident and said they could potentially face charges in the future if the dogs got out again. • In the Case of the Fishing Fools, people fishing on Wood Pile Lake were reported April 1 (April Fool's Day) for fishing on Wood Pile Lake. After deputies explained to the complainant that fishing on that lake was not a crime, the complainant remained dissatisfied that the lake was available to others. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also spoke with the complainant, to her continued unhappiness. • In the Case of the Backyard Bears, residents in the 10000 block of 83rd Street N. on April 9 reported a bear in their back yard. Meanwhile, residents in the 11000 block of Jasmine Trail N. on April 11 also reported a black bear in the area. Deputies were dispatched out to the scene of a black bear in the 11000 block of Jasmine Trail N. on April 11. • In the Case of the Unhealthy Horse, deputies responded to an animal complaint call on April 23 from the 11000 block of Julianne Avenue N. and found a horse that appeared to be having issues. When deputies contacted the owners of the horse, they quickly countered that they were aware their horse wasn’t doing well and that the horse was more than 32 years old. • In the Case of the Delivery Driver Dog, a driver in the 10000 block of 75th Street N. at 10:55 a.m. April 29 reported being bitten by a dog. • In the Case of the Errant Emu, the bird was reported for being on the loose May 9 in the 11000 block of Julianne Avenue. • In the case of the Ferocious Fisher, deputies were dispatched out to the scene of an unknown animal that would not leave the complainant alone at her residence in the 8000 block of Jeffrey Avenue N. on May 22. The animal was so aggressive the complainant became afraid of it. On arrival at the scene, deputies determined the animal to be a fisher, which is a type of weasel that — despite its name — doesn’t eat fish. Deputies were able to contain the animal so that it could be brought to the animal sanctuary. • In the case of the Birdseed Bear, residents in the 11000 block of Dellwood Road on June 14 reported a black bear for returning to their deck repeatedly in search of the bird food that had long since been removed. Loretta Harding
DECEMBER 31, 2025
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW To celebrate the new year, below are some of the best Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reports of 2025. Ranging from overheated opossums to bad behavior, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Vadnais Heights Animal Stories • In the Case of Deputies Deer, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies on their way to respond to a call for service at 3:19 a.m. March 23 reported a deer for running into the squad in the 1300 block of County Road H2. • In the Case of the Resilient Raccoon, the masked creature was reported struck by a vehicle July 21 in the 1300 block of County D Circle E. The raccoon was also reported trapped in a dumpster at the same location. Deputies “assisted the critter to get out and live another day.” • In the Case of the Overheated Opossum, an opossum was trespassed off a property in the 500 block of Carol Drive after it was found swimming in the complainant’s pool during the July 24 heat wave without receiving an invitation first. • In the Case of the Flustered Flock, a St. Paul man, 21, was cited Aug. 7 in the 100 block of Vadnais Blvd. for driving recklessly, after he was reported using his motor vehicle to chase wild animals. He had created a dangerous condition by driving through a flock of geese. • In the Case of the Hoarse Dog, animal control officers responded to the report of a barking dog in the 4300 block of Bramblewood Avenue on Aug. 22. The dog was reported for being let outside every evening to bark itself hoarse nonstop for hours, which bothered the complainant. Deputies warned the homeowner that subsequent violations would result in citations. Bad Behavior • Drama at the Walmart continued over the festive holiday shopping season as deputies were dispatched out to the scene of an all-out brawl in Walmart's grocery aisles on Dec. 23. Perhaps it was a limited supply of brussels sprouts on sale that triggered a fight between two women, before a Vadnais Heights woman, 70, and a St. Paul woman, 30, were cited for disorderly conduct. Other shoppers reported the women fighting and witnessed hair being ripped from scalps. • A Keep Our Kops Safe alert was issued for a White Bear Lake man, 48, who allegedly showed up at the home of his former boss in the 4000 block of Whiton Avenue at 12:04 a.m. April 13 and used a sledgehammer to destroy the front door. • A St. Paul woman, 39, and a Shafer woman, 19, were issued trespass notices at 9:27 a.m. July 20 at the Fairfield Inn in the 1100 block of County Road E after they marched up to the front desk and demanded confidential information about one of the guests. After that mission failed, they helped themselves to food from the breakfast buffet and argued with staff. • A Little Canada woman, 33, was arrested Aug. 18 in the 40 block of Twin Lake Blvd. for fleeing a peace officer and for interfering with the legal process after she followed another woman in her vehicle, blocked in the other woman’s vehicle in a parking lot and refused to follow directions from deputies who had responded to the report of a dispute. Her case has been forwarded to the city or county attorney for consideration of charges. A day in the life of deputies • A White Bear Lake man, 26, was issued a trespass notice March 29
after he was found driving in circles around the parking lot of an apartment building in the 3500 block of Vadnais Center Drive and harassing people. • Deputies on routine patrol at 12:20 a.m. Aug. 6 in the 3200 block of Highway 61 responded to the report of a man inside the Kwik Trip gas station wearing a red mask and potentially carrying a weapon. On further investigation, it was determined that the man, 29, was wearing the red mask because he was insecure about his acne and was not armed. His surreptitious behavior was likely due to his trying to buy cigarettes that his girlfriend did not want him to have. He was asked to leave the area. Catching the bad guys • Shoplifting from Walmart is a really bad idea if you have something to hide. A St. Paul man, 41, was arrested for theft and for possession of a controlled substance Feb. 4 at the Walmart store in the 800 block of County Road E after Ramsey County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched out to disorderly conduct call. On further investigation at the scene, deputies found suspected narcotics on the suspect's person. The suspect was booked at jail for fifth-degree drug possession. • If you're on the lam, don't commit moving violations. A St. Paul man, 26, was arrested on an active warrant and other offenses Feb. 8 on Rice Street and I-694 after he was pulled over for crossing over the centerline. The reasons for the driver's arrest also included driving after revocation, possession of a controlled substance and for giving police officers a false name to avoid being caught for doing all of the above. • Four residents in the 4100 block of Centerville Road on April 2 reported their Amazon packages stolen after they'd been delivered. Surveillance video showed a man wearing an Amazon driver's uniform enter the apartment building while holding a package. He is seen on video making his way to the mail room to leave the fake package there. On his way out through the building's entrance, he is again seen on video picking up all the packages lying on the floor and carrying them to his vehicle. Deputies gathered more information and issued a metrowide alert that contained all the needed identifying details to other agencies. Coon Rapids police located the suspect's tan Honda Civic with matching license plate and conducted a traffic stop. They then arrested an Andover man, 36. A vehicle search uncovered the stolen packages. Fraud and extortion • A resident in the 3600 block of Oak Creek Terrace on April 17 reported receiving a phone call from a person claiming to be with the U.S. Border Patrol, who instructed her to drive to the bank, withdraw $50,000 from her savings account and deposit it into a Bitcoin machine to satisfy a fictitious warrant for her arrest. The victim did send some of the money to the fraudsters, but not all of it. • A resident of Oak Grove Lane on July 18 reported her identity stolen, after she received an email from PayPal reporting suspicious activity and instructions to phone the sender. The complainant did phone, and the person on the other end of the line requested the complainant purchase gift cards and pay them to fix the discrepancy. The complainant’s daughter stepped in and alerted her mom of the scam. Loretta Harding
DECEMBER 31, 2025 www.presspubs.com
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
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‘Blue Sky Connie’ says goodbye to ‘village’ after 45 years BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
After 45 years of turning hard work into bright days, Connie Burda-Nicholson — better known around Deluxe Corporation as “Blue Sky Connie” — is set to retire in January, leaving behind a legacy of positivity, mentorship and teamwork that began on the night shift in 1981 and grew into a career that touched nearly every corner of the company. BurdaNicholson grew up in Vadnais Heights in the home her father, Stanley Burda, built. She still Connie’s first badge. resides there today with her husband, Wally. Before graduating from White Bear Lake High School in 1979, she credits her Graphic Arts I, II and III classes she took for the reason she secured the job at Deluxe. It was during those courses that she learned about offset printing and 35-mm photography. “When I came to Deluxe, I knew how to burn plates. I knew how to run presses. I had all of that background just by taking it in high school,” she recalled. “If it wasn’t for the background I had from the White Bear School District, I probably never would have landed this job.” A friend of hers worked at Deluxe and encouraged her to apply. At the time, Deluxe had a “Blue Book” that laid out the company’s benefits. She brought the book home to show her parents. “They couldn’t believe all of the benefits,” she said. In 1981, Burda-Nicholson started out on the night shift as an “exposer,” burning metal plates for
the offset presses. “I lived at home. My mom and dad would go to work and I would come home and sleep,” she recalled. It was during her breaks that she learned how to make hats. “I learned how to make these hats, and I still make them today,” she said. “When you were on the night shift and you were on break, everyone had something they were doing … All the ladies were making hats.” This particular skill carried forward: two years ago, she made it her goal to make one hat a week, and donate all 52 hats — a goal she accomplished. After four and a half years on the night shift, she transitioned to the day shift to be a typist for the financial forms production site in Roseville. In 1992, she moved to the Business Systems Administration (BSA) building in Shoreview to take a job in the IT department. In the mid ’90s, she supported the opening of two small business sites in Salt Lake City and Streetsboro, Ohio. It was that experience that sparked her interest in her current role as a business analyst. “I traveled a lot,” she recalled. She says her daughter, April, “grew up Deluxe.” “When Deluxe ended up going with badges ... she was probably 4 and she wanted a badge, so we took a suitcase tag and we put a picture in it for her, and we put it on the lanyard, and she wore her badge to day care.” Daughter April Stensgaard said, “Deluxe has been her extended family, and she cherishes every memory, milestone and friendship she made along the way … She’s known as ‘Blue Sky Connie’ for her positivity and warmth.” Deluxe currently has approximately 4,500 employees. Burda-Nicholson is employee number 37, which means there are still 36 people on that list who have
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
When the Business Systems Administration (BSA) building in Shoreview was being demolished, Vadnais Heights resident Connie Burda-Nicholson asked for and received a brick from the building to keep as a memento. She plans to engrave her years of service on it in the future.
more years at the company than she does. So what kept her there for all those years? She says it was all of the opportunities she was given along the way to grow in her profession as well as the fact that her co-workers felt like family. “In 45 years, I've only reported to eight different people. That's unbelievable, when you think about it. In the areas I worked in, there wasn’t a lot of turnover, and the areas became very mature. So, it was like a well-oiled machine,” she said, adding that she was impressed with how the company planned for her retirement. “They did a really nice job on succession planning.” Her supervisor, Executive Director of HR Business Systems Kirstin Kastner, has been her manager for
approximately eight years. “Connie is an amazing person and worked her entire career at Deluxe. She has a great reputation of being professional and committed, and we are very grateful for everything she's done,” Kastner said. “After 45 remarkable years of dedicated service, Connie leaves a legacy of professionalism and commitment that has profoundly shaped our organization.” Kastner added that BurdaNicholson is a “wonderful person” who is known around the company for always referring to her coworkers as “her village.” Kastner said, “She talks often about how we are a village. She often signs her emails with: ‘It takes a village and I am grateful to have all of you as part of “the village.”’ Two years ago, Burda-Nicholson’s friend put an app on her phone to start the countdown to her retirement date, which she chose as Jan. 5, 2026, which happens to be her 45th anniversary with the company. She says that within her circle of family and friends, she is the last one to retire. “My family and co-workers didn’t think I would actually do it,” she laughed. In retirement, she plans to do a lot more camping in her fifth wheel with her husband and spend more time her grandchildren, Stanley and Cora. “Deluxe will always be my extended family, and I cherish all the memories we created and shared,” Burda-Nicholson said. “Little did I know that three years of graphic arts classes at White Bear High School would set the stage for my awesome career adventure at Deluxe Corporation.” Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
White Bear Lake Area
Church Directory Sunday Worship Join us on Sunday:
10:15 am in-person Worship Livestreaming on and Live-streaming on YouTube: YouTube:FPCWBL FPCWBL 787260
836604
Children 5 years to 5th grade may participate in Children’s Church during worship.
5th and Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake • 651-429-3381 • www.fpcwbl.org 5th and Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake • 651-429-3381• www.fpcwbl.org
787263
LUTHERAN CHURCH
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Saturday 4:00pm Sunday 9:00am Sunday soCOOL ~ for ALL ages Education Hour Sunday 10:15am
2480 South Shore Blvd | WBL | sstwbl.org
CHURCH OF ST. PIUS X
(Just off Hwy 96 & Otter Lake Road)
3878 Highland Avenue White Bear Lake • 651-429-5337 www.churchofstpiusx.org Masses: Sunday 9:30 AM & 6:30 PM, Monday, Thursday, & Friday, 8:00 AM, Wednesday 6:00 PM, Saturday 4:00 PM
office@ctkwbl.org | 651-429-4828
Reconciliation: Wednesday 5:00-5:45 PM, Thursday 8:45-9:15 AM, Saturday 3:15-3:35 PM, Sunday 6:00-6:20 PM
1660 Birch Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
9 am worship in person & online at www.ctkwbl.org.
751042
Join our Community!
842779
831312
Masses: Saturday - 5:00 PM Livestream Sunday - 9:00 & 11:00 AM
831310
Service times are subject to change. Contact your local church or check church web sites for service times and online service information.
TH
1851 Birch St | WBL 55110 | wblumc.org
Sout h Shor e Tr inity
651-429-7771 Opt 1
848379
4705 Clark Ave White Bear Lake 651-429-0512 | christiansciencewbl.com
Pl ve re
9am Traditions | 10am online | 10:45am New Crossings
www.stmarys-wbl.org
Church: 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake Parish Life Center/School: 4690 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake
rlcstpaul
All Are Welcome!
3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 www.cslcvh.org / 651-429-6595
All Are Welcome!
January 4: God January 11: Sacrament January 18: Life January 25: Truth Sunday school @ 10am Testimony meetings every Wednesday at 7:30pm in person
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church Sunday 9:00 AM worship in person/on-line Adult Bible Study 8:00 AM
January Sermons at 10am
2425 White Bear Avenue • Maplewood • 651-777-5200
794438
Christian Science Church
Worship: Sunday, 9am & 10:30am Wednesday, 6:30pm Daily prayer meetings and Spiritual Growth classes throughout the week. Call the church office for more information.
847563
785863 764532
847494
818979
redeeminglovechurch.com
8 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
DECEMBER 31, 2025
www.presspubs.com
JANUARY
Lilly. Kisunla is for adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. In a clinical study at 18 months, people treated with Kisunla showed a significant slowing of decline of an average of 22% compared with a placebo.
Year in Review 2025
Car dealer opens up on finding strength, resilience after brain injury Richard Herod III’s life changed in the blink of an eye on May 3, 2021. A horrifying car accident at Highway 61 and Willow Lake Boulevard brought him to the ER, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury and long-lasting effects that forced him to leave his public life as one of the most recognizable car dealers in White Bear Lake. Recently, Herod began CONTRIBUTED working with the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance, launching a fundraiser called “Richard’s Challenge.”
121 Years Years 110
Mahtomedi woman’s quest for hope through new treatment
FEBRUARY
Pine Tree Apple Orchard Established 1904 Northeast of WBL off Hwy. 96
Year in Review 2025
Mahtomedi High School grad victim of DC plane crash
Happy Holidays! 847522
651-429-7202
Study provides ‘first step’ for downtown’s future
CONTRIBUTED
Kathy Ingebrand, 60, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 59. Kathy started taking Donepezil after diagnosis, but she heard about the two new treatments from her neurologist. She started calling various clinics to see if they had the infusion. She eventually found a clinic that offered Legembi, but her insurance would not approve it. Her insurance did, however, accept Kisunla, a monthly injection produced by Eli
CONTRIBUTED
After nationwide search, Mahtomedi hires neighbor as new fire chief The Mahtomedi Fire Department has a new chief, and his name is Joel Schmidt. Its chosen chief comes to Mahtomedi from just across the
City Drive. The complex would be developed in two phases, featuring two five-story apartment buildings housing roughly 360 units total. The development will also include outdoor amenities for residents and guests, including an outdoor pool, patio, fire pits and courtyards.
The Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake communities are mourning the loss of one of their own — Wendy Jo (Wigstrom) Shaffer. Shaffer was one of 67 people killed on board of American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas when it collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, DC. She was traveling home from a work trip.
847286
Chase Real Estate considers new housing complex
71 Years
651-464-2082
MARCH
Keep your Sewer In The Pink!
847376
www.olsonsinthepink.com Residential • Commercial • Municipal
Chase Real Estate, a Burnsvillebased company specializing in building development, sales, construction and financing, is considering the development of a new apartment complex in Vadnais Heights. Chase Real Estate proposes to build the complex on 9.29 acres of undeveloped land located at Labore Road and Center
Year in Review 2025
847584
• Jaclyn E. Doffin, O.D. • Allyson K. Casper, O.D. • Anna L. Percival, O. D.
Dr. Jason Ross Dr. Ellen Jacobson Dr. Kali Hildebrand
Lakeshorefamilydentist.com
4706 Banning Ave. White Bear Lake
651-429-3348 Since 1968
CONTRIBUTED
2 teachers look to launch microschool in White Bear Lake Two special education teachers who have a combined 43 years of experience are planning to launch a microschool
Downtown business aims to create go-to destination for St. Patrick’s Day
61 Years
4750 Washington Square White Bear Lake 651.429.3379 www.whitebeareye.net
CONTRIBUTED
Zephyrs’ McGuire (51-0) cruises to state wrestling title
Evan McGuire of Mahtomedi was dominant to the end as he captured the 215-pound state wrestling championship in Class 2A Friday and Saturday. McGuire, ranked first all season after a close runner-up finish at state last year, ascended to the top of the podium with a 51-0 ledger, cruising to a 19-4 technical fall in 2:25 against Ivan Petrich (40-4) of Little Falls in the finals at Xcel Energy Center.
lake. A White Bear Lake resident, Schmit served most recently with the White Bear Lake Fire Department, where he has been Assistant Fire Chief of Operations and Training since 2018. Before that, he served as fire captain with White Bear Lake from 2006 to 2018. Altogether, Schmidt has been with the White Bear Lake Fire Department for more than 18 years.
This St. Patrick’s Day locals will have another entertainment option much closer to home. A local business owner is hoping this year’s inaugural St. Patrick’s Day event will turn into one of the many things White Bear Lake is known for, like Marketfest and Manitou Days. Corey Roberts, owner of The Minnesotan in downtown White Bear Lake, dreamed up the St. Patrick’s Day Hootenanny last year but not in time to get all of the necessary permitting in place to pull off the event. So, this fall he started planning for the big event.
City staff and the City Council now have a framework to help guide them in decision-making regarding future projects in the downtown area. The study, which took nearly two years to complete, reviews pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic; evaluates current and future parking needs; and explores concepts for landscaping, public spaces, lighting and wayfinding. A steering committee was organized to review the data, conduct an analysis, generate concepts and make final recommendations to the City Council.
called the Heart Learning Collective in the White Bear Lake area this fall. White Bear Lake neighbors Tamara Morett and Kathleen Amstutz both see the need for students to have another option for schooling in grades K-5.
White Bear Lake ‘modernizing’ zoning code The city has finished phase 2 and is entering phase 3 to update its zoning code. The Community Advisory Committee includes members from the City Council, Planning Commission, Environmental Advisory Commission, Housing Task Force, County Road E Corridor Committee and others from throughout the community who represent various economic development, transportation, education and arts and cultural interests. Community Development Director Jason Lindahl explained that the city has tweaked its zoning code over the years, but it hasn’t done a “full-scale review and update” since the 1980s. “This is a more comprehensive look at updating the code,” Lindahl said. The process, which began in September 2023, will make sure the city’s zoning code is comprehensive with its 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
County Road F to the south. Entitled, “The History of White Bear Lake’s Lakeridge neighborhood: Schneider Bay, Lily Lake Pond, Hidden Hollow Park, and the people who shaped the neighborhood,” the booklet is the result of painstaking research.
Dog beach stays, for now The dog beach at Matoska Park will stay open for at least one more season. After a heavily attended public hearing last month on whether to keep the amenity open, the City Council agreed to take up the decision “one last time” this month. The council directed city staff to explore other possible locations by Oct. 1.
Treasure hunt for neighborhood history uncovers ample gems
Council moves forward with parking lot project
After retiring as a trend analyst for a technology company, Scott Costello turned his research acumen to a new hobby: delving into local history. Describing his two-year quest as a treasure hunt of sorts, Costello has put together a 28-page tome filled with interesting facts, both known and unknown, about the movers and shakers who lived in a neighborhood nestled between McKnight Road to the west, South Shore Boulevard to the north, Bellaire Avenue to the east and
Plans for the parking lot upgrades downtown are moving forward. Four parking lots are proposed to be included in the project, including Lot 1 (Third Street and Banning Avenue), Lot 2 (Fifth Street and Banning Avenue), Lot 3 (Fifth Street and Cook Avenue) and Lot 4 (Fifth Street and Cook Avenue). The project is estimated to cost more than $1.7 million, which is proposed to come out of the city’s pavement management fund.
DECEMBER 31, 2025 www.presspubs.com
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
9
APRIL
multiuse trail is planned on the north side of the roadway. Additionally, Vadnais Heights has requested utility improvements to be included in the project.
Longtime librarian retires after decades in industry
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Quadruple amputee part of Tillges family
Barb Hinrichs, 69, may not have her hands and feet, but there is so much she is still able to do like snorkeling, hiking, water skiing, driving and more. Twelve years ago, Hinrichs was hospitalized with pneumonia and later was diagnosed with a strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). She spent six weeks in the ICU, during which doctors had to
After four decades, Therese Sonnek is putting the final book on the shelf. The longtime White Bear Lake Library manager is retiring after 23 years in White Bear Lake and 32 years in Ramsey County, for a total of 41 years in libraries.
County Road D Project will see new improvements New improvements are coming for the ongoing County Road D project.The project is focused on improvements between Greenbrier Street and Highway 61 in Vadnais Heights, Maplewood and Little Canada. As part of the project, a
MAY
Year in Review 2025 Outgoing Vadnais Heights Fire Chief reflects on tenure After serving more than 30 years in two departments, outgoing Vadnais Heights Fire Department Chief Chris Hearden is officially retiring. Now stepping away from work and into a life of retirement and leisure, Hearden says he is ready to take his new chapter one step at a time.
Pine Hill Lane residents report problems from Park 35E project Park 35E comprises more than 40 acres of land south of County Road H2 and east of Centerville Road. The White Bear Township Board previously zoned the land as “light industrial,” a designation for warehousing and services that are “not likely to create offensive noise, vibration, glare, dust … or cause any other objectionable impacts
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
trees. Several members of the city’s Environmental Advisory Commission also spoke.
Women’s club celebrates historic milestone One hundred years ago, “on a sunny, summer day,” 12 neighbor women met at the home of Mrs. A.F. Thompson on Bald Eagle Lake. Their purpose was two-fold: fellowship and service. Little did the ladies of the lake know that a century later, their group, known as the Bald Eagle Women’s Club, would still be meeting. In fact, the centennial celebration took place in the very house a founding member once owned.
Residents say ‘trees are the vibe’
Mayor Louismet announces he will not run for reelection
The downtown parking lot project is moving ahead, with one change — the trees likely will stay. At the request of Council Member Andrea West, the council held a public hearing to hear residents’ opinions on what they would like to see happen with those trees. Nearly 30 people spoke, all in favor of keeping the
Dan Louismet is not planning to run for reelection. The White Bear Lake native was elected mayor in November 2021. Prior to his role as mayor, he served on the Park Advisory Commission for five years and the Charter Commission for three years.
on adjacent property.” Residents on Pine Hill Lane and along Centerville Road, however, say that developer North Oaks Company LLC and the property owner WBT Holdings LLC caused them numerous problems when they graded the property last summer. They say the process removed hundreds of trees and altered wetlands to f latten the site for building.
Vadnais Heights makes plans to install Flock Safety cameras
Vadnais Heights is considering a big step forward for monitoring crime: installing Flock Safety-brand cameras around the city. The council approved a budget addendum for the 2025 Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office to purchase four cameras and place them at different points around the city. These cameras use license plate reader technology to record plate data and vehicle characteristics, both crucial information in helping investigators solve crimes.
White Bear Lake honors one of its own this Memorial Day American Legion 168 members received a phone call from White Bear Lake Area Schools. As district staff were going through items during construction of the unified high school campus, they stumbled upon a plaque, flag and photo that were given to the district in honor of Major Curtis Donald Feistner — a 1986 grad who died at the CONTRIBUTED age of 34 in a helicopter crash in the Philippines in 2002. Curt was a member of the Special Operations Air Regiment-Task Force 160th, known as the “Night Stalkers” for eight years. To honor Curt, a helicopter flew over in his honor during the Memorial Day ceremony at Union Cemetery.
JUNE
52 Years
651-777-1393
WhiteBearAnimalHospital.com 1909 E County Rd E • White Bear Lake
848415
remove her legs below the knee, as well as her fingers and parts of her hands. Hinrichs spent a total of nearly six months in hospitals and a rehabilitation center, enduring six surgeries and relearning basic tasks like swallowing and walking. While in the hospital, she met Bob and Dan Schmitt from Tillges Orthotics & Prosthetics.
51 Years
FLOORING & BLINDS thomcocarpet.com
Forest Lake (next to Pizza Hut)
651-464-2405
Thirty years ago, the Midwest Ski Otters consisted of maybe 13 people. Now, three decades in the making, the team is nearing its 200th skier. The team’s 30th season kicked off June 8.
Supportingeducation education and Supporting growth growthininour ourcommunity communityfor for4643years years
Midwest Ski Otters celebrate 30 years
A new apartment complex from Chase Real Estate is moving forward in Vadnais Heights. The company plans to build two fivestory apartment buildings featuring 360 units on undeveloped land at Labore Road and City Center Drive. Also to be included are outdoor amenities for residents and guests, including an outdoor pool, patio, fire pits, putting green and courtyards.
Full-circle farewell Graduates celebrate a historic milestone at White Bear Lake Area High School Stadium — the district’s first
WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS | CONTRIBUTED
outdoor ceremony since 1983. As the last class to experience both North and South Campuses, the Class of 2025 marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter as the first to graduate from the unified grades 9–12 high school building. Students will now embark on their next adventure, whether that’s continuing their education, going right into the workforce, enlisting in the military, or traveling the world.
Mahtomedi flag football claims inaugural title The Mahtomedi girls flag football team took the state championship in its inaugural year. The Zephyrs completed their perfect season at the Twin Cities Orthopedic
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Performance Center (TCO) Monday, June 9, defeating LaCrescent-Hokah 36-20 to claim the first-ever state high school girls flag football championship.
Former Bear is Grandma’s Marathon champion A White Bear Lake graduate grabbed the spotlight in one of Minnesota’s biggest sports events Saturday. Joel Reichow placed first among over 9,000 runners in the 48th annual Grandma’s Marathon run from Two Harbors to Duluth. Reichow, 31, took the lead in the 24th mile of the 26.2 mile race and crossed the finish line in two hours, 11 minutes and 58 seconds. It was his first Grandma’s.
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Arden Hills, White Bear Lake, New Brighton/Mounds View, the Chain of Lakes Rotary and Blaine/Ham Lake.
Year in Review 2025
Alleycat’s Manager opens up on addiction, recovery, faith To the many who have seen him, Alleycat’s Gourmet Sandwiches manager Matthew Schirmer is always on duty, helping to serve up gourmet sandwiches, wraps and burgers to customers. To those who know him, a different picture is painted. Underneath is a story of hardship, addiction and a long road to recovery filled with trials and tribulations. But within that story is the power of Schirmer’s persistence and the strength he has found to live his best life possible.
White Bear resident shows off unique collection 60 years in the making
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
brought the display to White Bear Lake. Find more information about the museum at mnagmuseum.org.
Vadnais Heights resident receives title of district Aerial Marketfest perspective governor On July 1, Shoreview/Arden Hills Aspiring pilot Wesley Weilbacher, 9, sits in the cockpit of the F4 Phantom Jet that was on display during a recent Thursday evening Marketfest installment. The family shared that his Great Grandfather Ed Schoonmaker was a fighter pilot in WWII and the Korean War. Volunteers from the 133rd Minnesota Air National Guard Airlift Museum
40 Years
Rotary Club Member Glenn Bowers, a Vadnais Heights resident, will step into his new role as district governor for Rotary District 5960. The district covers most of southeastern Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin. The district contains 64 clubs and approximately 3,300 members. Local clubs included within the district are Shoreview/
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32 Years
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One year later: Mason Fike’s road to recovery On the night of July 27, 2024, lifelong White Bear Lake resident Mason Fike was walking with his girlfriend, Katie Klaphake, when an assailant emerged from a nearby house and attacked him with a knife, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Ramsey County
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Attorney’s Office. First responders arrived at the scene near his home on Southwood Drive to find Mason suffering from 12-14 stab wounds. A year later, 21-year-old Mason will be the beneficiary of the 37th annual Tour De Bar, a White Bear Lake community bike ride and fundraiser. Proceeds will support his continued recovery, including medical expenses related to post-traumatic stress disorder. The aftermath of the attack has been a complex road to recovery for the Fike family.
her 100th birthday at her longtime home, surrounded by children, grandchildren and friends. Helen Wisely Brown was born in Winnipeg, Canada, on July 14, 1925.
White Bear teen stars in Cubs hype video, throws first pitch Aiden Hamlin, a 15-year-old rising sophomore at White Bear Lake Area High School, has done acting and modeling jobs for most of his life. But he said nothing quite compared to starring in the Chicago Cubs “Take the Field” hype video this summer. It is shown on the Wrigley Field jumbotron before every Cubs home game. That role brought the opportunity to throw out a first pitch at Wrigley before the Cubs played the Boston Red Sox.
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are Collin Bromeland, Matt Macdonald, Sam Macdonald, Max Milbrandt, Jess Miller, Luke Newman, William Peterson and Alex Reister.
Troop 433 celebrates rare feat: 8 new Eagle Scouts in 1 year
Celebrating 40 years of Flicker Meat Company with new name
It’s not every day that a Scout troop has an Eagle Scout, let alone eight of them in one year. Since Mahtomedi Troop 433 was established in 1958, 95 members have risen to the rank of Eagle Scout. This year, eight Scouts were recognized on the plaque that hangs in St. Jude of the Lake church, where the troop meets. They
Since 1985, Flicker Meat Company has been a local staple in White Bear Lake, serving high- quality meat and deli delicacies to customers over the years. This summer marks not only the 40th anniversary of the company but also its official name transition from Flicker Meat to White Bear Butchery.
SEPTEMBER Year in Review 2025
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26 Years
By now, the news has spread that changes may be coming to the White Bear Lake Post Office. The United States Postal Service recently sent approximately 10,640 post cards to customers within the 55110 ZIP code to inform them of the proposed relocation of the branch located at 2223 Fifth Street, according to Desai Abdul-Rezzaaq, a spokesperson for USPS. 847634
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A three-judge Minnesota Court of Appeals panel has reversed and remanded last year’s administrative law judge ruling regarding water-appropriation permit amendments. The 2024 decision had universally rejected a permit condition that would trigger an irrigation ban if White Bear Lake’s water elevation dips below 923.5 feet. The new decision undoes that ruling, stating that a water irrigation ban may be appropriate depending on the permit holder. This decision adds yet another layer to a longstanding dispute over the legal measures necessary to maintain the lake level.
White Bear Lake centenarian celebrates milestone birthday
27 YEARS
651-407-1987
Minnesota Court of Appeals reverses 2024 water appropriation permits ruling
On a bookshelf inside Robert Johnson’s third floor apartment on Willow Avenue sits a unique collection. Johnson is the owner of over 300 unopened packages of cigarettes. Johnson inherited the collection from his stepbrother John Wayne Christopherson, who passed away four years ago. The collection contains unopened packages of Pall Mall, Marlboro and Newport cigarettes from the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.
Florist turns lifelong love of flowers into new business Throughout her life, Kim Bauer has held a variety of jobs including customer service and a teacher’s assistant but there is one thing she has always come back to—flowers. The White Bear Township resident has more than 30 years of experience in the floral business and is planning to open her own shop, Floristry North, in White Bear Lake.
Fun for all at playground dedication
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Principal Julian Stanke helps lead a “Go Bears!” cheer prior to the recent ribbon
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
cutting and dedication of a new playground at Birch Lake Elementary School in White Bear Lake.
McNeely Music Center charts opening Music for the people—this is the vision Manitou Fund representatives Greg McNeely and Oliver Din had when building the McNeely Music Center in the White Bear Lake Arts District. The McNeely Music Center provides private and group music lessons, both vocal and instrumental, from elementary through adulthood. The center will also host masterclasses, clinics and workshops.
DECEMBER 31, 2025 www.presspubs.com
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OCTOBER
Year in Review 2025 Ukrainians discuss resilience, hope through Rotary Club
In partnership with the Mahtomedi High School Interact Club, Tree Trust representatives Matt Ronald and Rachel Schindler conduct a planting demonstration at Wedgewood Park in Mahtomedi.
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PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
The Vadnais Heights Press: A 50-year reflection
Student’s legacy lives on through gym at St. Jude’s
Vadnais Heights celebrates Halloween
For 50 years, the Vadnais Heights Press has stood the test of time as a hub of local news, humaninterest stories and crucial business information. In that time, it has shifted from a small counterpart to the White Bear Press to its own entity of equal importance Today, the paper remains a strong source of information for citizens, informing them about what’s happening around ton and the opportunities they have to make a positive impact on society.
It’s been 14 years since John “Jack” Patrick Gunderson walked the halls of St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School in Mahtomedi, but his legacy of sportsmanship, kindness and inclusion still endures. While at St. Jude, he participated in various sports, including hockey, golf, baseball, volleyball and basketball. Competing in Catholic Athletic Association, he was known not only for his skills but for his unwavering sportsmanship.
Visitors who recently attended the annual family friendly Halloween party in Vadnais Heights were also able to tour and vote for their favorite entry along the Scarecrow Trail circling the athletic field at Community Park. Dozens of creative entries from local businesses and organization, including the Gentry Academy hockey team and Vadnais Heights Lions Club.
NOVEMBER
she wanted to play the violin. In order to make it work, Weinhold with the help of Mariner Middle School staff, were able to create a device using 3-D printing to help Layla hold the violin.
Year in Review 2025
New edible ‘food forest’ coming to Vadnais Heights
If you’re someone looking for a new way to promote healthy way of life, look no further —the Vadnais Heights Green Team has something very special in store. Starting next spring, the team will plant an edible “food forest” in Community Park, which will feature food grown from native Minnesota plants for residents to enjoy.
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6 Years
version is based on Broadway’s 2013 revival, all versions differ from the 1950 Disney film.
The White Bear Lake Area High School fall musical is always enchanting, but director Wendy Suoja wanted the first musical in the Performing Arts Center to be truly magical. Thus, this fall’s show is “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” which originally premiered in 1956 starring Julie Andrews. It was remade in 1997, starring Whitney Houston. Souja emphasized that, while, White Bear’s
Mariner Middle School sixth grader Layla Kleidon was born without her right hand, but she has never let that get in the way of doing the things she wants to do. For several years now, it’s been a dream of Layla’s to play the violin. Last spring, when students were deciding whether they wanted to join band, choir or orchestra, Layla reminded her mother and informed the orchestra teacher, Todd Weinhold that
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Lighting event returns for second year Hundreds if visitors gathered in downtown White Bear Lake during the Second Annual Gazebo Lighting Ceremony held in partnership with Downtown Main Street, the White Bear Lake Lions Club, The Rotary Club and the City of White Bear Lake.
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For 25 years, the Mahtomedi community has come to cherish the annual tradition of the Tree of Light and Remembrance event. The event always takes place on the first Friday of December and serves as the sole fundraiser for the Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf. “It’s a beautiful way to kick off the holiday season,” explained Food Shelf
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Collaboration and creativity help student join orchestra
Tree of Light illuminates 25th anniversary
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1 Year
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Coordinator Lisa Moriarty. “We have people who have been going to that event every year just to hear the names of their loved ones read aloud. I think it’s very meaningful for the long timers.”
New sports photograph class debuts at White Bear High This year marks the debut of a new sports photography class taught by Shawn Gritzmacher at the high school. Gritzmacher, a longtime teacher of both film and traditional photography at White Bear, said the class’s inspiration was born from not only supporting school spirit but also capturing what he describes as the “student athlete perspective.”
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One of White Bear Lake’s own has entered his name int the Minnesota governor race for 2026. Mike Newcome has been officially endorsed by the Forward Independence Party. “Mike represents the type of leader Minnesota needs, someone willing to work with anyone listen to everyone and put people before party,” a party endorsement state said. “His message ref lects what Minnesotans across the political spectrum are calling for: honesty, accountability and real solutions.”
14 years
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Present day planting for the future
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The day of Feb. 24, 2022, marked a turning point in the Russia-Ukraine conflict that had begun eight years prior: completely unprovoked, Russia launched a full-scale invasion into Ukraine, causing untold devastation, death and instability all across the world. But amid the chaos comes hope and resilience. Through the White Bear Lake Rotary Club’s Open World delegation, Ukrainian specialists and service personnel are sharing their stories of strength and resilience in addressing veteran support issues, including government policy, polytrauma, mental health and prosthetics.
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Angelic ice sculpture construction Paul and Deneena Hughes recently constructed an ice sculpture in front of Rust Architects in Downtown White Bear Lake. Because they moved from Canada to the United States, they call themselves The EH Team in reference to their heritage in Alberta. The EH Team will be competing in the upcoming Winter Carnival Ice Carving competition.
2026
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Pet Memorial
Maplewood mall shuts down for gas leak Around 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, the Maplewood Fire Department was dispatched to the Maplewood Mall for report of a natural gas odor. Fire crews, along with Xcel Energy, were able to promptly identify and isolate the gas leak. The mall was evacuated for approximately 30 minutes.
Frank We would like to thank the White Bear Animal Hospital staff for their care and compassion when we had to put our dog Frank down on Dec. 17. Dr. Dalton was a bright spot in a sad day with his understanding and compassion during this difficult time. For all of the people who walk down Elm Street at Golfview Drive, you will no longer hear Frank barking “hello” at you anymore. He was a great guy and will be missed.
Police respond to shots fired in Maplewood A homicide investigation is ongoing after following a temporary shelter-in-place order Dec. 10. At approximately 10:45 a.m., the Maplewood Police Department was dispatched to the 2500 block of Ivy Avenue East on a report of shots being fired. Upon arrival, officers
found a 55-year-old woman lying in the hallway with gunshot wounds. She was transported to the hospital where she was declared deceased. A shelter-in-place order was issued until the 56-year-old male suspect was apprehended. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team was called to enter the apartment, where they found the suspect with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The male was transported to the hospital for treatment. The incident is currently under investigation by the Maplewood Police Department and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The 56-year-old suspect has been identified as Joseph Raymond Wiggins, 56, of Saint Paul. He has been charged with second-degree murder. His first court appearance was scheduled for Dec. 24.
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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS: Mahtomedi has big plans PAGE 16
PHOTOS BY PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Collective community tradition continues Above: Dozens of community volunteers dressed in Santa and elf costumes line up to welcome arriving senior citizens, below, from care centers around the community during the recent annual Dinner with Santa holiday event at the White Bear Country Inn.
Above: Volunteer Skinny Santa Danny decided to wear an upgrade from the elf costume he wore last year. At left: Mahtomedi High School student volunteer Molly Roettger visits with senior citizens during the lead up to dinner service.
Above: Choir teacher Brenna Reiland practices with her students before the group sings for the sizable crowd attending the festive annual holiday dinner, organized by Bill Foussard in collaboration with community organizations, business sponsors and volunteers. Find more photos online at presspubs.com.
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14 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
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SP TTED AROUND TOWN
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1. Rust Architects continues its tradition of ice sculptures in downtown White Bear Lake. — Carter Johnson, Press Publications 2. A Waste Management truck caught fire shortly after noon on Dec. 22. The truck’s contents were safely dumped in the parking lot at Columbia Park on Highway96. The White Bear Lake Fire Department was able to safely extinguish the fire. — Fred Ames, contributed 3-4. The White Bear Lake Rotary and their expansive team of volunteer Santas and served area senior citizens during the annual Dinner with Santa event Monday, Dec. 22 at the White Bear Country Inn. — Patti Carlson, Press Publications 5. White Bear Lake VFW Cmdr. Gary Carlberg with Santa’s helpers from Dermatology Consultants in Vadnais Heights. — VFW Post 1782, contributed
CHECK US OUT! If you’d like to experience our schools in person, mark your calendar for open house tours for incoming kindergarten families: FALL ‘26 KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN!
WHY BE A BEAR? • Student-centered instruction. We believe all students grow and learn in different ways and at different rates — that all can achieve.
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Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to whitebearnews@presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo.
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OBITUARIES
Timothy William “Timmy” Abrahamson
John “Jack” Ritt
With heavy hearts, we share that Timothy William “Timmy” Abrahamson, 36, passed away on November 24. Born on October 28, 1989, in St. Paul, Timmy was the beloved son of Lee and Maria Abrahamson and was raised in White Bear Lake. He attended White Bear Lake High School, UMD, and FAU. Tim shared a close and loving bond with his siblings, Anthony and Maddi. He adored his dog, Elsa. Timmy was a bright and loving presence whose warmth, humor, and kindness touched everyone who knew him. He loved playing hockey, tennis, golf and pickleball with his family and friends. He will be remembered by his family, friends, teammates, and coaches for his generosity, loyalty, a big smile, and ability to make others laugh. Tim is survived by his parents, Lee and Maria Abrahamson (McAllister); his siblings, Maddi (Jubee Dysthe) and Anthony Abrahamson; his grandparents, Gerald and Karen Abrahamson; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, including Laura Tolaas (Randy Van Seth), Rob Abrahamson, Biz McAllister (Jen Jasperson), June (Bruce Johnson), Paula McAllister, Julee Brentwood, Jayson Lewandowski (Yolonda), Courtney (Neil Vigil), Chris Lewandowski, Todd Lewandowski, Florian Abrahamson (Anna), Mikey Abrahamson, Nina (Nick Rue), Ryan Abrahamson, Anastacia McAllister, Jeff Johnson (Keleigh), and Alaina Johnson. He was preceded in death by his uncle, Tim Tolaas, and his grandparents, Beverly Rheaume and William McAllister. A Celebration of Life for Tim Abrahamson will be held on Saturday, January 3, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Rudy’s Redeye Grill Banquet room in White Bear Lake. Friends and family are invited to come and go as they wish, share memories, and honor the love and light Timmy brought into the world.
y a D One y! Onl
Age 84, passed away on December 8, 2025, in Naples, Florida. Jack was born on November 24, 1941, and was a native of St. Paul, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doc A.E. and Angela Ritt, and his infant brother, Paul. Jack devoted his life to his family and to the family banking business. He started working part time at the age of 14 in 1955 at Midway National Bank during summers as a messenger, teller, and in the proof department. He graduated from Cretin High School in 1959 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in economics and marketing from Georgetown University in 1963. That same year, Jack joined the bank full time. Over the course of his distinguished career, Jack served in many leadership roles. He was promoted to Assistant Vice President in 1965, Vice President of Personnel and Investment Officer in 1970, and Executive Vice President in January of 1973. In May of
that year, he was elected President and Chief Executive Officer. In 1985, Jack was elected Chairman of the Board, while retaining his roles as President and CEO. In 2002, Jack orchestrated the sale of Midway National Bank, including its Trust Department, Preferred Financial Systems, and a division of MNB operating in the technology data processing field. Following the sale of Midway National Bank, Jack continued his leadership at North Star Bank, serving as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, roles he held with pride and dedication for many years. Throughout his career, Jack was deeply committed to community service. He served as trustee of the United Hospital Foundation, the Frances Curran Foundation, and the Ritt Family Foundation. Above all else, Jack was a loving and proud father to Lisa Ritt Meyers (Luke Ridgway) and Steve Ritt (Tammi Ritt). He was a cherished grandfather to Ashley (Spencer) Brown, Brock Ridgway, and Kendall Ritt, and an honored great-grandfather to Brooklyn and Layla Brown. His family was his greatest source of pride. Jack will be remembered for his integrity, leadership, dedication to community, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the generations he guided. Service arrangements will be shared at a later date per the direction of his spouse, Mary Rogers Ritt.
POLITICAL BRIEF Minnesota Mayors send letter to Gov. Walz Ninety-eight mayors from across the state of Minnesota have signed a letter to state leaders that details their concerns regarding rising costs and financial pressures cities are facing due to mandates imposed by the state. Two mayors in Press Publications’ coverage area signed the letter, including the Mayor of Grant Jeff Giefer and Mayor Mike Murphy of Lexington.
The letter reads in part, “As mayors representing cities of every size across the State of Minnesota, we are on the front lines of delivering essential services, maintaining public safety, and ensuring that our communities remain places where families and businesses can thrive. It is from this position of direct responsibility that we write to express deep concern — and growing frustration — about the fiscal direction of the state and its increasing impact on our cities
and the residents we serve.” “As mayors, we are committed to responsible budgeting, fiscal restraint, and delivering highquality local services. Yet there is a growing disconnect between state-level fiscal decisions and the strain they place on the cities we lead. When the state expands programs or shifts responsibilities without stable funding, it is our residents—families, seniors, businesses, and workers—who ultimately bear the cost.”
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Mahtomedi has big plans BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Press Publications suggests that you be aware of advertisers requesting payment for shipping merchandise. Confirm and verify all contact resources prior to sending any money. Take caution when responding to text messages that are not local numbers.
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Lost & Found
The 2026-2030 Mahtomedi Capital Improvement Plan Highway 244 acquisition and utility work 2026 street improvements 2026 Total
CLASSIFIEDS Help Wanted
150
Help Wanted
$825,000 $2.8 million $3.6 million
Highway 244 construction $14 million 120/Century Avenue $1 million Mahtomedi/Pine Springs streets $1 million Fire Station/City Hall $24 million Highway 244 Dellwood water main $120,000 2027 Total $41.1 million State Aid mill and overlay Storm sewer pond maintenance/drainage 2028 Total
$1 million $50,000 $1.1 million
2029 street improvements Historic District pavement management Storm sewer pond maintenance/drainage 2029 Total
$2.1 million $875,000 $500,000 $3.5 million
Sanitary sewer lining project 2030 Total
$225,000 $225,000
2026-2030 Total
150
$49.6 million
If Mahtomedi residents can find a way to get around town within the next five years, they’ll notice some substantial infrastructure projects underway. These projects will cost big bucks, and the city will incur debt to finance part of them. The Mahtomedi City Council unanimously passed a resolution approving a capital improvement plan (CIP) and giving preliminary approval to the issuance of capital improvement bonds in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $24,325,000 to finance a portion of the costs described in the CIP to build and equip a new fire station. Council also approved the Parks CIP for 2026-2030. All told, the projects on the 2026-2030 CIP total $49 million. Approving the CIP for the next five years is part of the normal process, said Finance Director Scott Schaefer. It’s not cast in stone, but it is the city’s template, Mayor Richard Brainerd noted. Before it adopts a CIP or issues bonds under the plan, the City Council is required to hold a public hearing regarding the plan and issuance of the CIP bonds. During the brief period the public hearing was open, one resident asked whether the proceeds of the current City Hall sale would end up in the general fund or be used to pay down the debt. Both Schaefer and City Administrator Scott Neilson said the city was at liberty to select either option. The two largest items on the to-do list are the Highway 244 road construction project for 2027, with a $14 million price tag, and the City Hall/Fire Station project, also scheduled for 2027, with a $24.3 million price tag. Nick Anhut from Ehlers and Associates was on hand to clarify the bond issuance process. Following the public hearing and approval, the public has 30 days to file a petition that the bond issuance be put on a future ballot, he said. After 30 days without a petition, the city has full authority to incur debt and issue the bonds sometime in the future. There is a provision within the resolution that declares the intent of council to reimburse itself for any costs once it has the cash f low. The CIP document provides estimates and assumes higher interest rates, Anhut said. It will be about a year before the city comes forward to issue the debt, he said. The city is in the process of putting together a request for proposals for architectural design services for the Fire Station/City Hall. Once the city receives proposals, city staff will return to council for approval, Neilson said. City staff is also looking for council members to be on the design committee. (The plan) will move our community forward for the next 50 years, said Council Member Jeff Charlesworth. “But not without a little heartburn due to the magnitude of it and knowing what we’ll be asking of our constituents. Community surveys indicate exactly what we’re doing today. It’s exciting, but a little nerve-wracking.” “I think we know this is no small investment, but it’s a huge need and will have a huge return on the investment. I think that supporting this project means that we’re going to support our community for years to come,” said Council Member Lilly Melander. Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs.com.
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Rentals/ Commercial EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
DECEMBER 31, 2025 www.presspubs.com
APPLIANCE REPAIR
Meet Your Specialist Tom Schneider, owner of Schneider Custom Woodworks, has lived in the area for 30+ years. He started his company in the spring of 1996. S.C.W. does residential and commercial cabinetry, custom kitchens, cabinet resurfacing and refacing, home theaters, custom built ins, hutches, bath vanities, basement/commercial bars, tables, booths, and cashier counters. They also install millwork such as base and case trim, banisters, handrails, steps, and do deck refacing and custom exterior work.
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WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
19
Bear girls fall to Rebels, Cougars BY BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Shoreview
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Gabriella Hartzel eyes the hoop while driving for a layup past Centennial’s Sydney Schmitz.
and Addy Sears 14 for the Cougars (4-6). Theissen netted 16 for
had a good second half (35-29) but fell 59-44. Kate Lee hit 17 points
the Bears. Amelia Post added 12 off the bench, all in the second half.
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White Bear Lake girls basketball had a bad half in each game, losing twice in the past week. Against Champlin Park on Friday, the Bears (3-6) were within 37-30 at halftime but the Rebels (3-5) ruled the second half 3823 and won 75-53. Reese Haegenbart led Champlin with 21 points. Chloe Thiessen sank 21 for the Bears. Sophie Menier had 11 points and Gabriella Hartzel eight. Centennial blitzed the Bears 30-9 in the first half Monday. The Bears
BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS BOYS HOCKEY
No. 6 ranked Hill-Murray edged longtime section archrival White Bear Lake 3-2. The Pioneers (51-2) took a 3-0 lead with goals by Gavin Sondreal (power play), Tommy Miller and Landon Sampair. Rian Marquardt got the Bears (3-4-1) back within one, notching goals at 13:56 of the second period (assists by Magnus Benz and Lukas Mork and again 57 seconds into the third (assist by Tanner Olsen). Riley Helmberger made 31 saves for the Bears.
goal with 59 seconds left) and Paige Downey the other. Madelyn Lee also scored. Scoring for the Marauders (6-7) were Megan Packer, Taylor Elm (power play), Lauren Eggleston and Danielle Rusty. Lola Dambowy made 35 saves for R/M and Macie Marston 29 for the Bears. Against Park (5-8), the Bears lost 4-2 despite a 44-13 edge in shots. Elaina Hosfield and Carlie Griffin scored for the Bears while Park goalie Hailey Garcia stopped their other 42 shots.
GIRLS HOCKEY
BOYS BASKETBALL
White Bear Lake rallied from a 4-1 deficit with five minutes left against Roseville/Mahtomedi and finished in a 4-4 tie Saturday. The Bears (4-91) then lost to Park 4-2 on Dec. 23. Against R/M, the Bears were 3-for-3 on power plays with Olive Holvig notching two of them (including the tying
White Bear Lake rolled to an 81-55 non-conference win at Champlin Park. Ten players scored for the Bears (3-3), led by Preston Crider with 20, Nick Cardenas 15, Will McQuay 14 and Colin Piper 13. Bruce Strand
ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS BOYS HOCKEY
Mahtomedi is 3-5-2 after losing twice on a northern trip Dec. 19-20. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (5-5) beat the Zephyrs 4-2 with goalie Jacob Iallonardo stopping 42 of 44 shots while Conor Sullivan scored twice. Brock Gutterman and Devin O’Donnell each had a goal and assist for Mahtomedi. Hibbing/ Chisholm (10-1) drills four goals in the third period to beat the Zephyrs 7-4. Scoring for the Zephyrs were Trevor Rogosheske twice, Easton DeZelar and O’Donnell. Blake Loida and Will Seevers each made two assists. Mahtomedi was 3-for4 and H/C 3-for-10 on power plays. Mahtomedi suffered 15 penalties.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Mahtomedi continues to be competitive despite a 2-7 record. The Zephyrs lost 5955 to Tartan (6-2). Grace Prose drilled 26 points, shooting 7-for-17 on three’s.
Delaney Dumermuth notched 13 points and eight rebounds, and Berkley Blaisdell 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Ava Sheppeck grabbed seven rebounds. Totino-Grace (5-3) beat the Zephyrs 56-46. Dumermuth notched 17 points, eight rebounds and two
blocks, Prose 12 points, and Blaisdell 12 points, six steals and seven rebounds.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Mahtomedi lost a duel of highly ranked, unbeaten teams to Tartan 85-69 at home. Tartan is 5-0 and ranked No. 2 in Class
4A. Mahtomedi is 5-1 and ranked No. 3 in Class 3A. Kevin Wilson Jr. powered the Titans with 33 points. Duke King added 23. For Mahtomedi, Mark Graff netted 23 points and Willie Roelofs 18. Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Chloe Theissen
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White Bear Lake Basketball December 31, 2025
Chloe Theissen, White Bear Lake basketball senior cocaptain, has scored in double digits in eight of nine games. The 5-foot-11 guard is averaging 14.6 points with a high of 21. Theissen is agile and adept at both driving to the hoop and sinking long-range three-pointers. As a junior, Theissen provided some punch off the bench, highlighted by a crucial three-pointer in the section finals to help secure a state tournament berth. “Chloe has made huge strides this year and is consistently delivering for us on both ends of the floor,” coach Jeremy Post said. “It is exciting to see her start to reach her potential with more to come.”
4457 White Bear Parkway, Ste B, White Bear, MN 55110 651-426-5254 info@4seasonsairwbl.com
651.407.1205
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DECEMBER 31, 2025 www.presspubs.com
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Remove all decorations and 2.up Swapping salt for atheprograms, FREE bag ofand reusable Ice rinks atwhite, Westfield andand Community snowplows. snowplows. do not place the tree in a plastic bag. The tree Nrhiav cov ntaub ntawv hloov kho tshiab tshaj plaws txog peb cov koom txoos, do not place the tree in a plastic bag. The tree Nrhiav cov ntaub ntawv hloov kho tshiab tshaj plaws txog peb cov koom txoos, snowplows. Nrhiav cov ntaub ntawv hloov kho tshiab tshaj plaws txog peb cov koom txoos, do not place the tree in a plastic bag. The tree Nrhiav cov ntaub ntawv hloov kho tshiab tshaj plaws txog peb covare koomcoming txoos, Nrhiav ntaub ntawv kho tshiab tshaj plaws txog peb cov koom txoos, grit. Visit for locations and Parks up. Go to Nrhiavcov cov ntaubgetgrittymn.org ntawvhloov hloov kho tshiab tshaj plaws txog peb cov koom txoos, cov khoos kas, cov kev pab cuam, thiab cov xov xwm nyob hauv online! -nyob Never crowdaaasnowplow. snowplow.Pass Passsnowplows snowplows cov khoos kas, cov kev pab cuam, thiab cov xov xwm hauv online! -- nyob Never crowd (or sections of the tree) cannot be longer than cov khoos kas, cov kev pab cuam, thiab cov xov xwm nyob hauv online! sections of the tree) cannot be longer than cov khoos kas, cov kev pab cuam, thiab cov xov xwm hauv online! cov khoos kas, cov kev pab cuam, thiab cov xov xwm nyob hauv online! Never crowd snowplow. Pass snowplows (or sections of the tree) cannot be longer than cov khoos kas, cov kev pab cuam, thiab cov xov xwm nyob hauv online! a(or tutorial. cityvadnaisheights.com/ice for updates on only when you can seethe theentire entirevehicle. vehicle. only when you can see seven (7) feet. Trees will be picked up by a cityvadnaisheights.com Facebook.com/CityVH seven (7) feet. Trees will be picked up by a Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, cityvadnaisheights.com Facebook.com/CityVH only when you can see the entire vehicle. Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, seven (7) feet. Trees will be picked up by a Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, cityvadnaisheights.com Facebook.com/CityVH 3. Salt sparingly. A 12-oz mug is enough for when they’ll be open. Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, Stay well behind plows to avoid any flying adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlayn ahaan! Stay well behind plows to avoid any flying separate truck.There There will be a$7 $7 charge foronlayn adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena truck. will be aaonlayn charge for adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena ahaan! Stay well behind plows to avoid any flying adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlaynahaan! ahaan! adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlayn ahaan! separate truck. There will be $7 charge for aseparate 20-foot driveway. adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlayn ahaan! trees placed outside for pickup at times other
sandingmaterials, materials,snow, snow,and andice icethat thatcould could sanding
trees placed outside for pickup at other sanding materials, snow, and ice that could ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios treeslas placed outside for pickup attimes times other ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios ¡Encuentra últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios strikeyour your vehicle. strike vehicle. thanthose those listed above. than listed above. ynoticias noticias en línea! strike your vehicle. yynoticias en línea! than those listed ynoticias noticias en línea! en línea! yabove. en línea! ynoticias en línea! The Vadnais Heights Lions Club
Winter Activities
Registration is open for winter recreation Sharingthe theRoad Road withSnowplows Snowplows Sharing Sharing the Road with Snowplows activities! Adult andwith youth activities Staysafe safeand andslow slowdown! down!During Duringthe thewinter winter Stay safe and slow down! During the winter areStay open. More information available at season, please remember to sharethe theroad road season, season,please pleaseremember rememberto toshare share the road cityvadnaisheights.com/register. Look the latest about our events, programs, services, and online! Find FindFind the the latest latest about about our our events, events, programs, programs, services, services, and and news newsnews online! online! Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online! Nrhiav cov ntaub ntawv kho tshiab plaws peb cov koom txoos, Nrhiav Nrhiav cov cov ntaub ntaub ntawv ntawv hloov hloovhloov kho kho tshiab tshiab tshaj tshajtshaj plaws plaws txog txogtxog peb peb cov cov koom koom txoos, txoos, Nrhiavcov covkhoos ntaubkas, ntawv kho cuam, tshiab thiab tshaj plaws txog peb covhauv koomonline! txoos, covhloov kev cuam, pab covxwm xov xwm cov cov khoos khoos kas, kas, cov cov kev kev pab pab cuam, thiab thiab cov cov xov xov xwm nyob nyobnyob hauv hauv online! online! cov khoos kas, cov kev pab cuam, thiab cov xov xwm nyob hauv online! Kuhel wixi danbeeyey ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, Kuhel Kuhel wixi wixi ugu ugu danbeeyey ee ee kusaabsan kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, barnaamijyadeena, Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlayn ahaan! adeegyadeena adeegyadeena iyo iyo wararkeena wararkeena onlayn onlayn ahaan! ahaan! adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlayn ahaan! ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios ¡Encuentra ¡Encuentra las las últimas últimas novedades novedades sobre sobre nuestros nuestros eventos, eventos, programas, programas, servicios servicios ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios y noticias en línea! yy noticias noticias en en línea! línea! y noticias en línea!
cityvadnaisheights.com cityvadnaisheights.com twi9er.com/Vadnais_Heights Facebook.com/CityVH twi9er.com/Vadnais_Heights cityvadnaisheights.com Facebook.com/CityVH twi9er.com/Vadnais_Heights Facebook.com/CityVH
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Bealert alertfor fordangerous dangeroussnow snowclouds cloudsoror - - Be
- Be alert for dangerous snow clouds or Foundation runs a monthly food shelf. “whiteout” conditions. Snowplows can “whiteout” conditions. Snowplows can “whiteout” conditions. Snowplows can Distributions are the third Saturday createclouds clouds ofblowing blowing snow thatmay may create of snow that create clouds of blowing snow that may of conceal every month at and the Vadnais Heights conceal theroad road and hidedriving driving hazards the hide hazards conceal the hide driving Commons, 655road Eastand County Road F.hazards The
Food Shelf is open for extended hours in December from 9-11 a.m. Distribution Winter Programs Registration Open of foodRec isRec allowed to families considered Winter Programs –––Registration Open Winter Rec Programs Registration Open Oncue cue withthe thesnow, snow,our our winterrec rec lower income; qualifying individuals On with winter On cue with the snow, our winter rec programs are openfor for registration. Youth can register day-of. For donations make programs are open registration. Youth programs are open for registration. Youth basketball, floorto hockey, indoorsoccer, soccer,and and checks payable the Vadnais Heights basketball, floor hockey, indoor basketball, floor hockey, indoor soccer, and adultTai TaiChi Chi Chaunand andand yoga programs are Lions Club Foundation drop off or are mail adult Chaun yoga programs adult Tai Chi Chaun and yoga programs are available. Stay busywith with us this winter: c/o Vadnais Heights Cityus Hall. Monetary available. Stay busy this winter: available. Stay busy with us this winter: www.cityvadnaisheights.com/register donations allow food shelves to take www.cityvadnaisheights.com/register www.cityvadnaisheights.com/register Newto toour our recreation catalog this advantage ofrecreation special pricing and fill gaps New catalog this New to our recreation catalog this winter -Learn Learnto toSnowshoe Snowshoe classes! Learn from donations. Wish-list items include winter --Learn classes! Learn winter to Snowshoe classes! Learn thebasics basics andgain gain confidence through pantry staples, peanut butter,through baby items, the and confidence the basics and gain confidence through aguided guidedhike. hike. Snowshoes provided! after-school type, personal care aabeverages, Snowshoes provided! guided hike. Snowshoes provided! Ages 7+are arewelcome welcome (14and andunder undermust must and cleaning items. (14 Ages 7+ Ages 7+ are welcome (14 and under must beaccompanied accompanied byan anadult). adult). www. The White Bearby Area Food Shelf is also be www. be accompanied by an adult). www. cityvadnaisheights.com/register available for those in need. Curb-side cityvadnaisheights.com/register cityvadnaisheights.com/register and community market instructions are available online. For those donating, use the donation match and the wish-list of
20
items. For more information and how to donate/volunteer, or access resources go to Skating Rinks whitebearfoodshelf.org. Skating Rinks Skating Rinks
Weatherpermitting, permitting,the theice icerinks rinksat at Weather Weather permitting, the ice rinks at Community Parkand andWestfield Westfield Parkshould should Community Park Community Park and Westfield Park should AdvisoryPark Commission Openings be open.Visit Visitour our website orcall callCity City Hallfor for be open. website or Hall be open. Visit our website or call City Hall for Commissions play an important role updates asthey they become available. updates as become available. updates as they become available. by studying specific topics and making
recommendations to the city council.
Winter Shindig Winter HealthShindig and Public Safety is looking for Winter Shindig
Embrace winter withVadnais Vadnais Heights Embrace winter with Heights two alternates, Parks, Recreation & Trails Embrace winter with Vadnais Heights Parks Recreation! Enjoyhot hotchocolate, chocolate, Parks &&&Recreation! is looking for one Enjoy alternate, and all are Parks Recreation! Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, ice skating, snowshoeing andall all cookies, ice skating, and looking for youth snowshoeing members. Interviews cookies, ice skating, snowshoeing and all things winter! Join usfor forthe theWinter Winter Shindig things winter! Join Shindig will take place onus Tuesday, January 20, things winter! Join us for the Winter Shindig on Saturday, January 14at at Community Park, on Saturday, 14 Community Park, 2026 at 5:30January p.m. at City Hall during the on Saturday, January 14 at Community Park, 651 CountyRoad Road from22meeting. 2to to444pm. pm.FREE FREE 651 EEECounty F, City Council Workshop Learn 651 County Road F,F,from from to pm. FREE -all allages ages welcome. Nopre-registration pre-registration --all welcome. is more about eachNo of these commissions ages welcome. No pre-registration isis and required. required. apply online at: cityvadnaisheights.com/ required.
commissions.
Facebook.com/CityVH Facebook.com/CityVH Facebook.com/CityVH
Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online! Find the latest about our events, programs, services, news online! Find the latest about our events, programs, services, andand news online! Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online! Nrhiav cov ntaub ntawv hloov kho tshiab tshaj plaws txog peb cov koom txoos, cov khoos kas, cov kev pab cuam, thiab cov xov xwm nyob hauv online! Nrhiav cov ntaub hloov kho tshiab tshaj plaws txog peb cov koom txoos, cov khoos kas, cov kev pab cuam, thiab cov xov xwm nyob hauv online! Nrhiav cov ntaub ntawv hloov kho tshiab tshaj plaws txog peb cov koom txoos, cov khoos kas, cov kev pab thiab cov xov xwm nyob hauv online! Nrhiav cov ntaub ntawv hloov kho tshiab tshaj plaws txog peb cov koom txoos, cov khoos kas, cov kev pabcuam, cuam, thiab cov xov xwm nyob hauv online! Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlayn ahaan! Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlayn ahaan! Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlayn ahaan! Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlayn ahaan! ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios y noticias en línea! ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios ynoticias noticias en línea! ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios yynoticias en línea! ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios en línea! Visit www.cityvadnaisheights.com or call 651.204.6000. | City Hall Hours: Mon through Thurs 7 a.m. to Monday 4:30 p.m.,through Fri 7 to 11 a.m.. . Visitwww.cityvadnaisheights.com www.cityvadnaisheights.comor orcall call651.204.6000. 651.204.6000.|||City CityHall HallHours: Hours:8:00 8:00a.m. a.m.to to4:30 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday twitter.com/Vadnais_Heights Facebook.com/CityVH Facebook.com/CityVH twitter.com/Vadnais_Heights Facebook.com/CityVH Visit p.m., Friday twitter.com/Vadnais_Heights Visit www.cityvadnaisheights.com or call 651.204.6000. City Hall Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday . twitter.com/Vadnais_Heights Facebook.com/CityVH Facebook.com/CityVH Facebook.com/CityVH Facebook.com/CityVH Facebook.com/CityVH
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Food Shelves
VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
Vadnais Heights City Council approves Energy Action Plan
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The Vadnais Heights City Council has approved a plan supporting the efforts of the community to become a leader in sustainability and energy efficiency, following a unanimous vote to begin implementation of its Energy Action Plan. To mark the launch of the Energy Action Plan, the city of Vadnais Heights will host a public kickoff event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 13 at the Vadnais Heights Commons (655 County Road F East). Community members are invited to learn more about the plan, explore upcoming opportunities and events, as well as take their first steps toward energy-saving actions. As part of the plan, Vadnais Heights has set a community-wide goal of increasing its energy program participation by 30% before 2030. Strategies laid out in the plan will help residents and businesses in the community reduce energy use and support renewable energy initiatives with the goal of saving money on energy bills and meeting the needs of the city’s buildings and homes. The Energy Action Plan outlines four focus areas where the city will target its efforts:
energy efficiency, renewable energy, beneficial electrification and reducing energy burden for lowincome residents. A complete version of Vadnais Heights’ Energy Action Plan can be found on the City’s website at cityvadnaisheights.com/energy. “Our Partners in Energy Action Plan focuses on attainable goals. Working together with the whole community promises to benefit all energy users and businesses in the city and be part of important work beyond our boundaries,” Mayor Mike Krachmer said. The Energy Action Plan was created by the Energy Action Team, which was made up of community members, city staff, elected officials, local business representatives and representatives of utilities serving the community. The team met over the course of six-months to review energy use data, set priorities and goals and develop actionable strategies to achieve energy goals. Xcel Energy, the main electric utility serving Vadnais Heights, offers the Partners in Energy program as a free way for communities to develop and implement customized, community-
driven energy plans. Partners in Energy staff assisted Vadnais Heights’ Energy Action Team in developing the Energy Action Plan and will now support its implementation over the next 18 months. “In launching its Energy Action Plan, Vadnais Heights has demonstrated its commitment to reimagining its approach to energy in a way that best fits the needs and goals of its residents and businesses,” said John Marshall, regional vice president, Customer & Community with Xcel Energy. “Our team of experts provided guidance during the planning effort and is now ready to assist Vadnais Heights as it puts this plan into action.” To learn more about the plan and start taking action towards Vadnais Heights’ Energy Action Plan goals, contact Erin Spry, city of Vadnais Heights natural resource specialist at Erin.Spry@ cityvadnaisheights.com. City of Vadnais Heights
BUSINESS BRIEF Progress continues on Vadnais Heights 7 Brew Work on the new 7 Brew at 935 East County Road E in Vadnais Heights is underway. The drive-thru business will offer the original Blondie, a caramel and vanilla breve, as well as infused energy drinks, smoothies, fizz sodas, teas and more. The stand is expected to add about 50 jobs to the Vadnais Heights area. Currently, there are approximately 597 7 Brew stands around the country. The three stands in Minnesota currently are in St. Cloud, Bemidji and Moorhead. Those interested in applying for a job can visit https:// glowbrands.7brewcareers.com. To get a sneak peek at the menu or learn more about the company, visit https://7brew.com.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The 7 Brew stand is dropped into place at 935 East County Road E in Vadnais Heights.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS
PUBLIC NOTICE The City Council of the City of Vadnais Heights has adopted Ordinance No. 792, which sets the 2026 Fee Schedule. The full text of Ordinance No. 792 and a copy of the 2026 Fee Schedule are available for inspection at Vadnais Heights City Hall during regular business hours. Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on December 31, 2025.
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PUBLIC NOTICE SOLICITATION OPPORTUNITIES Ramsey County releases solicitation opportunities on DemandStar as an alternative method of public notice pursuant to Section 331A.03 of the Minnesota Statutes. Individuals may go to the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” section of the “Doing Business with Ramsey County” webpage at ramseycounty.us/ContractWithRamsey to access registration information. If you are new to DemandStar, please follow the DemandStar registration instructions on the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” webpage. Access to all Ramsey County documents is free if the instructions that are posted are followed. You may call 651-266-8072 or email ProcurementTeam@ ramseycounty.us if you need assistance. Ramsey County is accepting only electronic Request for Bids (RFBs) responses submitted through DemandStar. Public openings are conducted digitally, as a video conference. See the link above for details.
To view current solicitations, please go to: https://bit.ly/3W8XWan Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on December 31, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION
COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-1047 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: Jemal Oumer Jeju, Decedent. NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, January 28, 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 Fetiya Omer, whose address is 191 Windsor Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration. Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145. Any objections to the petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate
including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the Estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled. NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN by publishing this Notice as provided by law and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice. Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred. BY THE COURT: Michael F. Upton, District Court Administrator BY: Elizabeth Girling, Deputy Court Administrator Date: December 12, 2025 Attorney for Petitioner: Courtney Sebo Savica (MN ID# 0391263) Kari Thoreson (MN ID# 0505584) Sebo Savica Law Firm, PLLC 20 Second Avenue SW, Suite 108 Rochester, MN 55902 Tel. (507) 418-5209 Email: courtney@savicalaw.com; kari@savicalaw.com Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on December 31, 2025 and January 7, 2026.