The idea for the first Earth Day in 1970 is credited to Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson as a way to harness the emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution at the time. 2025 marks the 55th anniversary. In the late 1960s and early 1970s images taken during Apollo missions to the moon are credited with helping to inspire the environmental movement. In 1968 the crew of Apollo 8 took the first color photograph of Earth taken from space. The image, titled “Earthrise,” quickly circulated around the world and is widely credited with inspiring the environmental movement along with the creation of “Earth Day. The original “blue marble” image was taken by the crew of Apollo 17 in 1972. The revised “blue marble” image was created by NASA using a collection of satellite-based observations, scientists and visualizers stitched together months of observations of the land surface, oceans, sea ice, and clouds into a seamless, true-color mosaic of our planet. See more about Earth Day on page 26.
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — The downtown parking lot project is moving ahead, with one change — the trees likely will stay.
An engineering firm is currently preparing the plans and specifications for the project, and a draft layout will likely be presented to the council for review on April 22, followed by final approval on May 27.
“They are looking at multiple options,” said Public Works Director/City Engineer Paul Kauppi. “They are looking to see if there are different configurations that provide any additional stalls or amenities.”
Four parking lots are proposed to be included in the project, scheduled for late summer and fall, 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). Based on a preliminary review, the revised layout for Lot 2 would gain approximately 15 stalls but would require the removal of four mature oak trees. (See “Council schedules public hearing for downtown trees” April 2.”
ture oak trees downtown over the addition of parking spaces.
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 trees. Several members of the
SEE DOWNTOWN TREES, PAGE 7
Counties food scraps pickup program will include Vadnais Heights
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
The city of Vadnais Heights is set to be included in the next phase of the Ramsey County /Washington County Food Scraps Pickup Program. Currently, the program is offered in over 25 cities and towns within the two counties. In Ramsey County, the program has been implemented in Maplewood and North St. Paul. The food scraps pickup program allows residents to have their compost collected directly from their homes, eliminating the need to transport them to a drop-off site.
said Beth Carreno, environmental health program supervisor for Ramsey County. “This is going to be pickup at people’s residences.”
Carreno explained that the program has been rolled out to different cities done through a multiyear phased rollout to all of the residents within Ramsey and Washington counties. Since April 2023, three program phases have been completed.
“We’ve been able to make this system available to all of the communities that haul directly to the Recycling and Energy Center, which is in Newport,” she added. “Communities will be added as their waste transfer stations have the sortation capacity.”
Vadnais Heights will be included in Phase 4 of the program rollout.
According to Carreno, the county anticipates that the program will be available to White Bear Lake residents in early 2026. Food scraps drop-off locations will be available throughout Ramsey County, including the new Environmental Center (See “Ramsey County opens new environmental center for residents,” White Bear Press, March 26, 2025).
“We are moving forward with a system where we can accept your trash and your food scraps bags together. And we are using robots to separate the trash from the food scraps bags,” Carreno added. “We feel like there are definite benefits to this system, both from the ability for people in multiunit housing to
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Residents of White Bear Lake and visitors of downtown say they prefer to preserve four ma-
State seeks volunteers to protect lakes, streams
As spring arrives in Minnesota, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) needs help monitoring the more than 12,000 lakes and 92,000 miles of streams in the state. The MPCA is currently recruiting volunteers to measure water clarity in lakes and streams and then report back to the agency as a part of the Volunteer Water Monitoring Program.
The University of Minnesota launched the program in 1973 and transferred it to the MPCA in 1978. It has become the second-oldest still active volunteer water monitoring program in the nation, empowering Minnesotans from all corners of
the state to support the health of its beloved waters. Volunteers conduct a simple water clarity test in a body of water twice a month from April to September. The MPCA provides all the equipment and training; no experience is needed. The MPCA uses the data to help determine whether lakes and streams are meeting water quality standards, which are designed to protect aquatic life and recreational activities. In some cases, the information gathered by volunteers is the only monitoring done on a particular lake or stream. For more information, visit www. pca.state.mn.us/get-engaged/ volunteer-water-monitoring.
Egg Hunt
In this issue of
White Bear/Vadnais Heights Press
• Find all the eggs that look like the four eggs on the left hidden in this paper(some may be black and white).
• Enter the number of eggs you find on our contest form online for a chance to win St. Paul Saints tickets.
• The four example eggs here do not count toward the total.
• All correct answers will be put into a drawing and one winner will be selected.
Enter the contest online at: presspubs.com/site/forms/contest/easter_eggs_wbvh/
WHAT’S HAPPENING
When: 2-4 p.m. Thursday, April 17
Where: Community Health Club, 1430 Highway 96 E., White Bear Lake Details: Create a floral arrangement with an expert. Registration required. Contact: https://form.jotform. com/250085885857169
CURRENT EVENTS
HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE WORKSHOP
When: 12:30-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 16
Where: HealthPartners White Bear Lake Clinic, 1430 Highway 96 E. Details: Learn about health care directives and how to fill one out. Registration required. Contact: healthpartners.com/about/ classes-events
ESCAPE ROOM AT THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE JAIL
When: 5-6 p.m., 6:30-7:30 p.m., and 8-9 p.m. Saturday, April 19
Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater Details: As the Sheriff sleeps, break out
CALENDAR BRIEFS
Save the date for 60th reunion
of your cell, raid the courthouse for a hefty stash of cash, and vanish into the night across the Mississippi River. The clock is ticking, the stakes are high, and the law is hot on your tail. Register online for one of 3 sessions.
Details: Presentation on advocating for climate change education at the national and state level. Event in person or online.
Contact: bit.ly/NEMCA0422
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, door G, 3920 Victoria St. N., Shoreview
Details: Business meeting and program by Kate Eelkema, a member of the National Association of Certified Quilt Judges (NACQJ), who will deconstruct the judging process and share what judges consider when selecting award winning quilts. Visitors welcome.
Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org
FIX-IT DROP-IN HOURS
When: 10 a.,m.-noon Wednesday, April 23
Where: North Environmental Center, Forest Lake
Details: Get help fixing small electronics and gadgets.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24; 7 p.m. Friday, April 25; 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26
The combined 1965 St. Paul High School classes of: Central, Highland, Monroe and Wilson will celebrate from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23 at Joesph’s Grill, 140 Wabasha St., St. Paul. Appetizers and cash bar. Payment by cash or check at the door. For more information, contact Barb Hill Olson at brolson30@comcast.net.
Where: Central Middle School Auditorium, 4855 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Watch White Bear Lake Middle Schools become only the second in the state to stage “Beetlejuice Jr.,” a spooky comedy about a goth teenager named Lydia who is forced to move into a new house with her stepmother, Delia, only to find its previous owners’ ghosts are still living there.
Contact: isd624.org/about/news
THE WRITER'S ROOM: AN OPEN STUDIO FOR WRITERS
When: 1-4 p.m. Friday, April 25
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Avenue
Details: Write in the company of fellow writers in an inspiring space, led by Amber Guetebier. For adults and teens 16+, all levels.
Contact: 651-407-0597 or whitebeararts. org
ONGOING EVENTS
WASHINGTON COUNTY IMMUNIZATION CLINIC
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. first Tuesday of every month
Where: Forest Lake Service Center, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake
Details: Washington County provides low-cost vaccines to infants, children and adults who are eligible. Vaccines are available through the Minnesota Vaccines for Children (MnVFC) and Un-and Underinsured Adult Vaccine (UUAV) Programs.
Contact: 651-430-4036 or schedule online at washingtoncountymn. gov/594/Immunizations-Clinics
Community Thread to host bingo fundraiser Community Thread will host its eighth annual Bingo & Beyond fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at 7 Vines Vineyard and Winery in Dellwood. This year’s fundraiser will feature bingo games with prizes called by local celebrities, a mystery prize punch wall, Plinko,
VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD SHELF
When: 9-10 a.m. third Saturday of the month
Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F
Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. May register day of event. Contact: 651-246-3638 or cityvadnaisheights.com/foodshelf
ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB
When: 2:30 p.m. every Sunday, 7 p.m. every Tuesday
Where: Tuesday, April 22: Marsh Creek Park, 8025 Lake Road, Woodbury
Details: Sunday hikes are five miles and last 90-120 minutes. Tuesday hikes are three miles and last 60 minutes. The club walks at a moderate speed of around three miles per hour. Hikers are expected to maintain that pace. Contact: stpaulhike.com
FAMILY LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC
When: 1-3 p.m. every first and third Tuesday of every month
Where: Washington County Law Library, 14949 62nd St. N., Room 1005, Stillwater
Details: The clinics assist residents navigating the Washington County judicial system, including divorce, child custody, name change and domestic abuse. Each resident will receive a free half-hour consultation with a volunteer attorney from the Washington County Bar Association. Intake form before visit required. Contact: 651-430-6330 or visit washcolib.libcal.com/event/13939737 to register
a live and online auction, and delicious dinner and desserts. Complimentary wine tours will begin at 5:40 p.m. The dress code for this event is an informal “come as you are” theme. Tickets are available for purchase at www.tinyurl. com/2rje4jpw until Thursday, April 24.
Thank you, subscribers
To our loyal readers and followers, thank you for making Press Publications what it is today. You have allowed us to remain the same trustworthy local news source since our founding.
It’s time for Press Publications to begin our spring subscription campaign. This campaign is an excellent opportunity for those unfamiliar with our paper to access weekly-published local and regional stories and our online E-edition. We guarantee you will not be disappointed by the amount of content we have to offer.
In addition to our stories, we frequently receive positive feedback on our work. For a recent story I wrote on the St. Croix Valley Camera Club, one of their attendees bought 10 copies of the Lowdown magazine it was published in. That attendee described it as “well-written ... perfectly captures what the club is all about.” Four framed copies of an article I had done on Kramer Motorsports are proudly sitting in the owner’s home.
However, no story that I have written this year has touched my heart (and the people involved) more than that of Randy and Heather Bacchus, who tragically lost their son, Randy Michael, several years ago. Although the outpouring of positivity from both our readers and the Bacchus family was rewarding, writing about their story gave me a great sense of catharsis after Randy Michael’s passing. Through Press Publications, I hope that stories such as these will help our readers connect with those still grieving to this day over personal tragedies.
Our readers often relate to the diverse opinions from the paper’s weekly columns. When Managing Editor Shannon Granholm wrote a piece called “30 the new 50?” the response was unanimously positive. Nearly all the emails and phone calls received were from those touched by her writing or who found a connection with her insight. One even said she inspired her to turn her life around for the better: “I’m sure it was hard to write and share. But you touched a lot of people besides me. And hopefully inspired them too. I think that’s the highest honor of any writer…”
Editor Madeline Dolby similarly received an outpouring of positivity from her column “I’ve only read banned books and that’s okay.” One reader thanked her for sharing her thoughts and said she was proud of her doing so. “I’d like to take a moment to thank you for your honest and refreshing perspective about the books you’ve read and enjoyed or learned something from that are now banned, here or elsewhere (Charlotte’s Web) … Frankly, I’m quite proud of Madeline for sharing her thoughts on this.”
Greater still is the number of local readers’ phone calls, hand-written notes and voicemails. Each one has expressed gratitude for us bringing to light an important local/regional issue or perfectly capturing one’s story, whether it’s about themselves or a new business they are starting, in a well-written story. This feedback is only further fuel that keeps local newspapers like us running to this day.
From day one, the mission of Press Publications has been to spread the power of local news to our readers, whether in print or online. If you enjoy and are interested in reading more from us, we encourage you to subscribe to our paper today. To do this, please visit our website at www.presspubs.com/site/forms/ subscription_services/. But making the news accessible doesn’t just stop at a single subscription. Anyone who loves reading our stories should encourage their family, friends and neighbors to purchase a subscription today. To all of our current subscribers and readers, we cannot thank you enough for all the support you have given us over the years. Be on the lookout for more from Press Publications in 2025!
Staff writer Erik Suchy can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
Historical society has a lot to offer this spring, summer
There’s a lot happening at the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society (WBLAHS) this spring!
Movers & Shakers
The Gangster Bus Tour has long been a local favorite and it’s back on April 26. Stories have been passed on for years about gangsters in our midst around the lake, but until recently little could be documented or verified. Things began to change in the early 2000s when the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension digitized many of their files and made them available to the public.
At about that same time researchers at the WBLAHS came across a reference in the White Bear Town Board Minutes for a soft drink license at the Plantation Night Club, which was then managed by a known gang associate named Ben Harris. From there the historical society was off and running, connecting dots and pulling on threads. All of this was a game-changer that
• Limited to 350 words.
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provided resources to analyze the local stories and determine if they were possible or unlikely. Our wheelman will take us out to Bald Eagle Lake where we hear the story of one of the best-known local hideouts. From there it’s off to Dellwood and around White Bear Lake to highlight some of the area’s hotspots of alleged gangster activity from the early 1930s. Attendees will hear stories from public records, oral histories and in the case of Alvin “Creepy” Karpis – his own words from his autobiography! Before and after the tour attendees can enjoy a pop-up exhibit with background on Prohibition and the gangster era in Minnesota, have their mugshot taken and even capture a selfie with cutouts of a few of our most notorious visitors. Whether or not you have the chance to catch the tour, make plans to come by the Armory – home to the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society – to check out all that is happening. IN mid-May our first semipermanent exhibit “X Marks the Spot” highlighting ten spots around the lake where history happened. Interactive elements, children’s activities and “Deeper Dive” presentations will all be a part of the programming around the new exhibit.
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• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
In addition, the WBLAHS will be hosting a traveling exhibit entitled “Fur Trade” from the Minnesota Historical Society throughout the summer. With the strong French-Canadian population in our area this exhibition is extremely relevant. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about life at a fur trading post, hat making and engage in hands on activities.
All of this will be happening inside the Armory while a critical project is taking place on the outside of the building. With a structure that is more than a century old, maintenance is ever-present. This year the parapets at the front of the building will be restored. The top courses of brick-nearly seven feet-will be removed, cleaned and reassembled with the same castellated design to ensure they will last another century. This work is expected to last into early summer and the WBLAHS will be open throughout the project.
For more information on all that is happening check out our website: whitebearhistory.org.
Sara Hanson is the executive director of the White Bear Lake Historical Society.
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Sara Hanson
Suchy’s Scoop
Erik Suchy
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
‘Big hug’
I enjoyed Carter Johnson's April 2 column about the benefit of libraries, big and little, and it reminded me of this endearing incident that happened to me recently at the Ramsey County Library in Shoreview.
A young boy (a toddler) came up to me and threw his arms up in the air. I wasn't quite sure what he wanted, so I asked, "What is it, honey? Do you want a high-five?” and I patted one of his hands. To my surprise, he persisted, saying, “Big hug?”
So, I responded, “Okay! Let's have a big hug!” And we did. What a spontaneous and joyful moment — such a gift!
Lisa Wersal Vadnais Heights
Bring craziness to an end
I joined thousands of my fellow Minnesotans who showed up at the Capitol on Saturday, April 5, to protest what President Trump and Elon Musk and the Republicans in Congress are doing, often in unconstitutional ways, that threatens our economy, our democracy — our future, essentially. Everything from the tariffs to firing federal employees to a budget bill that cuts Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Everything!
Right now, the Republicans hold a 220 to 215 majority in the House of Representatives. It takes only three Republicans to join with the Democrats to pass a bill stopping all the awful things Trump is doing by executive order. It occurs to me that Minnesota’s four Republican Representatives could single-handedly put a stop to these outrageous actions.
So, Representatives Tom Emmer, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber, let me ask: “Do you have the courage to put a stop to what your fellow Minnesotans are objecting to?” This doesn’t mean you do what the Democrats want; it means we go back to normal procedures where bills are
The Loons are back! We launched all three nests just in the nick of time. The Loons are busy courting and getting ready for, what we hope will be, a hat trick hatch!
introduced in Congress, hearings are held to gather facts and ideas, compromises are worked out and the Congress exercises its constitutional duty to establish federal law. The four of you could do that, and I suspect if you announced you were joining together to do it, many other Republicans in the House would join you. And the Senate would follow suit. It’s time to bring this craziness to an end.
Alan Mitchell Birchwood
Get a response
This week, our congressional representative, Betty McCollum (4th District), did not directly respond to questions about whether she supports impeaching Trump. This is upsetting, and I am unhappy seeing this lack of foresight and leadership from my district's representative. As a concerned citizen and voter from Willernie, it’s obvious that Trump is leading the country into authoritarianism. His threats not to leave at the end of this term are highly credible. Hyperbole about the danger of his administration, from immigration to the economy, has become reality. He and his cabinet are lawless and unaccountable to our justice system and have committed a multitude of crimes. If we don’t impeach him now, American democracy may not survive his path of destruction.
I'm not willing to risk that. I am encouraging Rep. McCollum to publicly commit to upholding her most fundamental democratic role — removing tyrants from office. Commitment to these basic facts — that Trump is a tyrant, and Congress needs to act now to get him out of the White House — will be a major litmus test for any 2026 candidate. I hope we get a good response from her on this critical issue soon.
Terri Buckley Willernie
Response to ‘Response to letter’
In response to Fran Knothe’s letter in the April 2 issue, Mr. Trump (calling him “President” sticks in my throat) showed he doesn’t give a “censored” about America’s military members and veterans when he snubbed the dignified transfer of four American soldiers who died on March 25 in a training accident in Lithuania.
According to a “Mother Jones” article about this incident, presidents are not required to attend a dignified transfer. And while I’m sure Mr. Trump is not the first commanderin-chief to not attend a transfer, he attended only four of 96 during his first administration. In this particular case, he thought taking part in a golf tournament was more important.
On behalf of all our currently active military and all veterans, I wish to thank Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and several Democratic senators who did attend the transfer, as well as the thousands of people of Vilnius, Lithuania, including their president, who lined the streets waving Lithuanian and American flags as the soldiers were taken to the local airport for a dignified departure to be returned to the United States.
John Parenteau
United States Air Force (Ret.) White Bear Lake
We should teach to embrace difference
I am writing a response to Mr. Kenny's letter to the editor in the White Bear Lake Press, dated April 2, regarding ethnic studies classes being taught in schools. I wanted to write this letter because there are some things that were said in the article that confused me.
For one, what information were you reading to say that ethnic studies is no different than what was taught in the past? If you were in the class, you would see that ethnic studies is a lot more impactful because the teachers
not only connect it to the present, if needed, and that this curriculum is a lot more about the impact that it has on the people and not just whitewashed.
When you said, “If you’re white, you’re racist,” that is your opinion. However, that is not the impression I get from the class. It makes me at least feel like I am being taught more sides than just the whitewashed history that most adults were taught when they were younger.
Ethnic studies also isn't trying to change history, it's trying to teach us the past, so we don't repeat it in the future.
Another thing that raised my eyebrows was how you think this will lead to bad outcomes. Like learning the truth is bad, and learning about others’ history is bad.
Finally, if we are all taught that we are the ‘same,’ that won’t help with racism. That won’t help because we are all different, no one is the same. But it is not about being the same. We should teach to embrace differences, not about being the same.
What will you do?
I've read with interest the numerous complaints expressed in the letters to the editor over the last few weeks. I begrudge not one of them. These can be times that try men’s souls.
I have only one response, a question: what would you do (emphasis on you)? Perhaps as an elected official, but definitely as a citizen.
The federal deficit and debt have been around for a long time. And they keep growing, with no end in sight. We all know the metrics. So, do we raise revenue, lower expenses, inflate the dollar or any combination thereof? Multigenerational debt has been tried historically, and is not merely a failure, but rather a catastrophe. What would you recommend?
The entitlements have been on an actuarially unsound footing for some
SEE MORE LETTERS, PAGE 8
We begin the tenth year of Loon Chronicles with much to report. The DNR declared March 28, 2025, as WBL’s official ice-out date. Our median ice-out date is April 13, so the last two weeks have been a scramble, getting the dock (thank you Chris Wiberg), boat, nests, and buoys up and running. On April 4, Len, Shannon Whitaker, and I decorated the three nests with spent grasses and reeds and launched two in the Cove and on the west side of the Peninsula. Timing is everything! We spotted two Loon pairs near the Cove and Peninsula, not long after installing the nests. Betsy Thorson helped launch the third nest in the bulrushes off the Birchwood shore. Last year, many reported spotting a third Loon pair, near Betsy’s house. It can take up to four years for a Loon pair to settle on a nesting location. This could be their year. The pair in the center frame spent 20 minutes near our dock, engaged in a variety of
courtship behaviors including bill dipping, synchronous facing away, circle swimming, and jerk diving. These courtship antics have been described as “greeting and reuniting ceremonies”. The Loons have been busy. We spotted the Cove pair splashing and circle swimming with last year’s “interloper”. After several minutes of playful behavior, something triggered the interloper, and it started wing-rowing at a frenetic pace, back and forth behind the pair. This went on for quite some time, before the three reunited and resumed socializing. We have spotted the Peninsula and Birchwood Loon pairs acting like mates; preening, foraging, diving, and checking out territory together. During the last week of March, Len and I joined Professor James D. Paruk, a world-renowned expert on the Common Loon and author of “Loon Lessons”, for a week on Lake Jocassee, a freshwater reservoir in South Carolina. Along with a crew of 15, from
April 4-13, 2025
ELLEN MAAS | SUBMITTED
all over the country, we observed, monitored, and photographed wintering Loons as they prepared to begin their spring migration. We observed over 100 Loons, in various states of molt, follow their internal clocks, as each decided when and where to depart. The montage includes photos of Lake Jocassee, and two wintering Loons; one ready to head north, and one needing a few more weeks. A few fun migration facts: the optimal flight speed for migrating Loons is 70-75 mph; Loons can travel 560-600 miles in an 8-hour day; and while in flight, Loons beat their wings at least 200 times per minute. Finally, Loons are philopatric, which means they love to return home. Welcome Home! Fingers are crossed for a hat trick hatch.
Ellen Maas
Lillyana Oswald High school ethnic studies student White Bear Lake
COPS&COURTS
WAHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:
Birchwood
• Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies on March 6 conducted a directed patrol for stop sign violations at the intersection of White Pine Lane and Hall Avenue and stopped two vehicles in 20 minutes to verbally warn the two motorists. When they moved over to East County Line Road and Wildwood Avenue, they conducted a traffic stop for expired registration and cited the driver for failure to provide proof of insurance.
• On March 7, deputies cited a motorist on Hall Avenue and Jay Street for cell phone use while driving.
Dellwood
• A suspicious vehicle was reported parked outside a residence on Peninsula Road at 10:36 p.m. March 5, with footprints in the snow leading to the residence. Per the homeowner's request, deputies searched the house and found no intruder and nothing suspicious. Later, it was learned that the suspicious vehicle belonged to an employee working up the street.
Grant
• Deputies at 12:58 p.m. March 4 escorted the Mahtomedi boys hockey team, bound for the state tournament in downtown St. Paul, from Mahtomedi High School to Highway 36.
• A deputies’ squad reported being stuck in the snow on Lone Oak Trail and 75th Street N. at 11:40 a.m. March 5. A motorist was cited for speeding March 5 on Manning Trail N. and 115th Street N.
• A resident in the 11000 block of Dellwood Road N. on March 6 reported being harassed by an attorney through emails and phone calls. Deputies' attempts to contact the attorney were unsuccessful. A locked construction trailer at a construction site in the 7000 block of Lone Oak Trail was reported burglarized March 6.
• A suspicious male reported walking on the shoulder of Manning Trail and 120th Street at 12:53 a.m. March 7 turned out to be a motorist out of gas. Deputies gave the male a courtesy ride to the Kwik Trip in Stillwater and back with gas.
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• Officers received a fraud report April 2 in the 1400 block of Goose Lake Road. Officers conducted a traffic stop April 3 at the intersection of I-694 and Highway 61. The driver was found to be impaired by alcohol. The 60-yearold male refused all field sobriety testing. He was booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center for second-degree DWI.
• A dog at large was spotted April 3 in the 0 block of White Bear Avenue. Officers attempted to catch the dog. The dog remained at large, and a community service officer searched the area but was unable to locate the dog.
• Officers conducted a traffic stop April 3 at the intersection of I-694 and Highway 61. A 33-year-old female from Blaine was found to be impaired by alcohol. She performed poorly on the field sobriety test and was booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center for fourth-degree DWI.
• Officers took a fraud complaint April 3 in the 3600 block of Highway 61.
• Officers received a report April 4 of an armed robbery in the 2000 block of Dotte Drive. The victim intended to sell a Nintendo Switch to the suspect, who pulled a firearm, pointed it at the
Mahtomedi
• Motorists unable to get by a construction site at the top of Old Wildwood Road March 3 reported concrete trucks parking too far into the road. Deputies advised the trucks to park further onto the shoulder and to abide by the development agreement.
• A motorist cited March 4 on Stillwater Road and East Avenue for failure to provide proof of insurance had his ticket torn up after he finally found where he put the papers.
• Residents on Wildwood Bay Drive on March 4 reported receiving a phone call from someone they believed to be from their bank and gave money to the fraudulent caller.
• Deputies cited 20 parked vehicles around town (14 of the vehicles were parked on Hallam Avenue S.), starting at 10:46 a.m. March 5 and ending at 6:50 a.m. March 7, for violating the city's winter overnight parking ban.
• A downed power line was reported on Long Lake Road March 5 following the heavy, wet snowfall.
• A motorist on Wildwood Road at Old Wildwood Road was cited March 6 for failure to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for driving after revocation.
Pine Springs
• A fleeing driver was ultimately arrested for DWI at 1:26 a.m. March 2 after deputies tried to conduct a traffic stop for speeding on eastbound Highway 36 on the Hilton Trail flyover. After the vehicle fled, deputies located the unoccupied vehicle and deployed K-9 officers and perimeter units to find the suspect. When he was found, he consented to a breath test and registered a 0.09 blood alcohol reading on the DataMaster test.
• A westbound motorist on Highway 36 at the Hilton Trail overpass was cited March 5 for talking on a cellular device while driving.
A Minnesota motorist was cited March 5 on Hilton Trail and 62nd Street N. for expired registration, invalid Minnesota driver's license and no auto insurance, after being pulled over for tabs that expired in July.
Loretta Harding
victim and then stole the Nintendo Switch. The suspect fled in a vehicle and was not located. The investigation is ongoing.
• Officers responded April 4 to a twovehicle accident that occurred at the intersection of Otter Lake Road and Highway 96.
• Officers received a report April 4 of several parked vehicles damaged overnight near the corner of Karth Road and McKnight Road. No suspect information is available at this time.
• Officers received a report April 4 of an assault that occurred in the 4700 block of Centerville Road. A 35-yearold male from White Bear Lake was arrested for felony assault after an argument over liquor turned physical.
• Officers received a report of theft from a vehicle in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road April 4.
• Police received a driving complaint April 4 at the intersection of White Bear Avenue and Cedar Avenue that led to the arrest of a 27-year-old male. The man was arrested after failing field sobriety tests. Upon towing the vehicle, narcotics were recovered. Formal charges are pending based on the review from the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.
• A hit-and-run incident was reported April 5 in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road.
• Officers responded April 5 to the area
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township: Vadnais Heights
• A Blaine man, 35, and a Little Canada man, 35, were arrested for theft at 3:25 p.m. March 8 in the 400 block of Oak Creek Circle after Ramsey County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a report of two men in a vehicle driving around stealing mail and packages off people's doorsteps. Deputies found the vehicle and transported the thieves to the law enforcement center, where they were booked.
• A Vadnais Heights woman, 17, was arrested at 5:43 p.m. March 8 in the 400 block of Oak Creek Drive for second-degree assault and felony terroristic threats after she threatened family members with a knife.
• A resident in the 600 block of County Road D on March 10 reported her vehicle broken into. A $400 baseball bat, a bag of baseball equipment and other baseball-related items were stolen.
• A Vadnais Heights man, 53, was issued a trespass notice March 12 from an apartment building in the 1200 block of County Road D Circle E after he entered the building and became disorderly, prompting several residents to call 911 to report his behavior. A caretaker for an apartment building in the 800 block of County Road D on March 12 reported being approached and pushed into a wall by an unknown man while he was working.
A St. Paul woman, 35, was arrested March 13 in the 800 block of County Road E after she was caught stealing merchandise from the Walmart store.
• A Braham woman reported losing her wedding ring in the 3500 block of Vadnais Center Drive on March 14.
of Eighth Street and Bloom Avenue on a report of shots fired. When officers arrived, they did not find any issues.
• Officers received a complaint April 6 of juveniles banging on doors in the 4700 block of Karen Place. Officers checked the area and could not locate the juveniles.
• Officers received a report April 6 of an aggressive beaver that was biting car tires in the 0 block of Lake Avenue. The beaver was gone on arrival after officers conducted an area check.
• Officers received a report April 6 of a 22-year-old male slumped behind the wheel of a car in the 2100 block of Fourth Street. The male was found to be impaired by alcohol while in control of a motor vehicle. He failed a sobriety test, was arrested without incident and was booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center on third-degree DWI refusal charges and open container possession of marijuana.
An officer conducted a traffic stop April 7 at the intersection of Highway 61 and Whitaker Street. Upon further investigation, a 33-year-old male from Oakdale was found to be in violation of a domestic assault no-contact order. He has yet to be formally charged.
• Officers received a report April 8 of a found dog in the 0 block of County Road F East. The dog was reunited with its owner.
• A Deer Park, Washington, woman on March 16 reported that a man, 36, against whom she had filed an order for protection, committed a series of domestic abuse incidents in the 4300 block of Centerville Road.
White Bear Township
• A resident in the 2500 block of Blue Bill Circle on March 6 reported fraudulent activity on her bank account.
• Deputies accelerated their investigation of a shoplifting suspect reported by a business in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive March 7 by recovering a purse left behind by the shoplifting suspect.
• A White Bear Township woman, 75, was arrested for domestic assault at 4:24 p.m. March 9 in the 5200 block of Bald Eagle Blvd. W. after she allegedly attacked her husband and threw him to the ground.
• A resident in the 4500 block of Grace Street at 9:05 p.m. March 11 reported that someone had stolen mail from her front step after she arrived home that evening and saw a plastic bag containing her mail hanging from the front door. Deputies advised the victim of what actions she could take to prevent financial loss. The case is under investigation.
• An intruder reported for being inside a residence in the 2500 block of Fourth Street at 7:59 a.m. March 14 turned out to be a squirrel, after deputies arriving on scene cleared the home and made sure it was safe for the resident.
• A Maplewood man, 37, was arrested at 10:41 a.m. March 15 at the intersection of I-35E and County Road J after deputies assisted the Minnesota State Patrol in corralling a motorcyclist who had fled from a traffic stop.
Loretta Harding
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WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS
DOWNTOWN TREES: Residents ask City Council to ‘respect their elders’
city’s Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) also spoke.
“Oaks can live upwards of 300 years, so our trees have many decades left to live,” EAC Member Sheryl Bolstad said. “Seeing as the city has tackled 2,000 ash trees for removal, and as a tree city, we should be preserving every healthy tree as possible.”
Township resident Linda Henry said she didn’t return to the area because she loves pavement and parking lots.
“I’m advocating for those three healthy trees. We can’t undo it once they are down. Once they are down, they are down, the pavement is laid and it is done,” she said. “Fifty years from now, will we want our children to be grateful for a couple of extra parking spaces? Or are we going to hope that they are taking their children to see these trees?”
Zoe Anderson, 17, told the council that it takes 75 years for an oak tree to mature. “It will be 2100 before those trees mature. I will, with luck, be 92 years old; unfortunately, all of you guys will be long gone … It will take 75 years to undo the mistake of cutting down those trees for only 15 parking spots,” she said. “This decision impacts not just your life, but our future generations, our kids, our grandkids … I do not think in another 100 years our grandkids or great-grandkids will cherish a parking lot.”
Vadnais Heights resident Quinn O’Brien, a nurse for White Bear Area Schools, reminded the council of the numerous health benefits of green spaces and trees. “I have teenagers, and they are always
talking about ‘the vibe.’ The vibe of White Bear Lake is these beautiful, large mature trees,” she said. “I moved back here from living elsewhere, and part of the reason is because of the vibe.”
Several residents brought up that they have never had trouble finding a spot to park downtown, even during peak times.
“I rarely have ever had a hard time finding a spot in that lot at various times and various days of the week,” said Vadnais Heights resident Jan Uzlik. “Even when there was a Christmas event going on downtown, the streets were full of cars, and I could still get in that parking lot.”
Resident Paul Moss urged the council to not base their future parking needs on the businesses that are located downtown today. “The businesses that look healthy today may not be there tomorrow. Don’t straight-line the future based on what you see right now. We may not need more parking in the future,” he said. “It is important to keep the trees and respect them as elders in our community.”
Mayor Dan Louismet, who has previously said he supported the removal of the trees, said he had been “convinced” to preserve the trees. He did point out that some business owners who did not want to speak publicly had contacted him about parking issues.
“There is one thing that I’ve grappled with through the emails and listening to folks that testified here and that is how much these trees mean to people … It’s the vibe, it’s the small-town feel, it’s the charm of the city. That is what means the most to me, in terms of testimony that’s pretty darn
compelling,” he said. Louismet added that he would be in favor of keeping the three healthy trees but removing the tree closest to the hardware store that is reported to be in declining health.
Council Member Bill Walsh asked Kauppi how many parking spaces the city would get from removing the fourth tree. Kauppi responded that it would be one or two stalls. Walsh also wanted to know if the parking lot reconstruction would impact those trees in a negative way. Kauppi said the city regularly takes precautions on all its improvement projects to not impact nearby trees.
Council Member Andrea West said, “Trees do add to the welcoming space in downtown … Although people are challenged with parking, I think it is more of a perception. And can’t we all use a little more exercise anyway?”
Council Member Kevin Edberg responded, “What came to me through this conversation is what makes a difference is the age of these trees and the character of our urban forestry that distinguishes our downtown from other places,” he said. “We have a history, gravitas
and ambiance … that distinguish our downtown and make it a destination.”
Edberg suggested that if the trees stay, the city should consider plantings around the trees or an educational component. “Something that speaks to the value of our heritage, history that adds value to the experience,” he said.
Council Member Heidi Hughes said she would welcome any layout that keeps the four trees. “I like our small town, and I want to keep that ‘vibe’ alive,” she said. The council did not decide which trees would stay or go, but directed city staff to continue moving forward with layout options that preserve the trees. The council will approve the final design for the project in late May and construction is scheduled to begin in early August after Marketfest wraps up. Construction is expected to last through November.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
2nd reading scheduled for dog leash ordinance amendment
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — Next week, the City Council is scheduled to consider a second reading of an ordinance that would amend the city code regarding dogs being on leash.
The ordinance amendment was initiated by the council during the recent discussions on the dog beach at Matoska Park. In 2017, the council imposed a leash rule at the dog beach via resolution, which requires all dogs within the dog beach be leashed at all times on a leash not exceeding 30 feet in length. However, it was determined that law enforcement could not effectively enforce that rule because it was never adopted by ordinance and memorialized in the city code.
“That rule was never adopted by ordinance or codified; not really sure why, but that’s reality,” explained City Attorney Dave Anderson. “What that means is it can’t really be effectively enforced. It can be communicated, you can put signs up, but when people call the police there is not really much they can do.”
While preparing the ordinance amendment, city staff also noticed that the city code does not prohibit dogs from running at large throughout the community. More specifically, the code only requires that dogs be under “effective restraint” (defined in Section 701.010, subd. 3 as follows: A dog is under restraint if it is on the premises of the person harboring or keeping the dog; if it is at heel beside a person having custody of it and obedient to that person's command; if it is within a private motor vehicle of a person owning, harboring or keeping the dog; or if it is controlled by a leash not exceeding eight (8) feet in length.)
“The language leaves a lot of gray areas as it relates to dogs,” Anderson noted. “People can be with their dog on public property, in parks, on streets, without a leash as long as they can be ‘at heel beside a person having
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CONTINUED
time. And we have repeatedly been told such. So, what would you do?
National defense is another bigticket item. Should we have other nations shoulder more of the burden? Or shrink the militaryindustrial complex? Might shrinkage here invite greater geopolitical adventurism, and with it greater cost? What would you do?
And are you for “free” trade, or “balanced” trade? Or perhaps “free” trade within the confines of “balanced” trade? Given the hollowing out of manufacturing, and its attendant marginalizing of regions and workers, how would you restore an equitable trade position, a win/win? These are just some of the questions facing us. The issue isn’t Trump, or Biden, or any deliberative body. It’s us. It takes little time to study, to meet with others (even those of a different ilk) over issues, to contact elected officials.
From a plaque near the VFW, the full quote: “If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace; and this single reflection, well applied, is sufficient to awaken every man to duty.” Thomas Paine, The Crisis.
What will you do?
James Nash White Bear Lake
Proposed dog rules:
1) All dogs would be required to be either (i) on the property of the person owning, harboring or keeping the dog; (ii) in a private motor vehicle of a person owning, harboring or keeping the dog; or (iii) controlled by a leash not exceeding 8 feet in length, unless the dog is located in a designated area in which the two rules below would apply.
2) If a dog is located in the designated area in Matoska Park, the dog must be restrained at all times on a leash that is no longer than 30 feet in length.
3) If a dog is located in any other designated dog exercise area (all except for Matoska Park), the dog must be under the active supervision of the person owning, harboring or keeping said dog and obedient to that person's command.
custody of it and obedient to that person’s command.’”
Anderson added that he spoke to Police Chief Dale Hager about the topic. “It’s very difficult to enforce that, police that, issue citations, and it is a public safety issue given the unpredictability of animals,” he said.
Hager noted that WBPD responded to 174 dog-atlarge calls throughout the city in 2024. There were 25 reported dog bites, 18 by unleashed dogs. “We average about six unleashed-dog bites a year,” Hager said.
The ordinance amendment would require dogs to be leashed at all times when they are not on private property. Anderson noted “the vast majority” of neighboring cities have an ordinance in place that requires dogs to be leashed, and the city of White Bear Lake is one of the “few exceptions.” Cities that have similar ordinances in place include Shoreview, Mahtomedi, Vadnais Heights, Hugo, New Brighton, Arden Hills, Roseville, Oakdale and Maplewood. The council held a public hearing (and first reading), but there was no public comment.
Treatment of veterans
There were no welcome home parades for those of us who served in Vietnam. We Vietnam vets experienced unspeakable horrors in an unpopular war where over 60,000 Americans lost their lives and over 150,000 were wounded. Yet we served and followed our oath to protect our Constitution.
I am disgusted to hear that our current draft-dodging president wants a military parade on his birthday, which has been estimated to cost almost $100 million, while at the same time, the Veterans Administration is planning to cut 15% of the staff.
I appreciate being told “thank you for your service;” what I don’t appreciate is now having my health care services impacted. Vietnam vets, who are the largest number of vets being served by the VA, have unique and debilitating health issues: cancer caused by Agent Orange to traumatic brain injuries and infectious diseases. Who best to help with these medical problems but the medical personnel at VA offices who see and deal with thousands of veterans with these issues? They have the expertise and culture to understand what a veteran is going through and how to help them.
Equally concerning are the
best friend, my soul cat, and the reason I wake up every morning before the sun rises. Happy 5th Birthday, Babyboy! I could not love you more!
Mayor Dan Louismet commented, “I think your average resident would be surprised to find out we don’t have a leash law … until we had this discussion, I just assumed we had this, too. I have no problem with this. It makes sense to shore up this gray spot in our law.”
Council Member Kevin Edberg asked whether a dog could be off leash at your friend’s house, and Anderson noted that would be fine if the dog had permission to be there from the friend. Edberg also wanted more information about violations and punishment.
Anderson explained that, in general, under state law a city code violation is a misdemeanor, although sometimes it can be pleaded down to a petty misdemeanor, depending on the situation and the judge. The maximum penalty for a petty misdemeanor is $300. He added that a charter city like White Bear Lake has the authority to do administrative citations, and could discuss that more in depth at a future work session.
Edberg said he would like to see the proposed fee structure and suggested that the police department have an “educational period” to inform people that may not be aware of the code change.
Council Member Heidi Hughes wanted to know if the rules would apply to a dog on a boat. Chief Hager explained that the city’s police department doesn’t enforce laws on the water, but that would instead be handled by another jurisdiction like the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office or Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
A second reading and potential action on the ordinance amendment is scheduled for the next council meeting on Tuesday, April 22.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
administration’s recent actions on military women and people of color. Generations of young people, of all races and genders, have signed up to serve in the military and take the oath to defend the Constitution and our democracy. They were proud of what our country stood for.
Reports of dismissing highranking female officers and officers of color for no reason, along with erasing the accomplishments from the Department of Defense websites and training material regarding women and people of color, create an unwelcome environment for future recruits. The administration’s behavior is hurting recruitment on the front end, and its plans for treatment of veterans on the back end do not bode well for our military. What has happened to our country?
Roger Bjork White Bear Lake
Teaches us the truth
Dear Patrick Kenny, I am a 10th-grade student taking ethnic studies. In previous years, I have gone to my history classes just because they were required. Taking ethnic studies has changed my view on learning about history.
Ethnic studies is my favorite class this year. I am engaged in the class every day and take in what we are learning. This class inspired me to take action and help make my community better.
I asked my classmates, and everyone I talked to said that they prefer our ethnic studies class over mainstream history classes. One of the reasons this class is so impactful is that it teaches us the truth, not just the cookie-cutter version. We are learning about different perspectives from the subjects we learn about.
We also learn about less-talkedabout subjects. Recently, we learned about 6888. This was an all-Black Women’s Army Corps whose members were heavily discriminated against and finally got a chance to prove themselves by sorting mail for the troops. They
completed this task, something that white women troops and troops of men had not been able to complete. This is one of the many assignments we do that engage us and make it fun to learn. Our classroom is structured in a way that makes it easier for students to learn. Every day at the beginning of class, we recite a poem and a land acknowledgment statement. We have students read these in class before we start. Because of this activity, students have a chance to speak without judgment.
Throughout the year our teacher has pushed us to make this an inclusive space where we all feel comfortable. We have been able to choose our seats all year but have also been pushed to talk with people other than our friends.
We have two teachers in our classroom, and they are two of my favorite teachers I have ever had. They are my most trusted adults in this school. I know you said history cannot be changed, but this class can help inform and prevent future conflicts.
Can’t blame me
Stock market, supermarket
Which one is worse?
They both went to hell
Under Donald Trump’s thirst. He stabbed the backs of the voters He promised to help.
What he REALLY did
Makes you scratch your scalp. Trump voters fell for him
From A to Z
Not realizing he spells help
H-U-R-T.
It’s a shame how money
Has become so scarce
Well, you can’t blame me: I voted for Harris!
Lyla Burke
High school ethnic studies student White Bear Lake
Jeannie Dahm Vadnais Heights
White Bear Lake participates in a nationwide challenge to be most ‘water wise’
Mayor Dan Louismet is joining mayors across the country in asking residents to make a commitment to conserve water by taking part in a national contest aimed at drastically reducing water use across the nation.
The Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation is a nonprofit national community service campaign to see which cities can best inspire residents to commit to reduce water usage by filling out a no cost, online pledge that takes only one minute to complete.
To participate, residents can go to mywaterpledge.com any time during the month of April to take a conservation pledge on behalf of the city of White Bear Lake.
Participants in cities with the highest percentage of residents who take the challenge in their population category are entered into drawings for hundreds of prizes.
“Water conservation is integral for the sustainable management and preservation of our water resources,” stated Mayor Louismet.
“This friendly competition is a great way for the city and our residents to reaffirm our commitment to responsible stewardship of our resources. Something as simple as pledging to turn off a faucet while you brush your teeth can save up to four gallons of water a day."
Contributed
Weekly Outlook
The signs of spring are everywhere around us. People are out doing yard work, the grass is greening, trees are budding, docks are going in, boaters are out and I spotted my first mosquito. Local ponds and lake levels have responded well to recent rains but we still could use a little more. It was a decent enough weekend as temperatures reached into the upper 60’s, bringing more people out for activities. We stand a decent chance for rain before the weekend with temperatures averaging near normal. Astro Note: Venus and Saturn rise together before sunrise.
Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com. Weather Tidbits Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com
COUNTY BRIEFS
County board sets public hearing on parks commission
The Washington County Board of Commissioners set a public hearing on the Parks and Open Space Commission ordinance No. 220 on May 6. Members of the public will be able to make comments at the public hearing on the ordinance, which establishes the Parks and Open Space Commission in Washington County.
Proposed updates to the ordinance would bring it into alignment with County Policy No. 6006 on advisory boards, commissions and committees, increase the membership structure to 13 members and update the duties and functions of the board. A public
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Public invited to open house for Battle Creek-St. Croix River Regional Trail
The public is invited to an open house for the Battle Creek-St. Croix River Regional Trail from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, April 21, at Woodbury City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road. The Battle Creek – St. Croix River Regional Trail will be an east-west paved route that will run through east Maplewood, Woodbury and Afton. Once it is fully developed, it will connect trail users to regional destinations including the Central Greenway and St. Croix Valley Regional Trails, Battle Creek Regional Park and the St. Croix River.
At the open house, attendees can weigh in on different route options, speak with trail experts and ask questions about the trail's development and future plans. The public can visit the project website to view an online engagement opportunity and provide input anytime from April 21 to May 5. There will be no formal presentation at the in-person or virtual open houses. Project updates will be
comment period runs throughout April before the public hearing.
Campgrounds open April 25
Washington County offers two campgrounds: one located at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, and the other at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Find a campsite that suits your needs, including sites with electric and water hookups, group sites and rustic hike-in sites.
Campgrounds will be open April 25 – Oct. 18. Water is not guaranteed after Oct. 1. To create your account or make camping reservations online, visit https://www.washingtoncountymn. gov/1820/Camping.
posted on the project website at WashingtonCountyMN.gov/ BattleCreekStCroix. For more information, contact Senior Planner Connor Schaefer at 651430-4303 or connor.schaefer@ washingtoncountymn.gov.
Tour de Bar nominations open Nominations for the 37th annual Tour De Bar Bicycle Benefit Ride are officially open. Applicants can either self-nominate or be nominated by another individual or group. Nominees must have a direct connection to the White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights, Mahtomedi or Hugo area to be considered. Additionally, they must reside, be employed or attend school in one of the four cities to be eligible. Completed applications must be sent to Tour De Bar Bicycle Benefit Ride at 2181 Southwood Drive, White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110 or emailed to tourdebar@hotmail.com. Nominations will close on Friday, May 2; notifications will be sent out by Monday, May 5.
White Bear Lake Area Church Directory
Frank Watson
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Notable terms every investor should know
The concept of investing is relatively simple: It’s the act of putting money into an asset with the expectation of earning a profit or income. Many people use investments to grow wealth over time. Although comprehending the basics of investing is easy, developing a strong understanding of the terminology that is part of successful investing can take some time, particularly for novice investors. Here’s a look at some vocabulary that new investors should know.
· Appreciation: The increase in value of a financial asset.
· Asset: Anything that has economic value. This can be cash, bonds, stocks, or real estate.
· Asset allocation: As there are many different types of assets, investors often spread their investment money among the different classes. This helps balance levels of risk and return as part of individual investment plans.
· Bear/bull market: A bear market is a period of falling asset prices. A bull market is when prices are moving in an upward trend.
· Bond: A debt security that an issuer sells to investors in return for a variable or fixed rate over a period of time. Although bonds pay interest to the investor, the amount of money that is invested often can be locked and inaccessible until the end of the bond period.
· Commodities: These are raw materials like metals, energy or agriculture.
· Diversification: Diversification involves investing across a number of asset classes. By diversifying, an investor can generally reduce overall risk while yielding similar or higher returns.
· Dividend: The portion of a company’s profit that it pays out to those who own shares of the company’s stock.
· Maturity: The date when the bond
issuer pays the last principal and interest amount to the investor.
· Index: An index measures the performance of a group of assets. A well known index is the S&P 500.
· Interest: A fee the borrower pays to a lender in exchange for the use of money. Investors also earn interest when they deposit money in an interest-bearing account.
· Portfolio: The assets owned by an investor or fund.
· Principal: An original sum of money invested or lent.
· Return: This is the profit or loss of an investment over a period of time. Many investors consider return histories to determine if an investment is safe, too risky or not risky enough.
· Stock: A share in ownership of a public or private company.
Investing can be profitable when investors learn the vocabulary so they can better navigate their options and communicate more effectively with financial advisors.
Fire crews respond to brush fire in Maplewood
The Maplewood Fire Department was dispatched to the 2400 block of Maplewood Drive N (near the Audi dealership) at 1:29 p.m. April 1. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a large brush fire approximately 100 yards wide with flames six feet high.
The Maplewood Fire Department was assisted by the Little Canada, Oakdale, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake Fire Departments. Firefighters were on scene for approximately one hour. There were no injuries.
EASTER WORSHIP
Christianity revolves around an empty tomb
A few weeks ago, the pilgrimage I had planned with my parents to Israel was, once again, postponed indefinitely. It echoed of November 2023 — another pilgrimage that didn't happen, despite flights booked, hotels secured and planning completed. Just weeks before we were to embark, the conflict in Gaza erupted, casting a long shadow over Israel and severely affecting the Christian communities living there. For those who have had the privilege of visiting these holy sites before, you are likely familiar with the plaques that mark significant moments in the life of Jesus Christ. Engraved with the Latin phrase "Hic Est," meaning "Here is," they serve as reminders of Christ’s presence at these sacred locations. In Nazareth, for example, the plaque reads "Verbum caro hic factum est"—"Here is where the Word became flesh." In Bethlehem, it bears the inscription "Hic de Virgine Maria Iesus Christus natus est"—"Here is where Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary."
Pilgrims grow accustomed to these sacred phrases, but there is one inscription that can truly stop you in your tracks. When you kneel to pray within the Holy Sepulchre and open your eyes in awe to find yourself within the tomb, you are confronted with an inscription that differs ever so slightly: “Non hic est ”-- "He is not here."
A chill runs through you. This, of course, is the heart of Christianity—the empty tomb.
In that moment, pilgrims come to a profound realization: faith is not just about holy sites, not just about moral codes, and not even merely about Scripture. At its very core, Christianity revolves around an empty tomb. As the angel said to Mary Magdalene, "He is not here; He is risen!"
Pope Benedict XVI once explained it beautifully: "He can no longer be found in the tomb. He made his pilgrim way on earth among us, he completed his journey in the tomb as all men do, but he conquered death and, in an absolutely new way, by an act of pure love, he opened the earth, threw it open toward heaven. His resurrection becomes our resurrection."
In today’s secular world, we are often led to believe that the message of the empty tomb is nothing more than a myth, that Christianity is little more
than an outdated superstition. But this is far from the truth. The message of the empty tomb still resonates deeply with the hearts and minds of young people across the globe. Just a week after Easter, a million pilgrims will gather in Rome for the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial to be declared a Catholic saint. The mystery of the empty tomb gave Carlo direction, purpose, and meaning in his short life. And later this summer, another canonization will take place for Pier Giorgio Frassati—whose name graces the Catholic school here in White Bear Lake. His life, too, stands as a testament to the continuing power of the resurrection, still speaking to the heart of a young, modern man.
The message of the resurrection remains alive, inspiring men and women around the world to live lives of radical holiness. Let us, too, live as an Easter people— let "Alleluia" be our song of choice! Let us proclaim, with all our hearts: "The tomb is empty… He is not here… He is risen!"
Fr. T.J. McKenzie is the pastor at Church of St. Pius X in White Bear Lake.
CHURCH
BRIEF
Experience 26th annual ‘Living Stations of the Cross’ at 2 locations Good Friday
The Servants of the Cross group will reenact the Passion of Jesus Christ at two locations on Good Friday, April 18. The first reenactment is at noon at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1725 Kennard Street, Maplewood, and the second will be at 7 p.m. at Church of St. Peter, 2600 N. Margaret Street, North St. Paul. A link to a YouTube presentation for those who are homebound or unable to attend is available on the organization's website. For more information, go to servantsofthecrossmn.com.
SCHOOL BRIEFS
WBLAHS Orchestra
Children’s Concert and Carnival set April 26
The White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS) Orchestra Program is hosting a Children's Concert and Carnival April 26. The carnival will take place from 2-3 p.m.; the concert will begin at 3 p.m. in the WBLAHS Performing Arts Center. Students will be meet with high school orchestra students, learn about different orchestra instruments, play carnival games and win prizes. Music from favorite Disney films will be performed.
Frassati raises nearly $20K
In six weeks, Frassati Catholic Academy raised $19,810 through the Catholic United Financial Raffle. Frassati and 71 other participating schools achieved a combined total of more than $1.3 million in ticket sales, the sixth-highest total in the program’s 16-year history. Since its inception, the Catholic
United Financial Raffle has contributed more than $16 million to Catholic schools in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
“We all know that living costs are high, so are education’s costs. We believe that Catholic education is invaluable to our faith communities and society at large,” said Mike Ahles, senior vice president of distribution for Trusted Fraternal Life. “We’re honored to offer this program free to schools, and we’re ecstatic to see students and staff leverage the opportunity to make a financial impact for their schools.”
The raffle program is one way Catholic United Financial fulfills its vision to help people be financially secure, faithfilled and engaged in their communities. Catholic United Financial provided all tickets, promotional materials and prizes at no cost, so 100% of the funds raised could stay with the schools.
EASTER WORSHIP
Vadnais Heights Elementary students connect with orphanage in Peru through Zoom
Mrs. Rider's fifth grade class at Vadnais Heights Elementary recently met with children in an orphanage in Peru via Zoom. The class previously learned about the indigenous people who lived in Central America and South America. When Mrs. Rider went to the orphanage in Lurin, Peru in January, she worked beside many other volunteers who fitted people in the community with a pair of eyeglasses they would not have been able to buy otherwise. A total of 6,000 eyeglasses were brought to Lurin, 100 of which were collected from the students in Mrs. Rider’s class.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME
Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:
1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:
Custom Cap & Tire
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2205 COUNTY ROAD C2 W ROSEVILLE MN 55113
3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.
My Tire Place MN, LLC
2802 W SUPERIOR ST
DULUTH MN 55806
I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.
Dated: March 27, 2025
Signed: Keith Schleper
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 16 and 23, 2025.
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA PUBLIC NOTICE SOLICITATION OPPORTUNITIES
Ramsey County releases solicitation opportunities on DemandStar as an alternative method of public notice pursuant to Section 331A.03 of the Minnesota Statutes. Individuals may go to the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” section of the “Doing Business with Ramsey County” webpage at ramseycounty.us/ContractWithRamsey to access registration information. If you are new to DemandStar, please follow the DemandStar registration instructions on the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” webpage. Access to all Ramsey County documents is free if the instructions that are posted are followed. You may call 651-266-8072 or email ProcurementTeam@ ramseycounty.us if you need assistance.
Ramsey County is accepting only electronic Request for Bids (RFBs) responses submitted through DemandStar. Public openings are conducted digitally, as a video conference. See the link above for details. To view current solicitations, please go to: https://bit.ly/3W8XWan SOLICITATION: RFB-PRMG33914-KB
OPENING DATE: MAY 8, 2025
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY SEEKS A PRIME CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, MATERIAL, LABOR AND INCIDENTALS FOR THE LANDMARK CENTER SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROJECT LOCATED AT 75 FIFTH STREET WEST, SAINT PAUL, MN.
PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: 75 FIFTH STREET WEST, SAINT PAUL, MN. APRIL 18, 2025, 9:30 AM CST.
SOLICITATION: RFB-PRK26785-KB
OPENING DATE: MAY 1, 2025
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY SEEKS QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR TO REPLACE GUSTAFSON-PHALEN ARENA; COMPLETE ROOF.
PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: 1320 WALSH STREET, SAINT PAUL, MN. APRIL 18, 2025, 8:00 AM CST.
SOLICITATION: RFB-PUBW29847-KB
OPENING DATE: MAY 8, 2025
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR TO INSTALL ASPHALT REJUVENATOR ON MULTIPLE ROADWAYS WITHIN RAMSEY COUNTY.
SOLICITATION: RFB-PRMG34102-KB
OPENING DATE: MAY 1, 2025
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, SEEKS TO ESTABLISH MULTIPLE CONTRACTS FOR COMMERICAL BOILER INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS FOR THE VARIOUS COUNTY FACILITIES.
SOLICITATION: RFB-PRK26726-KB
OPENING DATE: MAY 8, 2025
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR TO REPLACE ALDRICH AND HIGHLAND ARENAS ENTRY DOORS. THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE REMOVAL OF EXISTING CORRODED DOORS AND FRAMES AND THE INSTALLATION OF NEW DURABLE, ENERGYEFFICIENT DOOR SYSTEMS.
PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: ALDRICH ARENA, 1850 WHITE BEAR AVE N, MAPLEWOOD, MN. MAY 1, 2025, 8:30AM CST Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 16, 2025. RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES APRIL 1, 2025
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. with the following members present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Xiong and Chair Ortega. Also present were Ling Becker, County Manager, and Jada Lewis, Civil Division Director, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.
AGENDA of April 1, 2025 was presented for approval. Motion by Miller, seconded by McGuire. Unanimously approved.
MINUTES of March 18, 2025 were presented for approval. Motion by
Xiong, seconded by Miller. Unanimously approved.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Read by Commissioner Miller. PROCLAMATION Board of Commissioners – Proclamation: National County Government Month. Presented by Commissioner McGuire. Discussion can be found on archived video.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
County Attorney’s Office – Joint Powers Agreement with Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Motion by Miller, seconded by Jebens-Singh. Unanimously approved. (B2025-061)
Emergency Communications – Appointment to the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board 911 Technical Operations Committee and the Radio Technical Operations Committee. Motion by Miller, seconded by Jebens-Singh. Unanimously approved. (B2025-062)
Finance – Enterprise Resource Planning Bond Reimbursement Resolution. Motion by Miller, seconded by Jebens-Singh. Unanimously approved. (B2025063)
Information Services – Agreement with Enterprise Resource Planning System Contractor. Motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved. (B2025-064)
Information Services – Agreement with Enterprise Resource Planning Budgeting System Contractor. Motion by Miller, seconded by Jebens-Singh. Unanimously approved. (B2025-065)
Information Services – Agreement with Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation Contractor. Motion by Miller, seconded by Jebens-Singh. Unanimously approved. (B2025-066)
Board of Commissioners – Settlement Agreement in Venedia Larita Campbell and Martin Alan Smith, II v. Ramsey County et al. (Court File No. 24-CV-00913) Motion by Miller, seconded by Jebens-Singh. Unanimously approved. (B2025-067)
Human Resources – Terms of Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters 320 Probation Officers for the Years 2025, 2026, and 2027. Motion by Miller, seconded by Jebens-Singh. Unanimously approved. (B2025-068)
Human Resources – Terms of Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters 320 Correctional Officers I & II for the Years 2025, 2026, and 2027. Motion by Miller, seconded by Jebens-Singh. Unanimously approved. (B2025069)
Human Resources – Terms of Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters 320 Chief Correctional Officers for the Years 2025, 2026, and 2027. Motion by Miller, seconded by Jebens-Singh. Unanimously approved. (B2025-070)
Community & Economic Development – Second Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement for TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons Outlot A. Motion by Jebens-Singh, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2025-071)
Finance – Enterprise Resource Planning Funding Plan and Request for Approval. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2025-072)
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Presented by Commissioner McGuire. Discussion can be found on archived video.
COUNTY CONNECTIONS
Presented by County Manager, Ling Becker. Discussion can be found on archived video.
OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Discussion can be found on archived video.
BOARD CHAIR UPDATE
Presented by Chair Ortega. Discussion can be found on archived video.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Ortega declared the meeting adjourned at 10:44 a.m.
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 16, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-244
NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Andrea M. Bowman, a/k/a
Andrea Mariel Bowman, Andrea M. Kurzweg and Andrea Mariel Kurzweg, Decedent
NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. a hearing will be held using remote technology by this Court on the petition for formal adjudication of intestacy, determination of heirship, and for the appointment of Brittany Turner, whose address is 10016 Hall Road, Potomac, MD 20854, 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.
Date: March 20, 2025 BY THE COURT: Michael F. Upton, District Court Administrator BY: Elizabeth Girling, Deputy Court Administrator Attorney for Petitioner: Christopher J. Kradle Kradle Law, PLLC 7400 Metro Blvd, #155 Edina, MN 55439
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 16 and 23, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-202 CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS In re the Estate of Virginia Ruth Kuck, a/k/a Virginia Ruth Lee and Virginia R. Kuck, Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
Notice is hereby given that an Amended Application filed on March 20, 2025 for informal probate of the above-named Decedent’s Last Will dated October 27, 1995 (“Will”) has been filed with the Probate Registrar, and the Amended Application has been granted.
Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: Judith Lynn Kuck, 3090 Farrington Court, Roseville MN 55113 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative, or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3607, and the court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate. Any objections to the probate of the Will, or to the appointment of the personal representative, must be filed with this court, and will be heard by the court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing. Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred.
Laura J. Stevens, Probate Registrar
Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator
Date: March 21, 2025
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 9 and 16, 2025. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TENNESSEE AT CLARKSVILLE NON RESIDENT NOTICE CASE NO. CC-25-CV-281
TO: DAVID EDWIN RODRIGUEZ
You are ordered to appear and defend a civil action filed against you entitled
Jay lin Dyson and Ana Maria Dyson vs David Edwin Rodriguez which has been filed in Circuit Court, Montgomery County, Tem1essee, and your defense must be made within thirty (30) days from the date of the last publication of this notice, which shall be published for four consecutive weeks in the
You are further directed to file your defense with the Clerk of the Court and send a copy to the Plaintiff’s attorney at the address listed below. In case of your failure to defend this action by the above date, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.
Issued: 4/7 /25
Wendy Davis, Clerk
By: J. Jackson, Deputy Clerk
Attorney: John Biggs, Esq. 503 Madison Street Clarksville, TN 37040
931-552-5339
Published four times in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 2025.
PUBLIC NOTICE [BIRTH OF BABY]
LET IT BE KNOWN TO ALL PEOPLE OF Ramsey County, Minnesota, United States of America — This public notice and affirmation that Jah’zielTomiko of the family Nelson-Nord, has been born on the land in a mortal body. The living male is the result of life and love and physical embodiment of the biological father Cameron-Dion: Nelson and biological mother MarianaChristine: Nord. Jah’ziel-Tomiko of the family Nelson-Nord is their living son from the moment of conception from the first combining of their unique genetic code and was born earthside on the land in the geographical location commonly known as Maplewood, Ramsey County, Minnesota Republic, United States of America. He was born on October 14th in the calendar year 2024 Anno Domini at the hour and minute 4:16 pm, weighing 8 lbs 7.5 oz and 21.25 inches long. He is happy, healthy and thriving! Published four times in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2025.
WBLAS | CONTRIBUTED
Students plunge for Special Olympics
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Above:
Above: More than a 140 White Bear Lake Area High School students and faculty members took turns plunging into a chilly pool of water during a recent benefit event for the Special Olympics at North Campus.
Below: A tutu clad plunge participant goes airborne before hitting the water in the portable pool brought to the school for the occasion.
Minnesota Vikings lose one of 60 greatest fans
BY DEBRA NEUTKENS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Minnesota Vikings lost a super fan with the recent passing of township resident Isabelle Montgomery.
When the team commemorated its 60th season in 2020 by holding a contest for the 60 Greatest Fans of All Time, the mother of eight was selected. Montgomery was 101 at the time. She could talk Vikings football with the best of them.
It was her daughter, Donna Peterson, who submitted the nomination, noting her mom’s dedication to the team and why she deserved a place in its history. Yes, there was chagrin at never winning a Super Bowl, but as Montgomery told WCCO Sports Anchor Mike Max at her 103rd birthday, the next best thing was to meet Vikings coach Bud Grant and shake his hand. That wish came true Feb. 10, 2023, when the legendary coach came to the Vikings Museum to meet one of his biggest fans.
“Mom was 103 and Bud was 95. He
probably spent two hours with us,” recalled Peterson.
Grant died not long after that, and “left me alone,” Montgomery lamented in a second WCCO birthday interview with Max two years later. The meeting with Grant, she told him, “lit up my life.”
Max was a hunting buddy of Grant and helped arrange the meeting.
When the sportscaster asked the super fan if it still hurt when the Vikings don’t win (they had just lost the Jan. 13 playoff game against the Rams), Montgomery replied, “Yes, but I’ve learned to live with it. Just like I’ve learned to live with being alive.”
Her mother, Peterson said, brought humor and energy to every experience.
Other former Vikings also congratulated Montgomery post-100 on both her longevity and greatest fan status. When one of her favorite players, Fran Tarkenton, got wind of her interview with Max, they chatted via FaceTime.
Montgomery attributed her long life and mental acuity to cards and coffee,
according to Peterson.
“She played (the card game) 500 four to five times a week in a room above the garage. It kept her mind sharp. She read a lot, too,” her daughter said.
Regarding caffeine, reference was lightheartedly made of a favorite beverage, i.e. “spiced” coffee, when Max asked her the secret to a long life. Peterson later explained that she would “spike” her mom’s coffee with a touch of Irish cream when they played cards. “She liked it better that way.”
Montgomery died March 10, almost two years to the day after coach Grant passed away. Her obituary stated that Isabelle led a remarkable life filled
with resilience, love and unwavering devotion to family. She was working in a St. Paul sewing factory when she met future husband Dale Montgomery. They married in 1941. As her story goes, Isabelle worked for room and board during Dale’s military service, living near the base and saving up enough money to buy him a clarinet, which allowed him to serve in the Army band. They traveled with the 362nd Army Band during World War II before returning to St. Paul.
In 1958, the Montgomerys moved to Stillwater Street a couple of blocks from the lake, where they raised eight children, all White Bear grads. Isabelle mended and ironed clothes for extra income, volunteered at St. Mary of the Lake church.
She was also known as a second mother to neighborhood children. In the winter, when kids came by to slide on “Montgomery Mountain” outside her kitchen door, Isabelle made sure they had warm hats and mittens from a nearby bin.
She also loved watching game shows on TV and even appeared on “The Price Is Right” in her late 70s.
After Dale died in 2006, Isabelle stayed in the family home until she was 104. She lived at Waverly Gardens her last months of life, succumbing to congestive heart failure.
Upcoming events
Vision & Verse Community Reception & Award Ceremony
White Bear Center for the Arts
April 24, 6:00-8:00 PM
Celebrate young authors and artists, and learn about the judges’ selections and award winners, at the Vision & Verse Community Reception.
Enchanted Plants: A Botanical Book Launch
White Bear Center for the Arts
Monday, May 12, 6:00-8:00 PM
Join local author Amber Guetebier (Varla A. Ventura) to celebrate the release of her latest book, “Enchanted Plants: A Treasury of Botanical Folklore and Magic.”
Anything Goes
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
April 25-May 18
This classic, Golden Age musical by Cole Porter is a dizzying spectacle of song, dance, humor, and romance.
Lakeshore Players Annual Gala
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
May 15 at 5:00pm
Join Lakeshore for a fabulous fundraiser with dinner, drinks, desserts, and an exclusive performance of Anything Goes.
You can find a full list of classes in WBCA’s quarterly printed catalog and online at WhiteBearArts.org/ classes.
Vision & Verse: Giving high school artists a platform to shine
on display in WBCA’s Ford Family Gallery as well as which will win awards. Artwork and written work
For many students, this is their first time exhibiting their work in a gallery setting. Seeing their work in a space like the Ford Family Gallery, with its professional lighting, hanging, and curation, gives validity to their artistic endeavors, and can encourage them to continue on this artistic path past high school. Sometimes, all you need is a little push.
are navigating uncertainty, this exhibition has offered a sense of visibility, connection, and care.” Say a final farewell to the exhibit on the evening of April 22 from 6:00-8:00 PM during the closing reception. Cadex will give an artist talk during this event which is sponsored by Many Faces of the White Bear Lake Area.
White Bear Lake fire chief provides update to City Council
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — The fire department experienced a record-high number of calls back in 2022, but for the past few years those have tapered off a bit, according to Fire Chief Greg Peterson.
In his biannual report to the City Council, Peterson reported that in 2024, the White Bear Lake Fire Department (WBFD) had a total of 4,784 calls, a decrease of 171 calls from 2023.
“It’s slowing down a little bit. I can attribute some of this to the loss of some ‘frequent flyers’, and the number of times we are being called to assist outside of our city has gone down. It used to be about twice as much as it is now,” Peterson said.
Most calls (72%) the WBFD responds to are medical calls, followed by 28% fire calls, a percentage that hasn’t changed from 2023. In 2024, the department received 3,643 medical calls. When it comes to the types of medical calls the department is responding to, that breakdown has not changed much for several years. The top five call types include: “sick person,” “falls,” “breathing problem,” “psychiatric problem” and “unconscious.”
Peterson described 2024 as a “relatively slow year” for fires. The department received 1,141 fire calls.
“While our neighbors around us
were unusually busy, we were a bit slower,” Peterson explained. WBFD provided mutual aid to neighboring fire departments 46 times and received mutual aid from other departments 16 times in 2024.
One thing to keep in mind is the city’s aging population and the risk that can pose for fires, he noted.
“Sixty-four percent of our patients are over the age of 60,” he said, adding that Minnesota’s 65 and older age group is expected to double from 2024 to 2075. In 2024, there were 67 fire deaths in the state; of those victims, 63% were 61 years or older.
Another concern Peterson noted is how fast grass fires are spreading. He shared that the WBFD recently responded to a large grass fire in Shoreview that burned more than 20 acres, and a grass fire in Maplewood that burned 40 acres.
“We always get brush fires in the spring … We have not seen how rapidly they grow before this year,” Peterson said. “These fires, because of the dry conditions, are burning hotter and faster than before and they are quickly getting out of control. Oftentimes with the suburbs, there are houses and developments, and if we are faced with the wrong conditions and the winds blowing the wrong direction, they can quickly get into structures.”
Council Member Kevin Edberg wanted to know what was driving the drop in mutual aid requested from neighboring departments. Peterson
The majority of calls the White Bear Lake Fire Department responds to continue to be medicals.
The top five call types include: sick person, falls, breathing problem, psychiatric problem and unconscious.
guessed it has to do with staffing levels improving in other jurisdictions, but those “ebb and flow,” he said, as requests for mutual aid seem to be picking up again.
Edberg also wanted to know if fewer calls meant the fire department didn’t
In 2024, the White Bear Lake Fire Department provided mutual aid 46 times to other departments while it received mutual aid from other agencies 16 times.
GRAPHS CONTRIBUTED
The above chart shows call volumes from 2020 through 2024.
need as many personnel. “I’ve been very diligent about keeping what we need and keeping it at that level,” Peterson said. “We would have to have a very significant drop off for me to come back and say we don’t need that.”
House Cleaners Needed 3-5 days/wk Must be thorough cleaner! Maids of White Bear 651/247-2807
150 Help Wanted
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an hour while working a minimum of 16 hours per week primarily on weekends (Friday-Sunday) with occasional weekday shifts. Additional compensation includes time-and-a-half pay for holiday work, raises for returning inspectors, and season-end bonuses available to all inspectors. Inspectors will work outdoors at Comfort, Bone, and Forest Lakes. They will be able to educate the public about the threats of AIS and meet people that love lakes as much as they do! All necessary training is provided, so no prior inspection or AIS experience is required. A full job description and application form is available at https://clflwd.org/employment/. If you are interested in applying, please e-mail the completed application form to info@clflwd.org or mail it to 44 Lake Street South, Suite A, Forest Lake, MN 55025.
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Barbara Rosbrook Locke
79, of Vadnais Heights, passed away peacefully January 30, 2025, surrounded by her husband and family members.
Barb was a devout follower of Jesus, spiritually-led and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit to meet the needs of others. She was a longtime member of and volunteer at Eagle Brook Church where she played an active role in teaching and leading.
A loving wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, Barb had a gift for nurturing young children. She cherished using this gift with her own children and grandchildren, teaching 4-& 5 year-olds at Eagle Brook, and working in the library at Birch Lake Elementary. Barb was also deeply involved in Bible study groups at Eagle Brook, as an attendee and leader.
For more than 6 years Barb received wonderful care, first from Pres Homes St. Andrews Village, and her last 5 years from Pres Homes Boutwells Landing - Gables staff, including from Pres Homes Optage Hospice as well. She is deeply missed by her husband Dick, her family and many friends. Barb is survived by her loving husband Dick of 57 years; her four children, son, Stephen, daughters, Deborah DuFrene, Christine (Eric) Westberg, and Rebecca (Jeff) Miller; daughterin-law, Lynnae; grandchildren, Hannah, Austin, Kaylah, Trevor, Nathan (Olive), Jacob, Kaitlin, Lauren, and Nicholas. Barb is preceded in death by her father, Gifford Rosbrook; and mother, Helen Rosbrook.
A celebration of Barb’s life will be Friday, April 25, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at Eagle Brook Church, 2401 Buffalo Street, White Bear Lake with visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 4600 Greenhaven Dr., White Bear Lake, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian charity close to Barb and Dick’s hearts.
Thomas Patrick O’Toole
Thomas was born on April 6, 1955, and died on December 25, 2024. Preceded in death by his father John T. O’Toole and mother Lorraine L. (La Motte). Tom is survived by his sister Mary M. Ward; niece Shannon (Michael) Ohland; nephews Patrick (Molly) Suko, and Peter (Kristine) Suko; sons John O’Toole and Thomas (Brittany) O’Toole; grandchildren Kassi, Tyler, Rylee, Karson, Kaden, Remi; former wife Pattie O’Toole; cousins Cathy Bourdon and Mary Beth (Michael) Twohy. A special Thank You to his caregivers Francis (former) and Belay (present) who demonstrated unending patience, compassion, empathy and a dedication which ensured Tom’s wellbeing at all times. 40 years ago, Tom had a motorcycle accident that injured his brain stem. This left him unable to speak or eat. He used a touch talker to communicate and was fed with a feeding tube. Despite these handicaps he surprised us all by enduring and living life as best he could. He was an avid MN Twins and Vikings fan. He Looked forward to going to the MN State Fair with his son Thomas every year. He enjoyed playing cribbage and listening to 92 KQRS. He will be missed by many. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 at ST. GENEVIEVE PARISH COMMUNITY CENTER, 6995 Centerville Road, Centerville, MN. Visitation will be from 10 – 11 AM at Church. Family Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, White Bear Lake, MN. Memorials preferred to The American Cancer Society. Arrangements, Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172.
Barbara Ann Richter
July 16, 1937 – April 7, 2025.
Barbara Ann Richter (Meyers), 87, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Barbara lived each day with love, adventure, and purpose. Whether in her garden, skiing, skating with her grandchildren, or traveling with her husband Dan, she embraced life with boundless joy.
Barbara grew up in West St. Paul and obtained her nursing degree from St. Cloud School of Nursing.
Barbara was the heart of her close-knit family. Her resilience and nurturing spirit made her a source of strength and comfort to all who knew her. After being diagnosed with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia in 2012, she faced the journey with courage, turning her experience into an opportunity to educate and support others.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Daniel Richter; her sisters, Nancy Meyers and Kate Meyers Willenbring; and her children: John Richter (Teresa Mische), with children Satchell, Jersey, and Tamer; Michael Richter (Perry Stephney); Margaret Richter-Sward (Mark Sward), with children Ian (Emily), Sarah (Derek), and great grandchildren Quinn, Trygg, Isaac, Hans, Anders, and Matix; Susan Richter-Eggert (Scott Eggert), with children Ana and Tea; and Joe Richter (Robin Becker), with children Sam (Coley), Lizzie (Bryant), John David and great grandchild Judah.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Alice Meyers, and her sister, Miriam Rothstein. Her warmth, wisdom, and spirit will live on through all the lives she touched. Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Monday, May 5th, 2025, at United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch Street, White Bear Lake, MN, visitation at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon reception.
Patricia Anne Colburn
Passed away on April 9th, 2025 at her home in Polar Ridge Senior Living in North St. Paul. She was 85 years old.
Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Jerry Colburn. She is survived by her 2 loving daughters, Caryn Henriksen (Kurt) and Alycia Olson (K.C.), and her grandchildren, Sam and Max Henriksen, and Kelvin and Iyla Olson. Patricia is also survived by her youngest sister, Sophie Bolles.
Patricia was born in Warroad, Minnesota to parents Fred and Olive Vytlacil on March 6, 1940. She had 3 brothers, Fred, Joe, and Jack, as well as 3 sisters, Edith, Emma, and Sophie. Patricia moved to the Twin Cities and attended St. Paul Bible College. She met her lifelong best friend, Karen, when she lived on Grand Ave. After meeting Jerry on a blind date, they married in 1968. The two settled in White Bear Lake, where they raised their 2 daughters. After being a homemaker for several years, Pat returned to work at Lillie Suburban Newspaper in North St. Paul, where she worked until her retirement.
Patricia loved spending time with Jerry on the North Shore, where they spent many years after retirement. She was known for her love and skill for gardening and for her beautiful singing voice, often sharing her gift in a trio with her sisters Emma and Sophie and singing at both of her daughters’ weddings. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was loved by many and will be missed. A private memorial will be held by the family at a later date.
Peggy J. Sutherland
79, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 5, 2025. Funeral Service was held Friday, April 11, 2025 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Loaves and Fishes or The Stillwater Public Library Foundation.
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White Bear Lake Rotary ACADEMIC ACHIEVER
Rotary Matters wblrotary1@comcast.net
Annie Murnane is an outstanding student who demonstrates excellent attendance, punctuality, and a strong work ethic. She is currently excelling in school, actively engaging in her classes and participating in school activities. Annie’s strengths include her kindness, leadership, communication skills, and her ability to stay on task and follow through. She is a respectful and hardworking student who enjoys math, cooking, and being part of the “In the Spotlight” club. This year, she gained valuable work experience as a dishwasher at Matoska Elementary through her work-based learning course. A dedicated team player, Annie encourages and supports her peers. With her love for movies, music, pop culture, her family, and animals, Annie’s bright personality makes her a true achiever!
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Mathomedi Schools highlights Zephyr Showcase
BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Several times during the school year, students throughout the Mahtomedi School District offer the public a sampling of what they’ve been up to in class. This display of discovery is known as the Zephyr Showcase, and it occurs immediately prior to the start of select school board meetings.
“It’s always fun to see students come and show us what they’re doing, while being excited and passionate with big smiles on their faces,” said Board Treasurer Ryan Domin.
The last Zephyr Showcase on March 24 featured the Community Education Early Learning Curriculum, the Community Education Cooking Club, an O. H. Anderson science class, the Mahtomedi High School Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and Mahtomedi Middle School Math Skill Practice Games.
Katie Swarthout’s science class at O. H. Anderson Elementary school demonstrated the different factors that can cause erosion. Participants in the project were all members of the Class of 2033 and included Ivy Wieland, Clara Hornicke, Hadley Hackworthy and Noah Olson. With pans of sand and small containers of water, the students demonstrated how steepness of the slope, as well as volume and flow of water, can wash away soil. For example, under flood conditions, the sand in their demonstration was moved farther away, depending on the amount of pressure applied.
“It was fun to see real-world learning and getting one’s hands in mud, with water spills to prove it,” said Vice Chair/ Clerk Kelly Reagan.
Mahtomedi Middle School presented Math Skill Practice Games created by Class of 2030 students Liam Anderson, Oliver Kraft, Tony Wallraff and Max Dady, under the guidance of Counselor Paul Beggin. The students devised a Throne book game for fellow students who need a little help with their arithmetic skills. (A Throne book is novel or book series centered around the idea of a throne, often associated with a royal family, a kingdom or a political struggle for power.)
First, Mr. Beggin looks at the game, which is then shared with their teachers, until, finally, their fellow
students can use the game.
“I loved the students coding on Chromebooks,” Reagan said. “It’s interesting that kids write the code. We have some coders out there in Mahtomedi!”
“I loved how they were able to develop flexible tools to help themselves and others to work on math skills,” said Director Drew Whitson. “It’s built in a way that could make it easier or harder. It provides a real-world tool to meet the needs of different levels. It’s a wonderful solution for them to help their peers.”
Mahtomedi High School juniors Halo Wanta and Yusra Abdi invited one and all to talk about the future and about their aspirations after high school. The students are members of AVID, under the supervision of Carly Lewellan. They know there is life after high school and can hardly wait to talk about their future. Both students are looking foward with enthusiasm to enter the field of medicine, possibly nursing and
pediatrics.
“I was excited to talk to the representatives of AVID and learn of their aspirations,” Domin said.
“The chocolate cake was pretty incredible, too,” Domin noted after visiting the Community Education Cooking Club. Under the guidance of Alice Seuffert and Enrichment and Adult Coordinator Sammy Wallace, students learn about food and how to make it really delicious. The students have cooked for field trips and have gone on “foody” field trips, such as to the Asian Mall. Some of the dishes they have made in class include red velvet cake, bacon cheesburger pasta, tacos, chocolate chip muffins, rice and a variety of beverages.
Chefs of tomorrow — Max Goldfine (Class of 2029), John Lavalle (Class of 2029) and Fletcher Peterson (Class of 2030) — offered chocolate brownies with or without a raspberry on top to Showcase visitors. They asked visitors
to rate their brownie sample on a scale of 1 to 10. The treats earned a perfect 10 from the newspaper critic for moistness and intense chocolate decadence.
Early Learning Supervisor Angela Lundblad and preschool teachers
Amanda Moscou and Rona Pasch represented the Mahtomedi Community Education Early Learning Curriculum. Both Superintendent Barb Duffrin and Domin lauded their efforts to prioritize literacy for the district’s early learners. The Zephyr Showcase reveals engaged learning, said Board Chair Stacey Stout. “You could see this through all the different presentations.” Learning is not just taught from a book or lecture, but with real hands-on learning, she noted. “I wish we could showcase it to everyone.”
“I had seen a number of these students in action before,” Duffrin said. “Engagement and energy is always fun!”
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
O.H. Anderson Science class erosion demonstration
AVID students Halo Wanta and Yusra Abdi
O.H. Anderson Miss Swarthout and science students Ivy Wieland, Clara Hornickle and Hadley Hackworthy
Math tutors Liam Anderson, Oliver Kraft, Tony Wallraff and Max Dady
EARTH DAY SERVICE PROJECT AND CELEBRATION
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. & 1-4 p.m.
Saturday, April 19
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Volunteers ages 11+ can help with an outdoor service project before the Earth Day event. Live performances, an art project to take home, explore trails and visit the eco-fair.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
FREE PARK DAY AT WASHINGTON COUNTY PARKS
When: Tuesday, April 22
Where: All Washington County Parks
Details: In honor of Earth Day, visitors may enter any Washington County Park without a vehicle permit. Contact: www.washingtoncountymn. gov/492/Parks
EARTH DAY CONCERT WITH PETER MAYER
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
Where: White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Maple St., Mahtomedi
Details: Special Earth Day concert with Minnesota singer/songwriter
Peter Mayer. Tickets can be purchased online at whitebearunitarian.org/ music-on-maple.
Contact: 651-426-2369
TRASH TO TREASURE DAY
When: All day Saturday, April 26
Where: White Bear Lake and White Bear Township
Details: All city and Township residents can put unwanted items marked “free” at the end of their driveways for treasure seekers to pick up.
Where: Community Park, 651 East County Road F, Vadnais Heights
Details: Clean out those garages, basements as yards as part of the community cleanup day. Open to Vadnais Heights residents only. Be prepared to show proof of residency. Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com
EARTH DAY CLEANUP
When: 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 26
Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township
Details: Help tidy up the grounds and trails at Tamarack Nature Center. Remove invasive plants and get the garden ready for planting. Preregistration required. Contact: 651-266-8500
19TH ANNUAL RITE OF SPRING
When: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: Wildwood Elementary School, 8698 75th St. N., Mahtomedi
Details: This annual RITE (Really into the Earth) of Spring event will feature various organizations with information tables.
Contact: ci.mahtomedi.mn.us
WASHINGTON COUNTY HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION EVENT
When: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: Mahtomedi Middle School, 8100 75th St. N.
Details: Washington County will offer a one-day collection event for household hazardous waste and electronics. Paper shredding will also be available. Recylables and business waste will not be accepted. Contact: 651-275-7475
EARTH DAY BY THE NUMBERS
million metric tons of global plastics million tons of plastic currently in our oceans million plastic bottles are purchased each minute worldwide trillion plastic bags used each year
billion cigarette butts littered in the US each year comprising nearly 20% of all litter
years a tree must live to have a meaningful impact on the environment million hectares of forest cover shrinkage each year of all carbon emissions come from food gallons of water go into a single pound of beef
NRI set to offer weeklong Earth Day event
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
North metro residents who are looking to make a buck or two while cleaning out their homes, yards and garages might want to consider attending Northstar Recycling’s (NRI) annual Earth Day event, scheduled for the week of April 22.
“It gives everybody a chance to learn a little bit about recycling and clean out their garages or houses of unwanted metals and actually get paid for it,” said NRI co-owner Rick Mark.
Rick and his wife Melissa started the business in 1996 in a small garage in Wyoming. Once the business outgrew its first space, it moved down the road to its current location off Highway 61/ Forest Boulevard in Hugo in 2000. Ever since then, the business has hosted an Earth Day event.
“Obviously, we are in the scrap metal business, and our goal is to recycle,” Rick explained.
On Earth Day, hot dogs and T-shirts will be given out to customers while supplies last. All week long, special pricing will be offered for a variety of items, including one of the more popular drop offs — aluminum cans.
“Out of all the metals we take in, it seems like people come in with those (cans) more often,” Rick said. “We have really focused on getting as many as we can.”
This year’s T-shirts, which will likely go fast, have a coupon on the back of them. “Anytime they wear that shirt in, that’s their coupon,” explained Melissa. Rick expects the business will stay busy all week long due to the looming tariffs.
“Prices are going to be up substantially from last year,” Rick said, noting that this year, customers will receive 90 cents per pound for aluminum, whereas last year’s event offered about 70 cents per pound. NRI really started to see a boom in business during the pandemic.
“We have gotten a lot busier. I think a lot more people are getting involved with recycling than ever before,” Rick explained. “During COVID, when people were losing their jobs or staying home, they converted it into an alternative way to make money. It became a source of income for them … People liked how that worked for them, and they continued it.”
Rick says everyone is welcome at the business, not just a place for “the guys.”
“It is user friendly. Anyone and everyone can come here,” he said. “Anyone can come here and feel welcome. We have plenty of people to help everybody to learn and understand how all of this works.”
For more information about NRI, visit https://nrimn.com.
BASEBALL
White Bear Lake beat defending state champion East Ridge 6-2 at home Wednesday and Roseville Area 10-0 there Friday. Against East Ridge, Blake Ecklerle had a single, double, two walks, and four runs-batted-in(RBI). Jackson Kolb pitched 4 1/3 innings (two hits, 10 strikeouts) and Owen Mortimer 2 2/3 innings (three strikeouts, one hit). Both runs were unearned as the Bears had three errors. “Our defense wasn’t as clean as we would like,” said Coach Ryan Fitzpatrick. At Roseville, Eckerle threw a two-hit, five-inning shutout with 11 strikeouts, and went 2-for-3 (triple, two runs, RBI). Kevin Zollinger was 2-for-4 (double, three RBI’s) and Jonny Wong 3-for-3 (walk, three runs). Also belting a double were Owen Farrington (two RBI’s), Isaiah Weber (RBI) and Tyler Allshouse. “Even our outs were hit hard,” said Fitzpatrick, adding that Zollinger, Weber, Allshouse, Farrington and Eckerle all hit balls off the fence.
TARGET CENTER GAME
The Bear baseball team will play at Target Field against conference rival Mounds View on Wednesday, May 21, after the Twins game against Cleveland, which starts at noon. For ticket information, contact booster club president Joe Eckerle at Joe.eckerle8@ gmail.com.
BOYS GOLF
The Bear had a strong opener Thursday, placing third of 30 teams in the Bunker Hills Early Bird as Easton Fiddle shot 68 for second place and Jack Stanius 71 for seventh place. Chanhassen totaled 286, Spring Lake Park 283 and the Bears 290. “Pretty good start to the season,” said Coach Craig Nasvik. Magnus Benz shot 75 and Thomas Pederson 76.
GIRLS TRACK
White Bear Lake placed fifth out of eight teams in the Suburban East Conference Relays at Roseville last Tuesday. Josie Mlejnek won the high jump with 5-0. Jinet Demanou placed
Bear trackmen 3rd of 10 SEC teams at home
White Bear Lake hosted 10 Suburban East teams and placed third on Thursday to open the outdoor season. The top four teams were Stillwater with 144, Mounds View 134, the Bears 132 and Roseville Area 125. The Bears had three first-places, by Isaac Kolstad in the 800 in 1:59.33. Tyrese Behnken in the 110 hurdles in 14.97 and Malik Doumbia in the triple jump with 41-5. Vaughn Larson placed second in the 3200 (9:47) behind state cross country champion
Robert Mechura of Roseville. Matthew Hunter was second in shot put (50-11 1/2) and third in discus (139-6). Tomi Animasaun was third in the 300 hurdles (41.22), fifth in the 110 hurdles (15.65) and sixth in triple jump (39-6 3/4). David Shervheim and Maxwell Popp placed fifth and sixth in the 1600. Connor Erickson was sixth in the 300 hurdles. The Bears were third in the 4x100 relay and fourth in the 4x200.
Bruce Strand
Bears tip Zephyrs 7-6 in lacrosse opener
second in discus (105-8), Logan Bailey third in the 1600 (5:35), Pearl Niemioja fourth in shot put (33-4), and Amelia Nachtscheim sixth in the 300 hurdles (50.23), The Bears top finishes in six relays were second in the sprint medley 800 and third in the sprint medley 1600.
SOFTBALL
White Bear Lake is 0-3 with close losses to teams with a combined 9-2 record. Last week, the Bears lost to Forest Lake 5-3 on Wednesday and Cretin-Derham Hall (CDH) 3-2 on Friday. Forest Lake’s Avery Muellner blanked the Bears until they got three runs in the seventh, and Maija Kunshier hit a two-run home run. Bear pitcher Lily Martin struck out nine and walked six. Lauren Simmons and Maddie Pearson had RBI hits. CDH’s Brooke Nesdahl limited the Bears to our hits, and she and Camille Castro hit solo homers. Martin gave up just four hits and struck our nine. Kendall Kotzmacher had a single, double and RBI.
TENNIS
White Bear Lake won its opener against South St. Paul 5-2 on Wednesday, sweeping the singles matches with Will Fleming, Andrew Kolenich, Colton Knutson and Brooks Peltier from first through fourth. Keenan Griffin/ Samuel Schleiss won at 3-doubles. Mason Voelle/Jack Fleming and Chris Herr/Joseph Karls lost in doubles.
BOYS LACROSSE
White Bear Lake tied Hudson 7-7 in the opener in Wisconsin on Thursday, then lost to defending state champion Benilde-St. Margaret’s (BSM) 13-4 Saturday at home. At Hudson, Wyatt Raleigh tallied three goals and assisted on two. Liam Maloy, Charlie Woodcock, Nolan Beutow and Ben Lockwood had the other goals. Reid Vickstrom, Bears goalie, stopped nine of 16 shots. Scoring against BSM were Eli Lalonde, Maloy, Finn Karli and Lockwood.
Bruce Strand
BASEBALL
Mahtomedi beat North St. Paul 16-4, lost to Two Rivers 5-1 and beat Maple Grove 4-3 last week to open the season. Against North, Winston Wisely was 3-for-5 with homer and five RBI’s, Nathan Affolter 3-for-5 (three runs), Cody Loida 2-for4 (RBI, three runs), Connor Finn 2-for-3 (two RBI’s) and Tanner Reagan 1-for-1 (two-run double). Andrew Sokol threw four innings (four runs) and Peyton Erickson two innings (no runs). Against Two Rivers, the Zephyrs gave up four runs in the 10th. Wisely struck out 13 batters in seven innings, allowing one run. Afforter was 3-for-5 and Finn 2-for-4 (RBI). Mason Boyken had a home run and four RBI’s for Two Rivers. Against Maple
White Bear Lake edged Mahtomedi 7-6 on Thursday evening in the girls lacrosse opener for both teams on a chilly evening in light rain at Mahtomedi. Bear goalie Harper Laden stopped eight of 14 shots. Carla Helmberger netted three goals and assisted on another. Grace Castro added two goals and Kylee Lehman and Rylan West had one each. Mahtomedi’s Annie Tanner and Lizzy Churchill drilled three goals each, Vanessa Rogoshske had four draw controls and Addie Demars stopped seven of 14 shots.
Grove, Erickson threw six innings (three runs) for the win and Finn one inning with two strikeouts for the save. Loida and Whitbeck had RBI’s.
SOFTBALL
The Zephyrs lost their first three games last week to North St. Paul 13-5, Hastings 15-1 and South St. Paul 11-2.
TENNIS
Mahtomedi opened with three wins last week, over HillMurray 6-1, Stillwater 4-3 and Simley 5-2, under new coach Ben Kula. Brandon Pham, ranked No. 2 individually in Class 2A, behind Aaron Beduhn of Wayzata, won two matches by a combined 24-1. He missed the third meet. It was a week
Bruce Strand
of experimenting as the Zephyrs had eight different singles players and eight different doubles combinations. Eli Hendrickson/Kento Kedrowski had wins at 1- and 2-doubles.
BOYS GOLF
Jacob Wilson was a medalist with a 67, leading Mahtomedi to a fourth-place finish among 20 teams, in a season-opening meet at Hudson on Wednesday. The top four teams were Rosemount 292, Cretin-Derham Hall 296, Hudson 298 and Mahtomedi 301. Thomas Meader was 16th with 77, Mark Graff 24th with 78 and senior Tony Kurn 29th with 79.
Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Jacob Wilson
Golf
April 16, 2025
Jacob Wilson, Mahtomedi senior golfer, opened the season with a four-under-par 67 for first place in a 20-team invitational at Troy Burne in Hudson, WI, last week. The 2024 all-state golfer, committed to South Dakota State, won by three strokes. On No. 12, a short par 5, he eagled with a drive to the green and an 8-iron shot within three inches. He birdied 6 and 7 after landing wedge shots within three feet. This winter he averaged 6.7 points off the bench on an 18-10 basketball team.
BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS
ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS
BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTED
Tomi Animasaun placed high in three events, including triple jump.
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Grace Castro of the Bears carried the ball across midfield, shadowed by Annie Tanner of the Zephyrs.
American Legion 100th Anniversary
Earth Day in Washington County
Food Scraps Pickup Program
The program is free and available to many communities within Washington County. Food scraps are collected using special bags that are collected with residents’ trash and later separated, using robotic sorting technology, and turned into compost. The program will eventually be available to all county residents. To learn more, or to sign up, visit FoodScrapsPickup.com or call 651661-9393.
Drop-off locations are also available for food scraps:
• 800 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi
• North Environmental Center, 6065 Headwaters Pkwy, Forest Lake County residents can sign up to receive a free container for food scraps collection. Online signup is required; containers must be picked up from the Environmental Center. For more information, visit WashCoREcycle.com/ FoodScraps.
Disposal directory
Search and quickly find local disposal, recycling and reuse options for items you no longer want or need. Visit WashCoRecycles.com/Disposal.
At-home recycling
Many everyday items can be recycled.
Paper and cardboard, cartons, metal cans, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, containers and jugs and more can all be recycled in your home recycling. These recyclables are wanted by many companies in our state and across the country to make new products. Items should be placed in the recycling cart loose, not bagged. Check with your local hauler for more information.
Medication
Residents can dispose of their unused and expired medications at year-round drop boxes throughout the county. Items accepted include: pills and capsules, blister packs, creams and gels, unused EpiPens, inhalers and patches, liquids, powders and sprays. Items that that are not accepted include needles, syringes, lancets or thermometers; liquid chemotherapy drugs, vaping devices or e-liquids.
Drop box locations include:
• Washington County Service Center: 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake
