Dozens of children and adults march down 4th Street in downtown White Bear Lake during the Kiddie Parade that has become a tradition observed in recent years signaling the start of the annual Manitou Days summertime celebration and the first installment of Marketfest of the season. A variety of Manitou Days events continue through the 4th of July. Marketfest continues with Thursday night installments through July 31.
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
A White Bear Lake graduate grabbed the spotlight in one of Minnesota’s biggest sports events Saturday.
Joel Reichow placed first among over 9,000 runners in the 48th annual Grandma’s Marathon run from Two Harbors to Duluth.
Reichow, 31, took the lead in the 24th mile of the 26.2 mile race and crossed the finish line in two hours, 11 minutes and 58 seconds. It was his first Grandma’s.
The 6-foot, 125-pound athlete ended a string of 14 straight wins by runners from East Africa, including the last 10 by runners from Kenya. Sammy Rotich, a Kenyan now living in Minneapolis, broke away from the pack at 19 miles. Reichow took out after him. He took the lead in the 24th mile and held it.
Rotich was next, 46 seconds behind, in 2:12.44. Elisha Barno, who won the last two Grandma’s Marathons, and six total, had hip and groin issues and dropped out at 15
Reichow became the first runner to win both Grandma’s and the accompanying Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, which he won in 2023. He is also the first Minnesota man to win it since 2009 and fifth overall
The victory was worth $11,500, including a $1,500 bonus for finishing in under 2:12.
The women’s winner was Lilian Chebii, 31, of
SEE GRANDMA’S MARATHON, PAGE 17
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Every band member in Twin Citizen has been through something, and they are not afraid to write, sing or talk about it.
The Twin Cities-based indie rock band is composed of Joe Hartley on lead vocals/guitar, Adam Lifto on lead guitar, Laura Lunde on bass, Ryan Taylor on keys and Sam McKinney on drums.
The band has been around since June 2021, but in the past year, three of the five members are new. “Part of the turnover was just a difference in where people were at,” explained Lifto. “It was all around
a desire for some of us to want to push this (band) further in terms of playing shows and trying to build who we are locally and regionally.”
41-year-old Lifto, a 2003 Mahtomedi High School graduate, has been a musician since age 15. When “Californication” by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers was released, it inspired him to quit sports and dive into music.
“For whatever reason, it touched my soul in a way that was really spiritual and interesting,” Lifto recalled. “There was an interesting vibe about (John Frusciante’s) playing and the way he
SEE TWIN CITIZEN, PAGE 20
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• Serving the White Bear Lake community for over 60 years, offering hometown hospitality with a personalized touch!
• Chapel on-site with beautiful custom stained glass, offering ecumenical and Catholic services
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• Recently remodeled assisted living apartments, respite care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing care
• Transitional Care Unit
for a tour and about our specials: (651) 429-9654
for a tour: (651) 429-9654
New Perspective, a Minnetonkabased senior living company, has added five new communities to its portfolio in the first half of 2025, marking a significant expansion in the Twin Cities metro area. The five locations are White Bear Lake (formerly The Waters White Bear Lake), Oakdale, Golden Valley, Roseville and Minnetonka.
"These communities perfectly align with our mission of creating welcoming, vibrant environments where older adults can thrive," said New Perspective co-CEO Ryan Novaczyk. "Their addition strengthens our ability to serve families in the
Twin Cities and underscores our commitment to providing exceptional senior living experiences."
Each of the newly added communities offers assisted living and memory care services, with amenities that include communal spaces, wellness and recreational programs, and chef-prepared meals.
Founded in 1998, New Perspective is a family-owned company that develops, owns and operates 45 senior living communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Missouri. For more information about New Perspective, visit https:// npseniorliving.com.
The HealthPartners White Bear Lake Clinic, located at 1430 Highway 96 E, will host a community garden open house from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 9. Come tour the community garden, mingle with fellow community members and personalize a clay pot to take home. In case of rain, this event will be rescheduled for the same time on Wednesday, July 23.
MAHTOMEDI AREA FARMERS MARKET
When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays, starting June 28
Where: Veterans Memorial Park
Details: Local vendors offer fresh produce, honey, artisan breads, handmade crafts and much more.
Contact: mahtomedifarmersmarket@gmail.com
DONUTS WITH THE COPS
When: 8:30-11 a.m. Friday, June 27
Where: Clark Ave., between Second Street and Third Street
Details: Donuts, coffee, juice and conversations with a White Bear Lake police officer at the farmers’ market. Contact: whitebearlake.org or 651-429-8550
2025 WHITE BEAR LAKE CONSERVATION DISTRICT LAKE CLEAN UP
When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, June 28
Where: White Bear Lake water and shoreline
Details: Community members are invited to get out on the lake in a watercraft or walk the shoreline to pick up trash.
Contact: wblcd.org or 651-429-8520
PUZZLING HISTORY: JIGSAW PUZZLE COMPETITION
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 28
Where: White Bear Lake Armory 2228 Fourth St., White Bear Lake
Details: Fun, lively puzzle competition for teams of 4 and featuring a 500-piece puzzle of a photo from the Historical Society archive. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. All teams get to keep their competition puzzle.
Contact: whitebearhistory.org or 651-407-5327
TWIN CITIES TOUGH MUDDER
When: 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29
Where: Wild Wings of Oneka, 14733 Irish Ave. N. Details: Miles of winding, single-track trails, mud and obstacles. Three-mile, 10-mile and infinity courses. Participant and spectator passes available. Contact: toughmudder.com/events/twin-cities.
MANITOU DAYS ARTISAN AND VENDOR FAIR
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 28
Where: Hippodrome Ice Arena, 4886 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Shop over 70 booths of Minnesota crafters,
artisans, boutiques and vendors. Food trucks on premises.
Contact: 763-269-2166 or sunriseeventsandcraftshows@ gmail.com
PET AND PEOPLE APPRECIATION
When: 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28
Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 E. County Road E, White Bear Lake
Details: Celebration of our furry friends and their caregivers includes activities and resources for pet lovers. Vendors include local animal services and rescue organizations.
Contact: 651-777-1107
MANITOU TRIATHLON
When: 8-11 a.m. Sunday, June 29
Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake
Avenue
Details: Participate in a sprint-level or olympic-level triathlon. Barbecue and awards ceremony at the finish line. Custom finisher medals and free professional photography. Contact: mmraces.com or 651-470-1619
KEEGAN’S 5K FOR CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS AWARENESS
When: 9-11 a.m. Sunday, June 29
Where: West Park, 2350 11th St., White Bear Lake
Details: 13th annual 5K fun walk along White Bear Lake. All proceeds go to Cranio Care Bears, a nonprofit that mails care packages to affected children before their surgeries.
Contact: 651-747-3650 or sites.google.com/site/ keegans5kforcranioawareness
PET PARADE AND BLESSING
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, June 29
Where: St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church, 2175 First St., White Bear Lake Details: A parade of creatures great and small followed by blessings given to all. Pet-friendly outdoor worship service at 10 a.m. Refreshments provided for humans. Contact: 612-221-1614 or stjohnwilderness.org
BIRCHWOOD MUSIC IN THE PARK
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, June 29
Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park, 410 Lake Ave., Birchwood Details: Concert by 6-member band Any Day Now is free and open to the public. Bring a folding chair or blanket. Beer and wine permitted. Contact: cityofbirchwood.com
WHITE BEAR LAKE FARMERS MARKET
When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Fridays
Where: Clark Avenue, between Second Street and Third Street
Details: A tradition since the 1970s, the farmers'
market features more than 50 vendors. Contact: whitebearlake.org or 651-429-8526
MARKETFEST
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake
Details: Community summer festival with over 200 food and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants. Contact: marketfestwbl.com
Harmonic Relief is not scheduled to perform at Marketfest July 31, as was stated in the Manitou Days/Marketfest special section. The entertainment that evening is to be determined.
Our over-the-lake fireworks display and band concert has become a patriotic tradition and family event that would not happen without the generous support of you and other civic-minded members of our community. The Fireworks Committee asks you for a tax-deductible contribution. Please make your check payable to “White Bear Lake Fireworks Fund” and send it to White Bear City Hall/Fireworks Committee, 4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
sponsor:
For the past two years, I have been working towards receiving a master’s degree in creative writing, editing and publishing.
In May, all my hard work and late-night writing sessions finally paid off. I am extremely grateful to say that I now hold a master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas (UST).
Going into college, I originally planned on majoring in business and receiving a minor in Spanish. After taking a micro economics class my first semester, I knew that the business world was not for me. I found staring at different graphs multiple times a week boring and a bit dull. At the same time, I was also taking an introductory English class. I found myself looking forward to attending the class and talking about the books we read for that week. Part of the course was writing two stories: One about a personal event that shaped your life and one about an immersive experience. I loved writing those stories and they came so easily to me.
I like to think that I have always been a creative person. Growing up I would write stories in my diary, on my iPod touch and on the family computer in the basement. When we would go on a road trip, I would bring at least two books to read or would daydream about stories I could write when I was an adult.
Over the summer between my freshman and sophomore year, I made the decision to change my major from business to English-creative writing. My parents were nervous when I told them. They were worried that I would struggle finding a job out of college. We had multiple conversations about my future. I told them I wanted to become a book editor and broke down my future plans. It seemed to ease their worries.
When my senior year rolled around, I knew that I wanted to continue my education. After meeting with the graduate coordinator and the program director for the English department, it seemed right to continue my education at UST. I loved the professors within the department. I loved the campus. I loved my cohort. And they said I would have a guaranteed spot in the program since I attended my undergrad at the university, and they knew my writing was strong.
I took my first graduate class in the fall of 2023. It was an adjustment from attending undergraduate classes full time. My classes were one night a week from 6-9 p.m. I would get home close to 10 p.m. I struggled that first semester to balance a full-time job and being a full-time graduate student, but I quickly found my groove after completing my first finals week.
One thing that I enjoyed the most about graduate school was my cohort. There were three girls in the program that I had in almost every class over the two years. We formed a pretty tight-knit group. Before every class, we met up at the same spot to talk about our weekends or how our week was going. The four of us now have a text chain to keep in touch. Attending graduation felt surreal and I had a sense of déjà vu considering I had graduated only two years prior. But this time felt different. Maybe it was because I was not walking alone, but my sister was too. She received a master’s degree in nursing. And I could not be prouder of her.
The past six years have felt a bit surreal; I am excited to see what my future holds, and I am very excited to be done with homework!
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-4311226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Three speeches were given by graduating students at the 2025 White Bear Lake High School Commencement ceremony. This is the final transcript to be published in this space.
ear White Bear Lake graduating class of 2025. My name is Yahaira Enid Maiwuya Nok-Chiclana. Webster’s Dictionary defines Graduation as No, I’m just kidding. Graduating class of 2025. I’d like you all to do me a favor. I want you to look around and make eye contact with someone. It can be a stranger. It could be your best friend. You can look at your favorite teacher. You can look at that one person in the hallways whose outfits were amazing, but you never got around to telling them. Guys, please don’t all look up here. I want you to look at that person and say, “One in 400 trillion”.
One in 400 trillion is the chance of you being born. To quote Neil DeGrasse Tyson, “You are alive against stupendous odds”. So the question is, what are you going to do now?
A majority of you will attend college, either for 2 or 4 years. Or to my medical majors, you will be signing your life away to college! But we thank you for your service.
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Speaking of service, others will join the military or immediately enter the workforce. No matter where you will be, it won’t be here. So please, look around one more time. 1 in 400 trillion. The seats you are sitting on, the sun that you see shining on us, and the people that surround you. Most people who could’ve existed will never see that. So I will repeat my question: what will you do now? I want to encourage you all to make a positive impact on the world that benefits more than just yourself. Speak up for the voiceless, and if you see injustice, then speak out against it. If nothing changes, then nothing changes. Hold people responsible for their actions, and do not be afraid to admit when you’re wrong. “Freedom is never granted, it is won. Justice is never given, it is exacted” - Philip Randolph. Co-organizer in the 1963 march on washington for jobs and freedom and key figure for ending segregation in the U.S armed forces. The real injustice doesn’t begin with the evil, it begins when people don’t do anything to stop it.
Now, back to my question, what will you do now? Your independent life is starting, and some of the best advice I can give you is from Daniel Caeser: “It’s never over till it’s over…and it’s not over till you’re dead.” So, pursue that career, volunteer at that shelter. Start before you’re ready. Go on that trip. Do it scared. Do it confident. Do it without knowing if you’re gonna succeed because you trying your best is enough. You are enough.
I would like to thank my lovely mother and aunt for always supporting me. Thank you to my lovely father who is no longer
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here with us but still watching over me. Thank you to my sister for- you know the other day she said to me “Yahaira, You’re really weird but…no that’s it” So thank you Ninchai, for always keeping me humble. Last but not least I would like to thank you all for the past 4 years. Thank you for your hard work, your determination, and your perseverance. I want you to take what you’ve learned during your tenure as a student, in and out of the classroom, and remember what it felt like. I want you to remember that time you got called on to answer a question in class, the one time you had to tell your friend about the dance fight that happened during passing time. I want you to remember what it was like to almost get pushed off the bleachers while standing on your tip toes, chanting “We got the spirit”. I want you to remember this moment, when you realized that the education White Bear Lake provided to you couldn’t be possible without you having to take risks, make mistakes, and show up day after day against stupendous odds. For my last celebrity quote, I want to leave you with “Anyways, don’t be a stranger”. I hope to see some of you in congress, or on my TV Screen, or simply in your respective careers, changing the lives of those around you, just as much as I hope to pass by you in the grocery store and give a smile and a wave. Thank you all for being here despite any and all challenges you had to face to get that diploma in your hands. 1 in 400 trillion. White Bear Lake Graduating class of 2025, we did it. Congratulations!
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Last weekend was incredibly sad. I learned that the “trickle down” theory finally brought results. Not the financial theory, but the maleficent theory of hate and vitriol is at work. When I learned the deaths and shootings of Democratic representatives had occurred, I was dumbstruck. This is Minnesota. How could my fellow citizens think that this was okay? It shook me to the core. The beautiful voice of my fellow Minnesotan has been silenced. Forever.
As I tried to make sense of it, I decided to go to the Capitol for the No Kings rally in honor Representative Melissa Hortman. The rally was peaceful, introspective and honored her memory. And then. I read that the President of the United States of America responded by trashing Governor Walz and again demonized every Democrat in our country. Name calling and nasty references were laid bare. Senator Lee followed suit and trashed Governor Walz and Democrats collectively. Instead of offering sympathy, so many chose hate. May I say that I am appalled? And I was, sadly, not surprised. Kudos to Senator Tina Smith for calling him out. And that is the Trickle Down theory at work. It started at the top many years ago and continues to inspire hatred across our great nation. The vitriol divides this nation. And it starts at the top. Does no one see that our kids are watching? That our grandchildren are watching? Do better people. Examine your conscience and decide how you will go forward. Agree to disagree, and I do, but the hate speech and demonization has to stop. Do better.
Rene Heimer Birchwood
On behalf of the hundreds who gathered along Hwy 61 for the peaceful “No Kings” rally in downtown White Bear Lake on June 14, it’s a little disappointing that our local paper chose not to provide more coverage for an event this large, an event that was pretty unique to our town and to downtown White Bear Lake. Two fairly blurry images from the event isn’t much coverage, in my opinion. I understand the possible politics involved in decisions like this.
We were among millions throughout the country who came out that day to draw attention to the fact that a dangerous person is leading our nation’s Executive branch, a person who - apparently along with many of his followers - has lost sight of the fact that there are three separate and equal branches of government. The head of the Executive branch (the president) works for us. Our current narcissist president believes everyone in the country (and world) must bow to him and obey his increasingly bizarre and inconsistent rantings and “orders”. If we don’t, we risk being manhandled, handcuffed and arrested. The USA is rapidly becoming North Korea.
That said, kudos in general to the entire Press team for the great work they do each week, including on the opinion pages.
On my walk today I saw the White Bear Lake city workers cleaning the garden beds along Lake Avenue. Amongst the discards were all the milkweed plants. I asked one of the workers why they removed them and her answer was ‘because they’re weeds’.
Milkweed plants are not ‘weeds’. They are the favored host plants for the monarch butterfly which is in decline. I hope that our city will replenish these beneficial plants.
The Fourth of July - also known as Independence Day- has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941 but the tradition of Independence Day goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2, 1776 the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence and two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document largely drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
From 1776 to the present day, July 4 has been celebrated as the birth of American independence. VFW Post 1782 and Auxiliary urges all citizens to show pride in America and fly the flag on the Fourth of July.
White Bear Lake has always been more than just my hometown—it’s the community that raised me, grounded me, and continues to inspire me. Now, I’m stepping forward to give back in a new way by running for mayor in 2025.
I’m running because I believe in responsible growth that protects what makes our city special. I believe in safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and supporting both the young families planting roots here and the aging neighbors who helped build this community. And I believe that listening and leading go hand in hand.
In my work supporting students in our school district, I’ve seen the ripple effects of decisions made at the city level—on housing, safety, education, and opportunity. I know we can’t afford to ignore challenges like declining enrollment, rising costs, or divisive development that lacks local buy-in.
This is a campaign grounded in service, shaped by listening, and focused on building a city where everyone—from longtime residents to the next generation—feels at home.
I’m committed to earning the trust of this community not just as a candidate, but as a neighbor who believes deeply in the future we can build together.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) was dispatched to the east side of White Bear Lake at 2:27 p.m. on Sunday, June 22 on reports of a female underwater who had yet to resurface.
It was reported that Beverly Rodriguez, 40, of Woodbury, was on a rental pontoon with an unnamed male before they both fell into the water. The male was able to make it back out of the water safely and unsuccessfully attempted to rescue Rodriguez, who was reported to have remained underwater for approximately 40 minutes. Neither were wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
Upon arrival, divers from the Washington County Dive Rescue Team were able to locate Rodriguez utilizing pole cameras and sonar. Rodriguez was transported to Regions Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. Although still under investigation, Tim Harris, the commander of the county’s operations support division, says that high winds are likely the main factor in the incident. Rodriguez has also been identified as a sergeant with the Metro Transit Police.
Keith Dehnert, owner of Tally’s Dockside, confirmed that the boat involved was one of their rental pontoons. He said so far, they haven’t been given any information about what happened, other than a Washington County case number. “They said we should know more in five to 10 days,” he said. “I’m not taking this lightly. There is nothing worse than the loss of life.” Dehnert said he was out of town at the time of the incident, but he got a phone call from his son alerting him to an unfortunate situation on the lake involving someone who rented
one of their boats. Later that day, they were told to pick up the boat from the northeast portion of St. Germain Bay. Dehnert couldn’t confirm how many people were on the boat at the time of the incident, but said Tally’s allows up to a maximum of 10 and provides life vests and safety equipment for that number of people.
Dehnert says he is a big supporter of the law going into effect July 1 which will bring changes to the boating world. The boating law will require some boaters to obtain a watercraft operator’s permit. The law will initially apply to those 21 years of age and younger operating motorboats and personal watercraft. The requirement will be phased in over three years, eventually applying to all operators born after June 30, 1987.
“It’s an unfortunate incident that took place,” Dehnert said. “We are very sorry that a life was lost.”
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:
Birchwood Village
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on routine patrol for stop sign violation at the corner of Hall Avenue and Jay Street May 4 observed a snapping turtle having run the stop sign while blocking the southbound lane. Deputies were unable to conduct
a traffic stop and arrest the snapper after it fled officers and hid in the pond.
• However, during their May 8 and May 9 stop sign patrols in the 700 block of Hall Avenue, deputies found two vehicles in violation and cited one of them for speeding.
• A Dellwood Avenue resident on May 10 reported a fraud during which financial loss had occurred. Deputies advised the complainant on ways to prevent identity theft.
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• A search warrant was executed June 11 in the 1500 block of Goose Lake Road.
• Fraud was reported in the 3600 block of Hazel Street N. June 11.
• Theft was reported in the 2000 block of County Road E June 11.
• Officers responding to a complaint of loud music in the 4800 block of Bloom Avenue June 11 found the music was in compliance with the city ordinance.
• A Maplewood woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near Highway 61 and Buerkle Road June 12.
• Officers responded to a report of an adult man running in and out of traffic near the intersection of Highway 61 and County Road F June 12. He was advised to stay out of traffic.
• Officers responded to a neighbor dispute over a tree in the 3800 block of Oak Terrace June 12.
• Officers responded to a report of a court order violation in the 10 block of Hillary Farm Lane, Gem Lake. An adult male was arrested for an active misdemeanor domestic assault warrant.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the area of Banning Avenue and Second Street June 12.
• Officers responded to a neighbor dispute June 13 in the 1900 block of Lombardy Lane.
• Officers responded to a fireworks complaint in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road June 13.
• Officers took a narcotics report in the 4000 block of White Bear Avenue June 13.
• A Birchwood Village man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop on Birchwood Court June 14. A Rockford woman was arrested for DWI following a single vehicle
accident in the 1200 block of Highway 96 June 14.
• Burglary was reported in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road June 14.
• Officers issued a citation for pastaction assault in the 4000 block of Hoffman Road June 14.
• Officers responded to disorderly conduct incidents June 14 in the 2400 block of Floral Drive and the 2100 block of County Road F.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 3500 block of Century Avenue June 15.
• Officers are investigating a report of child abuse in the 3400 block of Willow Court.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 2500 block of Dorothy Avenue June 15.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3800 block of VanDyke Street June 15.
• A vehicle stolen in the 1900 block of Garden Lane June 16 was later found unoccupied in St. Paul.
• Harassment was reported June 16 in the 4700 block of Sandra Lane and the 4900 block of Birch lake Circle. Burglary was reported in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road June 16.
• Theft from a vehicle was reported in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue June 16.
• Suspicious juveniles were reported in the 4800 block of Bloom Avenue June 17.
• Officers responded to juvenile incidents in the 1800 block of Sixth Street June 17.
• A vehicle was stolen June 17 in the 3500 block of Dell Court.
• Officers responding to a disturbance in the 4500 block of Bald Eagle Avenue June 17 found a man with no permanent address who had a felony escape from custody warrant out of Anoka County. He was arrested without incident.
• By 1:04 a.m. May 4, deputies had received multiple calls about a male attempting to flag down cars as he walked down Julianne Avenue N. at 110th Street N. The male had left his treatment center and agreed with deputies that he should return home.
• In the case of the mail truck melee, a USPS mail truck was reported for breaking down right in the middle of the Mahtomedi Middle School student pick-up zone at 2:19 p.m. May 5. Deputies contacted the USPS to have the vehicle removed so that anxious students and parents could get on with their day.
• In the case of the suspicious smoker, an unfamiliar vehicle found parked on the side of the road on Leeward Avenue N. and 75th Street N. at 4:08 a.m. May 6 turned out to belong to a newspaper delivery driver taking a break to smoke a cigarette.
• An errant emu was reported for being on the loose May 9 in the 11000 block of Julianne Avenue.
Mahtomedi
• Deputies en route to investigating death threats occurring on Stillwater Road at 2:20 a.m. May 4, quickly changed their focus to a case of assault. Unfortunately, the primary suspect had already left.
• Deputies attempting to serve a warrant at 9:46 p.m. May 5 on Stillwater Road arrived at the suspect’s last known address and found several pieces of paper shoved between the door and frame dated from earlier in the month and concluded that the suspect had not
• A Dellwood Road resident on May 4 reported deputies for coming out to look at the speed bumps on Justen Trail. Deputies said they had not been out to check on the speed bumps and didn’t know who had been inspecting them. As part of an ongoing issue, the complainant made a follow up call on May 5 stating that people were honking their horns and driving around his speed bumps that he had placed in the roadway. The speed bump saga continued after the homeowner called back again on May 7 urging deputies to trespass a construction company for trying to remove the speed bumps he’d had professionally installed.
been at home to receive all his multiple legal summons for some time.
• A motorist was arrested at 12:45 a.m. May 6 on Century Avenue and Long Lake Road, following a traffic stop for a missing headlight.
A vehicle driving the wrong way on Old Wildwood Road at Arcwood was reported May 6.
• A resident in the 1000 block of Summit Avenue on May 7 reported a bucket on fire and extinguished it before deputies arrived.
A just-fired FedEx employee reported his employer for firing him May 8 and said they were not allowed to do it. Deputies arriving on scene at the Long Lake Road facility quickly assured the complainant that they certainly could fire him and waited on scene for the ex-employee to leave the premises.
• The Mahtomedi Fire Department on Stillwater Road reported a lockbox key stolen May 10 while the firefighters were out on a call.
The domestic assault report that dispatched deputies out to a Stillwater Road address at 10:21 p.m. May 10 turned out to be a small party in front of an apartment building. Deputies advised the revelers to tone it down for the night.
Pine Springs
• A motorist in the 600 block of Warner Avenue S. on May 4 was cited for a missing brake light and illegal window tint, following a traffic stop for same. Windows must allow at least 50% of the light to pass through. Deputies have a Tint-O-Meter to check for things like that.
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
A quinceañera is a traditional celebration in many Latin American cultures, marking a girl's 15th birthday and her transition from childhood to womanhood. For Bilingual Child Care & Education Center, its 15th anniversary is also a milestone.
“It feels like a coming of age time,” said founder and CEO Leah Retamozo. “For me, it symbolizes a long period of growth in figuring out who we are, what our values are and who we want to be. This has been my labor of love for 15 years.”
The White Bear Lake resident grew up in the Chisago Lakes area and has always been interested in the Spanish language and culture. While in high school, she studied Spanish, and her family had an exchange student from Mexico. She has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies and a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota’s Comparative International Development and Education (CIDE) program within the Department of Educational Policy and Administration. She has also lived abroad both in Spain and Ecuador.
Before opening the center in 2010, Retamozo worked in fund development, communications and planning for a variety of nonprofit Latino organizations in the Twin Cities as well as for St. Paul Public Schools. After having her daughter Sofia, she began looking for a Spanish immersion school in St. Paul but couldn’t find one. She started taking her daughter to a place outside of the metro, where she decided to partner with the owner to launch her immersion day care.
“My focus on opening the center was propelled forward following the 2008 market crash, when my
work in nonprofit fund development diminished due to cutbacks, and I shifted my energy in this new direction,” Retamozo explained. Her partner ended up backing out of the project, but with Retamozo’s consulting work gravely slowing down, she continued to move forward.
In 2010, she launched Bilingual Child Care & Education Center in the basement of Hamline Church in St. Paul. Six years later, she moved the center to Roseville. Two years later, she added the Mahtomedi location. She doesn’t plan to add any more locations.
“I don't want to grow anymore. This is it for me,” she explained. “I just want to do these two well. To make something special for kids and families because this is such an important time in a child's development. I believe really strongly in a quality early learning experience and how that has the potential to create a solid foundation for success in life.”
Bilingual Child Care & Education Center works with infants, toddlers and preschoolers on a full-time basis to support families who choose to raise bilingual and culturally inclusive children.
The center focuses on creating an authentic immersion environment. For that reason, all of the teachers are native Spanish speakers from a diverse range of countries. “They are speaking in Spanish, hearing Spanish, singing in Spanish and reading in Spanish all day long,” Retamozo said.
Stillwater resident Anna Capeder’s two children attend the center — Joni, 5, and soon-to-be 2-year-old Ian. During the pandemic, Capeder said she and her husband, Kevin, were looking for a place that aligned with their values.
“I remember we did our tour, and it was just the most warm and welcoming tour,” Capeder recalled. “The culture was so apparent … It didn't feel corporate, it felt like a family.” The family was also so impressed by the “bonus” of their child being able to learn more about another culture and language that they decided to keep attending even when they relocated from White Bear Lake to Stillwater.
Joni will head to kindergarten this fall and is fluent in Spanish. “She knows so much more culturally than she would if we sent her somewhere else,” Capeder explained. “She is always telling me about new things.
BY CJ WRZESIEN PRESS INTERN
For Chris Meads, the opening of Warped Records in Willernie is the realization of a lifelong love of collecting music.
Over the last 40 years, Meads has built up a record collection with the dream of opening a brick and mortar store of his own someday.
“I take so much satisfaction in listening to records,” Meads said. “There’s nothing really special about it, other than the fact that I really like music and bring other people onto music.”
Meads has been slowly building up his vinyl inventory, while looking for the perfect spot to open a record shop. He initially looked at locations in White Bear Lake before finding the location that fit his vision. The 700-square-foot location on Stillwater Road ended up being the right place for the intimate record-buying experience that Meads envisioned.
“I wanted the vibe in here to be one where people don’t just come here to buy a record,” Meads said. “Because you can buy a record anywhere.”
Meads wants the store to be not only a place where people can flip through used and new records, but also a place where customers will feel comfortable to stay and enjoy an espresso, talk about music and
discover new music.
The shop is also equipped with a listening station where customers can check out a record before they buy it.
Once the location and inventory were in place, Meads began building the inside of the store. He deliberately opened the store without any social media promotion or advertising.
“I really wanted to have all this in place first, and then kind of put it out to the world,” Meads explained. “And let people come see. We’ve had this soft opening, and everyone that comes in seems really pumped.”
A grand opening of Warped Records is planned for July 12.
She’s able to bring a lot home and teach mom and dad.”
And 75% of the words Ian knows are Spanish words. He especially enjoys singing and dancing to Spanish music.
“It has been cool to see the center grow for the last four and a half years while my daughter grows, and now, seeing my son and their ability outside of school to speak Spanish to one another. It's so great; It warms my heart. They are sitting at the dinner table speaking Spanish.”
The center regularly hosts cultural events to allow families to connect. “We have this really beautiful community of families who enjoy getting together,” Retamozo said. “I have people on Facebook from 10-15 years ago … They connected through our centers, and they are all still friends. It's a beautiful thing.”
This September marks Bilingual Child Care & Education Center’s 15th anniversary. For more information about the center, visit https:// bilingualchildcare.com/.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
Gazebo Stage Short on Cash | 6-9 p.m.
Intermission - Richter Piano
3rd Street Stage
Kinda Fonda Wanda | 6-9 p.m.
Intermission - WBL Summer Music Camp
Marketfest runs Thursdays, June 19 - July 31
Featuring live music, children’s games and activities, pony rides, a classic car show, and 180+ vendors, FREE admission
Sidra Abdirahim, Faith Agnew, Dylan Allshouse, Parker Anderl, Elizabeth Anders, Ella Anderson, Rylan Anderson, Emmett Anderson, Whitney Asiago, Mariangel Baca, Avery Bach, Sienna Bacha, Thomas Bahnemann, Logan Bailey, Lawrence Ballanger, Rylee Baltzer, Tessa Bartocci, April Baumler, Megan Becker, Andrew Bell, Jake Bergerson, Emily Bieniek, Brecken Birch, Sadie Blauer, Alexander Blomgren, Elizabeth Borle, Charles Brandon, Brooklyn Brown, Tobias Bruhn, Daniel Buege, Max Butters, Meredith Bye, Elijah Cade, Eleanor Cannon, Aryanna Charles, Delma Chi, Solomon Cina, Gabriela Cinqueonce, Elisa Colon, Taylor Comer, Madeline Conroy, Cole Cortus, Bennett Curren, Addison Degnan, Sydney Denker, Charlie Deruyck, Abigail DeWitt, Ridley Dittler, Julia Dumroese, Lucy Ehrenkrook, Laila Elazab, Ali Ellis, Madelyn Erickson, Clara Esterly, Isabella Ferderer, Leo Gerst, Sidney Getschel, Grady Giefer, Judah Gillet, Piper Goeken, Finley Grier, Rachel Hackbarth, Elyn Harding, Gabriella Hartzel, Gavin Hawes, Myles Heath, Aiden Hermann, Eleanor Hern, Ollie Heskett, Courtney Hesse-VanCura, Nicholas Hilgers, Parker Hoel, Alecya Holm, Jacob Holm, Marlo Holmstrom, Ian Hopkins, Ryan Houchins, Joseph Jaurides, Ruby Jerry, Devin Johnson, Olivia June, Coraline Klawiter, Henry Koenigs, Maxwell Kong, Rita Kozhimannil, Jameson Krier, Meira Kruse, Kaylin Lacktorin, Megan Lamb, Shelby Larson, Yeng Lee, Carter Lee, Royce Lemke, Nadine Francheska Leonado, Fiona Lessard, Anna Lindholm, Makenzie Lohmann, Luciana Lombardi, Charles Lonsky, Jr Lumbo, Neola Luswata, Elizabeth Luther, Kiera Macdonald, Aila Macewen, Samuel MacGillis, Veda Mahoney, Lillian Mattson, Keagan McGovern, Charlotte McIntyre, Elizabeth McMahon, Madeline McMillen, Brigid McVeigh, Reave Meyer, Lucy Miehe, Sophie Moen, Sundis Mohamud, Sophie Montgomery, Matilda Moore, Lukas Mork, Naly Mua, Livia Nash, Andrew Niemi, Carina Nicole Obay, Kaylee Olson, Helen Olson, Nathan Olson, Cody Olson, Zaida Omar, Vicente Ordas Bonnet, Leila Otto, Alyson Parenteau, Abigail Parker, Payton Paulson, Harlie Peloquin, Trianna Phan, Sage Piehl, Addison Pierce, Wyatt Piilola, Reyna Piper, Addyson Pitlick, Molly Quigley Swanson, Keller Radebaugh, Amelia Rahn, Hanley Reigstad, Ryder Retzack, Nash Roed, Benjamin Rogers, Jovanny Rubio Martinez, Sophia Sargent, Hannah Saw, Logan Schafer, Ava Schlotfeldt, Nathali Schneemann, Drew Seeley, Eva Segroves, Whitney Semlak, Aiyana Sheets, Zoe Siverson, Lillian Sjostrom, Simone Skoge, Bailey Spicer, Natalie Steffensmeier, Katherine Swierczek, Taylor Tasler, Max Taylor, Frances Telsrow, Nangtamouan Thao, Gavyn Thell, Andrew Thinesen, Katelyn Thomalla, Octavia Tice, Joseph Trepanier, Utaa Tufa, Alexandra Utzka, Chloe Utzka, Colin Vander Hart, Madalynn Vang, Callie Vetsch, Seth Vlieger, Lyly Vo, Mason Voeller, Aiden Walters, Nolan Weaver, Juliette Weier-Rauscher, Rylan West, Evelyn Wiener, Max Willemssen, Gavin Wippler, Lucy Wolfe, Cameron Wolters, Cole Wolters, Quentin Wright, Caitlin Wrisky, Shianne Xiong, Luke Xiong, Hlee Xiong, Abigail Xiong, Shouana Xiong, Halena Yang, Phenghoua Yang, Weston Young, Zoey Youngblood, Sarah Younis, Anna Zarambo, Molly Zender, Marley Zerwas, Mariam Zewdie, Abeni Zollinger,
Yusuf Abdilahi, Rilea Acciari, Kowser Ahmed, Gavin Altringer, William Anderson, Nathan Atchison, Chase Bachmeier, Olivia Baker, Isaac Barghini, William Bartolain, Ethan Beck, Evelyn Bender, Tyler Blaisdell, Jayden Blick, Patrick Bohnen, Lynnea Borja, Brendan Boucher, Benjamin Bower, Lilly Bowie, Benjamin Brickner, Amelia Brynildson, Lauren Carlson, Alexander Carroll, Isla Chase, Nader Chehouri, Charles Jr Clark, William Connors, Talen Coopet, Zebediah Dermody, Madisyn Douvier-Buus, Ryan Dowdle, Victoria Dowdle, Elizabeth Duffy, Kullen Dunbar, Rachael Eder, Garrett Eichinger, Diego Elizalde Manuel, Lachlan Ellison, Mina Engelmayer, Patrick JR Enow, Keanen Enz, Andrew Espinosa, Jacob Farrington, Lynnea Fields, Alexander Fletcher, Louise Fowler, Lucinda Frakes, Livia Fyksen, Katelyn Ganyaw, Mitchell Ganyaw, Joseph Gerten, Brienna Gilbert, Ryan Glick, Tavio Gomez, Caleb Grund, Joshuan GuerraCuevas, Henry Guttormson, Hannah Hanson, Shaun Hebaus, Allie Hedenstad, Piper Heinsohn, Macayla Helmberger, Angelie Her, Carter Hoel, Isaac Hoffman, Kane Hommell, Mallory Hoops, Jaxon Houkom, Samuel Johnson, Ella Johnson, Violet Johnstone, Natalie Jones, Eli Kam, Quentin Kapisak, Jacqueline Keppers, Max Kern, Micah Kettunen, Alex Khatiwada, Hiram Kibagendi, Kaio Koch, Kenna Kurkura, Edasa Kurkura, Bercan Larson, Harlow Lattimore, Caylista Lee, Muayeng Lee, Joleigh Lee, Alexander Lo, Luke Luadtke, Rylan Maas, Lilly Maietta, Zachary Manke, Mariah Martinez, Jaida Martinez-Garcia, Chayce Mathiowetz, Willow Maxwell, Isabelle McAndrew, Jake McCrady, Mira McQuay, Ellen Meir, Benjamin Miller, Liya Misganaw, Olivia Morris, Vegas Moua, Gracelyn Mueller, Sorren Nelson, Landon Nord, Maeve O’Brien, Jack Orthaus, Lilly Oswald, Adrianna Paulbick, Owen Peltier, Taysia Prasomsack, Matthew Prausa, Kaitlyn Rankin, Wyatt Reilly, Albert Reinhardt, Evelyn Rivard, Malakai Rogers, Isaac Ross, Kiera Rowan, Drew Rudeen, Frances Rudy, Diego Santos, Bhrody Satek, Delaney Schmidlin, Jack Schulz, Grant Schurhamer, Jack Sears, Alexander Sells, Alexander Semelis, Jasmine Sheta, Asiya Sirko, Kellan Smentek, Carson Sonnek, Abdullateef Sowemimo, Benjamin Starke, Raymond Strobel, Charlie Strong, Tyler Suko, Tessa Tollefson, Karen Tristan Medina, Evelyn Turrentine, Henry Turrentine, Leona Vang, Grace Vang, Croix Wanka, Addison Webster, Justin Wiggins, Gabriel Wohlfeil, Ryan Worms, Nova Yang, Finnegan Young, Salvador Zambrano, Luke Zisla,
Lily Adey, Sophie Aldana, Ashraf Alzoubi, Grayson Anderson, Lilian Anderson, Addison Andrekus, Chase Arvig, Logan Ascheman, Jonah Baber, Dashawn Ballinger, Ava Barth, Lyla Beck, Matthew Becker, Mark Berry, Angela Beuning, Jesse Bigbear Jr., Silvija Birmanis, Audrey Borofka, James Bowen, George Bowlin, Anthony Brown, Nolan Buetow, Madelyn Burket, Chanceler Burrington, Nova Bute, James Colby, Sophie Collins, Madelyn Compton, Miles Cork, Rebecca Dahler, Kaeden Darko, Alexander Davids, Logan Docken, Paige Downey, Tatum Drusch, Laila Estis, Hadley Everhart, Vivian Finger, Jack Firkus, Sabrina Fish, Brynn Gamradt, Cindy Garcia, Caiden Gatto, Valina Gatzke, William Ghilardi, Kevin Golaski, Madison Graff, Ella Graupe, Colin Greene, Toby Hagen, Willow Hall, Sydney Harris, Michael Haselman, Violet Heiden, Grace Her, Ian Hoff, Thilde Hogen, Naomi Holm, Dylan Hood, Elaina Hosfield, Bode Hosmer, Estella Hurwitz, Hannah Huynh, Connor Jamieson, Grace Jara, Olivia Johansen, Blake Johnson, Claire Jozwowski, Cason Juergens, Jeffrey Keenan, Ethan Kinsella, Trevor Klier, Kallen Koester, Jackson Kolb, Alyson Kolenich, Clara Kolstad, Raia Konn, Lucas Larsen, Theodoric Lawson, Lincoln Le, Gretchen Leder, Addison Lee, Haaken Lein, Nolan Lilja, Fiona Lingerfelt, Maya Link, Dylan Long, Kayla Longhenry, Riley Lukachek, Alexander Maher, Juliette Malek, Leila Mallow, Liam Maloy, Dakota Mann, Ellie Maranda, Aubrie Marrinan, Macie Marston, Scottlyn Mauch, Nolan McCabe, William McQuay, Adelia Metzger, Samuel Meyer, Erika Milhofer, Grace Miller, Arianna Minor, Tristan Moen, Mohamed Mohamed, Eleanor Mooers, Maggie Moua, Francis Moua, Carson Muehlstedt, Mayar Musa, Pearl Niemioja, Molly Nohr, Emma Nomura, Caleb Nord, Ava Noren, Miriam Novotny, Alexandria O’Hern, Chloe Olness, Sophia Orsello, Piper Osborne, Lillyana Oswald, Cecelia Otto, Khloe Pankonien, Lila Paradise, Jayden Parker, Elizabeth Payne, Nora Pratt, Aiden Reinier Puerto, Royce Ragland, Madeline Rahman, Wyatt Raleigh, Eli Rauschendorfer, Thomas Reiland, Aleigha Riser Billinger, Kendall Roeser, Madison Roth, Ella Samuel, Xavier Servian, Nikolas Setley, Lauryn Setterlund, Joseph Sheta, Sophie Simanek, Lauren Simmons, Carson Skildum, Ella Smith, Holly Solum, Wyatt Stachowiak, Charles Stepnick, Brayden Stewart, Levi Strong, Brianna Tapia-Landa, Alexander Thielen, Charlie Thompson, Lily Thompson, Christnina To, Konnor Tran, Amelia Vadnais, Vivienne Vandeberg, Tchuexeng Vang, Isabel Vang, Lexus Vang, Kimora Vang, Athena Vazquez, Madelyn Vermeersch, Sophia Vidnovic, Francis Volkmann, Emily Warling, Noah Watson, Grace Weierke, Kaleb Wielinski, Jack Wilson, Leigha Wong, William Wood, Connor Wright, Andy Wu, Yengkong Yang, Will Zafft, Carter Zwirn
Leila Abouelsoud, Elizabeth Achterling, Briana Adams, Jayla Aichele, Jayna Altman, George Anderson III, Avery Anderson, Evangeline Aune, Sophia Bakken, Zoe Barry, Laila Bigelbach, Logan Blalock, Iris Bloomquist, Anthony Blue, Jacob Brown, Ruby Brown, Alexander Brown, Lyla Burke, Josephina Butters-Levahn, Colton Butts, Kate Campbell, Savanna Capaul, Alison Carnes, Allie Casemore, Dylan Cha, Micah Chapman, Alexa Chaves, Saydee Churchill, Savannah Culbertson, Carla-Maelle D’Almeida, Joseph Degneau, Dominique Demanou, Drew DeWitt, Elodie Dikeman, Favour Doghor, Cameron Donahoe, Hunter Doroff, Logan Ehlers, Gavin Elgard, Naomi Endthoff, Croix Erickson, Meredith Evans, Mohamed Farah, Karla Ferreyra Martinez, Lilly Fisher, Ella Rose Fitzgerald, Maxwell Flahavan-Olson, Whitney Fleming, Amelia Funkhouser, Vanessa Fyksen, Kian Galvin, Niko Gandolfo, Moo Gay, Mssariyaha Gilliam, Reid Golda, Benjamin Granger, Ivanna Graterol, Matthew Grisdale, Maison Haas, Ella Hang, Katelynn Harper, Daryn Harper, Emma Heller, Nancy Her, Christopher Herr, Oliver Herron, Jordan Hetchler, Taylor Hocking, Savannah Huebscher, Sebrina Hussen, Madison Jesmer, Lillian Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Kailee Kam, Kasandra Kammueller, Zoe Karnowski, Ana Kavacila, Ava Kehrer, Elijah Kennedy, Daniel King, Allison Knoebel, Olin Knutson, Janica Kottke, Skyler Kurkoski, Eli Lalonde, Janessa Lang, Brody Lashomb, Jack Laszlo, Lauren Lavalle, Sydney Lee, Aubrey Lund, Trenten Lunde, Conner Macdonald, Jackson Matt, Amira McCoy, Jonah McEwen, Taylynne McMahon, Marshall McNeil, Brooklyn McPhail, Lincoln Medin, Isabelle Meiers, Andrew Melde Jr., Megan Mills, Wyatt Mlejnek, Abdihamze Mohamud, Christopher Mshihiri, Baron Mua, Tolman Murray, Graham Newlander, Jaxon O’neal, Ellyse Oelker, Miles Oklobzija, Henry Olive, Dominic Olson, Alexa Olson, Taylor Paciorek, Ruby Paulson, Katherine Pederson, Vincent Pekala, Natalie Peltier, Anessa Pena-Zerwas, Lillian Perron, Miles Peschman, Ailey Petersen, Emmett Peterson, Eleanor Piri, Rylan Raaymakers, Sienna Rediger, Gavin Reich, Abigail Reineke, Annabelle Retezan, Diego Rios, Addison Roberts, Lilly Rodriguez, KyLynn Roweton, Adrianna Saniti, Hannah Schmidt, Tyler Schmittdiel, Carter Selbitschka, Jacob Servatka, Joseph Setter, Benjamin Simmons, Evan Smejkal, Benna Sowles, Amelia Storelee, Hank Stuemke, Barrett Swanson, Tyzon Thao, Nathen Thao, Nicholas Thompson, Fengshiqi Tian, Vic Tice, Andrea Trevino-Guevara, Joshua Va, Theodore Vang, Jameson Varco, Jacob Veith, Gavin Veneruzzo, Reid Vickstrom, Jasper Vue, Kyle Watson, Graysen Weber, Kenna Wicklander, Sophia Wilding, Addison Witzel, Donovin Wolfgram, Evelyn Yang, Cascade Yang, Timothy Yang,
Alecia Aguirre, Apollo Aguirre-Gould, Rama Al Dayyeni, Bailee Bengtson, Moon Berman, Vanida Bird, Myra Boettcher, Lacey Brown, Lilyhana Cable, Maria Coto-Fernandez, Nolan Cox, Anthony Curtis, Olivia Dombrock, Tobie Evenson, Alexander Gustavson, Audrey Haase, Ayden Hanton, Wyatt Hess, Brayden Hewitt, Miguel Julian, Karina King, Isaiah Livers, Allison Loudenslager, Mackenzie Majeres, Dakota Mortenson, Tylor Niedzielski, Mylee Nottingham, Badrul-Din Osman, Da'riyah Pollard, Leighton Richert, Jacob Richie, Josie Schauer, Brooke Sikich, Kylie Simonet, Alexander Sirotiak, Sullivan Slater, William Stewart, Morgan Taylor-Ronquist, Leonidas Vang, Serena Wolfgram, Sa'montae Woodhouse, Zoe Yang
Semester 2 2024-25
Lucas Ackerman, Josephine Adsitt, Marian Ahmed, Ethan Anderson, Daniel Aubin, Lincoln Bacha, Julia Bakke, Irene Bakke, Jacob Baltzer, Samuel Bartocci, Sydney Bartsch, Oliver Beck, Lauryn Belz, Benjamin Berentson, Noah Blaisdell, Clara Blauer, Tatum Boudewyns, Ingrid Bowman, Jake Buche, Charlotte Cannon, Darby Carpenter, Gianna Caruso, Cole Casa De Calvo, Arlo Castonguay, Madelyn Castro, Carter Cessna, Ethan Christensen, Nathan Christensen, Caitlyn Clark, Teagan Coopet, Ella Dargay, Abigail Davis, Lily DeWitt, Kathryn Deyo, River Diaz, Elise Dinh, Hazel Dufresne, Claire Dusing, Faith Ehrenkrook, Piper Ellis, Anna Fink, Luke Fisher, Keira Fitzsimmons, Laney Fliehler, Rylee Frost, Chloe Gale, Zoe Geir, Kailey Gieske, Emma Gorski, Oliver Grawe, Aidan Grendahl, Sophia Griefenhagen, Keenan Griffin, Carlie Griffin, Josie Guidinger, Behave Gurung, Brooklyn Gysbers, Alia Haberer, Ayaan Hamza, Graham Hennig, Martin Hennig, Sydney Hernandez, Steven Hernandez III, Selah Highland, Lucas Hilgers, Raegan Holm, Elizabeth Horowicki, Lyman Howard, Natalie Jents, Lydia Jersak, Brooke Johnson, Brynn Johnson, Phillip Johnstone, Caroline Jonell, Weston Joy, Ausrine Kairys, Vincent Kazmierczak, Kiera Keene, Noelle Keene, Paige Kirvida, Alana Kohler, Wyatt Kolkmeier, Katie Koller, Logan Kowitz, Emily Kum, Milkoftu Kurkura, Henry Lamb, Ruby Lange, Rilynn Lange, Becca Larson, Grace Laszlo, Matthew Law, Melanie Le, Samuel Le Blanc, Madelyn Lee, Jude Lee, Kylee Lehman, Angus Levins, Eve Lomoro, Alex Loomis, Maddison Lydon, Ava Maas, Ada Mair, Emily Majerle, Lilly Martin, Luisa Maruyama, Finnian McVeigh, Sophia Menier, Abigail Meyer, Easton Miles, Brady Milles, Greta Misgen, Aiden Moua, Damaris Munoz, Blake Munyer, Galvin Nathanson, Avery Nelson, Quinn O’Brien, Alexis O’Neill, Tanner Olsen, Madilynn Olson, Stella Otto, Ella Paradise, Zachary Pascua, Ashley Peltier, Mallory Peltier, Gionni Pescosolido, Marin Peterson, Abigail Pilla, Payton Pogalz, Isabelle Pomorin, Maxwell Popp, Isabella Redlund Spieker, Thomas Reese, Grace Reeves, Emily Reeves, Evalyn Robasse, Natalie Rosenthal, Andrew Runningen, Sara Sanango, Brooke Saunders, Branden Schmid, Grace Scott, Hadley Seaton, Clara Seeley, Colin Semlak, Thomas Sisk, Hannah Sjostrom, Kian Skiba, James Sprafka, Theodore SMartin, Kayleigh Stabenow, Hannah Steffensmeier, Cecelia Swenson, Claire Tainter, Jessica Thompson, Justine Thompson, Madeleine Thompson, Abigail Thorson, Chloe Tocko, Meriel Torenvliet, Isabelle Treft, Peter Tucker, Jensen Vadnais, Matthew Van Dyke, George Vander Heiden, Madelyne Vang, Miah Vernosh, Wyatt Vojtech, Gunnar Vonwalter, James Wallek, Xiaolei Wang, John Wickland, Daniel Wickum, Molly Winkel, Joseph Wolfe, Ethan Woods, Teng Cheng Xiong, Amaya Xiong, Jim Yang, Chloe Yung, Aubrie Zimmerman
Nolan Altringer, Oluwatomi Animasaun, Zachary Baay, Timothy Barghini, Nathaniel Barker, Joseph Bauman, Benjamin Beecroft, Magnus Benz, Zachary Bertelsen, Gavin Blomgren, Alexander Cantwell, Nathaniel Celski, Tatum Cermak, Caleb Cieslak, Easton Clancy, Rio Clark, Josephine Coffey, Matthew Davis, Hazel Debauche, Rylie Demars, Cyrus Dermody, Trent Doten, Tyler Doten, Chloe Dougherty, Andrew Dufresne, Lauren Elias, Grant Elliott, Ava Ellis, Scarlett Ellison, Mason Engwer, Norah Esterly, Raegan Farmer, India Fawcett, Cooper Feirn, Fabiana Fernandez Calles, Holly Flood, Carter Fox, Octavio Gabriel Arana Pantoja, Samuel Gallichant, Logan Gibson, Tyler Gipple, Grant Golaski, Aubrey Gutierrez, Habon Hajin, Nora Hall, Charles II Hamer, Devan Hanson, Michael Harding, Easton Hayne, Audrey Heiden, Ava Heinn, Brynn Heinsohn, Linkin Her, Zachary Hern, Jordan Hillestad, Benedict Hoefer, Gavin Huot, Josephine Jorgenson, Joseph Karls, Brigid Kehoe, Karina King, Ryan Kissner, Charlotte Klamerus, Jonah Kong, Alexander Kringle, Roman Kurynytskyi, Anna Lachenmayer, Samuel Lahmann, Tyler Lalonde, Molly Laplante, Horacio Lazcano, Shuayi Lee, Iris Lee, Aden Lee, Zachary Lehn, Logan Lofquist, Carter Long, Ava Lovelett, Madeline Luebker, Brayden Luger, Vincent Lundeen, Lucas Maahs, Alexander Maki, Gabriel Markuson, Olivia Martinez, Dylan McCormack, Audrey McGladdery, Alexandra McLean, Valerie Moen, Taylor Mohawk, Kayla Mokaya, Lydia Moore, Hannah Moua, Eli Murphy, Marilyse Ndam, Joseph Nicklason, Evelyn Niemiec, Brady O’Hara, Ryley Oswald, Kyle Palmquist, Mia Pankonien, Madelyn Pearson, Jalyn Perales, Rylan Perron, Colin Piper, Brianna Richards, Carson Richie, Taylor Rivard, Brenda Robles, Joseph Rogers, Maddilyn Roos, Leanna Rosario, Linnea Rose, Justin Sager, Freya Sanders, Brody Saros, Jack Say, Shiloh Scheeler, Mason Scheller, John Schmitt, Tyler Schwietz, Tessa Shaffer, Maiken Shaw, Andrea Smith, Makenna Sneen, Hannah Solum, Dominic Stetz, Brayden Stroud, Seng Cy Thao, Chloe Theissen, Lillian Tregilgas, Kaycee Victorio, Annie Vomela, Johannah Westmoreland, Austin Wieler, Madyson Wiggins, Johnathan Woods, Aubrey Xiong, Elliott Xiong, Nicholas Zentic
Emilio Acosta, Amelia Ahrens, Tyler Allshouse, Mary Anderson, Matthew Anderson, Ashtyn Arendts, Nathaniel Asiedu-Mensah, Chimezuru Azonwu, Kennedy Baarts, Oto Babrans, Grace Bailey, Teegan Bartok, Amelia Bartsch, Madelyn Belisle, Killian Berman, Sahaj Bhakta, Talis Birmanis, Reese Bjornberg, Ashley Bosko, Nathaniel Brown, Linnea Brown, Emily Brown, Matthew Brown, Libby Butters, L J Buzay, Lisa Calbrieth, Audrey Carlson, Alexander Carlson, Grace Castro, Lauryn Chaffee, Lyla Chaffee, Porter Cleary, Grace Conroy, Henry Cork, Jennifer Crist, Connor Crouch, Lys-Aurele D’Almeida, Lilah Davis, Lillian Debilzan, Makayla Delay, Maxwell Delforge, Katherine Dery, Elise Dieterle, William Distad, Talia Domschot, Callista Donoghue, Erik Douha, Anamae Drake, Robert Dresen, Alexa Duffy, Amiya Dusek, Carter Dusing, Blake Eckerle, Bailey Eddicus, Elaine Eddicus, Lindy Eichinger, Peyton Ek, Robert Elmore, Grant Evans, Owen Farrington, Ashley Fisher, Logan Fisher, William Fleming, Payton Fouks, Kate Fuhrman, Gabriel Gerlach, Cecilia Gores, Sora Graham, Mia Grambow, Reese Greenbaum, Maya Greenbaum, Andrew Greene, Ellia Groneberg, Danae Grund, Noah Gysbers, Baylee Haines, Sofiia Halenda, Sophia Haley, Isabella Hanscom, Lindsey Hanson, Tallulah Hare, Eva Haskins, Ashleigh Hawkes, Marshall Hawks, Domanic Hayden, Makena Heaton, Emerson Heise, Addison Hemquist, Hailey Hendrickson, Austin Hermann, Amelie Hodge, Alexandria Hoekman, Morgan Holmstrom, Madisyn Hood, Keith Houchins, Owen Howard, Lily Howard, Ari Howard, Anna Jones, Tyler Josephs, Hannah Juergens, Cleo Jurkovich, Colby Keintz, Gabriel Kessel, Maria Kimlinger, Adina Klawiter, Lydia Kleinhans, Andrew Klier, Landon Kohler, Andrew Kolenich, Isaac Kolstad, Travis Kottke, Kendall Kotzmacher, Elara Kruse, Makinzie Kubas, Savannah Kue, Mark Kurynytskyi, Nathan Landucci, Bonnie Langenbach, Vaughn Larson, Amaya Lattimore, Emaline Leafblad, Brady Ledman, Shanalise Lee, Dexia Leexaitou, Ryan Lentsch, Brady Leopold, Isaac Lindholm, Emersyn Lokken, Jace Lombardi, Audrey Lonsky, Sherie Lor, Evelyn Lynch, Jenna Maloy, Presley Manship, Giada Marino, Isabella Matt, Sophia Matt, Caitlin McCormack, Carter McLeod, Benjamin McMillen, Cara McMonigal, Anna Mencke, Erin Messerschmidt, Wuinfred Miranda Saastamoinen, Abigail Misgen, Mallory Moore, Aiden Moore, Owen Mortimer, Alexa Moser, Addison Mueller, Benjamin Mulier, Elkin Munoz Loja, Amelia Nachtsheim, Samantha Nelson, Evan Newlander, Miriya Nguyen, Mason Noren, Noah Norman, Eleanor Novotny, Abigail O’Brien, Jayde Orduno Mendez, Nakarri Ossei, Camden Oxton, Jacob Pasiuk, William Paslawski, Taylen Peloquin, Preston Peloquin, Julieta Perez, Paige Peters, Addison Post, Gavin Potter, Carmen Priftakis, Charles Racine, Hannah Rausch, Naomi Rediger, Aubrey Reigstad, Sienna Rivera, Daniel Roach, Delaney Rosewell, Natalie Rowe, Grant Rudeen, Jack Sams, Kylie Schachtner, Charlotte Schroeder, Victoria Semelis, David Shervheim, Atticus Shoultz, Corbin Shypulski, Ethan Smejkal, Rebecca Smith, Amanda Smythe, Paige Sogard, Madeline Spaeth, Benjamin Spindler, Isabel St John, Ella Stadtherr, Jack Stanius, Tyler Starry, Natalie Steensland, Leah Stein, Lily Switajewski, Chloe Tanaleon, Izel Thao, James Thao, Katherine Thies, Claire Thomalla, Brianna Timermanis, Allison Torntore, Brooke Tubbesing, McKinley Tursso, Angiolo Ututalum, Tristyn Vang, Olivia Vermeersch, Elena Vlieger, Danielle Vo, Adeline Vojtech, Sophia Volkmann, Cora Wahl, Tessa Walton, Benjamin Watson, Brooke Waxberg, Salma Wazwaz, Isaiah Weber, Ella Weierke, Chancellor Wettstein, Claire Whitcomb, Miles II Whitney, Elise Wiener, Evangeline Wilbur, Noelle Wilding, Annalise Wohlfeil, Charlie Woodcock, McKenna Yach, Joscelina Yang, Elijah Yang, Chloe Zender
Natalia Ackland, Miles Anderson, Julian Anderson, Angelin Arias Vazquez, Levi Arvig, Maggie Babcock, Savannah Barger, Carson Bartos, Kellen Beck, David Becker, Sean Beloyed, Ayla Berckes, Bailey Birkholz, Gretchen Blankenship, Gavin Bohrer, Reuben BraunSchaus, Austin Brock, Mary Brooks-Evans, Addison Capocasa, Christian Carlson, Oliver Carlsson, Abigail Carroll, Julia Fernanda Carvalho Buarque, Landon Chevalier, Addison Collins, Sofia Cousins, Jack Cunningham, Eva Curry, Holly Degnan, Samuel Denault, Walker Dietz, Tyriandra Dixon, Trace Dotstry, Malik Doumbia, Jesse Dupaul, Tanner Edstrom, Kyra Eicher, George Elliott, Natalie Frazier, Moa Gemeda, Gavin Gerst, Jacob Gerten, Kiana Giese, Hannah Gilbertson, Tyler Glick, Ryder Goeken, Damani Green, Darian Grunewald, Callie Hammac, Lawson Heath, Carter Herdegen, Tyler Hilderman, Charles Horowicki, Megan Hulla, Matthew Hunter, Lillian Jenkins, Gabrielle Johnson, Jeffrey Johnson, Victoria Johnson, Bennett Jungmann, Brady Keeling, Keira Keese, Faith Kha, Rhylie Kissner, Adelei Knutson, Benjamin Knutson, Colton Knutson, Blue Kurkoski, Jack Larkin, Pheng Lee, Benjamin Lockwood, Nathan Lor, Cyrus Ludwig, Brienna Mahnke, Andrew Mailer, Samuel Manke, Keily Manuel Nanduca, Angelina Marino, McHarris Mbu, Navaya McCorkle, Marilyn McKane, Harrison McNerlin, Petra Middleton, Ada Milbrandt, Matthew Millard, Josephine Mlejnek, Devin Mohar, Louis Moore, Maxwell Morett, Cole Morin, Tautyonna Mortel, Nadiya Muse, Adam Napgezek, Yahaira Nok-Chiclana, Cameron Norman, Jonathan Olsen, Temitope Oyekunle, Benjamin Palmer, Aubrey Parker, Cody Parnell, Sara Pasch, Dylan Paulson, Finnley Paulson, Payton Peters, Dylan Peterson, Natalie Plaehn, Ashlyn Radcliffe, Gabriel Red, Jeremy Reichel, Morgan Richards, Emma Riley, William Roach, Priscilla Robles, Michelangelo Roman, Grayson Rundquist, Alexa Sampson, Giovanni Saniti, Dominic Sauerwein, Lily Scheets, Cody Schwab, Lillian Seifried, Nathan Servatka, Sacia Shypulski, James Smith, Joshua Stafki, Riley Teb, Madyson Tesch, Sarenity Thao, Joseph Paul Thibodeau Jr., Owen Torgrimson, Dustin Tran, Jonathan Underbakke, Tevin Vang, Nathaniel Wells, Denim Whelan, Ava Wilson, Jonathan Wong, Megan Worms, Ivory Xiong, Alex Xiong, Kandace Xiong, Jordan Yang, Guadalupe ZarragaSolorio, Kevin Zollinger, Dalila Zuniga
5
July 6 Acoustic Sunday: Billy Johnson 1-4 pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
July 6 Red, White & Sangria! 11 am-5 pm St. Croix Vineyards
July 6 Music: Gary LaRue 2-5 pm 7 Vines Vineyard
July 9 Gary LaRue & Band 7 Vines Vineyard -ticketed event
July 9 Cribbage 6 pm Rustic Roots Winery
July 10 Trivia Night 6:30-8 pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
July 10 Music: Sarah VanValkenburg 5-8 pm Belle Ame Vineyard
July 11 Soccer Shots 5-7 pm Belle Ame Vineyard
July 13
July 13
Acoustic Sunday: Locklin’ Road 1-4 pm
Dancing Dragonfly Winery
Music: Josh Quinn 2-5 pm 7 Vines Vineyard
July 16 Music: Jennifer Grimm 4:30-7:00 pm 7 Vines Vineyard and Joe Cruz
July 17
July 17
Music: Noah Burnett 5-8 pm Belle Ame Vineyard
Farmers/Artisans Market/Music 4-7 pm Rustic Roots Winery
July 18 Soccer Shots 5-8 pm Belle Ame Vineyard
July 18 Art at the Winery 6-8:30 pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery -floral arranging
July 18 Dueling Pianos in the Pergola! 6-9 pm 7 Vines Vineyard
July 19
Wicked Wine Run-Tickets sold St. Croix Vineyards through Wicked Wine run
July 20 Vine & Vinyasa 9-10 am Belle Ame Vineyard
July 20
July 20
Acoustic Sunday: Tim Fast 1-4 pm
Dancing Dragonfly Winery
Music: Steve Poynter 2-5 pm 7 Vines Vineyard
July 22 Billy McLaughlin 7 pm 7 Vines Vineyard -ticketed event
July 23 Cribbage 6pm Rustic Roots Winery
July 24 Trivia Night 6:30-8 pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
July 24 Music: Maddie Forsythe 5-8 pm Belle Ame Vineyard
July 25
Dueling Pianos/events tent 6:30-9 pm Rustic Roots Winery
July 25 Music: Lori Lofstrom 5-8 pm 7 Vines Vineyard
July 25
July 26
July 26
July 27
Soccer Shots 5-7 pm Belle Ame Vineyard
Comedy Night w/Marge Rowan 6-9 pm
Dancing Dragonfly Winery And Chad Filley
Music: Tim Cheesebrow 2-5 pm 7 Vines Vineyard
Wine/books: 11 am-3 pm Rustic Roots Winery
Book fair for grown-ups
July 27 Acoustic Sunday: Vinnie Rose 1-4 pm
Dancing Dragonfly Winery
July 27 Wine & Canvas Paint & Sip 3-6 pm St. Croix Vineyards
July 31
Tickets through Wine & Canvas
Music: Noah Burnett 5-8 pm
Belle Ame Vineyard
TBY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
echnically, recent White Bear Lake graduate Peyton Ek composes mixed-media art—but that term doesn’t quite define her work. Instead, she juxtaposes seemingly disparate materials into striking pieces—a method called stylistic disunity. One of Ek’s compositions, for instance, is a 2D acrylic painting of a couple’s breakup with red yarn layered on top symbolizing “The Red Thread of Fate” from Chinese and Japanese mythology. Her piece, “On the Shore She Sits,” which won a Silver Key Scholastic Art Award last March, used a technique called photobashing, in which the artist merges a photograph with another medium, blending them into one work.
“That is a photo that I took in Florida of an ocean, and I photobashed it to have it
be the background,” Ek described. “This piece, it’s how I felt back then, the girl in the ocean. … But she is basically walking away from that side of herself, ‘I’m not gonna let these waves hit me. I'm going to finally take my life in its own stride.”
That stride includes a computer science major when Ek attends University of
Minnesota Twin Cities this fall. While some may consider this choice surprising for an artist, Ek plans to use her degree to make indie video games.
“I lost my mom at an early age …” Ek shared. “Ever since that, I wanted to help kids that were in a similar situation to me.” Ek found both escapism and understanding in independently produced role-playing video games like Omori, a game in which players heal the mental trauma of the main character by fighting metaphorical monsters.
“Seeing how the characters reacted and how realistic it felt, it gave me a better understanding of how I felt back then. I want to create something like that,” Ek explained.
To progress towards her goal, Ek is designing facial-tracking models, technology used for 3D character animation in film and television as well as digital avatars in social media.
“I have a [social media] channel,” Ek said. “I wanted to put my all into it … I came across 3D models, and I was like, ‘I bet I could do that.’ A bunch of people said I
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Odelis Garcia Anderson, who directs White Bear Lake Area Middle Schools’ spring musical, is debuting an all-ages community theater program with “Mamma Mia” this July—the all-ages part will just have to wait until next year.
“We’ve been trying to figure out how to start it, how to do it. This year, I was like, ‘It’s either now or never,’” Anderson explained. With help from Technical Director Jeff Willey and Director of Community Services Timothy Mauer, Anderson began planning the inaugural show.
“It was going to be a 16+ show, including adults,” Anderson recalled. “We were looking like, ‘What shows would attract people to not only want to be in it …
but what shows would sell tickets? At the end of the day, that’s what’s going to pay for our sets and our costumes.”
Anderson and Willey decided to apply for the rights to “Mamma Mia” because of its broad age appeal, catchy music and modern-day costumes. They received approval with a condition, however: No adults.
“It’s going on tour next year,” Anderson explained, “so they’re not approving it for community theater. … We could do it, but not have anyone older than 18.”
Anderson then narrowed the show to ages 14-18, feeling that it could serve as a transitional experience for the younger performers.
“Mamma Mia” will also be a transitional experience for recent graduate Yahaira Nok-Chiclana, who played Elle Woods in White Bear’s production of “Legally Blonde” last fall. Here, Nok-
Chiclana will play Donna Sheridan, Meryl Streep’s role in the movie version.
“I really wanted to branch out … to go after things that are unfamiliar and new,” said Nok-Chiclana. “Summer productions in White Bear Lake—we haven’t done them in a long time.”
Because Nok-Chiclana is much younger than her character, she asked her own mother on how to approach the role.
“[Moms] are so underappreciated, and they’re so much more than their connection to children,” NokChiclana stated. “Mothers are themselves first, and they sacrifice so much, and that goes overlooked. I really want that to be put into Donna Sheridan. She has so much to say, and so much to give.”
Anderson believes the same can be said of the theater community in White
Bear Lake. When asked if she believed “Mamma Mia’s” rehearsal schedule conflicted with summer shows or camps at other theaters, Anderson said no.
“They do shows for middle school and high school during the school year, so it’s just creating opportunities for kids …” Garcia said. “We really hope that the community comes to support, so we can keep growing this program and keep providing opportunities for more kids, and hopefully, in the future, adults too.”
White Bear Lake Area Community Services and Recreation’s production of “Mamma Mia” runs July 24-27 at the Performing Arts Center (Door A), 5045 Division Ave. More information will be available at communityservices.isd624. org closer to the show dates.
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Every year, Hennepin Arts’ Spotlight Education Program evaluates high-school musicals and plays across the state of Minnesota. From a pool of over 8,000 students, Hennepin Arts selects 24 as triple threats, actors who receive concentrated professional guidance before performing at the Spotlight Showcase in June. Additionally, the program selects six technicians as student career pathway leaders. They, too, receive specialized mentorship before assisting the technical director in running the Spotlight Showcase. This year, Hennepin Arts chose White Bear Lake graduating senior Yahaira Nok-Chiclana as a Triple Threat and graduating senior Jacob Pasiuk as a
Student Career Pathway leader, the first in White Bear history. Both have previously been featured on this page as Emerging Artists.
“I feel so accomplished,” NokChiclana commented. “In middle school and at the beginning of high school, I really thought I was getting roles, getting these achievements out of luck. … I’ve realized that no, I worked hard. I actually have talent, and I have something to say, and I have something to give people. I shouldn’t shy away from that.”
Nok-Chiclana also felt strong support and connection from both her fellow finalists and Hennepin Arts’ specialists.
“We grew so close in such a short amount of time … I worked with so many cool people,” Nok-Chiclana exclaimed. “It really takes people who see you to make you realize you love
something so much.”
Pasiuk, meanwhile, felt trusted.
“Ari Koehnen Sweeney, she’s the vice president of education there … One thing that she emphasized was that [those among] Student Career Pathways are leaders. Hennepin Arts wanted us to have the same information as the actual production crew members,” Pasiuk explained.
Pasiuk also got to design projections for the show, a technique with which he wasn’t as familiar. Additionally, he got to experience the technical director’s process, so Pasiuk is finding out which approaches to technical theater he likes.
Ultimately, though, Pasiuk feels gratified to have been chosen for the experience. “I’m proud to be the first in White Bear history,” he beamed. “I hope not the last—there are some good rising artists.”
was going insane, and they said, ‘No, that’s too much work.’ So I took that, and I was like, ‘You know what? Now I have to do it.’” Ek’s marriage of art and computer science seems to parallel her stylistic disunity aesthetic. When asked why she felt compelled to work in such a space, Ek replied, “Art isn’t just one thing. … Let’s add this, let’s add that—instead of sticking to one thing.”
To watch Ek’s YouTube content, visit youtube.com/@peynut.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THEATER SUMMER CAMPS
All camps take place at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT DANCE CAMP
Grades: 8-12
Dates: 1-4 p.m. July 14-18
Details: This concentrated, weeklong workshop is designed for high-school students who are passionate about musical theatre and dance. Develop valuable performance skills and stage experience to nail choreography at future auditions. More information at lakeshoreplayers.org/theatreeducation.
CATERPILLAR CAMP: A VERY HUNGRY ADVENTURE
Grades: K-2
Dates: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. July 21-25
Details: Join us for a whimsical journey through the world of Eric Carle's beloved story. Campers will develop their creativity and imagination, build confidence in performing and learn about the life cycle of a butterfly—perfect for budding artists and performers. More information at lakeshoreplayers.org/theatre-education.
NO PLACE LIKE SHIZ: A ‘WICKED’ UNDER CONSTRUCTION CAMP
Grades: 7-12
Dates: 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, July 21-Aug. 8
Details: This three-week intensive camp empowers young artists to create an original theatrical piece from the ground up. Through collaborative exercises, improvisation and creative brainstorming, students will develop and perform a unique and exciting show on the final day of the camp, inspired by the worlds of ‘Wicked’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ More information at lakeshoreplayers.org/ theatre-education.
ADVENTURES IN CANDYLAND
Grades: K-2
Dates: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 4-8
Details: Journey through the Peppermint Forest and cross the Gumdrop Pass in this weeklong adventure through CandyLand. Students will spend time reading books, telling stories and creating characters. Friends and family are invited for a special showcase at the end of the week. More information at childrensperformingartsmn. org/programs.
• Fusion Learning Partners LLC will host an energy event at the city’s Five Star Estates manufactured home park on Thursday, June 26. The event will allow residents to learn about energy efficiency programs and take steps to reduce their energy burdens.
• The city will collaborate with Abdo to facilitate a job classification and compensation study. The study will focus on job descriptions, job classifications and compensation in the city. It will also support several high-level goals, including complying with the Minnesota Pay Equity Program, promoting the retention of current staff and attracting talent for future positions.
• City Hall will be closed from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, July 21, for all-staff training. The city has approved a memorandum of understanding with the Vadnais Lake Area Watershed Management Organization for a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant. The grant includes a predesign and design budget of $196,294, with the city and the organization splitting the cost. An additional contingency outlined in the memorandum consists of a total of $30,000 for each organization. The project aims to develop final plans and designs for stormwater infrastructure ponds in the wooded parcel south of City Hall. It will also investigate sites and collect data
City revises design contract with SEH
The city has amended its design contract with SEH, which is leading construction efforts on the Sanitary Sewer Access Path project. The project, located behind Vadnais Elementary, was initiated in 2023 but has undergone multiple plan revisions since then. Most recently, an updated wetland survey has led to additional regulatory requirements and design costs, as well as higher-than-expected costs for geotechnical investigation. These costs have exceeded the project’s budget, prompting SEH to amend its design services fee, which will
to determine subsurface conditions. In addition, the project will include modeling updates, a feasibility analysis, and the development of final design and construction plans for future bidding.
• The city has approved a memorandum of understanding with the Vadnais Lake Area Watershed Management Organization for a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Planning Grant. The project’s purpose is to develop a study identifying areas of concern related to flooding and resiliency. The grant outlines a five-step process for completing the project work, with a total cost of $194,269. City staff have also requested additional work not included in the grant work plan. This work—steps six through nine—is outlined in a supplemental letter of agreement, with SEH providing services for an amount not to exceed $88,800. The total cost for all nine steps is $283,069. The grant will cover $149,498.30 of the cost for steps one through five, leaving a local match of $64,070.70. The city will partner with the watershed organization to split the remaining project costs in half. Staff have requested a contingency of $8,564.65. Each organization has budgeted $85,000 and will divide the costs not covered by the grant evenly.
• The council has declared a public nuisance and ordered abatement for the property at 677 Kohler Road, specifically regarding a damaged tree. The tree
enable the project to proceed to final plans and bidding. As a result of these changes, the project’s budget will increase from $133,100 to $179,900.
The city has signed a supplemental letter of agreement with SEH for services relating to the grant agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for the MPCA Planning and Design Grant. The agreement outlines plans and designs for
Bodies Race Company will host a race at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Kohler Meadows Park. The race is part of the company’s annual Summer Sizzler series.
The event will feature 5K, 10K and 15K races, along with a 1-mile run. All registrations include a
stormwater infrastructure improvements on city property, including stormwater infrastructure ponds in the wooded parcel south of City Hall. The work outlined for SEH to perform by the agreement is not to exceed $171,294. The city will contract for additional work, including tree removal, estimated at $25,000. The total project-associated costs are $196,294, with the MPCA grant award covering $150,000 of that amount. The city will also partner with the Vadnais Lake
was damaged during a storm and is both rotted and damaged, potentially creating a public safety hazard. The city will add the abatement cost, plus a 25% administrative fee, to the property's annual tax bill. City staff will also hire a private contractor to remove the tree and will pay the invoice before certifying the cost. Additionally, staff have notified multiple code violations on the property; the council plans to address those issues separately.
• As part of the city’s ongoing renovation and expansion efforts for the new fire station, City Administrator Kevin Watson has issued a request for qualifications to evaluate and select a construction manager at risk. The construction manager will provide essential support during both the design and construction phases of the project. According to Watson, engaging a construction manager early allows for “valuable input on constructibility, cost estimation, scheduling, and phasing strategies that can significantly reduce risk, avoid surprises, and control costs throughout the project.”
The next Vadnais Heights City Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at City Hall, located at 800 County Road E East.
custom bib, designer shirt and finisher medal. A kid’s dash will also be offered for children 10 and under. Registration for the dash includes a mini bib, youthsized shirt and specially crafted medal. Register online at www.runsignup.com/Race/MN/ VadnaisHeights/SummerSizzlerMinneapolis by the Thursday two weeks before race day.
Dr. Jack Stoltzfus, who lives on the border of White Bear Lake and Lino Lakes, is a licensed psychologist and author known as "America’s Launch Coach." For over 35 years, Stoltzfus has worked with parents and their young adult children within the context of a chemical dependency treatment program, inpatient mental health facility, child guidance clinic, youth service agency and private practice. His current practice is focused on parents of emerging adults (18-29 years old).
Press Publications recently sat down with Stoltzfus to learn more about his most recent book, “The Launch Code: Loving and Letting Go of Our Adult Children.”
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. Father of three launched young adults, and grandfather of 11. Married for over 50 years and have been a psychologist for over 40 years. Most of my work over the years has focused on adolescents and families. I live on Otter Lake and enjoy boating, fishing, biking, reading, writing and sketching. My wife and I like to walk on Lake Avenue as often as possible.
Q: You’ve spent over 35 years helping families navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood. What inspired you to focus on this particular stage of life?
A: I experienced estrangement from my father in my late teens and young adult years and struggled to address this. After reconciling with my father, I pursued a Ph.D. in counseling psychology. My research focused on defining and measuring healthy separation of adolescents from parents. My finding was that healthy emotional separation involved both the attainment of autonomy
Dr. Jack Stotlzfus is scheduled for a book signing from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 4 at Lake Country Booksellers in White Bear Lake.
but also a positive connection with parents. In the last 15 years, I began to see many parents who were challenged by late teens and young adults who were not moving toward autonomy or self-sufficiency and often had contentious relations with their parents. This demand and my experience of launching my three adult children in the last 20 years led me to specialize in helping parents with this challenging stage of life.
Q: You refer to yourself as "America’s Launch Coach." What does that title mean to you, and how does it reflect your approach?
A: This is a title I have trademarked and describes my work to help parents successfully launch their adult children into self-sufficient, independent adulthood while maintaining a caring bond with them.
Q: What inspired “The Launch Code: Loving and Letting Go of Our Adult Children,” and how does it reflect the core message of the book?
A: Over the last 10 or 15 years of working with parents and young adults at the launch stage of the family life cycle, I have created a "code" or set of six practices that enable parents to successfully navigate this process of letting go in love. To increase the visibility of my work, I created a website — parentslettingo. com — and wrote several short books on each of the six practices. Then, in the fall of 2024, I published a book for
parents that is a culmination of my work and a guidebook for how parents can let go and also maintain a connection with their kids. Today, one out of four young adults cuts off communication with their parents at some point. Some never reconnect. A cutoff represents a failure to launch, and it is something I try to help parents and young adults avoid. Both suffer if this happens.
Q: Many readers might feel guilt or regret over past parenting decisions. How does your book address this?
A: In my book, I suggest that parents are the guiltiest segment of our society. Have you ever met a perfect parent? In one survey several years ago, only 3% of parents believed they did an excellent job of parenting. My third practice to launch a young adult successfully is that of a sincere apology. Sometimes the apology may arise out of what the young adult believes was or was not done correctly in raising them. In other instances, the parent identifies actions that they regret. An apology is the antidote to guilt. When a parent apolo -
gizes to an adult child, it can relieve the guilt the parent feels and has the potential to soften the attitude of the young adult. Apologizing requires vulnerability, which Brene Brown says is the route to intimacy. The action opens up the possibility of a deeper emotional connection between the parent and the child.
Q: You've mentioned that many parents find the letting-go process more challenging than their own transition to adulthood. Why do you think that is?
A: Each generation, starting with mine — Boomer — has become more invested in the happiness and success of young adult children. Past generations tended to believe their job was done when the child reached 18 or at least 21. I never considered returning home after college, nor did my parents think I would be returning. Our desire to ensure our kids are happy and successful doesn't stop when they are 18 or 21, and we feel guilty or wonder what we did wrong if they keep hanging around home into their mid-20s. Beyond this, times have
changed, and young people are taking more time to figure out their identity, establish a career and get married. The average age of first marriage for males is 30, and for females it's 29. Fifty years ago, it was 23 and 21. Finally, the economy and the expense of moving into adulthood have become daunting. Kids today are struggling with the cost of living, renting an apartment, carrying a student loan and believing that home ownership is unattainable.
Q: What advice would you offer to parents who are struggling with this transition?
A: Secure the relationship by telling and showing the young adult that they are loved no matter what. Shift from directing and controlling to partnering and collaborating with the young adult on their identity formation and desire for independence. Use two "healing practices" of apology and forgiveness to overcome roadblocks to letting go in love. Learn to balance nurturance with firmness and stick to your principles and core values even if your young adult isn't happy about the stance you take. Finally, take the time to say goodbye. I describe a ritual in my book about writing a goodbye letter to your young adult. This last practice is necessary, but can be bittersweet since we know we have to let go.
Q. Where can people find this book?
A. Parents can learn more about my work and how to buy the book through the parentslettingo.com website, or you can go directly to Amazon and purchase it.
Compiled by Shannon Granholm
Kenya, in 2:25:14. This was Reichow’s seventh marathon. Previously, his highlights were the California International Marathon (for the U.S. championship) in 2022, placing third in 2:12:11, and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in 2023, placing 14th in a personal best 2:10:37. At White Bear Lake, his top state finishes were ninth and 20th in cross country, both earning all-state recognition, and ninth
in the 1600 in track. Longtime coach Dan Kovacich noted in a previous Press story that Reichow had some injuries then, and under-trained. Both knew he’d be better at longer distances.
At South Dakota State, where he majored
Saturday and 93º on Sunday. Both days fell short of my station record highs. With dew points in the low 70’s excessive heat warnings were issued for much of southern Minnesota. Northern Minnesota escaped the heat and Grandma’s Marathon was held. The marathon was delayed 30 minutes due to a passing storm. Congratulations to White Bear Lake native Joel Reichow for winning the men’s title, yes, winning! He’s the 4th Minnesotan to win the men’s title and the first person to have won the full and half marathons! Astro note: Mars near moon after sunset on June 29.
in Biology, Reichow was Summit League champion four times while placing as high as 20th in the NCAA and third in the Midwest Regionals. He graduated with SDSU records in the indoor and outdoor 5,000 and the outdoor 10,000. Reichow lives in St. Paul and trains with Minnesota Distance
Elite. He works 25 hours a week selling shoes for the Minnesota Fleet Feet store while pursuing his running career.
Reichow grew a mustache this year, for a cool reason. His store has a poster on the wall of two Minnesotans with mustaches dueling in the 1981 marathon. He grew it to honor
Congratulations on an amazing year White Bear Lake students!
them while running Grandma’s.
“Celebrating Grandma’s Marathon Week with an epic throwback pic of Minnesota legends Dick Beardsley and Garry Bjorklund battling it out at Grandma’s in 1981!” he posted on social media. “I’ve raced the Garry Bjorklund Half a few times, but this weekend will be my first time doing the full there!
Hopefully we can make some Minnesota magic happen!” 836082
Eldon DeWeerth, loving husband, father, grandfather, partner, and retired Lutheran pastor, passed away after a brief illness on Monday, April 14, 2025. He was 83. Eldon was born on November 2, 1941, in Bradford, Illinois and graduated from Bradford High School, Wartburg College, and Wartburg Theological Seminary. He was ordained to ministry and served congregations in Washington before moving to Bloomington, Minnesota in 1972 to work in the offices of the American Lutheran Church. In 1987 he became the inaugural Executive Director of Congregational Life in the ELCA in Chicago. Eldon was Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake for more than 14 years until he retired. Known for his creativity in worship and church leadership, he was devoted to serving others through his ministry and walked with countless church members through the joys and sorrows of life.
Lawrence J. Kuehn Jr., “Larry”
Eldon was gracious and open-hearted, a natural mediator. He gave generously of his time to the 916 Education Foundation and the Rotary Club of White Bear Lake. Eldon loved people, music, cooking, fishing, and travel. He and his wife of more than 50 years were avid Minnesota Twins fans.
He is survived by Jennifer DeWeerth (Steve Ellingson), and Deborah Hofland (John), grandsons Zach and Mesafint Ellingson and Evan and Sam Hofland, and Barbara McGary, his partner for the last nine years. Preceded in death by wife Mary, daughter Rebecca, his parents, and his brother, Paul.
Celebration of Life service Saturday, June 28 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3770 Bellaire Ave, White Bear Lake. Visitation at 10 am. Service at 11 am with luncheon to follow. Service is available online: facebook.com/rlcwbl.
age 83, of Punta Gorda, FL, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, at Parkside Memory Care Center in Port Charlotte, FL. Visitation on Friday, June 27 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church with funeral mass at noon. For additional details, go to this website: https://www. rortvedtfuneralservices. com
John Bernard (Bernie) Kruse, 74, of Birchwood Village, Minnesota, died June 9, 2025, of Alzheimer’s Disease. He leaves behind a loving family: his wife of fifty years, Judith Alnes; their children, Andrew (Stefanie) Kruse and Laura (Eric) Mazzocco; and grandchildren Kennedy, Landon, and Harrison Kruse, and Miles Mazzocco, all of Mahtomedi, MN. He is also survived by his sister, Judith Cross, and her family in Indio, CA.
Bernie was born on January 10, 1951, and raised in Duluth, MN. As a teenager, he spent his summers working on the ore boats that sailed the Great Lakes. These experiences deepened his love for the outdoors and created lasting memories.
After earning his degree from the University of Minnesota in 1974, Bernie built a career in computer services at Unisys Corporation. He brought a love of learning and determination to his work, qualities that showed up in everything he did.
Service to others was important to Bernie. He was a deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis and a member of the Befriender Ministry. In retirement, he found immense joy volunteering at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and The Raptor Center, where he cared compassionately for injured birds and animals.
Bernie was perpetually in motion. He hiked, skied, biked, and raced sailboats with enthusiasm. He earned the nickname “Bullet” for his speed while biking across Iowa in RAGBRAI. Bernie never stood still for long unless it was to chat with a neighbor or read a good mystery. More than anything else, Bernie cherished spending time with his family at home on White Bear Lake and on trips to the North Shore, the Gunflint Trail, and mountain ski resorts. He was an avid cook who loved making meals for his family on his smoker nicknamed “The Locomotive.”
We are deeply grateful to the wonderful staff at Heart to Home, who cared for Bernie with skill and compassion during the final months of his life. We also thank our family, friends and neighbors, whose kindness and steady support meant so much to us as Bernie’s health declined. Memorials are preferred to the Raptor Center Fund at the University of Minnesota, 1920 Fitch Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 12701 Whitewater Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55343.
A gathering to celebrate Bernie’s life will be Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 at The Boatworks Commons Community Room, 4495 Lake Avenue South, White Bear Lake, MN.
Juel & Betty Austring married in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada on July 9, 1955. They’ve made their home in White Bear Lake for the last 62 years. They’ve raised three daughters—Judy Friesen, Cheryl Brunkow, and Susan Fleck, and have three son-in-laws. They were blessed with 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. To celebrate their long union, an open house is being held on Saturday, July 19, from 1-3pm at North Haven Church, 2240 15th Ave. E., North St. Paul.
62, of White Bear Lake, passed away unexpectedly on June 14, 2025. He was preceded in death by his dad, Lawrence J. Sr., brother, Scott; stepdad, Bill Gralish; and nephew, Brian Kaphing. He is survived by his daughter, Holly (Mark) Cameron; son, Steven (Shana); mom, Viola Gralish; sisters, Pam (Tom) Frisk, Julie (Jim) Wrich, Cheryl (Zach) Zacho, Mary (Mark) Carroll, Michelle Gralish, Janine Bauert, Beth (Tommy) Yasger, and Sandy Gralish, 9 grandkids; many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Larry was a kind and loving goofball with a great sense of humor who was always willing to help others. He was brought up on a backhoe, helping his dad since he was 12 years old working at Kuehn Excavating until the early 2000’s. For the last 22 years he worked for Capra Utilities. He enjoyed spending time in the wilderness, loved plants and animals, and liked to collect rocks, especially agates. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting, mostly with his dad when he was younger. He loved his grandkids and always made time for them. Larry was very proud of being 20 years sober this October. His presence will be greatly missed. A memorial service was held.
Mueller Memorial - White Bear Lake, www.muellermemorial.com
651-429-4944
age 78, lifelong resident and lover of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, passed away on June 15, 2025.
Terry was the oldest of 10 siblings, and his natural leadership qualities shone brightly throughout his life. As the eldest, he was often the one others turned to for advice, guidance, and support.
Terry was married to the love of his life, Diane Longville (Drieling), for 53 years. Together, they built a life and a home full of love and laughter. He is also survived by his children Bryan, Michael (Lauren Johns), and Nicole (Joe Wavra). In addition, his three grandchildren will dearly miss their ‘Boppa,’ who could fix any broken toy and would race them up the sidewalk after days spent on the lake or building with Lego. A visitation will be held on Sun. June 29 from 3:00-6:00 PM at Mueller Memorial Funeral Home, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. A funeral service will be held on Mon. June 30 at 11:00 AM at Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd, Mahtomedi, MN 55115, with a visitation at 10:00 AM, a lunch served at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mayo Clinic at www.give.mayoclinic.org, in honor of Terry’s compassionate and giving spirit. Mueller Memorial-White Bear Lake, www.muellermemorial.com 651-429-4944
Words are few, thoughts are deep, memories of you we will always keep.
Love, JoAnn, Amanda, Ben, Tony, and Andy.
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sounded. It just sounded like this person had been through something. That had an impact on me … I started learning how to sing and play guitar.”
He has many memories from high school choir class with teacher Rob Pontious. “He was really important in those formative years,” Lifto said. After high school, Lifto headed for Los Angeles. “I went out there to become a star, which didn’t happen,” he said. After about a decade of struggling, Lifto entered a substance use and mental health inpatient treatment facility. While talking with his counselor there, who was also a musician, he dreamed up the idea for Twin Citizen.
After he got out of treatment, Lifto started searching the internet for other musicians in recovery. In a six-month span, he found several people who were all in their recovery’s infancy.
“We started with just playing and writing songs in a basement because no clubs were open, and it kind of started there,” he recalled. “And that's where, for me and for (Hartley), who's also in long-term recovery, started getting our feet wet with making music without use, doing it authentically, working through anxieties and the stress of being vulnerable around other people.”
He added, “All of the members, even the ones that aren't with us anymore, were able to stay sober, stay healthy, stay in a recovery through this experience with one another.”
Lifto is now a drug and alcohol counselor and peer recovery specialist at a men’s inpatient treatment center in Minneapolis.
Forest Lake resident Lunde, originally from Prescott, Wisconsin, is the band’s newest member. The 27-year-old joined a couple of months ago. Back in 2018, Lunde joined a band
June 24 - 29 Louisville Bats July 1 - 6 Gwinnet Stripers
called Airship Caravan. The two bands would play together from time to time; fast forward to 2025, and Lunde saw Twin Citizen was searching for a bassist.
“I answered and auditioned and here we are,” she said.
At age 7, Lunde found herself interested in a broken Casio keyboard. She started watching YouTube to teach herself how to play. A few years later, she was given the choice between a tenor saxophone or a trombone, and she picked the trombone.
“I picked up all the instruments in the brass family: trombone, tuba, euphonium, French horn and trumpet,” she explained. “Along the way, my family realized quickly that I had a knack for it, so they would just pick up a random instrument and bring it home and say, ‘Here, Laura. See what you can do with this.’”
Lunde has her own recovery journey. While she was attending college in River Falls, Wisconsin, for classical music, she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. “It follows you throughout your life … It can lead to some pretty extreme emotional situations,” she said. Lunde decided to drop out of school and go through some intense dialectical behavior therapy.
While she was working at Guitar Center, a coworker asked Lunde to join Airship Caravan. At that point, all her training was in the classical world. “I learned so much from those guys in that group, and they gave me this sense of community that helped me heal through some of the mental things I was going through.”
She has had the same experience with Twin Citizen. “Having this community is so important. I feel like I'm side by side with a bunch of guys who get what it's like to have this thing that people don't understand and that's hard to deal with.”
She said it has been cool to watch her bandmates “break down barriers” by being so open about their mental health.
The band practices once a week in Mahtomedi and has the goal of doing at least two shows a month. They have played locally at Dugout Bar, but most of their shows happen in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The band has never played a cover, but focuses on their music, which now includes a list of about 20 songs.
Lifto said Twin Citizen is hopeful to have an EP within the next year, with a full album out in the next three years or so.
“Every genre that everybody has studied over the years has all kind of come together to make the sound that is Twin Citizen. I have never heard anything like it,” Lunde said.
The band members are hopeful people will read about their story, be inspired by the music and reach out to have meaningful conversations with them.
“We want to break down some of these barriers to the conversation being had,” Lifto explained. “We want people to feel a part of something bigger. Hopefully, we can hear from some of those people, and they can enjoy some of the music we create.”
For more information about Twin Citizen, or to see a list of upcoming shows, visit https:// twincitizenmnmusic.com.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@ presspubs.com.
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team were (white jerseys, from left) Jacob Reubish, Connor Finn, Winston Wisely and Isaac Iten (5).
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
The state Class 3A champion Mahtomedi Zephyrs had four all-state tournament picks and three allconference.
The Zephyrs placed third in the Metro East Conference with a 10-5 record after losing the conference finale to Tartan, then never lost again and finished 19-7 with a 6-2 win over Mankato East in the state finals.
Named all-conference were pitcher/outfielder Ethan Felling, junior outfielder Connor Finn and senior pitcher/outfielder Winston Wisely. Named alltournament were Wisely, Finn, junior second baseman Jacob Reubish and sophomore shortstop Isaac Iten. Iten batted .384 with 25 hits, 23 runs, 10 RBI’s and nine stolen bases. Wisely batted .389 with 24 hits, 19 runs and 12 RBI’s. Felling hit .272 with 22 hits, 17 runs and nine RBI’s. Finn batted .360 with 27 hits, 20 RBI’s 18 runs. Finn led with eight extra-base hits (six doubles, triple, homer). Cody Loida had a .286 average, 22 hits, five doubles, a triple and homer and six steals. On the mound, Wisely was 5-0 with a 1.41 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 34.7 innings. Felling was 5-2 with a 2.95 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 40.3 innings. Peyton Erickson was 2-0 with a 2.97 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 28.3 innings. Matheu Mizinski was 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 20.7 innings.
BOYS TENNIS
Mahtomedi has six allconference players after a 10-7 season, 6-2 in the Metro East Conference (MEC) and second place in Section 4AA. Brandon Pham, senior at 1-singles, was named Metro East Player of the Year. Also on all-MEC are seniors Luke Roettger, Zach Burge and Max Milbrandt, and juniors Eli Hendrickson and Kento Kedrowski. Pham was 15-3 at 1-singles including 1-1 at state, and finished his career 126-18. Tyler Chesak, seventhgrader, was 11-6, mostly at 4-singles. Milbrandt was 10-6, Hendrickson 10-9, Burge 11-8, Roetttger 10-8 and Kedrowski 6-10.
BOYS LACROSSE
Mahtomedi has four all-conference players after a 10-5 season, including 4-1 in the Metro East for second place. They are goalie Jack Stepan, midfielders Mason Peterson and Ned Whitney and attacker Oskar Magnusson, all seniors. Leading scorers (goals-assists-points) were Whitney 27-13-40, Peterson 18-20-38, Sam Churchill 1125-36, Sam Knapp 21-11-32 and Magnusson 13-17-30. Stepan had a .542 save percentage. Churchill had a .778 percentage on face-offs. Ground ball leaders were Churchill
with 52, Hank Roelofs 34 and Connor Gray 31. Forced turnover leaders were Roelofs with 40 and Gray 26.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Mahtomedi has four allconference players after an 8-7 season including 4-1 in the Metro East for second place. They are goalie Addie DeMars, midfielder Annie Tanner and defenders Kimmy Ryan and Charlie Irvine, all seniors. Tanner was the dominant scorer with 39 goals and 21 assists for 60 points. Next were Brooklyn Kragness 17-724, Lizzy Churchill 21-2-23 and Olivia Sowada 12-8-20. DeMars had a .545 save percentage.
Mahtomedi had one all-conference player, Malia Erickson, after a 7-15 season, including 3-11 in the Metro East. Erickson did most of the pitching and batted .277 with 13 hits, 10 runs and eight RBI’s. Ava Sheppeck batted .383 with 23 hits and 13 runs, Julia Ruzynski .333 with 18 hits and eight RBI’s, Annika Martin .289 with 13 hits and 11 runs and Kristen Johnson .277 with 13 hits and nine RBI’s.
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Charlie Larson, of White Bear Lake, was a member of Michigan’s NCAA gymnastics championship team this year. The former Bears diver, 22, is a standout on floor exercise for the Wolverines, due to his extensive background in tumbling.
Michigan won the NCAA meet at home in Ann Arbor.
“It felt like destiny to bring it (the title) home, at home. I think everyone knew in their bones that we were gonna win,” said Larson. It was Michigan’s seventh NCAA crown, but first since 2014. They ended a five-year reign by Stanford, which finished a close second, with Oklahoma third. There are 15 men’s gymnastics teams in the NCAA.
The 5-foot-5 athlete placed first on floor in most of Michigan’s meets and posted the top score in the country in the regular season. He usually competed in vault also, winning the event in one meet, but did just floor at the NCAA due to an ankle sprain. He placed seventh, with two teammates fifth and sixth. But he gritted his teeth and stuck the dismount, worth a bonus tenth of a point.
“If I had not stuck that dismount,
we would not have won. It’s crazy how our win came down to every single tenth … That’s what made our win so exciting. It was a fight to the very end. We gave every ounce of ourselves.”
Another highlight, Larson said, was their win over Nebraska that clinched the championship of the Big Ten, which has five NCAA teams. He got his 14.85 score, the nation’s best for the season, in that meet.
During high school, Larson competed with the USA Trampoline and Tumbling Team, helping them place fourth in world meets in 2019 and 2021. He was a diver on the Bears swimming team for two years. He made all-conference but couldn’t compete in sectionals because there was a tumbling meet the same weekend.
Larson was headed for Oklahoma in 2022 but during vault warm-ups at U.S. artistic nationals, he tore his MCL and broke his tibia. That required multiple surgeries and interrupted his career.
Last year, Larson had an excellent season with the University of Minnesota club team. He won floor exercise at the club national meet, helping the Gophers nab the team championship. For another chance to compete in the NCAA, Larson transferred from Minnesota to
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
White Bear Lake has four allconference picks, including a Mr. Baseball finalist, and five honorable mentions after their best season in 20 years with a 17-8 record, third place in the Suburban East with a 13-5 record. The Bears were runner-up in Section 4AAAA and Ryan Fitzpatrick was voted section coach of the year by peers. Blake Eckerle, senior catcher and pitcher, was one of eight senior finalists for Mr. Baseball. The Utah recruit hit .455 with 35 hits, eight doubles, four triples, 23 runs, 16 RBI’s, 17 walks, seven steals and a .558 on-base average. He was 5-0 on the mound with a 1.02 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 41 innings. His career batting totals for three seasons were a .412 average, 91 hits, two homers and 56 runs. Also all-SEC were first baseman Kevin Zollinger, second baseman Tyler Allshouse and center fielder/pitcher Evan Newlander, all seniors. Getting
BOYS LACROSSE
White Bear Lake has four allconference picks after a 10-5 season including 6-3 in the Suburban East and a runner-up finish in Section 4AAA. They are Finn Karni, senior midfielder; Donovan Morris, senior long-stick middle; Griffin Ziccardi, senior long-stick middle; and Wyatt Raleigh, sophomore attack/midfield. Getting honorable mentions were seniors Ben Lockwood and Charlie Woodcock; juniors Gavin Huot and Tanner Olsen; and Liam Maloy, Adrian Eicher and Eli Lalonde. Raleigh led in scoring with 45 goals and 23 assists for 68 points, followed by
honorable mentions were seniors Owen Farrington, Owen Mortimer, Isaiah Weber and Jace Lombardi, and sophomore Jackson Kolb.
All-section honors went to Eckerle, Weber, Farrington and senior outfielder Jonny Wong.
Zollinger led the Bears in RBI’s with 27 while hitting .300 with 21 hits, 10 doubles, 16 runs and 18 walks. Allshouse hit .317 with 23 RBI’s and 10 runs; Farrington hit .295 with 23 hits, 20 RBI’s, 10 runs and one homer; Weber hit .275 with 22 hits, 17 RBI’s, 11 runs, five doubles and two triples; and Wong hit .273 with 18 hits, one homer and 15 runs.
On the mound, Kolb had a 3-2 record, 1.75 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 36 innings. Newlander was 1-1 with a 2.74 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 35.7 innings. Mortimer was 2-1 with a 3.27 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 25.7 innings. Those three and Eckerle were the main pitchers. Miles Oklobzija, sophomore, pitched in eight games with one win and a 3.73 ERA in 15 innings, while hitting .304 in 23 at-bats.
Lockwood 33-26-57, Karni 22-26-48, Huot 34-11-45, Maloy 20-16-36 and Lalonde 157-22. Reid Vickstrom, sophomore goalie, had a .513 save percentage. Ground ball leaders were Ziccardi with 82, Eicher 53, Olsen 43, Karni 40, Donovan Morris 37 and Raleigh 30. Eicher, face-off specialist, had a .512 win percentage.
BOYS TENNIS
White Bear Lake has two allconference picks, seniors William Fleming and Andrew Kolenich, and four honorable mentions after a 9-8 season overall, 4-5 in the Suburban East. Honorable mentions went to
Michigan last fall.
Interestingly, he is not the only alumni of Lakeaires Elementary and White Bear Lake Area High School to win an NCAA championship this season. Lily Pederson, an Oklahoma freshman, helped the Sooners capture the women’s title. She was featured in the April 30 edition of the Press.
Larson’s floor routine has eight total skills and lasts a minute and a half. The goal, he explained, is to maximize difficulties while maintaining near-perfect execution. “Layout skills are my specialty,” said Larson, who throws several highdifficulty double layout flips.
“Each routine is very different from the next, which is what makes gymnastics so exciting to me,” he said. “Everyone can show off their unique skills and add their personal flare … I love to express myself in my routine, even if that means just adding a flick of my hands or even a wink.”
Majoring in biology with a goal of becoming a dietician, Larson has two more years of eligibility. His last college season will be 2027. “However, I plan to stay until 2028 to train for the Los Angeles Olympics,” he said.
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
White Bear Lake had three all-conference picks and five all-section picks and a Ms. Softball finalist, after a 19-8 season, section championship and fourth place in the state tournament. The Bears were 12-6 in conference for third place.
Kendall Kotzmacher, senior catcher, was one of eight finalists for the state award. The Western Michigan recruit batted .277 with 28 hits, six doubles, six homers, 20 runs and 20 RBI’s. She’s regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in the state. Kotzmacher played one season with the Bears after transferring from Hill-Murray, where she made all-conference three times. Also all-conference were Maddy Belisle, senior center fielder, and Lilly Martin, junior pitcher. Making all-Section 4AAAA were Martin, Kendall Kotzmacher, sophomore left fielder Teagan Kotzmacher, junior second baseman Kendall Roeser and senior shortstop Maddie Pearson. Conference honorable mentions went to Roeser and Pearson. Belisle made the all-state tournament team, ripping 10 hits in three games. For the season she batted .341 with 29 hits, two homers, 19 runs, 14 RBI’s and eight steals.
Martin, all-SEC for the second time, had a 17-8 record, 281 strikeouts in 184.7 innings, and a 1.95 ERA. She got her 500th strikeout at the state tournament.
Roeser batted .349 with 22 hits, nine runs and 11 RBI’s. Lauren Simmons batted .338 with 24 hits, 13 RBI’s and 12 runs. Teagan Kotzmacher hit .297 with 19 hits and 11 runs. Pearson hit .250 with 23 hits and 14 runs.
senior Colton Knudson, eighth-grader Brooks Peltier, freshman Mason Voeller and sophomore Asher Ludwig. Fleming was 13-6, Kolenich 12-7 and Knutson 12-7 at 1-2-3 singles. Peltier was 13-5, mostly at 4-singles. Voeller was 8-10 and Ludwig 7-9, mostly paired at 1-doubles.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Three White Bear Lake players were named to the all-conference team: Ava Maas, junior defender; Cayla Helmberger, freshman midfielder; and Kylie Lehman, junior attack/midfielder. The Bears were 7-10 overall and 3-6 in the Suburban East. Getting honorable
mentions were senior Grace Castro, juniors Olivia Simpkins and Carlie Griffin, and freshman Rylan West. Helmberger led in scoring with 40 goals and 11 assists for 51 points, followed by Castro 17-11-28, Lehman 19-9-28, Simpkins 23-2-25, Griffin 14-11-25, and West 15-9-24. Ground ball leaders were Maas with 47, West 36 and Helmberger 31. Leaders in draw control were Helmberger with 51, Lehman 38 and Maas 27.
Bruce Strand
BY CJ WRZESIEN NEWS INTERN
The White Bear Toastmasters Club is celebrating its 85th anniversary. Three Mondays each month, the club meets at White Bear Lake City Hall with the intention of sharpening club members’ public speaking skills.
For members like Ralph Hayne, the club provides more than just public speaking tips. Hayne joined Toastmasters in 2012. At the time, Hayne was the owner of a junior hockey team, the Forest Lake Lakers. As the hockey team’s 25th anniversary approached, Hayne was asked to emcee the banquet.
“I had a number of USA Hockey dignitary spirits coming in,” Hayne said, “so, I thought I’d better sharpen up my speaking skills.”
Thirteen years later, Hayne is now
After delighting so many, Charlie made his way to Loon heaven. The Cove parents may still re-nest. After the Peninsula pair re-nested,successfullypredators destroyed their eggs. Horrible ending to such a happy story.
the vice president of public relations for the club and will soon step into a new club officer role as its division director. In this new role, Hayne looks forward to mentoring other clubs and officers.
A typical Toastmasters club consists of around 20 people: meetings run about 90 minutes. This gives every member an opportunity to speak in front of the group. The club’s goal is to have two to three prepared speeches at each meeting. The rest of the members’ time is spent taking on other roles, such as listening to different aspects of the other members’ speeches to provide supportive feedback.
An evaluator is assigned to each speech. The evaluator looks for technical parts of the speech like hand gestures and vocal variety.
Toastmasters clubs provide more than just tips and tricks to improve public speaking. Club members continue
to show up long after they’ve given their speeches at weddings or a board meeting. Hayne recalls one club member who got a job out of college as a chemical engineer.
“He could barely tell us his name,” Hayne said. “That’s how tentative he was talking in front of a group, but now
he’s one of our district leaders.”
For 85 years, the White Bear Lake Toastmasters club has helped its members build their public speaking skills. But it’s the community that’s built through all the speeches and critiques that keeps members coming back three Mondays a month.
Unfortunately, there is very little good news to report. Charlie has been MIA for more than a week. We feared the worst when we spotted the Cove parents calling each other, while drifting away from the bulrushes, near Lake Avenue. We assumed that Charlie was under the wing of one of the parents. After several minutes, the pair dove simultaneously and did not surface for more than a minute; something they never would have done if their chick had been on board. We suspect that a predator may have gotten Charlie. The Eagles and Osprey have been very active during the last few weeks. Why can’t they
acquire a taste for Canada geese, which are everywhere! Charlie was a delightful and spunky little chick and brought joy to so many, on and off the lake. The Cove parents have a few days left to try again, but it is getting late in the season. We have spotted the Cove pair with an interloper, bill dipping, circular swimming, and synchronized diving. All good signs. Meanwhile, another story has been unfolding on the Peninsula nest, where everything appeared to be going along swimmingly. We have enjoyed watching papa and mama taking turns on the nest, during the early morning shifts. Last Saturday, we arrived
expecting to find the pair happy at work, only to find the nest abandoned with the one remaining egg, badly damaged by a predator. Most likely, the handiwork of a Heron and or Redwinged blackbird. The Peninsula parents gave it their all, but it just was not meant to be this summer. We all had such high hopes, especially after watching them raise Eloise, last summer. The rafting bachelors will be arriving soon, and we look forward to watching the Peninsula pair join the expanding Loon waterdances; a well-deserved respite.
A financial safety net can help people navigate the ups and downs of life. Developing that safety net requires a measure of financial literacy that anyone can nurture.
What is financial literacy?
The United States Department of Education defines financial literacy as an understanding of how to earn, manage and invest money. That recognition can increase the chances that individuals make sound financial decisions, thus setting them up for long-term success and stability.
What makes financial literacy so important?
The benefits of financial literacy are not limited to theoretical notions such as the ability to understand money makes individuals more likely to make sound decisions regarding their finances. Indeed, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) notes that financial literacy has been proven to produce positive results. In its National Financial Capability Study released in 2022, the FINRA found that respondents who exhibited higher financial literacy were
more likely to make ends meet than those without such knowledge. Sixty-five% of respondents with higher financial literacy were able to set aside three months' of emergency funds at higher levels than respondents with lower literacy levels. The study also linked financial literacy to long-term stability, as more than half of respondents (52 %) with higher financial
literacy calculated their retirement savings needs, an important step that fewer than one in three (29 percent) with lower literacy levels had taken.
What are some additional benefits of financial literacy?
Individuals are often confronted with a host of options when making financial
decisions. That includes choices regarding bank accounts and credit cards, which are two variables related to financial literacy that individuals encounter every day. Individuals with financial literacy can pick a bank account that most suits their needs, whether that's standard accounts like checking and savings or something more unique like a high-yield savings account. Knowledge of financial basics also can prepare individuals to choose the right credit card, which can be a more difficult decision than choosing a bank account given the number of different cards available. Low-APR, no-APR, travel rewards, cash-back cards, and balance transfer cards are some of the options consumers can choose from when picking a credit card. Financial literacy increases the chances consumers pick the card that best suits their short- and long-term needs. Financial literacy can help people navigate challenges that periodically arise during the course of everyone's life. Taking time to learn some financial basics can set people up for long-term economic health.
Lucy took an Uber to the Keys Cafe & Bakery in downtown White Bear Lake to check out the renovations. — Contributed 2. Dale Grambush adds a fresh coat of paint to the marketfest bears. Markfest is celebrating its 35th season and is held on Thursday nights from 6 to 9 to the last Thursday in july.. Food, music, actives, and family fun. – Frank Watson | Contributed
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BY SENATOR HEATHER GUSTAFSON SPECIAL TO THE PRESS
Last weekend, I had what I didn’t know would be my last conversation with Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. We were near each other at an event and shared a few quick friendly words. I remember thinking I needed to follow up with her for advice on a few things. I never got the chance.
The next day, we learned that Melissa and her husband Mark had been killed, and my friend and colleague Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were critically injured. The grief, shock, and fear that followed has been overwhelming. The manhunt that unfolded became one of the largest in our state’s history, and the trauma of it all will take time to process.
Senator Hoffman is one of the most gregarious and passionate people at the Capitol. He has spent his career fighting for human services and for the people of Anoka County. My family continues to pray for him and
for Yvette as they begin their long recovery.
Speaker Hortman was a force. Sharp, strategic, and deeply committed to building relationships. She championed education, climate action, and equity. She led with clarity and humor and inspired women, including me, to step into leadership. Her loss is deeply felt.
This is also a moment to reflect on where we are. The rising political rhetoric, the casual cruelty, the threats of violence that have become too common. This cannot be our norm. It has to stop.
I want to end with gratitude for my family, those who have reached out in kindness, and especially Sheriff Bob Fletcher and the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. Their presence and support brought my family a sense of safety we desperately needed, and I will never forget it.
Sen. Heather Gustafson represents District 36.
WB SENIOR CENTERREGISTRATION REQUIRED - 651-653-3121
55+ Driver Safety / $35/ In Person: July 10, 12-4pm | July 30, 5-9pm | Sep 5, 9am-1pm | Online: July 29, 5-9pm | Aug 7, 1-5pm Many MN Milkweeds: Jun 26, 6:30-7:30 pm, $20 English Lavender Tree Painting: Jun 27, 10am-12pm. $40 Chair Yoga: Jul 7 - 28, 10-10:45am, $30 Bingo: Jul 9, 10-11:30am, $5
Upcoming Day Time Field Trips! 7/10: MN History Center & Lunch, 8/4: Como Zoo Conservative & Lunch FootCare Clinic: 30-minute appointment, $55. Call 651-653-3121. Meals on Wheels: Hot or Frozen meals delivered Monday-Friday. If you are interested, know of someone who may need meals, or have questions, please call 651-653-3123. The Senior Center is moving! We will be closed the week July 21-25. We will re-open on Mon, July 29 at 2399 Cedar Ave, WBL.
LYNGBLOMSTEN COMMUNITY SERVICES: Resources for family caregivers. Are you or someone you know helping an older adult and looking to connect for support? We can help you navigate the journey. We specialize in memory loss support and services. Contact us to ask your questions and to learn more about community resources, education, and support groups that are available. For more information, contact Lisa Brown at (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org.
In-Person Memory Loss Caregiver Support Group: Family and friends caring for someone experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia are welcome. The group meets at 10:30 AM the third Wednesday of each month at Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes (6070 Blanchard Blvd.) and is facilitated by Lisa Brown, MSW, LISW.
Registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To register, contact Lisa at (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org. Provided by Lyngblomsten Community Services, The Gathering is an enrichment program that provides brain-stimulating activities for adults living with memory loss and four hours of respite for their caregivers. Participants are able to attend the program up to 3 days a week at the Lyngblomsten campus in Lino Lakes (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and/or Thursdays). Sessions are also offered at Lyngblomsten’ s senior living campus in Como Park. To learn more, contact Lisa Brown at (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org. Light Up Someone’s Day! Volunteer for The Gathering! Lyngblomsten is looking for volunteers to help with The Gathering, our group respite program for adults living with early- to mid-stage memory loss. Volunteers spend four hours with participants enjoying brain-stimulating activities and having meaningful interactions. Volunteer training sessions are on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:30-11 AM. Upcoming dates are July 23 or August 27. Training provides everything you need to know to become a valuable team member and is offered at the Lyngblomsten’s campus in Lino Lakes (6070 Blanchard Blvd.). Contact Melanie at (651) 632-5499 or mjagolino@lyngblomsten.org to sign up.
MAHTOMEDI COMMUNITY EDUCATION NEW SUMMER LOCATION:
O.H.ANDERSON ELEMENTARY (666 WARNER AVE.)
ALL ACTIVITIES ARE HELD AT OHA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
Mondays: Stitchers - FREE 1-3 pm, 2nd/4th Monday of Month
Mahjong - FREE 1-3 pm, 1st/3rd Monday of Month
Bingo - FREE. Monday, July 28th 1:30-3 pm
Tuesdays: Cribbage - FREE 1-3 pm
Wednesdays: Bridge - FREE 1-3 pm
Thursdays: 500 Cards - FREE 12:30-3 pm Fridays: Games - FREE 1-3 pm; Bridge - FREE 1-3 pm; Book Club - FREE 2nd Friday, 10-11:30 am
The following requires registration: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com or call 651-407-2018
Strength and Balance - $139. Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 24thAugust 7th, 1:15-2 pm. Free for SilverSneakers, RenewActive, OnePass, or Silver&Fit.
We help you get back to living. Every step of
Day Trip: Minnesota History Center and Lunch at Cafe Latte - $59. Thursday, July 10th, 10:45 am-3:30 pm.
Basics of Estate Planning - $10. Thursday, July 17th, 4-5 pm. Community Garage Sale Fundraiser - Donation drop off dayThursday, July 17, 8 am-6 pm. Sale Days - Friday, July 18, 8 am-5 pm and Saturday, July 19th, 8-11 am. $10 entry fee donation (required). All items are free. See online for more information.
55+ 4-Hour Defensive Driving Class - $35. Monday, July 21st, 9 am-1 pm
Everything You Want to Know About Medicare - $5. Wednesday, July 23rd, 6:30-8 pm.
Bingo - FREE. Monday, July 28th 1:30-3 pm
Therapy services at Cerenity White Bear Lake help you return to what you do best. Our combination of highly trained compassionate staff and the most innovative care in the area make our community your best choice for professional therapy services.
Day Trip: Como Zoo Conservatory and Lunch at Cossetta's - $59. Monday, August 4th, 8:45 am-2:15 pm.
• Aquatic Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
Minnesota Geology - $30. Wednesday, August 20th, 3-4 pm
do best. Our combination of highly trained compassionate staff and the most innovative care in the area make our community your best choice for professional therapy services. • Aquatic Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • Speech Pathology Call today
Alzheimer's Association: Healthy Living For Your Brain and Body: Tips From the Latest Research - FREE. Tuesday, August 12th, 4-5 pm
Mahtomedi Community Theater: "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" Performances - $15 adult ticket. $10 for ages 60+ and under 15. Thursday, August 14th, Friday, August 15th, and Saturday, August 16th, 7pm; Sunday, August 17th, 2pm Purchase tickets at: http://zephyrfinearts.ludus.com/
