Vadnais Heights Press

Downtown business aims to create go-to destination for St. Patrick’s Day

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

This St. Patrick’s Day locals will have another entertainment option much closer to home. A local business owner is hoping this year’s inaugural St. Patrick’s Day event will turn into one of the many things White Bear Lake is known for, like Marketfest and Manitou Days.

Corey Roberts, owner of The Minnesotan in downtown White Bear Lake, dreamed up the St. Patrick’s Day Hootenanny last year but not in time to get all of the necessary permitting in place to pull off the event. So, this fall he started planning for the big event, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 15.

“The goal for year one, our inaugural event, is making sure that we're setting that tone here year one so we have something that we can run with for decades to come,” Roberts said. “The vision is to create a longstanding tradition in the White Bear Lake area to become a Saint Patrick's celebratory destination. We feel that there's opportunity for a town like White Bear Lake to own St Patrick's Day, similar to how Anoka owns Halloween.”

Treasure hunt for neighborhood history uncovers ample gems

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After retiring as a trend analyst for a technology company, Scott Costello turned his research acumen to a new hobby: delving into local history.

“When we moved to the Lakeridge neighborhood 25 years ago, I started hearing stories about the people living here,” Costello recalled. “The population of the neighborhood has almost entirely turned over, with only a very few original homeowners still around. I worried that their stories would be lost as the older generation fades into history.”

Describing his two-year quest as a treasure hunt of sorts, Costello has put together a 28-page tome filled with interesting facts, both known and unknown, about the movers and shakers who lived in a neighborhood nestled between McKnight Road to the west, South Shore Boulevard to the north, Bellaire

Avenue to the east and County Road F to the south. Entitled, “The History of White Bear Lake’s Lakeridge neighborhood: Schneider Bay, Lily Lake Pond, Hidden Hollow Park, and the people who shaped the neighborhood,” the booklet is the result of painstaking research. Costello read city council minutes and newspaper accounts, visited the Ramsey County records office and historical societies, studied plat maps and abstracts. A free online ancestry database maintained by the Mormon Church proved invaluable, not to mention personal accounts by family members of the deceased.

Using expertise honed by years working remotely for tech bosses in Silicon Valley, Costello said, “making the switch to history research in retirement is up my alley. I had a total blast doing it.”

As the amateur historian points out in the booklet, his neighborhood has been home to two

mayors, Brad Stanius and Thomas Newcome; three state legislators, Dr. Robert (Bob) Reif, Stanius and Newcome; two inventors holding multiple patents, Spencer Silver and Dr. George Schossow; a seagoing adventurer, Gerry Spiess; and a mink farmer, Adolph Thome, among others. It was also the site of tragedy and heroism.

Tragedy occurred in the late ’50s when a 14-year-old boy died in a cave-in. The man who rushed to save him suffered a heart attack, but survived.

“I was curious about the kid who died right under our (future) houses,” Costello said.

According to newspaper accounts, the boy was Stephen “Bucky” Young. He died on a Saturday, Aug. 11, 1957, while digging tunnels with friends into the side of a sandy gully next to Lily Lake Pond. The tunnel collapsed on Bucky, suffocating him. One of his friends

Conservation district to hold hearing for marina dock variance

The White Bear Lake Conservation District (WBLCD) will hold a public hearing on March 18 regarding the Docks of White Bear Lake marina request for a variance to extend its dock lengths for the 2025 season. A bylaw amendment to adjust the WBLCD board meeting time from 7:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. will also have a first reading at the meeting.

The meeting will be held at White Bear Lake City Hall Council Chambers at 7 p.m. The public hearing will begin around 7:10 p.m. The meeting agenda will be posted three days before the meeting at wblcd@msn.com.

County seeks volunteers for advisory boards and committees

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is seeking individuals to serve on the following advisory board and committees:

• Community Health Services Advisory Committee: Advises the Ramsey County Board on public health programs and services, participates in policy development, helps determine health needs and engages in public health advocacy. There are 13 vacancies.

• Parks and Recreation Commission: Advises the Parks and Recreation Department and Board of

Commissioners on matters relating to planning, development and operation of the county’s parks, trails, open space and recreation facilities. Five vacancies are available.

• Personnel Review Board: Duties include hearing disciplinary appeals by veterans relating to discharge or suspension, reviewing other disciplinary appeals after an Administrative Law Judge has heard them, hearing nondisciplinary appeals, and reviewing the Human Resources Department as directed by the county board. One opening is available.

• Ramsey County Charter Commission has one vacancy in District 7, which includes White Bear Lake. Commission members periodically review the county charter, propose necessary amendments and recommend proposals from the public. Learn more about the openings and find an application at ramseycounty. us/your-government/volunteer/ advisory-boards-committees.

Ramsey County Service Center open at Maplewood Mall

The renovated Ramsey County Service Center is open at Maplewood Mall. Residents can visit to learn about and access county services from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, go to ramseycounty.us/servicecenters.

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We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Kelly’s Korner Bar, 7098 Centerville Road, Centerville

Details: Runners participate in a 5k or 7k hosted by the Minnesota Multisports Races. It is a St. Patrick’s Day themed run.

Contact: www.mmraces.com/shake-yourshamrock

ST. PIUS X LENTEN FISH FRY

When: 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, March 14

Where: St. Pius X, 3878 Highland Avenue, White Bear Lake

Details: Dine in or curbside to go in northeast parking lot. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. Contact: 651-429-5337 or churchofstpiusx.org

'THE BOOK CLUB PLAY'

When: March 14-23

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, White Bear Lake

Details: Comedy performance about books and the people who love them. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD SHELF

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. May register day of event.

Contact: 651-246-3638 or cityvadnaisheights.com/ foodshelf

TAMARACK NATURE CENTER PHOTO CLUB

When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd.

Details: Independent group of photographers meet the 3rd Staurday of every month to share and discuss images. All experience levels welcome. Contact: Tncphotoclubinfo@gmail.com

THE GOLDEN PATH SEMINAR: MOVE WITH SIMPLICITY, PURPOSE & PEACE

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Seminar provides resources to navigate the transition to downsize a home or move to senior living, facilitated by Sandy Erickson Tea, Realty Group. Snacks, refreshments, prize drawing. Contact: mnpropertiesforsale.com/info/the-goldenpath-program

WOMEN WALKING

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Belwin Hilltop classroom, 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton

Details: Indoor centering exercises and conversation followed by walking meditations and campfire. Registration information online. Contact: belwin.org

ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

When: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 18

Where: Bellaire Beach Park, 2499 South Shore Blvd., White Bear Lake

Details: Hike on paved streets and sidewalks. Contact: stpaulhike.com

THE WRITER'S ROOM: AN OPEN STUDIO FOR WRITERS

When: 1-4 p.m. Friday, March 21

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Avenue

Details: Write in the company of fellow writers in an inspiring space, led by Amber Guetebier. For adults and teens 16+, all levels.

Contact: 651-407-0597 or whitebeararts.org

NATIVE AMERICAN CELEBRATION

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 22

Where: Mariner Middle School, White Bear Lake

Details: Event to celebrate the Native American community open to all. Contact: manyfaceswblarea.org/events

DESIGNING GARDENS WITH NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE PLANTS FOR CLIMATE ACTION

When: 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 22

Where: Bruentrup Heritage Farm, 2170 County Road D E., Maplewood

Details: In-person program on sustainibility and environmental stewardship with “Farmer TJ” Malaskee. Contact: bit.ly/NEMCA0322

APublisher’s View

Bees

fter years and years trying to keep our bees alive over winter it looks like we might have done it. My neighbor, Paul, and I share beekeeping duties and it has been a huge help as we join forces to work on the hives and other projects. I was so excited to receive a text message from a neighbor to let me know she saw honey bees in her yard. She has one of those magnificent gardens, so I am also excited that the bees are getting out to find food. With the warmer days we have seen a lot of activity around the hives. The bees fly around and do a cleansing flight and it’s noticeable when you have a base of white snow on the ground. It is an amazing feeling to be this close to having a hive make the Minnesota winter. The main thing we did differently this year is that we changed how we treat for mites and added extra insulation and wind breaks with paper leaf bags from fall clean up. We literally built a fortress around the hives to help insulate and protect them from the wind. We have always treated for mites, but this year we upgraded to a vaporizer with a Oxalic acid (wood bleach). This vaporizing treatment requires extra safety equipment such as a respirator. As we began to study and understand this vaporization style of treatment, it’s interesting to note how Europe recommends a heavier dosage for treating mites than the US.

If you have extra time and are interested in taking on a new hobby, consider beekeeping. My recommendation is to partner with a friend or neighbor on the project, and then get a mentor or someone who is an experienced beekeeper who can help guide you through the process and be present during your first year. It’s also nice to share equipment. Not everybody needs a vaporizer or an extractor, as sharing among a neighborhood group is sufficient. In fact we pull a few neighbors together to spin the frames of honey on the same evening and share in the cleanup. It makes it more fun.

Most cities require a permit and a small fee. They typically ask you to get neighbors' permission on the permit. What continues to fascinate me is the more than 500 species of bees in Minnesota. Honeybees are not native to the US, and are not found regularly in the wild. When people think of bees I often hear them describe a yellowjacket or the wasps with long legs. Yellowjackets get a bad name because they are pests, and they’re also meat eaters. They love to bug you at a picnic or in your yard. They want meat, where honeybees want nectar. I rarely see our honeybees around us when we’re when we’re dining outdoors. If you decise to jump into beekeeping, you will need to order your bees. We buy our bees from Mann Lake and Nature's Nectar. Bees require constant weekly monitoring, but they are fascinating.

Mow in May

I’m happy to see that cities have turned back No Mow May. Although the intentions were good, it has probably caused more problems in neighborhoods and communities. Cities have turned the emphasis to planting pollinator-friendly gardens, versus encouraging residents to refrain from mowing their yards. We’ve all driven through a neighborhood in the spring and noticed somebody who thought they were doing the right thing by not mowing their lawn only to cause their neighbor to double their weed and feed treatments to keep their own yard looking good. The concept is changing for a good reason. If your children have talked to you about not mowing your lawn because it’s helping the bees, get them a shovel and help them start a pollinator-friendly garden.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

Talking tax season tips with University of Minnesota

As the tax filing deadline approaches, being prepared can save you time, money and stress. David Horn, the director of the Master of Business Taxation Program at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, shares his insights on what to keep in mind this tax season.

Movers & Shakers

David Horn

Q: Are there any significant changes this year?

A: One thing is constant: the deadline to file your tax return is April 15. However, you may file an automatic extension to file your return six months after April 15. It’s important to remember if you extend your return, you’re still required to pay any taxes owed by April 15. 2024 was pretty light with federal tax legislation for the everyday individual taxpayer. It was an election year, which often means there isn’t a lot of activity from Congress because no one wants to rock the boat. Other than brackets, deductions, and thresholds being indexed to inflation, the tax laws are mostly the same as 2023 for individual taxpayers.

• Limited to 350 words.

• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

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Q: What are some of the biggest challenges this tax season?

A: One of the Trump administration’s first actions was to announce a hiring freeze and personnel cuts across the federal government, which includes the IRS. There is some uncertainty about how this will impact the agency during filing season; however, a reduction in IRS staffing may result in the delayed processing of returns and issuing refunds. Filing early is always a good rule of thumb. The earlier you file, the sooner your return will be processed and the sooner you will receive any potential tax refund. As we get closer to the filing deadline, contacting the IRS with questions gets more difficult.

Q: What is your advice to make tax preparation go smoothly?

Q: How do I avoid tax scams?

A: The IRS generally initiates contact through the mail. If you ever get a phone call or email from someone claiming they’re from the IRS stating that you owe money and threatening to call law enforcement, that is a scam and you should hang up. The IRS also doesn’t accept payments through unusual sources, such as Apple gift cards. That is another red flag that it is a scam. For more tips to avoid potential scams, visit irs. gov.

“Talking...with U of M” is a resource whereby University of Minnesota faculty answer questions on current and other topics of general interest.

A: It’s all about understanding your sources of income and deductions. I advise clients to go through all their financial accounts and understand where they potentially could be receiving tax documents. That may include a W-2 for wages from your employer, 1099 forms for investment and savings accounts, a 1098-E for student loans, etc. Gathering all the relevant documentation will streamline the return preparation process. Another issue affecting more people this year is increased reporting around peer-to-peer payment systems, such as Venmo and PayPal. In 2024, the threshold for reporting transactions from these services was reduced from $20,000 to $5,000. If you received $5,000 or more in payments through one of these applications for goods and services sold, you’re going to get a 1099-K document. However, using these platforms to collect expense reimbursements amongst friends and family should not be reported on Form 1099-K. Consult with a tax professional to help decipher the reporting requirements if you receive a 1099-K.

| LETTER GUIDELINES

at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.

• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.

• All letters are subject to editing.

• Deadline is 5 p. m., Thursday of the week prior to publication.

• To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Carter Johnson

Protecting education in Minnesota

Recent speculation about the future of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) is deeply concerning—not only to me, but to the dedicated professionals I serve as president of White Bear Lake Area Educators. Since its establishment in 1979, the department has played a vital role in ensuring all students—regardless of background or zip code—have access to a high-quality education.

While education is primarily managed at the state and local levels, federal funding, research and guidance help maintain consistency and accessibility across the country. DOE programs are not abstract government initiatives; they directly impact millions of students and families. Weakening or eliminating the Department of Education threatens essential programs impacting students, educators and families in Minnesota and nationwide.

In Minnesota:

-$192 million annually supports 226,000 low-income students, ensuring access to high-quality education.

-$256 million in annual funding provides critical resources for 152,000 students with disabilities across the state.

-$368 million in Pell Grants help 83,000 Minnesota students afford college.

-$27 billion in federal student loans support 789,000 Minnesota borrowers, making higher education more accessible.

-$37 million annually expands college access for low-income, first-generation and disabled students.

Nationally:

-26 million children in rural, suburban and urban school districts rely on federal education funding to stay on track academically.

-7.5 million students with disabilities depend on federally funded special education programs to access the support

they need.

-Over 10 million students from working-class families benefit from Pell Grants and subsidized loans, making higher education possible for those who might otherwise be unable to afford it.

-12 million students nationwide gain valuable skills through career and technical education programs, preparing them for the modern workforce.

Every child deserves access to the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to thrive. The resources offered by the Department of Education help to guarantee that access. I urge you to contact your members of Congress (www.5calls.org) to advocate for preserving and strengthening the work of the Department of Education. Our students’ futures depend on it.

Tiffany Dittrich

President, White Bear Lake Area Educators, Local #7286

Conflicts of interest

We have all heard “do as I say, not as I do” and “the rich get richer.” These familiar sayings certainly apply to Elon Musk and the way he is getting rich off your tax dollars. While Elon Musk, an unelected official, has been busy destroying federal agencies and eliminating grants that he says are fraud and waste, he and his companies have received $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies and tax credits. Musk has built his empire on government funding, our tax dollars, and is now the richest man in the world. Elon has our government and taxpayers to thank for his wealth.

Musk’s companies currently have 52 contracts with seven agencies in our federal government. All seven agencies have cut staff, budgets and competitors’ contracts at the direction

of DOGE, run by Musk. He has also been given access to the databases in many of these agencies, so he has access to his competitors’ financials and other proprietary information.

Musk is now positioning his company to take over an existing $2 billion contract previously awarded to Verizon to update the FAA system (yes, the same FAA where they fired hundreds of employees). This is a clear conflict of interest. Why are we OK with the richest man in the world, an unelected official, cutting critical services for all of us, while he continues to line his pockets and those who support him?

Liz Stein Vadnais Heights

Taxing wealthy hurts all

In this week’s White Bear Press (March 5), there were at least two references to tax breaks for the wealthy (“... huge tax breaks to the wealthy at our expense” and “Tax cuts for wealthy on the backs of the poor”).

These mantras, oft used, seem to make no sense to me, at least from a fiscal perspective. Reading a number of articles, the consensus showed that all income levels benefitted from the 2017 Jobs Act. Obviously, the wealthy received more, simply because they paid in more. But all levels benefited in accordance with their income and tax levels.

Further, who pays the tax may not be the one who writes out a check. Inflation is a tax, largely on the backs of the poor. The federal ATM has put more money into circulation through its deficit/debt delirium than productivity can absorb. And the traditional method of taming the inflationary beast, raising interest rates, is a tactic that adds to the federal burden, blesses those with means and further marginalizes the rest.

The luxury tax of 30 years ago was meant to extract more revenue from the rich. The rich didn’t pay the tax, however. They simply quit buying the taxed items, and the middle class in those industries paid with their livelihoods.

A friend had his taxes raised, as he crossed an income threshold precipitating a surtax. Since his tax bill was calculated off accrued income, but the money owed came out of cash; he had to lay someone off to meet the obligation. Again, who paid the tax? And last, any policy predicated upon covetousness is doomed to failure. It creates an us/them culture, a perpetual tribal warfare that marginalizes all but an oligarchic few. I trust that our compassion will be informed by a depth of wisdom and understanding that elevates all.

Compare accomplishments

In his letter to the editor on Feb. 26, George Kimball said we are turning our back on our allies. President Trump simply wants our allies to pay their fair share for their defense. We defended the freedom-loving European nations in World War II and financed their rebuilding following the war. They might not exist today if it wasn’t for America. Kimball said, “Trump unites with totalitarian Russia.” Where does he get that from? I don’t know. If you want to stop a war peaceably, you need to keep the lines of communication open to all parties in the conflict, yes, even totalitarian Russia. Mr. Kimball also said, “Republicans and MAGA followers have sold their souls to the devil — to King Trump.” I believe that’s untrue, and that the majority of American voters

White Bear Lake Area Church Directory

James Nash White Bear Lake

MAHTOMEDI

Semester 1 2024-25

9th Grade High Honors:

Mariam L. Abraham, Davlenn R. Acesor, Aisha L. Ahmad, Tamilore M. Akintola, Alaina B. Albrecht, Logan A. Albrecht, Alana G. Alvarez, Dani A. Baker, Victoria B. Barfuss, Evalyn R. Barta, Christopher W. Bennett, Brooke E. Berg, Adalyn G. Beulke, Schooner R. Bird, Charlotte C. Bishman, Lucinda E. Black, Thomas D. Boe, Aidan M. Boex, Ella R. Boulos, Margaret C. Bruner, Sophie A. Campbell, Ella M. Carion, Elizabeth J. Churchill, Jack R. Cisek, Samuel T. Coles, Quinn O. Decorsey, Isaac D. DeGrote, McKenna L. DesJardins, Naisha Didwania, Audrey K. Doriott, Colton A. Duckson, Ryker G. Dunbar, Adam J. Edwards, Owen T. Eklund, Logan M. Ellingson, Liliana J. Englund, Adeline R. Erickson, Tegan M. Evans, Fergus A. Fedie, Layla N. Franco, Autumn N. Groneberg, Naomi E. Hall, Emelia A. Hammer, Avery D. Hensel, Irina E. Hill, Harley H. Hohenstein, Sienna R. Iverson, Norah G. Jansen, Jenna N. Keane, Margo O. Kiely, Cullen R. King, Sidney R. Kolbet, Micah G. Korus, Jack M. Lindstrom, Parker T. Maas, Abigail J. Manger, Hayden W. Mans, Magdalena G. McCloy, Gavin M. McDonough, Leo T. Miller, Jaxon C. Mitchell, Andrew T. Moran, Natalie L. Moran, Elizabeth A. Moscou, Grace N. Moua, Shaela M. Murphy, Samuel K. Nasvik, Anders E. Nelson, Oliver S. Nestrud, Caleb J. Nyquist, Charlotte I. Olsen, Olivia J. Opel, Clara L. Otto, Riley K. Parizek, Charles D. Peck, Lila G. Pollock, Rose M. Prescott, Parker W. Reagan, Vincent C. Redpath, Vivienne E. Roeller, Vanessa M. Rogosheske, Vivian F. Ruzynski, Molly A. Schifsky, Estelle J. Seuffert, Glory I. Shadrack, William G. Siedow, Lila E. Stephens, Aubrianna M. Stupnik, Eloise J. Taylor, Tumsa Temesgen, McCoy R. Tennyson, Rachel G. Thalacker, Brody R. Traxinger, Evelyn M. Tykeson, Lexi H. Unger, Riley D. Vosooney, Kennedy R. Wolfsberger, Brandon W. Wright, Tensae F. Yigermal, Annika G. Young

9th Grade Honors:

Yasmin K. Abdi, Raymond R. Acesor, Hafsa M. Ahmad, Henry K. Aflakpi, Dulo J. Aman, Alia V. Anderson, Stuart C. Anderson, Theodore L. Ausland, Adelaide R. Badini, William S. Barton, Delaney E. Benz, William T. Bidon, Peyton A. Birch, Adalyn V. Bjorkman, Sophia M. Boberg, Sydney M. Bohm, Peter K. Boyum, Caleb J. Brann, Michael K. Breien, Easton J. Buche, Ursula G. Budziszewski, Lilith J. Bush, Camryn Q. Chilson, John W. Chlebeck, Han B. Connell, Caroline G. Conzemius, Levi S. Cosby, Austin R. Damlo, Isabella J. Davini, Janessa J. Davis-Harris, Chloe L. Deans, Jonathan A. DeWane, Raya M. DeZelar, William A. Donovan, Elizabeth R. Driscoll, Konur O. Drivdahl, Maxx E. Efiong, Brooklyn A. Erickson, Josephine F. Erickson, Madison E. Erickson, Xiaohan Fang, Allicia F. Farrington, Melania J. Fitzgerald, Dahlia N. Fon, John R. Gill, Kieran B. Gordon, Austin J. Gunderson, Lilia R. Haile, Dana B. Hamdan, Eve C. Hanzely, Cassia G. Hartmann, Alaina N. Hass, Elsi N. Hauer, Wesley M. Hoadley, Elise R. Hochban, Annika N. Johnson, Kallen G. Johnson, Everett J. Kirkwood, Drew W. Krampe, Lila J. Kruse, Maci J. Kruse, Laela P. Lee, Xiaobao Q. Liang, Xiaofeng H. Liang, Mason A. Mahmood, Carys Y. McNaughton, Emma Ann B. Miller-Mercier, Lilah Grace L. Miller-Mercier, Henry L. Mizinski, Ka’dyn Q. Napier, April J. Nelson, Kylie E. Nelson, Lyla M. Nelson, Berea K. Nicholson, Lily Y. Nyberg, Chase R. Olson, Genevieve A. Onyeji, Parker P. Paraschou, Joshua G. Parton, Jemma K. Pecchia, Lyla K. Peper, Kate E. Peterson, Luke W. Pfeiffer, Lucia J. Phoenix, Allana I. Pierce, Sarah V. Poepard, Aria N. Puchreiter, Adyson M. Pulver, Hailey N. Reich, Daniel J. Reierson, Carly A. Roubik, Yaslene G. Ruiz-Castillo, William G. Russell, Angel I. Saldana, Ashlee E. Schrankler, Adele H. Schroeder, Sterling R. Schroeder, Ava J. Sheppeck, Braelyn A. Skow, Roman P. Smoley, Olivia R. Sowada, Chace S. Swanson, Lucy M. Teich, Connor M. Tempelis, Kaiba S. Thiam, William P. Thompson, William M. Tronrud, Troy J. Verbout, Lailey M. Weisner, Zoey G. Williams, Odin M. Winegar, Ingrid G. Wirtz, Carter N. Wojtowicz, Jordyn R. Woodford, Lucy L. Zelch

10th Grade High Honors:

Gavin M. Adams, Elise A. Aflakpi, Emily K. Alexander, Jessica E. Aufderhar, Azariah A. Barta, Lydia L. Bartness, George R. Beckman, Cameron A. Behnke, Marija A. Berkner, Isabella S. Bixby, Rachel F. Brings, Jasper J. Buerger, Cole W. Burkel, Eli R. Buttke, Madison G. Campbell, Shawn E. Jr Carlon, Sailor P. Carlson, Halyn R. Chaffee, Coen A. Chavarria, Mabel J. Curtis, Maya K. Dahl, Lola K. Dambowy, Reginald R. DeBruin, Charles R. DeHaan, Shea O. Deneen, Cerwyn D. Dobbelmann, Annika L. Drimel, Jackson W. Drimel, Delaney A. Dumermuth, Amelia M. Englund, Katherine L. Fanta, Cullen E. Faulkner, Caitlin A. Glaser, Alexander Goldfine, Ellen K. Gruba, Natalie K. Haase, Gannon J. Hamen, Ava L. Hanson, Mahdi M. Hanson, Cameron L. Harris, Capri E. Hartmann, April M. Hoffoss, Micah J. Horsager, Isaac H. Iten, Abraham D. Jansen, Emilia L. Jensen, Kristen M. Johnson, Kaylen L. Jones, Anton T. Kastler, Adelric A. Koenig-Kali, Broderick A. Kraai, Lucas J. Kraft, Elsie M. Krull, Jessica D. Kuchar, Claire S. Langhoff, Lyla L. Lear, Jocelyn A. Lidle, Ava B. Lockbaum, Anthony M. Longen, Mia A. Loosbrock, Aritza Lopez Nandho, Amelia J. Lucke, Lily M. Lutgen, Addison J. Mack, Isabella Micetic, Reese J. Nelson, Brynna R. Newfield, Devin S. O’Donnell, Paige A. Olsen, Isaac T. Opitz, Lucille L. Petersen, Molly R. Peterson, Danielle Paulene B. Pineda, Henry A. Pompilio, Evelyn L. Richie, William R. Roelofs, Molly L. Roettger, Trevor W. Rogosheske, Yuktika Samtani, Fiona Q. Sawyer, Maria G. Schlegel, Frank T. Schwieters, Emmett C. See, Will D. Seevers, Kai A. Seidl, Senna S. Semaan, Cody D. Siewert, Adam R. Sixt, Ethan M. Stout, Eliana W. Suchy, Katherine I. Taylor, Maria J. Tkachuck, Luke A. Torgrude, Kieran J. Vik, Jozie B. Wetzel, Alayna J. Whitson, Tirzah L. Whitson, Eve C. Wiebe, Maximus D. Winegar, Alexander K. Wooi, Caroline K. Wright, Melanie Zhang

10th Grade Honors:

Lyric Y. Aceves, Evyn R. Alexander, Mejken R. Amiot, Ellie L. Anderson, Matthew N. Arumba, Brooks P. Ashfield, Amelia C. Barron, Rena M. Becker, Gavin W. Bifulk, Berkley A. Blaisdell, Finbarr D. Borowska, Lorelai K. Bracken, Ella E. Buivid, Lorraine K. Campbell, Mia M. Carlson, Noah E. Carlson, William P. Carter, Alexander J. Cepress, Sienna A. Clark, Ericdarren Daafour, Ana E. Dahl, Paige L. Detert, Anna L. Dimopoulos, Nolan J. Dock, Grace M. Doebler, Morgan J. Dupey, Erica F. Ekpruke, Hailey R. Ellingson, Thomas T. Farell, Charles J. Fernandez, Fromsa B. Feyissa, Kylie A. Flannigan, Anthony S. Foster, Charlie J. Gillet, John G. Goebel, Katie K. Gogberashvili, Samuel J. Gravley, Ruby A. Greer, Liana J. Grillo, Anya O. Hague, Ella M. Haraldson, Logan J. Hargrove, Aidan L. Hastings, Edwin L. Henderson, Emmett J. Henderson, Josephine M. Hochradel, Henry P. Honmyhr, Sadie L. Hughes, Hailey J. Hunter, Patrick D. Hurd, Reagan E. Juhl, Greta M. Lahr, Joshua S. Larson, Kenji K. Lee, Yeupheng D. Lee, Cally M. Loida, Ahnasophia I. Lorinser, Henrik S. Madson, Logan P. Malone, Reagan N. Mamer, Andersen W. Martin, Kyle A. Mathis, Alayna M. McCarthy, Evelyn R. McMahon, Emmett D. Melchert-Zimmerman, Emerson K. Meyers, Brody C. Moen, Owen M. Moffitt, Charlotte M. Monette, Liesel E. Mueller, Callie R. Mullaney, Camille K. Myhre, Lola M. Neely, Sophia E. Nelsen, Sean T. O’Connor, Grant J. Oien, Georgia L. Olson, Addison R. Otto, Logen A. Pendleton, Isabel A. Poness Ruiz, Graydon E. Poppelman, Savanna M. Pratt, Grace A. Prose, Allissa M. Robinson, Brooklyn M. Rondeau, Madeline M. Samarani, Aubrey M. Saterbak, Garrett N. Schlagel, McCauley W. Schulz, Mila S. Semerad, Grady L. Severson, Bemnet H. Shekur, Amber L. Shell, Jacob R. Sokoll, Isabel A. Steffen, James B. Theuninck, Blake A. Udelhofen, Anneliese Z. Ulschmid, Lucas J. Vander Louw, Gabrielle N. Vang, Malik J. Washington, Finn T. Wiesen, Matthew R. Wolfsberger, Sommer S. Wood, Nolan S. Wyse

11th Grade High Honors:

Bjorn Z. Anderson, Zoe A. Anderson, Joseph D. Bance, Amber J. Becker, Layla J. Befidi, Thomas M. Bengtson, Chase M. Benning Swanson, Julia M. Boogren, Jerrick J. Brown, Cael M. Brummel, Emerson A. Buckley, Aidan D. Carlson, Collin G. Carlson, Lily V. Carlson, Noah X. Carlson, Bao-Hien Chu, Julian T. Cisek, Julia M. Clayton, Alexis N. Collins, Anna S. Cosby, Betselot T. Daba, Brennan W. Dambowy, Bethel K. Darik, Casey S. DeFor, Riley S. DeFor, June E. Duclos-Beecher, Abigael E. Edwards, James S. Egan, Owen G. Eigen, Myles A. Flaherty, Sarah A. Frazer, Oliver D. Gadbois, Julia J. Gill, Mark S. Graff, Natalie J. Gruba, Chace P. Hallin, Eleanor C. Halsten, Lily V. Harnisch, Charles J. Hauer, Eli L. Hendrickson, Katie C. Hergenrader, Wyatt J. Herschbach, Rahama A. Hussein, Noelle E. Jackson, Lauren A. Jacobson, Paige M. Johnson, Kendall A. Kapfer, Kento S. Kedrowski, Ian T. Kiely, Kallie P. Kolbet, Mallory M. Langer, Teagan J. Larson, Tyler J. Leciejewski, Neven E. Leopold, Alexander W. Livingston, Alexis K. Lum, Alasdair M. MacChesney, William B. MacChesney, Evan R. Marty, Riley J. McAuley, Teagan C. McCloy, Nolan E. McCutcheon, Lexie M. McGrane, Evan J. Miller, Ashley M. Motz, Adam J. Nelson, Sophia N. Paraschou, Eve C. Porter, Caroline W. Potjer, Sahar A. Ramaley, Taelin L. Richmond, Jaelyn R. Schany, Josephine E. Schifsky, Kai A. Schwartz, Hannah A. Smith, Ruby A. Stembridge, Jackson A. Stout, Matthew J. Studenski, Jack T. Tarnowski, Louisa K. Tarnowski, Levi A. Ternberg, Ada J. Thompson, Claire D. Tofte, Grace A. Van Hout, Gavin G. Vennemann, Martina B. Villagra Phillip, Isabel M. Vipond, Joud F. Wadi, Samuel L. White, Nicholas G. Wisniewski, Taylor J. Wojtowicz, Jacquelyn M. Worden

11th Grade Honors:

Yusra K. Abdi, Jocelyn R. Aguilera, Lammi S. Ahmed, Ethan W. Albrecht, Sally H. Amundson, Ava M. Arcand, Elena N. Atkinson, Connor L. Barry, Rowan A. Berger, Ethan R. Berglund, Samuel R. Beulke, Lillyan J. Birkeland, Keely J. Bohm, Joseph V. Borovsky, Siochain E. Borowska, Maya S. Brendmoen-Butler, Robert J. JR Burkel, Avery D. Campbell, Harrison J. Carroll, Arjun Chandra, Claire N. Crothers, Maia K. Daniels, Seanna R. Davis, Lawson J. DeGezelle, Haley L. DesJardins, Easton A. DeZelar, Dawson S. Duback, Ethan J. Dvorak, Peyton J. Erickson, Seth J. Erickson, Drew M. Feustel, Brayden D. Fuerst, Kyler J. Gunderson, Alex N. Haase, Noah A. Hahn, Sanyi T. Hamine, Austin J. Hanft, Piper R. Hanson, Zachary T. Harrod, Finn J. Hemenway, Cameron P. Hentsch, Gabriella R. Hernandez, Audrey M. Hilton, Brianna L. Hilton, Aoife L. Hiniker, Nolan J. Hochban, Haley L. Hohenstein, Nicholas P. Huberty, Elianah J. Jespersen, Henry D. Johnson, Jayden T. Jones, Jaylen T. Jones, Noah M. Kamrath, Ellis L. Krause, Sydney R. Kuschke, Liam J. Kutzer, Oliver J. Lavalle, Hannah M. Lindstrom, Cody M. Loida, Madeline J. Matuzak, Grace E. McCarthy, Grady T. McKusick, Luchianna T. Medley, Payton A. Mielke, Robel G. Milion, Ryan M. Nelson, Tyler K. Parizek, Greta E. Plugge, Kayla M. Poirier, Eva I. Pulver, Layla M. Ragan, Audrey M. Reid, Danielle R. Ricci, Allison J. Rippentrop, Madeline N. Ruppel, Andrew I. Russell, Blair W. Smith, Katherine A. Smith, Ava E. Sorum, Annika M. Sowder, Trent J. Steenberg, Cullen D. Taylor, Simon A. Taylor, Alexia A. Tempelis, Lauren M. Thalacker, Aspen S. Tillges, Olivia M. Tofte, James L. Unger, SuabCua Vang, Peyton G. Whitbeck, Carter S. Whitman, Haley L. Wilson, Annika Winke, Sasha L. Wuori

simply saw a leader and doer and were concerned about the path of the previous administration of this country. President Trump told us what his plans were before he was elected; refreshingly, he hasn’t let the voters down. He has surrounded himself with hardworking, capable professionals, and it shows. I’m hopeful that all citizens of this country realize it and we can restore common sense in our nation. I urge Mr. Kimball to compare what was accomplished (or wasn’t) in the last four years and what has taken place and accomplished since Jan. 20.

Bill Kolesar White Bear Lake

Dog parks strengthen our community around healthy activities

Opposition to the dog park at Matoska has failed to prove the dog park in this current location has caused harm, nor is there a credible risk of harm in the future. The Commission testified to efforts to capture evidence supporting closure and found none. Opposition arguments are specious. The real issue is a few homeowners want to enjoy the lake absent activity on public property. It’s the “not in my back yard” mentality that precludes sharing of public assets.

Opponents claim dogs from the dog park interrupted al fresco dining on private property. Dubious. Again, the provenance of naughty dogs has yet to be determined. They could hail from elsewhere in the neighborhood or have prematurely jumped to shore during a boat landing. Unleashed and

or unsupervised dogs are not a park problem. It’s the city’s responsibility to enforce the leash law and penalize bad pet parents no matter the location.

Opponents claim it is a safety issue but fail to make a convincing argument. What exactly do they think will happen for the first time in 20 years? Alternatively, some proponents claim the real safety issue is the boat launch. Proponents claim the issue has been paraded out many times since 2002. The opposition rests on just a very few households. Then and now. Probably the same ones…

The lake levels were mentioned by the opposition as a problem for the dog park. While I believe we need to take measures to deter water from being pilfered from our aquafers to support fringe development, I’m sure the city has the authority to move buoys or close the boat launch and dog park if water levels pose danger.

The opponents also expressed concern about impact of dog waste in the lake. The water was tested and there is no danger from dogs on this point. Dog parks provide opportunities to strengthen our community around healthy activities. This should be the goal of city planning. We support deleting language requiring dogs are leashed. They could become tangled.

We all put up with unpleasant noise levels, dog poop, parking issues, screeching children. We tolerate it because we care about our shared resources, not merely the convenience of a few. The undocumented problems are just that. Undocumented.

For over a decade the city has

12th Grade High Honors:

Zakariyya J. Adams-Hladio, Audrey A. Aflakpi, Presley R. Albers, Georgia M. Alfonse, Lydia J. Armstrong, Julia B. Atkins, John L. Aufderhar, Alayna M. Bartylla, Akaycia L. Belisle, Ethan P. Boeke, Rylee M. Bogren, Betsy N. Boland, Collin E. Bromeland, Zachary D. Burge, Riley C. Burke, Evan S. Carion, Elizabeth L. Carlon, Audrey A. Carlson, Sean M. Chevalier, Janeea L. Chlebeck, Nhat T. Chu, Samuel P. Churchill, Lauren A. Clark, Addison C. Crep, Eily F. DeMars, Ana M. Detert, Katherine T. Do, Ava F. Donna, Joshua B. Drivdahl, Alexis E. Efiong, Max J. Egan, Breanna L. Elbers, Cecilia A. Emery, Kylee L. Farmer, Dorian E. Fedie, Ethan A. Felling, Reagan R. Flaherty, Logan K. Garcia, Daniel D. Gibbens, Connor J. Gray, Anna L. Greene, Ruby E. Grinstead, Benjamin A. Hammond, Samuel M. Harris, Sarah R. Haveman, Maria C. Horsager, Vincent W. Humpal, Jacqueline J. Igel, Oliver J. Jaroslawski, Kellen C. Johnson, Soleil L. Johnson, Taylor C. Johnson, Jordan M. Jonas, Hayden M. King, Mason G. Kipp, Camron A. Knapstein, Xavier J. Knauss, Oliver W. Ko, Gabriella M. Kraai, Kajia J. Krull, Cendall Q. Kurr, Sidney J. Leciejewski, Frank W. Lombardi, Wyatt T. Lorinser, Clara G. Loss, Gavin E. Maas, Matthew T. Macdonald, Oskar J. Magnusson, Kaili A. Malvey, Lauren R. Marinac, Annika J. Martin, Allison L. McCleery, Madison E. McCoy, Riley S. McGrane, Evan M. McGuire, Thomas S. Meader, Joel W. Melby, Maxwell D. Milbrandt, Reese E. Mitchell, Ashley A. Moeller, Molly A. Moffitt, Miranda J. Monteiro, Emily K. Muetzel, Greta J. Munson, Ayla R. Nasvik, Joseph T. Nelson, Maxwell R. Newcome, Elesia R. Newfield, Nellie M. Odushkin, Pierce M. Paddock, Leah K. Panagiotopoulos, Sophia K. Peer, Tyler J. Pendleton, Zoe J. Peterson, Brandon Q. Pham, Joseph A. Pipes, Cadence L. Pompilio, Eden E. Puchreiter, Indra M. Ramaley, Jacob R. Rank, Keira L. Redpath, Alexander H. Reister, Colton G. Robbins, Henry R. Roelofs, Luke T. Roettger, Audrey T. Roling, Olivia C. Ross, Esme E. Roux, Julia S. Ruzynski, Kimberly L. Ryan, Addison L. Saterbak, Zhenghong L. Schlechte, Madison C. Schmidtz, Madeline M. Schoenecker, Mason P. Schultz, Timothy A. Schussler, Gunnar J. Sellman, Joy O. Shadrack, Isabella C. Smieja, Ethan J. Sockalosky, Shey P. Sorenson, Jack T. Stepan, Wesley J. Strub, Evalyn S. Suchy, Anne M. Tanner, Mykenna H. Theuninck, Aida W. Thiam, Olivia J. Thiele, Cecelia K. Thielen, Emma G. Thron, Sawyer F. Tokay, Salina R. Traxler, Grace A. Tronrud, Luke R. Vipond, Olivia L. Wendorff, Nicholas E. Whitney IV, Abigail A. Wiebe, Winston D. Wright, Mistere F. Yigermal, Jude F. Zeck, Bodhi D. Ziemann

evaluated the activity at the dog park without seeing any of the problems being put forward by a few households.

We urge the City Council and the mayor to support the dog park and add language requiring re-evaluation in no less than five years. These unfounded complaints are costly both in terms of taxpayer dollars and volunteer time.

Bonnie Balach White Bear Lake

Wasting money on culture wars

I think everyone can agree that Minnesotans want our kids to have a first-rate education and we don’t like wasting money. We want our tax dollars to go toward creating an excellent learning environment so our children are well prepared when they graduate to be successful adults and contribute to our state and nation.

Why then are we wasting so much money on culture wars? According to a recent report – “The Costs of Conflict, The Fiscal Impact of Culturally Divisive Conflicts on Public Schools in the United States,” written by researchers from UCLA, UC Riverside, UT Austin, and American University — the 2023-2024 school year culture wars cost public schools $3.2 billion.

Where does this money go? When school districts become the center of culture wars, the school board is forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on legal fees, increased security, communications efforts, community and government relations, and recruitment of teachers due to high staff turnover rates.

For an average school district of 10,000 students, districts fighting culture wars spend an average of $812,000 in one year. Imagine what our schools could do if they didn’t have to fight off book bans and engage in other culture wars. They could hire more counselors and teachers for schools, upgrade supplies and technology, provide more nutritious meals for all students and give all kids more opportunities to discover their passions and prepare for the 21st century.

Minnesota parents don’t want their schools stuck in culture war fights. We want our schools to do one thing: teach our children well so they can be successful adults.

‘Stay out of my locker room’ Last week my/our Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake state Rep. Brion Curan voted down a bill to prevent trans boys from participating in girls’ sports. I don’t care about people’s gender preference, but now Rep. Curran is severely impacting the lives and dreams of biological females.

Eighty percent of Minnesotans agree that a simple copy of a birth certificate will decide which team you’re on. Let trans kids compete against trans kids.

Stay in your own lane.

12th Grade Honors:

Winston S. Adams-Hladio, Nathan B. Affolter, MacKlin C. Appert, Arianna J. Baskfield-Reiter, Dylan J. Bauman, Anna L. Bierwerth, Nicol F. Bondeson, Audriana L. Bostic, Nathan A. Brinker, Addison L. Briske, Garrett C. Brown, Natalya D. Brown, Braxton J. Burke, Ean S. Carlson, Dehvin D. Chu, Nicholas J. Clark, Cathryn G. Curran, Laken W. Decker, Addisyn J. DeMars, Elise F. DeMars, Malia K. Erickson, Rowan G. Flanary, Gabriela A. Fox, Silvia K. Graetzer, Leland J. Hanley, Karl R. Hochradel, Anna K. Holley, Charlotte V. Husten, Charlotte A. Irvine, Matthew T. Johnson, Evelyn P. Karle, Joshua M. Kirkwood, Dylan J. Klingbeil, Samuel J. Knapp, Anthony J. Kurn, Gunnard N. Larson, Yulian Lazutin, Ryan L. Lipovetz, Samuel B. Macdonald, Jillian G. Mack, Drake A. MacLean, Ella A. Madson, Emma N. Marty, Owen J. Mead, Owen D. Meier, Andrew Micetic, Jess B. Miller, Matheu M. Mizinski, Haley M. Moosbrugger, Julia G. Morreim, Wyatt L. Mullaney, Rhiana J. Murray, Helayna L. Nelson, Abriella L. Niehaus, James A. O’Connor, Mason D. Peterson, Khang D. Pham, Nicholas A. Pietig, Miles H. Poppelman, Tanner D. Reagan, Sophia G. Rude, Reese E. Saenger, Amber H. Schaefer, Sidney M. Schmitt, Stella M. Schroeder, Ella K. Schumann, Karin M. Sheeser, Daniel K. Short, Sienna G. Sjostrom, Nathan S. Stooksbury, Douglas W. Strand, Sriram Sureshkumar, Cadmus J. Tank, Isaac G. Tilsen, Aynslea Z. Ulschmid, John H. Vander Louw, Erika J. Verbout, Adam J. Voegele, Karen S. Wiesen, Jacob W. Wilson, Ronan R. Wise, Winston E. Wisely, Isaac K. Wooi, Alana I. Zinkgraf

Barbara Clark Vadnais Heights

Lori Humble Vadnais Heights

COPS&COURTS

BCA releases 2024 Permit to Carry annual report

The top 5 counties for 5-year permits issued by sheriffs in 2024 are:

County  -  Permits issued

Hennepin - 6,798

Anoka - 3,998

Dakota - 3,746

Washington - 3,243

Ramsey - 3,205

Year - Permits issued

2024 - 57,248

2023 - 65,215

2022 - 65,257

2021 - 106,488

2020 - 96,554

2019 - 51,404

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has released the 2024 Permit to Carry Report, which contains data submitted by Minnesota law enforcement agencies regarding applications made for handgun carry permits as well as data about permit holders. The annual report is required by Minnesota law.

Minnesota saw fewer firearms permits issued in 2024 than in 2023. Minnesota sheriffs reported to the BCA that 67,216 permits were applied for and that they issued 57,248 permits in 2024.

Sheriffs reported there were 198 permits suspended, 47 revoked, 1,545 voided and 783 denied in 2024.

Crimes committed by permit holders

Minnesota sheriffs reported that individuals with permits committed 5,340 crimes in 2024. This is the highest number since the state’s Personal Protection Act was enacted, but the percent of permit holders who committed a crime (1%) was consistent with recent years.

• Just under 3% were crimes where firearms were used in furtherance of a crime.

• Just under 54% were DWIs or other traffic offenses.

• Twenty-five percent were from the “Other” category, which includes both less-serious offenses such as city ordinance violations and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hunting, fishing and recreational vehicle violations and less common but more serious offenses such as stalking and riot.

As of press time, the total number of valid permits in Minnesota was 408,356.

The Permit to Carry Report contains data on permits to carry a firearm. Minnesota does not track permits to purchase firearms.

Minnesota sheriffs are required under Minnesota law (Stat. 624.714, subd. 20 (b)) to report their data on gun permit applications, issuances and denials to the BCA. As directed by the same statute, the BCA compiles the public information provided by Minnesota sheriffs into its annual report. The full report is available for viewing on the BCA website at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/publicservices-bca/firearms-information.

Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

Man sentenced in shootout at Doc’s Landing

Charles Edward Stevens-Thigpen, 37, of St. Paul, has been sentenced to three years’ probation for his role in a shootout outside of Doc’s Landing in White Bear Lake.

According to court documents, Stevens-Thigpen called 911 to report he was trying to drive to the hospital after being shot in the leg Sept. 24, 2023. Officers tried to contact him, but he never answered. Surveillance from the bar identified one of the shooters as Stevens-Thigpen. The other shooter was identified as St. Paul resident Kardell Baraka Otae Jackson, 41.

Thigpen and Jackson were reported to have gotten into a heated dispute inside Doc’s Landing. Jackson briefly held a pool cue as if he were going to strike Stevens-Thigpen with it. Two women and a man intervened and blocked the men from one another. Jackson quickly left the bar, and Stevens-Thigpen followed seconds later. According to the criminal complaint, both fired multiple rounds at one another before Jackson drove away.

Stevens-Thigpen voluntarily went to the police department and spoke to an investigator, where he turned over his Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun to the police.

Stevens-Thigpen was convicted of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

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

A parked vehicle was damaged in the 3100 block of Karth Road Feb. 26. A vehicle was reported stolen later that day in the same area, and a third report of theft from vehicle was also made.

• Officers responded to a report of domestic assault in the 3500 block of Dell Court Feb. 26.

• Officers mediated a neighbor dispute in the 1300 block of Hedman Way Feb. 26.

• Harassment was reported on Summit Farm Lane Feb. 26.

• Two vehicles had license plates stolen in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Feb. 26.

• A Spring Lake Park man was arrested on an outstanding warrant in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Feb. 26.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault in the 4700 block of Peggy Lane Feb. 27.

• A Vadnais Heights man was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault after an incident that occurred in a vehicle Feb. 27 in the area of Highway 96 and Centerville Road.

• A vehicle was stolen in the 3500 block of Hoffman Road Feb. 27.

• A dog bite resulting in minor injuries was reported in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Feb. 27. Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 1700 block of Highway 96 Feb. 27.

• A North St. Paul man was arrested following a traffic stop near Century Avenue and I-694 Feb. 28.

• An elderly person reported missing in the 2600 block of Sumac Ridge Road Feb. 28 was located by officers and returned home.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 1800 block of Birch Street Feb. 28.

• Officers responded to a disorderly conduct incident in the 4900 block of Highway 61 Feb. 28.

• Officers provided a police presence at a basketball game in the 5000 block of Division Avenue Feb. 28.

• A St. Paul woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the area of White Bear Avenue and Woodlyn Avenue Feb. 28.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1800 block of Eugene Street March 1.

• A St. Paul man was arrested for DWI after a traffic stop near White Bear Avenue and I-694 March 1.

• Officers mediated a civil issue in the 1300 block of Hedman Way March 1.

• A noise complaint was reported in the 4600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue March 1.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 2100 block of Fourth Street March 1.

• A noise complaint was reported in the 3600 block of East County Line Road March 1.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2100 block of Seventh Street March 2.

• A noise complaint was reported in the 2000 block of County Road E East March 2.

• A Mounds View man was arrested for DWI after officers were called to the area of Lincoln Avenue and Whitaker Street for a report of a vehicle stuck on the railroad tracks March 2.

• Officers mediated a dispute between residents in the 2500 block of Sumac Ridge March 2. Officers responded to a disorderly conduct incident in the 2000 block of County Road E March 2.

• Suspicious juveniles were reported at a business in the 4700 block of Highway 61 March 2.

• Fraud was reported at a business in the 4800 block of White Bear Parkway March 3.

• Theft was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road March 3.

• A missing person was located March 3 at the intersection of Centerville Road and Highway 96.

• Two people were arrested in a domestic assault incident that occurred in the 2500 block of Dell Court March 3.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 3600 block of Kenny Lane March 4.

• Officers responded to a disorderly incident in the 5000 block of Bald Eagle Avenue March 4.

• A license plate was stolen in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road March 4.

• Officers are investigating a fraud report originating in the 3700 block of Oakridge Lane March 4.

• Officers responded to a fight in the 3200 block of Highway 61 March 4.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

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

Grant

• Residents in the 1000 block of Dellwood Road N. on Feb. 9 reported an unknown individual for coming to their door to knock aggressively for more than 15 minutes before finally leaving.

• A fireball was reported for falling from the sky at 9:38 p.m. Feb. 9 on Lake Elmo Avenue N. and 75th Street N. Deputies were unable to locate the celestial incendiary.

Mahtomedi

• Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies cited a driver whose vehicle left the road on Long Lake Road at 9:11 p.m. Feb. 3.

• A male found sleeping in a closet inside a commercial building on Wildwood Road was trespassed at 9:43 a.m. Feb. 4. He left without incident after being warned that he would be arrested if he were to be found at the building again.

• Theft from an unlocked vehicle on Wedgewood Drive was reported Feb. 5.

• Supporting deputies were dispatched out to Wildwood Road and Century Avenue N. at 9:19 p.m. Feb. 5 to convince a skeptical motorist that deputies who had originally conducted the traffic stop really were licensed peace officers.

• Five vehicles received a parking ticket under their windshield wipers overnight Feb. 5-6 for violating the city's ban on overnight parking on public streets during the winter. The first citation was deposited at 1:42 a.m. on Hallam Avenue N.and Maple Street; the second at 1:58 a.m. on Dahlia Street and Mahtomedi Avenue; the third at 2:20 a.m. on Wedgewood Drive and Echo Lake Blvd.; the fourth at 2:30 a.m. on Dunbar Way and the fifth at 2:44 a.m. on Edith Avenue. Contractors in the 1000 block of Summit Avenue on Feb. 6 reported marijuana plants growing inside a home they were working on. Deputies advised the complainants that marijuana plants are now legal to own.

• A suspicious vehicle reported Feb. 6 on Briarwood Avenue and Quail Street turned out to be part of a CID special detail.

• A vehicle pulled over for equipment violation at 9:22 p.m. Feb. 6 on Highway 120 at Long Lake Road turned out to have been damaged just moments earlier after hitting a deer. Deputies filled out a motor vehicle vs deer accident report about the equipment failure and released the motorist. Meanwhile, another person had called in to request a deer tag for the carcass.

• Five vehicle owners parked all around Mahtomedi received citations from 1:19 a.m. to 6:39 a.m. Feb. 7 for violating the winter overnight parking ban. The vehicles were parked on McGregor Avenue, Hardwood Lane, Dahlia Street and Grove Street.

• Deputies assisted the Minnesota State Patrol at 1:39 a.m. Feb. 7 on Century Avenue and Long Lake Road in arresting a motor vehicle passenger for possession of narcotics, after the MSP informed the vehicle owners that their vehicle was being towed and that they were released from the scene. Prior to the tow, officers found a large white crystalline, rock-like substance identified as methamphetamine underneath the front passenger seat. Deputies took custody of the narcotics, located the front passenger and took him into custody as well. Then, the subject was handed over to MSP officers.

• An individual was arrested for DWI at 11:45 p.m. Feb. 7 on Frankland Street, following a suspicious activity report.

• The improper parking paper parade continued overnight Feb. 8 all over town, from the Historic District to the shores of Echo Lake, as 10 more vehicles were cited for violating the overnight winter parking ban.

• A Hickory Street resident on Feb. 8 reported a suspicious person going through his garage.

• A motorist on Old Wildwood Road at Wildwood Road was cited Feb. 8 for driving after revocation and for failure to provide proof of insurance. A motorist on Wildwood Road and Lincolntown Avenue was cited for speeding Feb. 9.

Willernie

• Deputies cited a motorist Feb. 9 on Stillwater Road and Warner Avenue S. for failing to stop at the stop sign.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Creating ‘longstanding tradition’ in downtown White Bear Lake

a lot of attention to (getting) the right music, (having) the right cultural experiences.”

St. Patrick’s Day Hootenanny

When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: The Minnesotan, 2186 Fourth St., White Bear Lake

Details: The Minnesotan will host live performances throughout the day by Julia Wheaton, Lost in Prati, Rince Na Chroi, Brian Boru, Some S---- Cover Band and The Whiskies. Capacity is limited, so tickets are encouraged to be purchased ahead of time at https://theminnesotan.com/pages/stpatricks-day-hootenanny.

Live music with Locklin Road

When: 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Manitou Bar & Kitchen, 2171 Fourth Street, White Bear Lake

Details: The Luck of the Irish is upon us! Manitou Bar & Kitchen welcomes back Locklin Road to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day Party

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Washington Square Bar & Grill, 4736 Washington Square, White Bear Lake

Details: There will be live music from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; the party kicks off at 7 p.m. March 15. All weekend long, a St. Patrick’s Day menu with food and drink specials will be available.

Why St. Patrick’s Day? Roberts said, “selfishly speaking,” that he is half Irish. His grandparents immigrated from Ireland and settled on a hobby farm located on Division Avenue. It is also a way for him to share his brand and the new tap lounge.

“It’s an opportunity for us to create what people can expect from us as a brand, and create festive reasons for people to come down and enjoy the Minnesotan and downtown White Bear Lake,” Roberts explained.

The new tap lounge, which opened its doors last month, is self-serve. It features 20 taps, including beers, wines, cocktails, ciders and seltzers. Other options, like soda, novelty beers and coffee, are also available.

Roberts spent a lot of time focusing on the performance lineup for the St. Patrick’s Day event.

The party will kick off with a performance of the National Anthem by Julia Wheaton. Other performers will include the St. Thomas garage band Lost in Prati, Some S---- Cover Band and The Whiskies. There will also be an Irish dance performance by Rince Na Chroi and a performance by Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band.

“With our lineup, we are guaranteeing a really good time in downtown White Bear Lake,” he said. “We paid

The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of the Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs. No specific page or position shall be guaranteed. The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.

•

During the Hootenanny, Up-In Smoke BBQ food truck will be on site and other restaurants downtown are also participating in the festivities. “We are really relying on all of the other skilled restaurants and bars in the area to provide other entertainment (too),” Roberts noted.

Washington Square Bar & Grill will have live music beginning at 5:30 p.m. as well as a St. Patrick’s Day menu that features items like corned beef and cabbage or Reuben rolls paired with an Irish whiskey flight, Irish mule, whiskey ginger or beer.

Manitou Bar & Kitchen will have live music by Locklin Road from 3 to 6 p.m.

Other businesses downtown are planning food and drink specials, including Keys Café with a corned beef and cabbage special all weekend long. On St. Patrick’s Day (Monday, March 17) Rudy’s Redeye Grill will offer Reuben rolls, Reuben skins, Guinness stew in a bread bowl, corned beef and cabbage, Reuben sandwich and chocolate lava cake with mint ice cream, and Beartown Ball & Grill will offer corned beef tacos.

“We are trying to create that go-to destination that people will remember and put on their calendar as a tradition going forward,” Roberts said.

Keys gets ‘new’ owners, new look

varieties of cakes to the bakery.

For more information about Keys, visit www. keyscafe.com.

North Oaks Car Wash becomes supper club

Fish Fry: Who will be the best?

Hearth Development breaks new ground on apartment building

and churches fit into it?

Traditionally, a fish fry is strongly associated with the Roman Catholic community, but churches and organizations of all denominations—or none—have participated.

After over 35 years, the Keys Café, located at 2208 Fourth Street in downtown White Bear Lake, has “new” owners. Sisters Jean Hunn and Carol Gregory recently purchased the White Bear Lake location from their sister Celine Dinauer and Brian Carlson. Hunn and Gregory both own and operate other Keys locations.

The ritual of fasting during the Lenten season dates to the first century CE. The practice has changed quite a bit over the centuries. It originally started as a fast and was eventually established as a 40-day abstinence from the meat of warm-blooded animals.

“My sister decided to retire, and we wanted to keep the location as a Keys and in the family,” Hunn explained of the purchase.

This form of penance was meant to recognize the suffering and forbearance of Christ’s 40 days in the desert while he was tested by the devil.

The White Bear location is currently undergoing some renovations but remains open for business. Renovations include new paint, a new host/server station, a new entryway and a new sign. “We want to create an environment that is similar to other Keys locations,” Hunn explained.

This year’s Lenten season will begin Wednesday, March 5, and last until Thursday, April 17.  Fish fries are also a way to

61 and Manitou Bar & Kitchen were finalists.

In the Hugo market, St. John the Baptist Men’s Club of St. Genevieve’s Church earned the title, followed by Blacksmith Lounge & Broaster and Cabin 61 as finalists.

What was once the North Oaks Car Wash will soon reopen as a high-end supper club and member lounge called Stone & Oak, located at 4466 Centerville Road in White Bear Lake.

In the Shoreview market, Cabin 61 earned the Best Fish Fry title and Welsch’s Big Ten Tavern and Oliver’s were finalists.

celebrate Midwestern roots, since many places in Minnesota and Wisconsin were settled by German and Polish Catholics who did not typically eat meat on Fridays.

After the renovation is complete, Hunn says the plan is to extend hours, including opening their doors on Mondays. The business also plans to add pies and more

Proximity to freshwater lakes means that a fish fry might feature fresh walleye, bass, perch, bluegill

Hearth Development has broken ground on developing a new, 39-unit senior living apartment building. The building, called “Mahtomedi Lakes,” will be constructed on the site of the old Lakeside Club, located at 10 Old Wildwood Road in Mahtomedi. Hearth Development is leading the project which, in addition to the 39 units, will feature amenities such as a golf simulator, community room, party room, rooftop patio and pet washing room. The building’s decor will pay homage to the club itself and will also include an underground parking garage for residents. The building is set to open in April 2026.

Stone & Oak will open to the public March 20, offering dinner service Thursday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m., with extended daytime hours for members. Owner Lisa Stonehouse established the location in 2019 as the home of Stonehouse Catering. Over the years, the business has offered private inhouse dining and events, but closed the space to refine the dining experience and create a unique night-out destination.

or even catfish, in addition to a more widespread choice such as cod and tilapia.

As you visit fish fries this season, think about which one you would deem “the best” because Press Publications’ Best of the Press Readers’ Choice Contest is

In the Quad market, Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill won the title followed by St. John the Baptist Men’s Club of St. Genevieve’s Church, Kelly’s Korner Bar and VFW Post 1782 as finalists.

Who will the title go to in 2025? Be sure to nominate your favorite beginning April 30 so they appear on the ballot. Then don’t forget to vote once a day.

The new atmosphere will feature tufted booth and Manchester chair seating, as well as a cozy living room area. The distinctive bar seating will offer an interactive view of the open kitchen, enhancing the dining experience.

Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 651-426-8831 or visiting www.stonehousemn. com/stone&oak.

Fry Try a local

CONTRIBUTED

Keys Café remains open for business despite an ownership change and ongoing renovation.

ERIK SUCHY PRESS PUBLICATIONS

(From left) Glen Harstad of Hearth Development; Tom Lessard, family friend and former Lakeside Club customer; Tom Sauerwein of Sauerwein Masonry; Maureen McGill, formerly of Lakeside Club; Sue Mahmood, formerly of Lakeside Club; and Greg Johnson of Hearth Development.

CONTRIBUTED

Stone & Oak will open to the public March 20 in White Bear Lake.

Chamber recognizes area businesses with annual awards

The White Bear Lake Chamber recently handed out its annual business awards for 2025. Awards included: Sustainability and Green Business, Legacy of Excellence, Volunteer of the Year, Legacy of Community, Emerging Business and Business of the Year.

Not pictured are Bill Weigel, Volunteer of the Year Award recipient, and Celine Dinauer, Legacy of Excellence Award recipient. The Volunteer of the Year Award honors an individual whose dedication, passion and generosity have made a significant impact on the chamber and community. The Legacy of Excellence Award honors a business or individual whose longstanding dedication has made a lasting impact on our community.

Sustainability and Green Business Award:

Mueller Memorial received the Sustainability and Green Business Award, which recognizes a business that is leading the way in environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. The award honors a company that not only prioritizes eco-friendly initiatives but also integrates sustainability into its operations, products or community engagement.

Legacy of Community Award:

White Bear Lake Lions Club received the Legacy of Community Award, which honors an organization or individual

that has made a lasting, meaningful impact on the community through dedication to service, leadership and outreach. The award recognizes the Lions longstanding commitment to making a difference and creating a legacy of generosity, collaboration and positive change.

Emerging Business Award: Young’s Korean BBQ is the recipient of the Emerging Business Award, which recognizes a rising business that is making a significant impact in our community through community engagement and excellence. The award honors a business that has demonstrated strong leadership, resilience and a commitment to excellence in its early years.

Business of the Year Award:

Farmhouse Style Furniture is the recipient of the Business of the Year Award, which honors a business that has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and commitment to the community. The award recognizes a business that not only excels in its industry but also actively contributes to the success and well-being of the local economy.

Taelor Johnson of Mueller Memorial Jim Francis of White Bear Lake Lions Club Sami Fidler of Young’s Korean BBQ

12

VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Vadnais Heights Planning Commission will meet and conduct a public hearing on March 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Vadnais Heights City Hall, 800 County Road E East, to consider an application submitted by Peng Thao for a Variance at 355 KOEHLER RD (PIN 293022320012).

Anyone wishing to be heard in regard to this matter will be given an opportunity at this time. The application is available for public review at City Hall during normal business hours and will be posted on the City’s website in advance of the meeting. Questions or comments should be directed to Nolan Wall, Planning/Community Development Director, at 651-204-6027 or nolan.

wall@cityvadnaisheights.com.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on March 12, 2025.

CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Vadnais Heights Planning Commission will meet and conduct a public hearing on March 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Vadnais Heights City Hall, 800 County Road E East, to consider an application submitted by Stelter Enterprises LLC for a Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan, Variance at 0 VADNAIS CENTER DR (PIN 333022210022).

Anyone wishing to be heard in regard to this matter will be given an opportunity at this time. The application is available for public review at City Hall during normal business hours and will be posted on the City’s website in advance of the meeting. Questions or comments should be directed to Nolan Wall, Planning/Community Development Director, at 651-204-6027 or nolan. wall@cityvadnaisheights.com.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on March 12, 2025.

CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS

ORDINANCE NO. 787

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 10 ARTICLE IV SECTION 10-298 LOW POTENCY EDIBLE EXEMPTION

WHEREAS: The City Council of Vadnais Heights passed Ordinance No. 775 to set registration application requirements for adult-use cannabis business and the associated zoning uses; and WHEREAS: this ordinance notice has been published in the paper of note ten days prior to consideration;

THEREFORE: City Code Chapter 10 Division 9 Section 10-298 shall be amended to the following - strikethrough text indicates text to be stricken, underlined text is to be added: 10.298. – Limiting of Registrations

The City shall limit the number of cannabis retail businesses licensed cannabis retailers, cannabis mezzobusinesses with a retail operations endorsement, and cannabis microbusinesses with a retail operations endorsement to no fewer than one per 12,500 residents within the legal boundaries of the City of Vadnais Heights. Businesses whose sole cannabis business registration is for lower-potency hemp derived edibles are exempt from the above cap.

This ordinance shall be effective from its passage and subsequent publication. Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on March 12, 2025.

NORTHEAST METRO 916

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA

BOARD NOTES FEBRUARY 5, 2025

The regular meeting of the School Board of Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District was held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Bellaire School and the following business was transacted. Meeting Called to Order

The meeting was called to order by Chair Forsberg at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call of Attendance

Members present: Knisely-12, Palmer-13, Jones-14, Forsberg-16, Oknesvad-282, Bock- 621, Nitardy-622, Clark-623, Daniels-624, Rebelein-831, Dols-833 and Thelander-834. Absent: Stout-832. Also present: Dr. Val Rae Boe, superintendent.

Approval of Agenda

Adopted the agenda as presented, limited discussion to the approved agenda, and accepted the list of items proposed for consent adoption. Board Calendar Dates

• Thursday, February 27, 2025- Building Tour: Bellaire Education Center at 12:00 p.m. and School Board Orientation at 12:30 p.m., Bellaire Board Room

• Wednesday, March 5, 2025- School Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 26, 2025 - Building Tours: Pankalo Education Center at 8:30 a.m., Auditory Oral Program at 10:00 a.m, and 916 Mahtomedi Academy at 11:30.

• Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - Building Tours: Metro Heights Academy at 8:00 a.m. and Karner Blue Education Center at 9:30 a.m.

• Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - Building Tours: South Campus Education Center at 8:30 a.m. and Quora Education Center (Quora Secondary School and Eastview Academy) at 10:00 a.m.

Questions and/or Comments from Citizens Present on Non-Agenda Items None.

Presentation: Legislative Update

Valerie Dosland, lobbyist, shared an update on the House and Senate, budget recommendations, and 2025 Intermediate priorities as this 2025 legislative session begins.

Presentation: Career and Technical Education

Michelle Baland, principal of 916 Career & Tech, and a student from Stillwater High School enrolled in the Dental Careers program at Career & Tech, shared the benefits of 916’s career and technical programs for both students and member districts.

Presentation: Project Aware Update

Cara McGlynn, lead 916 social worker, shared an update on the Project AWARE grant.

First Reading: 2025-26 School Calendars

A first reading of three calendars for the 2025-26 School Calendars were presented. The first calendar covers staff and students in the majority of the 916, the second calendar is a stretch calendar for Mahtomedi Academy, and the third calendar is a stretch calendar at Bellaire Education Center. Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Boe commented on the following items that were included in her written report: (a) Member District Highlights; (b) Partnership and Progress (c) Legislative Updates; and (d) Strategic Actions Program Spotlight: South Campus.

Approval of the Consent Agenda

Approved the consent items, accepted as part of the approval of the agenda, consistent with the recommended actions presented by the administration.

Approval of Minutes

Payment of Bills and ACH Payments

Personnel

Field Trip

Approval of 2025 Summer Programming Calendars

Approved the dates for ESY and Summer programming for students attending the Area Learning Centers for 2025.

Adopt Proposed Policy Modifications

Adopted Policies 512 and 519 as revised.

Approval of Letter of Intent for Leased Space to support Metro Heights Academy ALC

Approved the Letter of Intent for leased space at 6499 University Avenue. The Board further approves the Lease Agreement with Yellow Brick Road Investments, LLC, consistent with the Letter of Intent, subject to final review and approval by staff and legal counsel. The Board Chair is authorized and directed to sign the Letter of Intent and Lease subject to the terms of this motion. Board Forum

www.presspubs.com

Chair Forsberg highly recommended the MSBA 9 a.m. sessions to Board with a reminder that they are recorded.

Member Oksnevad shared the AMSD meeting on Friday, February 7 will feature a presentation on AI and education. She also shared some of the bills that are part of the legislative platform.

Member Daniels shared she will be attending COSSBA in March and would be interested to hear from anyone with ideas they would like her to focus on or share.

Meeting Adjourned

Adjourned the meeting at 7:43 p.m.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on March 12, 2025. RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

PUBLIC NOTICE SOLICITATION OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

SOLICITATION: RFB-PRMG33263-KB

OPENING DATE: 4/3/2025

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY THROUGH THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT SEEKS A PRIME CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, MATERIAL, LABOR, AND INCIDENTALS FOR THE RAMSEY COUNTY FAMILY CENTER/ALDRICH ARENA PARKING LOT SEPARATION PROJECT. PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: 2001 VAN DYKE STREET, MAPLEWOOD, MN 55109. 3/202025. 9:30 AM CST.

SOLICITATION: RFB-PRMG33820-KB

OPENING DATE: 4/17/2025

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, SEEKS QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS TO PROVIDE COMMERCIAL LOT SWEEPING SERVICES FOR RAMSEY COUNTY FACILITIES. Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on March 12, 2025.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-140 CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of Agnes Elizabeth Yapel, a/k/a Agnes E. Yapel, Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:

Notice is hereby given that an application for informal probate of the abovenamed Decedent’s Last Will dated November 21, 2003 (“Will”) has been filed with the Probate Registrar, and the application has been granted.

Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: Timothy J. Yapel, PO Box 1077, Chardon OH 44024, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-607, and the court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.

Any objections to the probate of the Will, or to the appointment of the personal representative, must be filed with this court, and will be heard by the court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing.

62-PR-25-140 Filed in District Court

Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred.

Dated: March 4, 2025

Laura J. Stevens Probate Registrar

Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator

Attorney for Personal Representative

Paul D. Funke

Attorney License No.: 395366

Funke Law

3820 Cleveland Avenue North, Suite 500 Saint Paul MN 55112

Telephone: 651-332-8700

E-Mail: Paul@funkelawoffice.com

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on March 12 and 19, 2025.

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

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-24-1013

AMENDED NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR DESCENT OF PROPERTY

In re the Estate of: David Charles Strom, Decedent. A Petition for Determination of Descent has been filed with this Court. The Petition represents that the Decedent died more than three years ago, leaving property in Minnesota and requests the probate of Decedent’s last Will, if any, and the descent of such property be determined and assigned by this Court to the persons entitled to the property.

Any objections to the Petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper, and no objections are filed or raised, the Petition may be granted. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.

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

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Petition will be heard using remote technology on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. by this Court using remote technology via zoom. Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that this Notice shall be published in a legal newspaper in Ramsey County once per week for two consecutive weeks in a row and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice.

BY THE COURT: Michael Upton, Court Administrator

BY: Benjamin Linker, Deputy Court Administrator

Date: February 26, 2025

Attorney for Petitioner: Kristine M. Erickson

Rosenmeier Law Office, LLC

210 Second Street NE Little Falls, MN 56345

Attorney License No: 0398204

Telephone: (320) 632-5458

Email: k.erickson@littlefallslaw.com

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on March 5 and 12, 2025.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE 2: CONDEMNATION COURT FILE NO. 62-CV-25-742

JUDGE EDWARD SHEU AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING County of Ramsey, Petitioner,

v. Bruce W. Kelley, Loraine Kelley, Spirit Master Funding X, LLC., Northwoods Entertainment, LLC., Schwing America, Inc., Branch Investments, L.L.P., Muller Family Theatres, Drake Properties, LLC., Northern States Power Company d/b/a Xcel Energy, Holiday Diversified Services, LLC., North Oaks Amoco, Inc., Holiday Stationstore, Maple Bank, Board of Water Commissioners of the City of St. Paul, Presbyterian Homes of North Oaks, Inc., North Oaks Office Center, LLC., Wells Fargo Bank National Association, U.S. Bank National Association, City of White Bear Township, City of North Oaks, County of Ramsey, and all other parties unknown having any claimed right, title or interest in the premises herein, together with the unknown heirs or devisees, if any, of the parties that may be deceased, and including unknown spouses, if any, Respondents.

IN THE MATTER OF THE CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN LAND TO THE RESPONDENTS HEREIN ABOVE NAMED:

You, and each of you, are hereby notified that on the 8th day of May 2025, at 10:00 a.m. via ZOOM before Judge Edward Sheu, Petitioner will present to the above-named court a Petition now on file herein for condemnation of certain land for highway purposes. Parties wishing to appear at the remote hearing at 10:00 a.m. on May 8, 2025, can join by logging into https://zoom. us/join. After connecting, enter the following Meeting ID and Passcode: Meeting ID: 161 154 3923 Passcode: 129107

If you plan to appear by ZOOM, please notify the petitioner’s attorney listed below in order to receive a copy of any proposed exhibits and orders provided to the court. You are not required to notify the petitioner’s attorney, but failure to do so may prevent you from having access to the exhibits and proposed orders submitted.

The object of the Petition is to acquire by “quick take” condemnation under the right of eminent domain the real property interests as described in the Petition. This notice is amended to change the transfer of title and right of possession to an effective date of May 15, 2025. The original notice, through either error or inadvertence, contained a scrivener’s error stating an incorrect date of June 1, 2025.

The land desired and proposed to be taken are situated in Ramsey County, Minnesota, and are described in the Petition, together with the names of all persons appearing of record or known to Petitioner to be the owners of said land or interested therein including all whom Petitioner has been able by investigation and inquiry to discover, together with the nature of the ownership of each as nearly as can be ascertained.

At the hearing, the County of Ramsey will ask the Court for an order permitting payment to the respective owners or deposit with the Court an amount equal to Petitioner’s approved appraisal of value of the parcels described in the Petition, thereby transferring title and the right to possession of the property to the County of Ramsey effective May 15, 2025. Furthermore, the County of Ramsey will ask the Court to ascertain the allocation of funds so deposited and to establish a procedure for the withdrawal of those funds. Neither payment to the respective owners nor deposit with the Court shall prejudice or affect the right of a respective party to apply for additional payment in this proceeding. Finally, the County of Ramsey will ask the Court to establish procedures by which commissioners shall hear all allegations and proofs of persons interested herein.

A party wishing to challenge the public use or public purpose, necessity, or authority for a taking must appear at the court hearing and state the objection or must appeal within 60 days of a court order, and a court order approving the public use or public purpose, necessity, and authority for the taking is final unless an appeal is brought within 60 days after service of the order on the party. Furthermore, a party wishing to be heard as to the appointment of the commissioners who will ascertain the amount of damages must appear at the court hearing.

Any person not appearing at the hearing, or otherwise filing a notice of appearance with the district court, may not be notified of further hearings or actions related to the Petition.

Dated: February 27, 2025

JOHN J. CHOI

Ramsey County Attorney

By: Scott Schwahn (#0222239) Kevin S. Plaisance (#0504690) Assistant Ramsey County Attorneys 360 Wabasha St. N., Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 266-3014 (Schwahn) (651) 266-3178 (Plaisance) scott.schwahn@co.ramsey.mn.us kevin.plaisance@co.ramsey.mn.us

Attorneys for Petitioner

Published three times in the Vadnais Heights Press on March 5, 12 and 19, 2025.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE 2: CONDEMNATION COURT FILE NO. 62-CV-25-742 JUDGE EDWARD SHEU PETITION

County of Ramsey, Petitioner, v. Bruce W. Kelley, Loraine Kelley, Spirit Master Funding X, LLC., Northwoods Entertainment, LLC., Schwing America, Inc., Branch Investments, L.L.P., Muller Family Theatres, Drake Properties, LLC., Northern States Power Company d/b/a Xcel Energy, Holiday Diversified Services, LLC., North Oaks Amoco, Inc., Holiday Stationstore, Maple Bank, Board of Water Commissioners of the City of St. Paul, Presbyterian Homes of North Oaks, Inc., North Oaks Office Center, LLC., Wells Fargo Bank National Association, U.S. Bank National Association, City of White Bear Township, City of North Oaks, County of Ramsey, and all other parties unknown having any claimed right, title or interest in the premises herein, together with the unknown heirs or devisees, if any, of the parties that may be deceased, and including unknown spouses, if any, Respondents.

IN THE MATTER OF THE CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN LAND

TO THE DISTRICT COURT ABOVE NAMED

The County of Ramsey brings this Petition and respectfully states and alleges: I.

That this proceeding is taken pursuant to law in the name of and on behalf of the County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota, by John J. Choi, the Continued on next page.

duly elected, qualified and acting County Attorney, at the request of the Board of County Commissioners of Ramsey County, as shown by County Board Resolution No. B2023-052, dated April 4, 2023, a certified copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part hereof.

II.

That the County of Ramsey also deems it necessary, expedient, and for a public use and purpose to obtain by “quick take” condemnation under the right of eminent domain the permanent easements and temporary construction easements in the lands as described in this Petition, together with all structures, trees, shrubs, grass and herbage to be damaged thereby.

III.

In the attached Exhibit B, where a “permanent easement” is identified, the interests being conveyed include all rights necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of all public right-of-way and utility uses now known or adopted in the future. Such rights include, but are not limited to, the right: to remove and use all plants, trees, ground cover, and natural growth now existing, or later planted or grown; to permanently grade or alter the grade of the land, and to remove and use all earth and other material not reasonably necessary for lateral and subjacent support; to limit or allow the location, number, and related characteristics of access from the remainder property to the public right-of-way; to store equipment or supplies; to access, both ingress and egress, from the most reasonably convenient rights-of-way; to remove any physical improvements or fixtures that interfere with its use as a public right-of-way; and to exclude from the area any use or improvement that conflicts with the rights conveyed herein. Reasonable and convenient access to the remainder will be maintained.

IV.

In the attached Exhibit B, where a “temporary easement” is identified, the interests being conveyed include all rights of possession and use, for a limited period of time, necessary or incidental to support the related construction project, including the right: to stage equipment or supplies; to access other portions of the construction project; to make minimal permanent alterations to the grade of the land that do not substantially impact the remainder; to remove (and restore in substantially similar condition) any plants, ground cover, or physical improvements; to access, both ingress and egress, from the most reasonably convenient rights-of-way; and to install any temporary improvements. Reasonable and convenient access to the remainder will be maintained. The term of the temporary easement shall be for 24 months beginning on June 1, 2025 and ending June 1, 2027, or for 24 months from the date when granted pursuant to order of the district court, whichever is later. In addition, the interests identified in this paragraph include the option of the Petitioner to extend the temporary easement for up to two six-month terms to be held consecutive to the original term and to each other at the monthly rate determined for the initial term.

V. Personal property not specifically identified as being acquired, including, but not limited to, fencing, irrigation systems, pavement, curbing, or signage, or trees, shrubs, plants, or ground covering, is not included in this petition, except to the extent the above rights provide for the removal, replacement, use, or repair of such property. It is the intention of the Petitioner to address any claim of damage related to personal property destroyed, removed, lost, or otherwise damaged, but not repaired or replaced in substantially similar condition, in accordance with applicable relocation laws, including Minn. Stat. § 117.50 - .56 or the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

VI.

That the purpose for which said interests in land described in this Petition are being acquired is for the widening, addition to and realignment of County Road J for the purpose of public travel and transportation and related uses, as well as bridge replacement over Highway 35E, addition of access ramps, and the implementation of curb and gutter on both sides Count Road J.

VII.

The taking in this matter is to obtain rights sufficient to support the construction and maintenance of a public highway, including related facilities. Unless specifically identified, pre-existing utility, pipeline, access, and other easements or interests shall remain in full force and effect and shall only be impaired to the extent necessary for the County of Ramsey to construct and maintain a public highway, and related uses, on the land being acquired. For any parcel being taken by this condemnation proceeding that is subject to preexisting utility, pipeline, access, or other easements or interests, the County of Ramsey shall work as needed with the easement holder to adjust facilities to accommodate the construction or to adjust construction plans to minimize related damages.

VIII.

It is the intent of the Petitioner that reasonable access, in at least one direction, to the main thoroughfare will be maintained for any remaining interest of a property from which a permanent or temporary easement is taken.

IX. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, should tests or evaluations undertaken by or on behalf of the County of Ramsey indicate the possible presence of pollutants, contaminants, or hazardous substances on any of the property described in this Petition, the County of Ramsey reserves the right to defer effecting the transfer of the interest to any of the property as described herein for a reasonable time until the County of Ramsey can evaluate whether it wishes to proceed with the taking, abandon these proceedings and dismiss the Petition as to said property, or otherwise respond to such information.

Further, the County of Ramsey reserves the right to recover costs of clean-up and testing and all other damages resulting from the presence of pollutants, contaminates, or hazardous substances on the property described herein, from all potentially responsible parties in a separate legal action.

X.

That a party wishing to challenge the public use or public purpose, necessity, or authority for a taking must appear at the hearing of this Court at which the County of Ramsey, as Petitioner, shall present this Petition to the Court and state the objection or must appeal within 60 days of a Court order.

XI.

That the land in these proceedings to be taken are situated in Ramsey County, Minnesota and are more particularly described in attached Exhibit B which is made a part hereof. The names of all persons appearing of record or known to the County of Ramsey to be the owners of said land, or interested therein, including all whom the County of Ramsey has been able by investigation and inquiry to discover, together with the nature of the ownership of each, as nearly as can be ascertained, are set forth on attached Exhibit B. XII.

The County of Ramsey hereby moves the court for an order transferring title and possession of the parcels described herein prior to filing of an award by the court appointed commissioners, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 117.042. WHEREFORE, the County of Ramsey prays for an order of this Court as follows:

1. Adjudging that said taking is for a public purpose, is necessary, and is authorized by law; and

2. It be further adjudged that the County of Ramsey is entitled to take and hold such property for the public use pursuant to the Notice of Intent to Take Possession, on file with this Court; and

3. Appointing three disinterested commissioners, and at least two alternates, to ascertain and report the amount of damages that will be sustained by the several owners on account of the taking; fixing the time and place of the first meeting of the three commissioners; prescribing their compensation; establishing procedures for the disbursement of funds deposited with the district court; establishing procedures by which commissioners shall hear all allegations and proofs of persons interested herein; and requiring the commissioners to file their report with the District Court Administrator within 365 days from the date of the order appointing the commissioners unless said time be further extended by order of the Court; and

4. For such other and further relief as may be proper and pursuant to law.

Dated: February 26, 2025

JOHN J. CHOI

Ramsey County Attorney

By: Scott Schwahn (#0222239) Kevin S. Plaisance (#0504690)

Assistant Ramsey County Attorneys 360 Wabasha St. N., Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 266-3014 (Schwahn) (651) 266-3178 (Plaisance) scott.schwahn@co.ramsey.mn.us kevin.plaisance@co.ramsey.mn.us

Attorneys for Petitioner

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The undersigned hereby acknowledges that costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorney and witness fees may be awarded pursuant to Minn. Stat. Section 549.211 to the party against whom the allegations in this pleading are asserted.

/s/ Scott Schwahn Scott Schwahn

EXHIBIT A

RAMSEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION B2023-052

Sponsor: Public Works

Meeting Date: 4/4/2023

Title: 2023 - 2027 Transportation Improvement Program

File Number: 2023-120

Background and Rationale:

Background and Rationale:

To qualify for state and federal funding and to proceed with construction projects, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners must approve the Public Works 5-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is a planning document and funding estimates identified in the TIP are reflected in the county’s Capital Improvements Program Budget. Similar programs have been developed each year since 1988.

The Public Works department, annually, prepares the TIP using a collaborative process whereby the county solicits projects and input from area municipalities. Project inclusion in the TIP is based on a cooperative dialogue with municipal and state partners, along with technical analysis and consideration of funding opportunities. While funding limits will continue to challenge program delivery, communication and engagement with municipal partners ensures local needs and priorities are examined and addressed to the extent possible.

Projects included in the TIP are also looked at through the lens of the Ramsey County All Abilities Transportation Network policy, which prioritizes the most vulnerable users (i.e. pedestrians, bicyclists, people with disabilities, etc.) first.

The design, construction, and right-of-way costs identified in the TIP are estimates based on best practices in the industry. The funding landscape for transportation projects can be volatile and the ultimate delivery of the TIP is dependent on future funding levels. Partnering on projects with area communities, bordering counties, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and other state agencies will continue to be a critical way for Ramsey County to get the most from available funds.

Recommendation:

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners resolved to:

1. Adopt the 2023 - 2027 Public Works Transportation Improvement Program.

2. Authorize the County Engineer to prepare plans and agreements for all projects identified in the Transportation Improvement Program, and to issue solicitations in accordance with County policies and procedures and the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s list of “Pre-Qualified Vendors by Work Type”.

3. Authorize the County Surveyor to execute Right of Way Plats and Certificate of Surveys for Highway projects that require the determination of existing right of way for the delineation and /or acquisition of property, for planning studies or disposition of excess county property.

4. Authorize the County Manager to enter into contracts and agreements, and execute change orders and amendments to contracts, supplemental agreements, and agreements related to the expenditure of Transportation Improvement Program Project Funds utilizing County State Aid, Federal, State, and participating funding associated with the construction of the approved projects in the 2023 - 2027 Transportation Improvement Program or a previously approved Transportation Improvement Program in accordance with the county’s procurement policies and procedures.

5. Authorize the County Engineer and County Attorney to acquire temporary easements, permanent easements, fee title, and enter into Limited Use Permits with the State of Minnesota for projects in the 2023 - 2027 Transportation Improvement Program, or previously approved Transportation Improvement Program, by negotiation or condemnation.

6. Authorize the Public Works Director to approve negotiated settlements for up to $100,000 over the county’s appraised value per parcel for temporary and permanent easements and fee title.

7. Authorize the County Manager to approve and execute purchase agreements, settlements, closing documents, Limited Use Permits, and other related real estate documentation associated with County Board approved acquisitions of real property.

8. Authorize the County Manager to approve and execute cooperative agreements and maintenance agreements with cities, counties, the state, and other governmental agencies for their participation in projects listed in the 2023 - 2027 Public Works Transportation Improvement Program or previously approved Transportation Improvement Program.

9. Authorize temporary cash loans from the County General Fund to the Road and Bridge Capital Improvement Program fund and the Wheelage Tax fund for costs of projects listed in the 2023 -2027 Public Works Transportation Improvement Program, or previously approved Transportation Improvement Program, and for maintenance project expenditures occurring before bond or wheelage tax proceeds are received pending receipt of Federal, County State Aid Highway, state and participating funds.

10. Authorize the Public Works Director to submit grant applications for state and federal funding for projects listed in the 2023 - 2027 Public Works Transportation Improvement Program.

11. Authorize the County Manager to accept grants and execute grant agreements agreeing to the grant terms and conditions for the grant award. For grants that so require, the county agrees to be responsible for any additional amount by which the cost exceeds the county’s construction cost estimate and will return to the grantor any grant amount appropriated for the project but not utilized for the project under the terms of the grant agreement.

12. Authorize the County Manager to issue letters of support in place of an official Ramsey County Board Resolution for constituent cities’ grant applications.

A motion to approve was made by Commissioner McGuire, seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt. Motion passed.

Aye: - 7: Frethem, MatasCastillo, McGuire, Moran, Ortega, Reinhardt, and Xiong

By: Mee Cheng, Chief Clerk - County Board

I, Jason Yang, Interim Chief Clerk - County Board, duly appointed and qualified for Ramsey County, Minnesota, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Resolution B2023-052, passed by the Board of Commissioners on 04/04/2023

Attest: Jason Yang, Chief Clerk - County Board

Date Certified: 2/25/2025

County, Minnesota.

EXHIBIT B PARCEL 9

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

PERMANENT RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

EXHIBIT B

Over, under and across Temporary Easement Parcel 9, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY OF WAY PLAT NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Over, under and across Parcel 9, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and County, Minnesota.

PARCEL 9

PERMANENT RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

PIN: 04-30-22-11-0001– Abstract Property

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Over, under and across Parcel 9, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota.

ADDRESS: 5991 Otter Lake Rd., White Bear Township, MN 55110-6473

Over, under and across Temporary Easement Parcel 9, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY OF WAY PLAT NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota.

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Over, under and across Temporary Easement Parcel 9, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota. PIN: 04-30-22-11-0001– Abstract Property

ADDRESS: 5991 Otter Lake Rd., White Bear Township, MN 55110-6473

PIN: 04-30-22-11-0001– Abstract Property ADDRESS: 5991 Otter Lake Rd., White Bear Township, MN 55110-6473

NAME NATURE OF INTEREST Reference Bruce W. Kelley Fee Owner Loraine Kelley Fee Owner City of White Bear Township Possible Special Assessments County of Ramsey Possible Property Taxes

PARCEL 16

PERMANENT RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

NAME NATURE OF INTEREST Reference Bruce W. Kelley Fee Owner Loraine Kelley Fee Owner City of White Bear Township Possible Special Assessments County of Ramsey Possible Property Taxes

Over, under and across Parcel 16, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder Ramsey County, Minnesota.

PARCEL 16 PERMANENT RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

PARCEL 16

under and across Parcel 16, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota. TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION: Over, under and across Temporary Easement Parcel 16, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota.

PERMANENT RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION: Over, under and across Temporary Easement Parcel 16, RAMSEY COUNTY

RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office Recorder in and

Over, under and across Parcel 16, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder Ramsey County, Minnesota.

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

PIN: 04-30-22-12-0011 – Abstract Property

ADDRESS: 1180 County Road J E., White Bear Township, MN 55127-6800

Over, under and across Temporary Easement Parcel 16, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office Recorder in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota.

PIN: 04-30-22-12-0011 – Abstract Property

ADDRESS: 1180 County Road J E., White Bear Township, MN 55127-6800

Branch Investments, L.L.P. Utility, Drainage and Road Easement

NAME NATURE OF INTEREST Reference Spirit Master Funding X, LLC Fee Owner Northwoods Entertainment, LLC Tenant Schwing America, Inc. Utility and Pond Easement

17, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder Ramsey County, Minnesota.

11

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION: Over, under and across Temporary Easement Parcel 17, RAMSEY COUNTY

EASEMENT

MN 55127-6800 NAME NATURE OF INTEREST Reference

Properties, LLC Fee Owner

America, Inc. Utility Easement

Investments, L.L.P. Road Easement

1150 County Road J E.,

Family Theatres Road Easement

Bear Township, MN 55127-6800

States Power Company, d/b/a Xcel Energy Regulating and Measuring Station Easement

NATURE OF INTEREST Reference

Properties, LLC Fee Owner

Holiday Diversified Services, LLC Tenant

America, Inc. Utility Easement

Investments, L.L.P. Road Easement

North Oaks Amoco, Inc. Tenant

Family Theatres Road Easement

Holiday Stationstore Tenant

States Power

Maple Bank Mortgagee

d/b/a Xcel Energy Regulating and Measuring Station Easement

PARCEL 18

City of White Bear Township Road, Drainage, Utility, Walkway Easement and Possible Special Assessments County of Ramsey Drainage Utility Easement and Possible Property Taxes

PERMANENT RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Minnesota.

Over, under and across Parcel 18, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the Registrar of Titles Ramsey County, Minnesota.

PARCEL 18

PERMANENT RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Over, under and across Parcel 18, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the Registrar of Titles in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota.

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION: Over, under and across Temporary Easement Parcel 18, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. as the same is on file and of record in the office Registrar of Titles in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Diversified Services, LLC Tenant North Oaks Amoco, Inc. Tenant Holiday Stationstore Tenant Maple Bank Mortgagee City of White Bear Township Road, Drainage, Utility, Walkway Easement and Possible Special Assessments County of Ramsey Drainage, Utility Easement and Possible Property Taxes

PIN:

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Over, under and across Temporary Easement Parcel 18, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the Registrar of Titles in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Over, under and across Temporary Easement Parcel 18, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 49, as the same is on file and of record in the office Registrar of Titles in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota.

PIN: 04-30-22-21-0003 – Torrens Property Certificate of Title No. 372771

PIN: 04-30-22-21-0003 – Torrens Property Certificate of Title No. 372771

ADDRESS: 0 Centerville Rd., North Oaks, MN 55127

ADDRESS: 0 Centerville Rd., North Oaks, MN 55127

NAME NATURE OF INTEREST Reference Schwing America, Inc. Fee Owner Board of Water Commissioners of the City of

NAME NATURE OF INTEREST Reference Schwing America, Inc. Fee Owner

Board of Water Commissioners of the City of St. Paul Easement City of North Oaks Possible Special Assessments County of Ramsey Possible Property Taxes

PARCEL

of record in the office Registrar of Titles in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota.

PIN: 04-30-22-21-0011 – Torrens Property Certificate of Title Nos: 544643 & 550406 Additional Lands) ADDRESS: 5959 Centerville Rd., North Oaks, MN

13

DR. JOY JOHNSON 651-653-3802

DR. JOY JOHNSON 651-653-3802

DR. JOY JOHNSON 651-653-3802

4100 BELLAIRE AVENUE WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

4100 BELLAIRE AVENUE

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

4100 BELLAIRE AVENUE WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

Local veteran celebrates 100th birthday

Friends and family members gather around WWII Veteran Bill Kruschel, second from right, to sing happy birthday during a recent gathering at the White Bear Lake VFW to celebrate his 100th birthday. The gathering was one of several celebrations he attended last week and included his 96-year-old brother Fritz, sons Jeff and Bill, daughter Kathy and friends who made the trip from Germany for the occasion. During WWII he attended the US Navy Medical Corps school and served as a Navy Corpsman with the 1st Marine Division in the South Pacific, including the island of Okinawa. When he returned home in January 1946 he said that he had to wait 6 weeks to legally get a beer because he hadn’t turned 21 yet.

From trees to the breakfast table: Learn to make maple syrup at state parks

March is that time of the year when the sun is higher in the sky, the snow is melting and plants are getting ready to come back from dormancy. These are indications that tree saps are starting to flow, which means it’s maple syrup season. Five Minnesota state parks are offering programs to introduce people to the history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used.

Participants will learn how to identify and tap the right kind of tree as well as how to boil the sap until it is sweet enough to serve on pancakes, waffles or ice cream.

Programs will be offered at the following state parks:

• Fort Snelling State Park: March 2, 9, 16, 29 and 30

• Lake Bemidji State Park: March 22

• Nerstrand Big Woods State Park: March 15, 16, 22, 23 and 29

• Whitewater State Park: March 1, 8, 15 and 22

• Wild River State Park: March 22, 29, April 5 and 12 Minnesota is home to five native species of maple trees, and all produce sap that can be made into maple syrup. Sugar maples are the preferred tree for maple syrup, as the sap from sugar maple trees has the highest concentration of sugar. Typically, the best time to collect tree sap has been between mid-March and mid-April, when temperatures

are in the high 30s to mid-40s during the day and below freezing at night. It usually takes 30 to 40 gallons of tree sap to produce one gallon of pure maple syrup. Due to space limitations, some programs require advance registration. For more information about events or how to tap trees and make maple syrup, visit mndnr.gov/maplesyrup. The maple syrup programs at Minnesota state parks are free, but vehicle permits are required to enter the parks.

Department of Natural Resources

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LOCAL RESEARCHER: Historian digs up archives for Lakeridge neighborhood

ran for help to the nearest house at 2311 Lilac Lane. Owner Arnold “Arnie” Lees grabbed a shovel and ran down the hill to save Bucky, but it was too late.

A Minneapolis Tribune article reported that Lees suffered a heart attack at his home after frantically trying to dig Bucky out of the gully. He survived but succumbed to a fatal heart attack about a year later. Bucky was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Young of Floral Drive.

The area was being graded in preparation for a future housing development platted as the Bacchus Lakeridge Addition, which included new streets named Joy Avenue and Lakeridge Drive.

Developer Ken Bacchus, also featured in the book, built many of the homes in south White Bear Lake during the Baby Boom era. Joy Avenue, the street where Costello lives, was named after his daughter Joye.

Costello didn’t know Bucky’s name at first, only that the tragedy occurred in his neighborhood. He reached out to Jane Bacchus, Ken’s daughter, who suggested he talk to her brother-in-law, John Eklund, who grew up on South Shore. It was from him that Costello got a last name.

The Minnesota Historical Society has a Minnesota death index based on county. He found 30 Youngs in the database. After eliminating female names, he whittled it down to 15. Using FamilySearch.org, he found a Young who died at 14 on Aug. 10, 1957. “That was the ‘aha’ moment,” Costello said. “His name was Steve. I went to the library and looked up newspaper articles starting the next day, and there it was on the front page. It was really dramatic.”

He also talked to Lees’ son Jiggs, a local musician, who said his parents bought the house in 1954. Jiggs was 8 years old when his father died.

Costello’s treasure trove of area history includes names like Peter Schneider, for whom Schneider Bay (the correct spelling) is named and the origins of the South Shore area. According to the author, the oldest transaction on his home’s abstract of deed is the transfer of land from the United States government to Merrick Burton in 1853. “Prior to that, it would have been obtained by the United States through the 1837 land cessation treaty with the Dakota tribe,” Costello said. From Burton, the land went to Frederick Schneider and then to Peter Schneider Sr., Peter Schneider Jr. and a few others as property was divided. By 1885, Schneider junior owned much of the land along the bay.

Visual interest was added on every page through the use of illustrations, maps and photos of people featured in the booklet.

Included among the notables were:

• Thomas Newcome, mayor, judge, city attorney and legislator, who died in 2011 at age 87. He was one of the original homeowners on Joy Avenue and largely responsible for the establishment of Hidden Hollow Park, a complicated goal that took nearly five years to achieve. Seems the landowners, the Harold McGree family, had plans to build townhomes until the city acquired the parkland through eminent domain.

• 3M scientist Dr. Spencer Silver, who lived at 2286 Lilac Lane, mink farmer’s Adolph Thome’s original home. In 1968, Silver discovered the removable adhesive eventually used in Post-it Notes. When he retired in 1996, Silver held more than 22 US patents. He died in 2021.

• Thome owned the land that eventually became the Bacchus Lakeridge addition. Before it was developed, he filled in half of Lily Pond, forming a ridge that went around the south side to Myrle Avenue. That is why the neighborhood is called Lakeridge. Myrle Avenue is likely named after Myrle Day Smith (18911947), the wife of Clarence E. Smith, who platted the Goodrich Homesites subdivision in 1949 with business partner Harold Goodrich.

The streetcar that traversed the Lakeridge neighborhood on its way to downtown White Bear used the ridge that later became a trail on the northern edge of Hidden Hollow Park. The streetcar line was no more after Wildwood Amusement Park shut down in 1932.

• Gerry Spiess, who built Yankee Girl in his garage at 2387 Floral Drive. Spiess, of course, is the sailor who crossed both the Atlantic and the Pacific in the 10-foot plywood boat. Spiess also coined the name for Hidden Hollow Park, which bordered his house. Spiess won a contest to name the park in 1974. He died in 2019 at age 79.

• Dr. Robert Reif, (1921-2011), the city’s well-known doctor, whom Costello calls the “Renaissance man of Schneider Bay”. There is much information about this fascinating man in the book. People may not know that he was passionate about hockey, which explains the perennial rink on Lily Lake Pond behind his South Shore Boulevard home, now owned by Reif’s son Tony.

• The inventive Dr. George Schossow was a family practitioner who lived on Lilac Lane. He held 17 U.S. patents on inventions such as vaporizerhumidifiers, a method of treating sleep apnea, a heat exchanger and much more.

International fame came in 1983 when Schossow helped save the famous Austrian Lipizzaner stallions. The Piber Lipizzaner stud farm lost 34 horses to a form of equine herpes, according to a United Press International report. The doctor wrote to the farm urging its veterinarians to administer amantadine, an antiviral drug he was using experimentally to treat human herpes infections. The drug cured the

stallions and Schossow was given free tickets to their next U.S. tour, some of which he gave to neighbors. Schossow died at age 90 in 2017.

Although he thinks he’s “mostly done” with the neighborhood notables, more stuff seemed to pop up, requiring Costello to add a few paragraphs to his work. He also talks about the origins of street names, buried power lines and the 25-year-old Snyder Bay Beach Club, a shared dock association of which Costello is a member. Snyder, he added, was chosen for its simpler spelling.

The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society recently reprinted the booklet in its newsletter and Costello had 50 copies bound into books. That was a bit pricey, he said, so he doesn’t think he’ll have more made. Readers are welcome to read the Lakeridge history online, however, at https://tinyurl.com/ mrxdc6kd.

Digging up history is something the retiree thoroughly enjoys. Costello also writes a monthly newsletter for his neighborhood that talks about lake level (he serves as a White Bear Lake representative on the Lake Conservation District) and other newsy tidbits.

Next up is a possible project involving farmers with surnames familiar today who cleared the land in the south White Bear area. But the clock is ticking. Observed Costello, “We have to get this stuff down before there is no one left to tell the story.”

FROM PAGE 1

SCOTT COSTELLO | CONTRIBUTED

Clockwise from upper left: Ken Bacchus; Tom Newcome; Spencer Silver; Dr. George Schossow; 1904 streetcar; Stephen Young; 1885 map; 1917 streetcar map; Hidden Hollow Park; Lily Lake Pond; grave marker for Myrle Day Smith; Gerry Spiess; Brad Stanius; Dr. Robert Reif; and Peter Schneider. Scott Costello is pictured center, holding a copy of a recent White Bear historical society newsletter that ran a reprint of his book.

The Lakeridge neighborhood is nested between McKnight Road to the west, South Shore Boulevard to the north, Bellaire Avenue to the east and County Road F to the south.

STUDENT NEWS

The following students were named to the dean's list or received academic honors at a college or university in Fall 2024:

Bemidji State University: Jesse Flores of Mahtomedi; Luke Calbraith and Elliot Sisterman, both of White Bear Lake.

Georgia Institute of Technology: Brandon Goodwin of White Bear Lake; Jack Allaben of White Bear Lake.

Hamline University: Ian Cran, Dallas Duckson, Laura Hardy, Charles Jacka, Christopher Marquez-Gutierrez, Jaycee Manchi, Tate Johanning and Ty Peterson, all of White Bear Lake; Alexandro Lopez-Ioranca and Katey Lundberg, both of Vadnais Heights.

Luther College: Hannah Coy of Mahtomedi; Jack Morrison of White Bear Lake.

Milwaukee School of Engineering: Ryan Malvey of Birchwood; Cordell Steiner of White Bear Lake; Tyler Christianson of Vadnais Heights. North Dakota State University: Quinn Whitehead of Mahtomedi.

North Iowa Area Community College: Sonya Potthoff of White Bear Lake.

Northern Michigan University: Isabella Fontaine and Jordyn Schmittdiel, both of White Bear Lake. Saint Mary's University: Kendall Rolling of Dellwood; Grace Feyereisen of White Bear Lake. St. Cloud State University: Quinlan McCollow of Willernie.

University of Iowa: Alexa McKusick, Nicole Olson, Addie Teeters and Megan VanOstrand, all of White Bear Lake; Kathryn Vosika of Mahtomedi. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Lily Marchant of Mahtomedi; Evan Fischer, Abby Healy, Greta Kunze, Hannah Mudgett, Annika Swanson and Annika Norman, all of White Bear Lake.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: Mavrick Cook of Dellwood; Jake Larson and Grace Newman of Mahtomedi; Maeve Sokolowski of Vadnais Heights; Natalie Andres, Rachel Chesley, Ryan Goetz and Tyler Grewe, all of White Bear Lake.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Jaeger Hosmer of White Bear Township.

OBITUARIES

Gloria Jean (Hippe) Lott

Age 79, of White Bear Lake, MN. Passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025. Born on May 25, 1945, in Minneapolis, MN, Gloria lived a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. She graduated from Johnson High School in 1963. Not long after graduation, Gloria married the love of her life, Charles Lott, on February 13, 1965. They exchanged vows in St. Paul, MN, beginning a love that would span nearly six decades.

Gloria was a talented bookkeeper, meticulously managing finances with her sharp mind and attention to detail. Yet, it was her character outside of work that truly showed Gloria’s good sense of humor and spicy attitude. She brightened every gathering with her laughter and playful quips, often saying “Yeppers!” or “You betcha!”

Darlene M. Ascheman (nee Parker)

“Her Love, Generosity, & Hugs will be Greatly Missed.”

Gloria had a deep love for flowers and found joy in cooking and baking delectable treats for her family. Her heart delighted in listening to Elvis Presley, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren. Not one to shy away from adventure, she loved to travel and sightsee, always seeking new experiences.

Preceded in death by parents, Henry & Joy Hippe; and two baby girls, whom she held close in her heart. Gloria is survived by her loving husband, Charles Lott; children, Eric Lott of White Bear Lake, MN, and Holly (Jamie) Bampfield of Covington, TN; grandchildren, Jade Lott, Riley Bampfield, and Shelby (Troy) Glover; great grandchildren, Ruby Schultz, Nora Schultz, Caroline Glover, and Cohen Glover; siblings, Elaine (Kevin) Hulse and Steve Hippe; her cousin & best friend, Lois Paige; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, MN. Gathering from 3:00-4:00pm with Celebration of Life starting at 4:00pm. Memorials preferred to any animal adoption service.

Mueller Memorial, 651-429-4944 www.muellermemorial.com

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Age 75 of White Bear Lake. Born on December 25, 1949 and passed away on March 5, 2025. Survived by husband of 53 years, Jim; children Eric (Mary), Ryan (Molly), Cory (Charlotte), Dena, & Tony (Amy); 15 grandchildren; 1 great grandson; siblings Barbara Jorgensen (Bruce), Jacque Parker (Gina) & Robert Parker (Cindy Petersen) and much extended family & many friends. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, March 18th at 11:00 AM at ST. MARY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake. Visitation Monday, March 17th from 4-7:00 pm at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake and one hour before the Mass at church on Tuesday. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward.

Arrangements MuellerMemorial.com, 651429-4944.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly ac-

The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

Thomas Russell Sweet

age 82, passed away on March 3, 2025 at New Perspective Senior Living in White Bear Lake, MN after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

He was born on September 30, 1942 in Sioux Rapids, Iowa to the late Harold and Mary Jean Sweet.

He was married to Melody for nearly 60 years. After serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, he and Melody established the rest of their lives in White Bear Lake. He spent his career working with adults and children as a speech pathologist for the State of Iowa and the Minnesota Health Department. He was an active member of South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake and a member of Gideon’s International. His faith in Jesus never wavered and he is now at home with the Lord for all of eternity. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Tom always prioritized his family. He loved gardening, fishing, hunting, woodworking, cigars, traveling with Melody and spending time with his two sons and four grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his wife Melody; sons, Brad (Kris) and Mark (Kim): grandchildren, Ben (Macy), Rachel (Misho), Joe and John; his brothers, Bill (Karin) and Clark (Jane); his cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends gathered to celebrate Tom’s life at South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church, at 10:00AM on Monday, March 10, 2025 with a service at 11:00AM. Burial was at the Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Mahtomedi.

Alan Lohrke

“Entirely entrusted to God’s mercy” 51, died unexpectedly on February 4, 2025. Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Saint John’s the Evangelist of Little Canada, 380 Little Canada Rd E, Little Canada. Visitation at 10 AM followed by 11 AM service and luncheon.

Carol Maureen Donohoe

88, of Roseville (formerly of Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake).

Passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025 due to complications from dementia.

Preceded in death by parents Alvin and Inga; brother Donald; husband Philip; and son John.

Survived by children Jim, Tom (Rebecca), Bob (Beth), Laurie (Jorge); daughterin-law Sue; grandchildren David, Bryan (Alana), Erin, Jordi, Patricia and Kathleen.

Maureen earned a Bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf in 1958, and worked as an RN at St. John’s Hospital in St. Paul. Later she volunteered as a reading tutor at Willow Lane Elementary, and in hospice support. Through Redeemer Lutheran she was involved in various church and outreach causes, such as the choir, Holiday fair, helping sew the quilts the Redeemer quilters donated to young families and many others.

Maureen loved traveling with family and friends, visiting distant countries, learning history and experiencing different cultures.

A luncheon was provided at the Church following the Committal service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. In Lieu of flowers or in memorial, Tom’s family has chosen South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church. Sandberg Funeral And Cremation Services handled the arrangements and service. S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

Funeral service was held on March 10, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, White Bear Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org.). Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 6514219-6172.

Phyllis J. Kaiser (nee Peterson)

Age 95, of White Bear Lake, went home to the Lord on February 22, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard. She is survived by her children, Karen (Mark Hamer), Terry (Michelle Martin), and Patti (Don) Kaiser-McCarthy; 7 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Phyllis grew up on the East side of St. Paul and attended Johnson High School. When she was 17, she met Leonard Kaiser through mutual friends. After they were married, they settled in their home to raise their family in White Bear Lake. Phyllis was a talented and amazing seamstress and while her kids were growing up, she had her own quilting business. In retirement she went to work for Bear Patch in downtown White Bear Lake and loved it so much- she worked there until she was 83 years old. Phyllis will be greatly missed. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, March 18th, at the Church of St. Pius X, 3878 Highland Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, with visitation an hour prior at the church. Private interment at Evergreen Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Caring for Cats, an all-volunteer, no-kill shelter in North St. Paul, MN; www.caringforcatsmn.org. Mueller Memorial-White Bear Lake, www.muellermemorial.com 651-429-4944

Ronald Dean Sampson

of White Bear Lake, MN, passed away peacefully at home on February 21, 2025.

Born on September 29, 1940, in Estherville, IA, Ronny graduated from Dolliver High School and Mankato State. He served six years in the National Guard and had a 34-year career with State Farm Insurance, retiring in 1999. Ronny married Carol Sevold in 1967, and they raised three daughters.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Christy (Mike) Mergen, Angie (Seth) Siegle-Pugh, and Nikki (Jeremy) Nelsen; six grandchildren; sister, Karen (Wendell) Hanson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Hazel Sampson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 25, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3770 Bellaire Ave., White Bear Lake. Visitation at 10 AM, service at 11 AM, with a luncheon following. Memorials may be directed to Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Allen L. Theroux

Age 77, of White Bear Lake.

Preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Marie. Allen is survived by his loving wife of 55.5 years, Faye; son Brent (Tonia); grandchildren Jonathan and Audrey; siblings Calvin (Nancy) and Marciel; brotherin-law Daniel (Laura) Chouinard; and nieces and nephews. Allen served as a medic in the Army while he was stationed in Germany. He owned and operated the Bellaire Barbers for close to twenty years. He retired from the Post Office after 20 years of service. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM, Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the CHURCH OF ST PIUS X, 3878 Highland Avenue, White Bear Lake, with a visitation one hour before Mass at Church. Private Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred.

Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172

SP TTED

1. Vadnais Heights Elementary celebrated Read Across America day. One of their activities was reading by flashlight in forts! Students had the option to read one of their favorite books or select a new read from the traveling cart before choosing a comfy spot with friends. White Bear Lake Area Schools, contributed 2. Representatives from the city of Vadnais Heights recently visited the Capitol for Day on the Hill, an event where advocates meet with Minnesota legislators to discuss issues and share their stories. Pictured (from left) are City Administrator Kevin Watson, City Council Member Jerry Moynagh, Rep. Heather Gustafson (District 36), City Council Member Kelly Jozwowski and Mayor Mike Krachmer. — Contributed

3. The White Bear Lake Area High School varsity cheerleaders recently competed at the National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida. In a division of 34 teams, the Bears advanced to the final round of competition in the Small Non-Tumbling Division I Game Day division, earning second-place honors and bringing home silver medals. Pictured (front row, from left): Presley Manship, Angelina Marino, Keira Keese and Madisyn Hood; Middle row: Addison Pierce, Willow Maxwell, Katelyn Kaehler, Holly Anderson, Briana Caliendo and Mikaela Caliendo; back row: Ali Carnes, Anna Lindholm, Avery Bach and Reyna Piper. — Contributed

3-pointer helps Bears return to state tourney

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The Bears have earned their second consecutive trip to state, and third in four years, with a 40-39 win over Roseville Area before a huge crowd at Gavin Court in the Section 4AAAA finals Thursday evening.

The Bears, 20-9 overall, are 15-3 since New Year’s. They are seeded eighth and face top-ranked Maple Grove (26-2) to open the tournament Wednesday, 10 a.m., at Williams Arena.

One reason for the resurgence is the shooting of Chloe Theissen, whose job is to hang loose in the corner in case the Bears can’t get to the hoop. Against Roseville, the 5-foot-11 junior guard came through with a higharching three-pointer that hit nothing but net to give the Bears a 40-38 lead with 50 seconds left.

“I knew I had to make one more basket to give us the lead,” said Theissen, who hit three treys in the first half, “I knew as soon as it left my fingertips that it would go in.”

Elise Dieterle seconded that: “I rebound for her when she shoots them in practice, so I knew when she shot that one that it was good … It looked amazing, and I knew we were

ahead even though I missed those free shots.”

Roseville’s Maddie Sundberg was fouled shooting with eight seconds left. She hit the first free shot but missed the second. Dieterle pulled down the game-saving rebound. She was fouled and missed two freebies, but the Raiders had only 4.5 seconds to work with, and missed a hope shot at the buzzer.

Dieterle sank 18 points with three 3-pointers while going 1-for-6 at the line. “It was really nerve-wracking, especially with the big crowd,” said the senior forward about the free shots. Theissen totaled 15 points. Addy Post had four points and Abby O’Brien three.

Sundberg sank 12 points, Kiyanah McGriff 11 and Mira Jackson nine for the Raiders (15-14), who had toppled No. 1 seed and conference champ East Ridge 57-50 in the semifinals. It was a duel of No. 3 and 4 seeds as the No. 3 Bears beat No. 2 Stillwater 46-42 in the semifinals.

The Bears led 30-26 at the half, then had an ugly last 18 minutes as the Raiders outscored them 13-10. Coach Jeremy Post lamented that the Bears “didn’t do much right” in the second half. “In the first half,” he said, “we couldn’t have played much better, but

we didn’t have enough of a lead.”

Post credited Roseville’s rugged defense: “The girls were already tired at halftime. Roseville always puts so much pressure on the ball that you can’t get into a rhythm or get to the basket. It’s hard work to play them.”

Fortunately, they had Theissen down in the corner.

Other pairings at state are No. 4 Lakeville North against No. 5 Brainerd at noon, No. 2 Eastview against No. 7 Anoka at 2 p.m., and No. 3 Hopkins against No. 6 Chaska at 4 p.m.

Zephyrs lose at state to St. Cloud Cathedral, Northfield

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The Mahtomedi hockey team, who won their section after an 8-15-2 regular season, lost in the first round Wednesday to St. Cloud Cathedral 4-0 at Xcel Energy Center, and to Northfield 4-2 in the consolation round Friday at Mariucci.

Mahtomedi finished 11-17-2. With 16 of their 23 players in grades 9-10-11, valuable state tournament experience was gained. A freshman, Brock Gutterman, had both goals.

The Zephyrs had 28 shots to Cathedral’s 27, but the Crusaders got goals by Joey Gillespie in

Zephyr

cagers ousted on last-second shot

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Mahtomedi lost a thriller to St. Paul Johnson 53-52 in the final second of the Section 4AAA semifinals Saturday in St. Paul. The Zephyrs, who had won eight straight games, finished 18-10.

“A very tough loss,” coach Keith Newman said, “after another game where our guys had hung together to come back, which was a trademark of our second half of the season.”

Johnson scored the game-winner at the buzzer after inbounding with 1.4 seconds left. The Cougars had just deflected a pass out of bounds.

“They lobbed it to the front of the basket,” recounted Newman, “and after it was tipped twice, their post caught and released it just before the

buzzer and it went in.”

Hank Roelofs sank 16 points on 8-for-10 shooting and blocked five shots. Willie Roelofs had 11 points and 16 rebounds, Jacob Wilson 10 points and six rebounds, and Mark Graff 10 points, six assists and five rebounds.

The Governors (20-6) were led by Tyrel Pride with 13 points, Robert Stuckey with nine and Rino Camp with eight.

Mahtomedi trailed 51-48 with 40 seconds left. Hank Roelofs blocked a shot and scored on the other end.

Noah Carlson rebounded a missed Governors free shot. Roelofs, 6-foot-7 sophomore, was fouled and made two free shots for the lead with 5.9 seconds left.

Mahtomedi beat Hill-Murray 64-48 on Wednesday in the first round. Willie Roelofs netted 18 points, Graff 17 and Wilson 11.

the first and third periods and Bo Schmidt in the second. Cathedral goalie Keaton LeGrand made 28 saves for the shutout. Wes Strub had 24 for Mahtomedi.

St. Cloud Cathedral, last year’s state champion, reached the state finals again and lost to East Grand Forks 2-1 in overtime.

Against Northfield, Gutterman’s first goal was assisted by Devin O’Donnell, and his second was assisted by O’Donnell and Brayden Fuerst. Jackson Chesak was in goal, making 37 saves. For Northfield (24-5-2), four players had a goal each.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Chloe Theissen

White Bear Lake Basketball

March 12, 2025

Chloe Theissen, whose 3-pointer gave White Bear Lake a 40-39 section finals win over Roseville, has been a key factor in the Bears’ strong second half of the season. They’ve won 12 of their last 14 games, with Theissen hitting double digits in 10 of them, mostly on 3-pointers. “As Chloe got better, we got better,” said coach Jeremy Post. “She has made big shots in a lot of games.”

Bears’ Gabriel gets top senior goalie award

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED

Leo Gabriel’s career ledger included 18 shutouts.

Leo Gabriel of White Bear Lake was named winner of the Frank Brimsek Award as the senior goalie of the year.

The announcement was made at the Mr. Hockey program at St. Paul RiverCentre. Mason

Kraft of state champion Moorhead was named Mr. Hockey.

Gabriel posted a 1.73 goals-against-average and a .928 save percentage,

while compiling a 14-8-3 record with five shutouts. Over his three-year career, Gabriel, known for excellent reflexes and lateral movement, went 49-23-4 with 18 shutouts, one of them against HillMurray for the section title as a junior. Other finalists were Holy Angels’ Luke Marsalek and Moorhead’s Charlie Stenehjem.

The Mr. Hockey and Frank Brimsek awards are selected by a panel of NHL scouts, junior scouts and coaches and media members from around Minnesota. Both awards are presented by the Minnesota All Sports Alliance.

Bruce Strand

PHOTOS BY BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED Elise Dieterle playfully took her turn cutting down the net, a championship game ritual.

JASON WACHTER MSHSL

Guarding the net were goalie Wes Strub, Joey Pipes (2) and Ryan Lipovetz (25), against St. Cloud Cathedral’s Bo Schmidt (17) and John Hirschfield.

White Bear Lake players, beaming, posed with their hard-earned section championship trophy. Coach Jeremy Post was hugging daughter Addison, the team’s point guard.