Press Publications 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 9 CIRCLE PINES, MN
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
823357 768801 765785
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2025 VOL. 49 NO. 12 www.vadnaisheightspress.com $1.00
MAHTOMEDI HOCKEY CHAMPION: Finds new purpose after injury PAGE 9
Car dealer opens up on finding strength, resilience after brain injury BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Richard Herod III’s life changed in the blink of an eye on May 3, 2021. A horrifying car accident at Highway 61 and Willow Lake Boulevard brought him to the ER, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury and long-lasting effects that forced him to leave his public life as one of the most recognizable car dealers in White Bear Lake. “My doctors have told me that I’ll never be able to do that again,” said Herod, who for years owned the Bear Lot dealership in Mounds View and the White Bear Mitsubishi dealership. He is also well-known for his role in commercials with the White Bear Mitsubishi mascot. “I don’t have the same patience, temperament, enthusiasm and energy as I used to. Many months, I drive in excess of 2,000 miles to get to all my doctor’s appointments and treatments. I have to take one or two naps a day just to get through the day.” But the setbacks have not discouraged Herod. Today, he is CONTRIBUTED committed to living Despite no longer working fulllife as best he can and time in the auto industry, Richard retaining the same Herod III still plans to give back to caring, communitythe community as much as he can. oriented persona that different local communities still know him by. “I believe that my reality is permanent, and I’ve accepted that,” said Herod. “But given that it is permanent, I’m still going to do the best I can with it. I’m not sure exactly what the future holds for me, but being a community fundraiser, advocate and public speaker are all possibilities for me. I’m looking for purpose in what my reality is.” Recently, Herod began working with the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance, launching a fundraiser called “Richard’s Challenge.” Both the alliance’s Board of Directors and its key donors committed to helping Herod match up to $10,000 in donations. By the time the challenge concluded, Herod had successfully raised over its $10,000 goal in donations from 117 different donors. “In about four days, we were able to get over ten grand in contributions and donations,” said Herod of the challenge’s success. “Then, that ten grand turned into twenty. I actually got a letter from the Minnesota Brain Injury Association saying that this was one of the most successful donor-led
“To continue to uplift and inspire women with purpose” - Amelia Reigstad
“Smile more” - Katy Bauer
“Eat less treats” - Ryan Carter
“Bring ‘Gelato Happiness’ to more White Bears!!” - Mark Schwartz
ERIK SUCHY | CONTRIBUTED
“Tranparency, welcoming, price match” - Hardik Patel
New Year’s Resolutions We asked residents and local business owners about their New Year’s Resolutions for 2025.
2024
2023
2022
of the Press
of the Press
FINALIST Best of the Press White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights
STOP SAVE
On Sale Now
see store for details
BEST OF THE PRESS White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights
SEE CAR DEALER, PAGE 7
White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights
THE BEST SERVICE • SELECTION • VALUE
NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS
3699
$ 823176
3955 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, MN (651) 426-4518
Temporary Hours: 7:30am - 5pm M-F • 7:30am - 2pm Sat • GPMINNESOTAWHOLESALE.COM
CIRCULATION 651-407-1234 circ@presspubs.com
NEWS 651-407-1230 vadnaisheightsnews@presspubs.com
OIL, FILTER, LUBE, 4 TIRE ROTATION
ADVERTISING 651-407-1200 marketing@presspubs.com
See store for details + 2.00 shop supplies/2.00 waste oil filter disposal. Oil filter: up to 5 qts. of SW30. Rotate 4 tires. Check air pressure. 20 pt. Safety Inspection. Must Have Coupon. Exp. 1/31/25
49 $ 99 79
CLASSIFIED 651-407-1250 classified@presspubs.com
99
Wheel & Tire SPECIALS Going on Now
ASE Certified Mechanics • Alignment
Offer Excludes
$
&
Full Syn Ams Oil
$1000
OFF
• Select Batteries Napa & Interstate
UP TO
• Brakes $3000 PER See store OFF AXLE for details
PRODUCTION 651-407-1239 art@presspubs.com
Expires 1/31/25