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residents unfamiliar with the city’s history of indigenous populations.

Project Coordinator Elsa Battala took note of the White Bear Lake community’s origins, which date back to the early 19th century. At that time, the area comprised both Dakota and

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The White Bear Lake Historical Society officially launched its Native American Education Initiative Project last Fall. The project, which runs through the end of May, seeks to educate

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WRESTLING CHAMP: Mahtomedi junior to compete abroad PAGE 11

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Russia’s large-scale invasion and war in Ukraine have taken a catastrophic toll throughout the country. With devastation

continuing to rise, relief efforts that support those most affected by the conflict’s lingering effects have received daily emphasis.

The Protez Foundation looks to be one such light of hope.

The foundation was established

in 2022 by Yakov Gradiner and Yuri Aroshidze. Gradinar moved to the United States in 2007. Gradiner was initially an orthopedic surgeon in SEE SOLDIERS, PAGE 10

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BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Larry Mahoney, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in Vadnais Heights, and Justin Larson, branch manager for Summit Mortgage Corporation in Lino Lakes, both pushed back on what they considered misreporting by the media on realtors’ business dealings.

“Realtors will need to step up their game,” said Mahoney. “They need to continue to be professional and clear about the services they provide clients.”

He rebuffed media-led accusations that the industry engages in “predatory behavior” regarding client interactions. “This is just not true,” said Mahoney. “While the average Realtor makes a lot per year, it only comes when they make a deal to sell

or buy a house. Even then, the Realtor will work long with a client before a deal is finished. This can take several months. Sometimes, the client changes their mind and walks away.

But to suggest that commissions are non-negotiable is just not the case.”

Mahoney also argued against claims that increased housing prices was due to commission pay.

“Home prices are high because of a national housing shortage. It has nothing to do with commission pay.

The average compensation for a realtor is $95,000. For comparison, an insurance salesman makes $103,000, and an auto salesman makes $98,000.

There’s no evidence of price gouging whatsoever.”

Larson remains hopeful about the

state of the industry. He shared slight concerns about transparency from realtors.

“Local realtors will have to be very clear on their conversations regarding buyer’s rep compensation,” said Larson. “In the future, they’ll have to negotiate that into the purchase contract and figure out who’s doing what.”

Like Mahoney, Larson disagreed with the media’s view that unfair commissions were the sole reason for increased housing prices. “Housing prices are where they are because of supply and demand,” said Larson.

“If you have 30 people looking at the same house in the same school

“Our investigators haven’t stopped looking for him,” read an April 15 Facebook post from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.

April 14, 1999, was the last day anyone saw Nathan Edberg. The then-21-yearold Vadnais Heights resident was spotted at Decoy’s Bar in White Bear Lake that evening.

To the average bystander, Edberg was out for the same

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placed accordingly. Two years younger and much smaller than his classmates, he didn’t go out for sports. But he grew to be 6-foot-1 after high school.

“I started running in my 20s when I moved to St. Louis to work for McDonnell Douglas,” Conway said. “I didn’t know anybody there and had nothing to do, so I decided to start jogging. I’ve been jogging ever since.”

When he was 40, living in southwest Minneapolis and coaching his kids’ soccer teams, he and about 20 other parent coaches, both male and female, decided to take up the sport themselves. They played Friday nights when there were no kids’ games at Lynhurst Park.

“We were all terrible. None of us had played. But it was fun.

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When Bill Conway attended high school in Chatfield, Minnesota in the 1950s, he didn’t participate in sports because he was too small. He has made up for that as an adult.

The Vadnais Heights retiree started running in his 20s, played soccer from age 40 to age 80, and earned two gold medals — in the 400 meter dash and 1,500 meter run — this past August for ages 80-84 at the Minnesota Senior Games in St. Cloud.

Conway, whose career was in IT work, was born in England. When he arrived in the U.S. with his family at age 10, he was judged to be a couple of years ahead of his age group academically and was

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Michael Henderson didn’t expect to become a hero at the White Bear Lake Police Department on December 23, 2023. But that day’s events pushed him to act as a protector without wasting time.

The department presented Henderson with a Citizen’s Award at City Hall on April 23 for the events of Dec. 23. That day, Henderson prevented an attempted carjacking against two women outside of Planet Fitness on Buerkle Road.

“Mr. Henderson is truly deserving of this award by our department,” Police Chief Dale Hager read at the April 23 City Council meeting.

“We value community members like you.

Thank you for your bravery in helping others.”

On that cold December morning, Henderson arrived at Planet Fitness to work out when he heard a commotion in the parking lot.

Henderson then noticed two older women struggling with each other, one trying to steal the other’s car.

“At first, I thought they were just goofing off,” recalled Henderson. “But then I locked eyes with the first lady and saw she was frightened.

That’s when I jumped in.”

The first victim was Victoria Halverson, an East Saint Paul resident who, like Michael, had gone to work out. Halverson had finished her workout and was at her car when she saw a middle-aged, disheveled woman run at her.

“She came screaming at me, yelling, ‘Give me

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Riley, but there wasn’t anything like that in our area,” she said.

“Thankfully, one of my friends’ roommates in commercial real estate was able to find a space I could use.”

In 2004, Hendrickson officially opened Downtown Dogs Daycare in Minneapolis’ North Loop. “Some people called it a mosh pit for dogs,” Hendrickson joked about the center.

“We had three different rooms for different dogs to play in based on their energy levels.

We accepted every breed and let them run and play throughout the day.” Hendrickson moved to Mahtomedi in 2011 and in 2014 sold the business to new owner Ralph Bernstein so she could concentrate on raising her kids, Gabe and Jonah.

After selling, Hendrickson started a co-working space called Work-it out of an office

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And so it begins —Press Publications readers are being asked to help recognize the best of everything from food to shopping to best local sports team in 2024.

The online Best of the Press Contest has started its nomination phase.

Readers are asked to nominate their favorites in several groups: eating and drinking; arts and

entertainment; health and fitness; local; services; shopping and sports and recreation.

Several categories have been added to this year’s contest, including solar company, dog trainer, hotel, Airbnb, esthetician, yoga, physical therapist, pet store, thrift store and more.

Readers may nominate in as many or as few categories as they like from May 1–19. If readers nominate at least two candidates in a category, the category will appear on the voting ballot. If

only one nomination is received, the category won’t be on the ballot.

After the ballot is finalized, readers will be able to vote online for their favorites once a day from July 10–Aug. 4. The ballot will be found at presspubs.com/bestof.

The contest will be conducted exclusively online, with no paper ballots. When voting closes Aug. 4, the results will be tallied and winners will be announced the first week of October.

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Michael Henderson (center) was awarded with the Citizen’s Award by the White Bear Lake Police Department for helping prevent an attempted carjacking. From left to right: Mayor Dan Louismet, Police Chief Dale Hager, Henderson, Sergeant John Vette, and City Manager Lindy Crawford

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have been seeing that and got to it a little before we did. That was when we knew it was time to change.”

Hager’s predecessor, Julie Swanson, helped get the

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of the White Bear Lake Police Department’s newly operational drone program.

“We’re trying to catch up with the times,” said Police Chief Dale Hager. “Drone usage for police department agencies is a thing of the future. Many agencies

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Mahtomedi-based dog trainer Anne Hendrickson is committed to helping people bond and understand the behaviors of their four-legged friends. Here, she poses with one of her own dogs, Neville

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Sgt. Isaac Tuma is in charge of the White Bear Lake Police Department’s drone program.

Sometimes, police need a little outside help when they’re out on the job. That help can come from the capabilities of aerial vehicles.

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Conway said. From that initial experience, he and his coaching cohorts formed the Minnesota Senior Soccer League, which has grown from the original four teams to 30 teams. Conway started a website for the league.

Within that group, a team called Silverbacks was formed to play in tournaments around the country. It was a co-rec team with as many as nine different nationalities represented. Conway was a Silverback until last summer, when he finally gave it up.

Along the way, he and his team collected numerous medals.

“We hang Bill’s track and soccer medals on the Christmas tree,” said his wife, Sandra.

Conway won the 400 meter dash (age 75-79) at the

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Make no mistake: Mahtomedi-based dog trainer Anne Hendrickson loves training her clients’ four-legged friends and helping them love the pups for who they are.

“What I love about training dogs is helping families understand them better,” said Hendrickson. “It strengthens their bonds so they get the most joy from their relationship.

Dogs are also poorly understood, and training helps when they have no one to speak for them.”

Throughout her career, Hendrickson has devoted her canine love to many jobs, from day care owner to personal trainer. Nowadays, Hendrickson runs Call of the K9, where she helps teach proper training techniques to dog day care staff.

Hendrickson’s journey began just after she and her then-boyfriend moved to Northeast Minneapolis in the early 2000s. “We wanted to get a dog,” said Hendrickson, “even though we knew nothing about them other than we loved them.”

The two adopted a German wirehaired pointer/Lab mix, Riley, who was prone to fear aggression. Through training with renowned animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell, Hendrickson considered opening a dog-specific day care center. “I worked full-time and wished I had day care for

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Nathan Edberg went missing 25 years ago in White Bear Lake. The search for his whereabouts has continued ever since.

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loved doing it so much!”

Edberg’s family has strived to preserve their son’s memory over the years.

Initially, this took the form of annual commemorative events at Edberg’s local church. However, Jackie has recently found comfort in a more personal form of closure.

“I write a letter to him every year,” she said. “I do it to update him about what’s going on in our life or what he’s

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Jackie has described her son as easygoing and pleasant.

“There was a friendliness about him we all loved,” she said. “He was very much a people person who enjoyed being around others and telling jokes.”

According to Jackie, her son also had a deep love for basketball. “He loved shooting hoops in our driveway,” she said. I’m surprised our neighbors didn’t complain about the drum of the basketball on the driveway; he

reasons anyone else would be — enjoying a few last-minute drinks before calling it a night.

Twenty-five years later, the search for Edberg’s whereabouts has continued.

Since then, there have been more questions than answers.

But in the face of the case’s uncertainty, those who knew Edberg best have refused to give up on him.

“I take comfort in that I will see him and hold him again someday,” said Edberg’s mother, Jackie.

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Searching for Nathan Edberg: 25 years later

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After the fire: Realtors’ post-lawsuit takeaway Swift changes are coming to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

It comes after years of lawsuits from various homeowners arguing that the company enforces unfair practices.

The homeowners said these practices have led to high commission rates between a seller and a buyer’s agent, forcing them to pay unnecessary fees to buy a house.

The NAR agreed to pay $418 million to settle the commission lawsuits.

Additionally, they abolished their Participation Rule, allowing sell-side agents to offer compensation to buyer brokers.

Call out for Service Day volunteers Volunteers help cleanup and prepare grave sites at Union Cemetery during a previous Day of Service event. This year the White Bear Lake American Legion and VFW are again calling all veterans and community members together for a Day of Service on Saturday, May 11 starting at 9 a.m. at Union Cemetery. More than 50 Civil War veterans, and numerous others from other wars and conflicts are interred in White Bear Lake cemeteries. The event is held to ensure the cemetery grounds and headstones are ready for the annual Memorial Day ceremony.

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Olexsander (left) had been a student at the University of Kyiv and Roman (4th from left) was a truck driver prior to being drafted in the war. They visited with Rostyslav Borovyk, Nelia Nosachova, and Joe Hinderer at a gathering at the Hinderer’s White Bear Lake home.

Three years ago, Sunrise Middle School transitioned from traditional letter grading to a modified version of Standards-Based Learning (SBL). According to the school’s principal Christina Pierre, now “students can be confident that grades reflect exactly what they know and can do.”

Director of Teaching and Learning Jen Babiash affirms that Sunrise’s version of SBL has provided clarity to teachers and students.

“For parents, this helps us be clear about what kids need to know,” she says. This transition has been so successful that White Bear Lake Area High School will be using SBL for its incoming 2024 freshmen. In fall 2025, the entire high school will switch over.

How is SBL different from traditional letter grades? The analogy given is to imagine a student is taking swim lessons at the YMCA— Polliwog level. After the two-week unit, the child is excited to move up to Guppy. They got everything right on the first try except the front

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In 1828, Washington Irving published “A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus.” Historians of the 1820s were aghast that Irving invented details within the biography, including the claims that medieval Europeans believed that the Earth was flat and that Columbus discovered the American continents. Nevertheless, countless classrooms in the United States have since taught these embellishments as fact—ignoring Viking maritime skills, Greek mathematical contributions, and millennia of Native American cultural existence.

“How can you discover what’s already there?” quips White Bear Lake School District American Indian Affairs Coordinator Vincent Patton. “There’s been a shift in how we teach history,” he continues, “It’s not ‘his’ story, ‘her’ story—it’s all stories.” Such is the aim of the Ethnic Studies US History and World History options at White Bear Lake Area High Schools.

Tenth grade Ethnic Studies US History teacher Mark Domschot says, “Everyone needs to see themselves in history. That way, students feel valued.” Domschot’s class does this by relying entirely on primary accounts and documents. “The kids really like critical thinking,” Domschot reports. “They’re digging

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Before we say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025, it is a tradition of The Vadnais Heights Press to look back at some of the most memorable stories of the year.

In 2024, pages were filled with a variety of news, including stories about crimes, events, schools, churches, sports, businesses, city government and more. Perhaps some of the most memorable stories are the ones that feature local residents.

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Ojibwe land before European settlement took over. Battala said that history like this, which she believes is forgotten nowadays, deserves a better understanding.

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Local veterinarian Dr. Liz Sitter is hoping she can fill a need in the north metro.

The Marine on St. Croix resident recently opened Aurora Urgent Veterinary Clinic in White Bear Lake, which is likely the first standalone pet urgent care in the Twin Cities.

“There’s a high demand. It is hard to get into your regular vet, and a lot of times you have to wait for weeks, and the emergency clinics are at capacity,” Sitter explained. “I saw a big need in the market for urgent care. It’s kind of a newer thing.”

Before the pandemic, general practices could generally carve out time for both regular visits in addition to urgent care, but now there are so many pets in the market that they are having a tough time accommodating them all.

Some emergency clinics in the Twin Cities also provide urgent care, but as far as Sitter knows, she is the first vet to open a stand-alone urgent care.

Sitter, who is originally from New Jersey, went to vet school in Oklahoma. She moved to Minnesota about 11 years ago to be close to her sister. She has been in general practice for 10 years; she formerly worked at Stillwater Veterinary Clinic and Century Animal Clinic in Maplewood.

It was that need she saw while working in general practice that prompted her to open Aurora Urgent Care.

“After the pandemic, I just saw we were turning so many people away every day,

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The Vadnais Heights Green Team was formed last year when the city council joined the Gold Leaf Challenge program.

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the formation of the Green Team itself.

“Our approach is you don’t need to be an expert or have a strong background to join,” said volunteer Ellen Gurrola.

“Anyone willing to help us push for greener initiatives is welcome to participate.”

The Green Team has identified three top priority areas for 2024: landscaping, energy reduction and community engagement.

For landscaping, volunteers have emphasized reducing the amount of turf grass throughout city

around us deal with the changing climate.”

The Green Team was formed when the Vadnais Heights City Council joined the Gold Leaf Challenge program last fall. The challenge, part of the GreenStep Cities program, focuses on ways for communities to take local climate action.

Through its involvement in the challenge, the council achieved two goals required as part of its participation. The first initiative was to create a community restoration/engagement project called Adopt-A-Drain. The second initiative was none other than

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

A new group in Vadnais Heights is ready to bring environmental awareness around town.

The Vadnais Heights Green Team is a newly formed volunteer organization seeking to create, promote and support local climate action. The group also plans to create different programs to make the community more environmentally sustainable.

“What we want is to create more resilience for the environment,” said volunteer Judy Lissick. “Our programs are to help us and those

John Hunter, co-founder of Twin Cities Native Lacrosse, presented a program on the history of the sport of lacrosse as part of the Native American Education Initiative Project. The project features a mix of in-person and Zoom presentations on Native American culture.

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BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

An old Chinese proverb says that the journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. But for outgoing Vadnais Heights City Council Member Steve Rogers, who has served since 2021, a new journey is just beginning, sure to be full of many more steps along the way.

“This is the point of the meeting where we are going to recognize one of our members,” began Mayor Mike Krachmer at the council’s Dec. CONTRIBUTED 17 meeting, “who has done faithful service for the last four years.

Steve Rogers Mr. Steve Rogers is at the point of leaving the City Council after this meeting.”

“Into the sunset,” Rogers chimed in.

City Administrator Kevin Watson presented Rogers with a plaque of an old plot map of the city with Rogers’ name inscribed on it, as well as an appreciation of his hard work and dedication. “One thing I always like to do is go through however long a council member has been on and write down what they have accomplished,” added Watson. “Four years can go fast, and kind of in a blur.”

Notable achievements highlighted by Watson include establishing the city’s Music In The Park series, the development of the Bluebird Grove residential lot on McMenemy Road and Bear Avenue, the Koehler Road Trail Project on Edgerton Street and County Road E/ Centerville Road and helping lead the Rush Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project.

“We got a lot done in your time on the council,” said Watson. “You will be missed, and I appreciate all your hard work and the time you’ve given the city, as well as your thoughtful ideas while meeting

all these challenges that the city faced.”

Rogers, for his part, thanked his fellow council members and acknowledged their perseverance through thick and thin. “This is a hard job, and it’s not glamorous,” said Rogers. “These people have all entered the ring of public service and were all elected to do the work of the city, which sometimes is not a lot of fun. Thank you for entering the ring and doing what you do. You’re in very good hands, Vadnais Heights.”

Rogers also thanked city staff for assisting with the council whenever necessary. “They are the ones doing all the research in the background to educate us on what Kevin was talking about,” said Rogers, referring to the project list that Watson had read earlier, “so that we know to be as thoughtful and make as good a decision as possible. They are SEE COUNCIL MEMBER, PAGE 15

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DECEMBER 25, 2024

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NAMES IN THE NEWS Ramsey County has named Catrice O'Neal as director of Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and the executive director of the Workforce Innovation Board. O'Neal replaces Ling Becker, former Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation director, who recently took on the role of Ramsey County Administrator.

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Thank You!

Alex Miller, a senior at White Bear Lake Area Learning Center, has been elected as one of the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs STARS state officers. MAAP officers are students who represent alternative education throughout their region, spread awareness in their community and advocate for alternative learning. This is Miller's third year at the White Bear Lake ALC and is her third year being involved in MAAP STARS. In her application, Miller wrote a speech about her high school experience, how alternative education has helped her succeed, and how she thought she could help others benefit by being a MAAP STARS officer.

Former White Bear Lake resident and Mariner High School alumnus Dr. Robin Lindbeck recently published a new resource textbook titled 'Workplace Leadership'. Lindbeck is Professor of Human Resource Development at Idaho State University.

We wanted to Thank the Community of White Bear for Recycling their old glasses so they can be used by those in need.

Look for the donation box when coming so you can gift with recycling your old glasses.

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KIDS New year’s Eve BASH Come celebrate in our ballroom and ring in the new year with dinner and dance

Glasses were decorated by each club member as a Thank you smile.

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Recently retired Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt is honored by the Association of Minnesota Counties with an Outstanding Service Award for exhibiting excellence, innovation and dedication to her work in county government.

Reinhardt was elected to the Ramsey County Board in 1996 and stepped down from the role earlier this year.

The businesses of Downtown White Bear Lake would like to thank you for all your support for 2024.

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DECEMBER 25, 2024 www.presspubs.com

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

3

WHAT’S HAPPENING•WHAT’S HAPPENING•WHAT’S HAPPENING NEW YEAR'S EVE NOISE MAKERS CRAFT

CHASE & OVATION: A SALUTE TO THE MUSIC OF PRINCE

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 30 Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 Second Street Details: Kids ages 3+ can create a noise maker to ring in the new year. No registration necessary.

Contact: rclreads.org

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts

Center, 4941 Long Avenue, White Bear Lake Details: Hailed as “Paramount Prince Tribute Show”. Ticket information online.

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

NEW YEAR'S JOY ORGAN RECITAL

favorites like God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Open to the public.

Contact wblumc.org

LAKE LINKS ASSOCIATION WINTER STROLL AND OPEN HOUSE

When: 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 Where: White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch Street Details: Organ recital performed by Doug Nelson features a l mix of classics like J.S. Bach’s In Dulci Jubiloand In Dir Ist Freude, the cinematic beauty of Over the Rainbow, and festive

When: 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3 Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center Details: Enjoy hot cider, treats, displays and hear about the progress on the trail and the Streetcar Park renovation, then take a stroll along the newly lighted trail segment and the decorated covered bridge. Drawing and door prizes.

Contact: lakelinks.net/post/january-3winter-stroll-and-open-house

CONTRIBUTED

No Place Like Home.

No Time Like the Present

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Letters received Hello, children!

Thank you for sending your letters to old Santa! It was great fun reading them! But a “fart gun?” Seriously? Well … maybe.

I read all the letters. Thank you for sending them to Press Publications, they’re great resources for old Santa.

I enjoyed reading your requests and be assured that I will talk to my helpers and we’ll see what we can do. Thank you for all the well wishes to Mrs. Claus and the elves, too! They all said, “thank you!”

Santa, Mrs. Claus and all the elves wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!

With warmest wishes, Santa Claus North Pole Workshop North Pole

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DECEMBER 25, 2024

The stars told the story

M

ore than 2,000 years ago the stars pointed to a revolution that was about to take place on earth. Astrologers, though we don’t know their names, followed the stars to see the newborn king in Bethlehem.

They went to Herod, the king, and he didn’t know about it so they continued following the bright star until they found Jesus in Bethlehem.

Herod went about sending a decree that male babies up to two years old should be killed.

From my youth until this day, I feel it is important to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. However, today it is so woven with About the commercialism we hardly grasp the meaning. We need to know Town more about the life of Jesus.

Today we celebrate in many Gene Johnson different ways. Dinners with family and friends, gift exchanges, and for some it’s travel time.

Since the ‘70s, we have taken our family to the Festival of Christmas concert at Bethel University. We did that again this year. Bethel was celebrating the 68th festival in the Great Hall at the Arden Hills campus. It’s a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season. Following the concert was a beautifully prepared Scandinavian buffet.

Throughout the concert my eyes got a little teary having 20 of our family members surround us. I think of the memories of Kathy teaching in the Bethel music department and the opportunity I had to serve on the Board of Regents for more than a decade.

Christmas memories Memories are wonderful to reflect on. The first memorable Christmas gift was a farm set from my Uncle Ed and Aunt Myrtle Olson, my mom’s sister. I must have been three or four years old.

Another memorable gift was an American Flyer passenger train with the introduction of the S gauge two-rail toy train. That prompted building a large layout in the basement in 1946 at the age of 10.

Over the years memories continued, being married at the age of 18 to Joan Ostrom, building our own home in White Bear Township, and losing our first child at birth. Thankfully, Julie was born in good health a year later.

I worked at the Press above the Getty building at the age of 16 and continued until the age of 20 when the opportunity came to buy our first newspaper in Atwater in west central Minnesota. Then we purchased the paper in Olivia and I eventually came back to buy the White Bear Press and other newspapers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Making up wonderful memories are the many friendships, a growing family, and opportunities to serve community organizations as well as National Newspaper Association work. Another big highlight was serving on board leadership at Bethel University. We have had 28 foreign visitors live with us and have been able to travel to over 75 countries in the world and consult in several under-developed countries in Europe, South America and the South Pacific.

Merry Christmas, readers Kathy and I hope you have cherished memories that will be with you for years to come. Enjoy the special traditions that you have come to enjoy. Find ways to help to those less fortunate. Take time to be with those you love and be charitable with your resources. Don’t forget our heritage, our democracy, and pray for our nation and world leaders.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

Distributed weekly in: White Bear Lake • White Bear Township • Mahtomedi Birchwood • Dellwood • Willernie • Gem Lake Pine Springs • Portions of Grant • Vadnais Heights

www.presspubs.com 651-407-1200 DISCLAIMER: Paid advertisements appear in Press Publications’ publications, including print and other digital formats.

Press Publications does not endorse or evaluate the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. Advertising does not influence editorial decisions or content. Press Publications reserves the right to refuse, reject, or cancel any ad for any reason at any time without liability.

In it together: Encourage charity in children

A

few years ago, a story captured headlines: An eight-year-old girl raised $53,000 to address food insecurity in her town. With a lemonade stand. The ensuing publicity bolstered her efforts, but fame did not prompt them. Nor did the prospect of an invitation to the presidential inauguration.

While many adults aspire to give back to their Movers & communities, most children do Shakers not instinctively possess these Dr. Ken Klein qualities. In fact, parting with their stuff is difficult. Words like "me and " mine" punctuate early utterances, helping them individuate and carve out their own space. Some have kind dispositions early on, and engage openly with families, friends, and pets. They cooperate, and try to pitch in.

Below are a few suggestions

gleaned from my own research in this area, and from my conversations with those who have spent their careers asking others to step up to the plate.

• Talk openly with children about your own philanthropy: where you choose to donate, why it is important to you, how you direct gifts, and how you feel about doing so. Ask them for their ideas. This contributes to their self-worth and helps begin a valuable dialogue.

• Charity is a central pillar of most religions, a prescribed duty in many. Highlight the need to keep supporting the missions and survival of these institutions. Yet be wary of “preaching” too much, especially with adolescents.

That will only inspire a different kind of pilgrimage, e.g. their heading in the opposite direction.

Tithing and routine giving is very meaningful for some families.

Make it a family practice.

• Literature, the arts, history, and social studies provide opportunities for examining characters who have confronted dilemmas, resolved relationships, and gained perspective. Good

teachers know how to explore and distill these lessons. Youth leaders, coaches, and mentors communicate these values well.

• Sharing a global worldview provides context. Our planet has finite resources that demand stewardship. We all must preserve these treasures for future generations.

• Holiday giving is the mainstay of most charities. While perhaps counterintuitive, giving generously every day promises incalculable benefits.

• There are myriad ways to give without dollars: sending a meal, pet sitting, running an errand, sharing resources, lending a tool, writing a long-hand note.

Now more than ever, as we are harried, pausing to take time matters.

Jeri Glick-Anderson (Senior Director of Planned Giving, YMCA of the North) contributed valuable ideas for this article.

Many thanks to her.

Dr. Ken Klein is a child psychologist residing in North Oaks with his family.

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• Repeat letters by the same area. writer about the same subject • All letters are subject to • Letter writers are limited editing. matter will not be published. to six letters per year and Carter C. Johnson - Publisher cjohnson@presspubs.com Gene Johnson - Publisher Emeritus ppinfo@presspubs.com Patty Steele - General Manager marketing@presspubs.com Chris Raaymakers -Multimedia Advertising Director media@presspubs.com Shannon Granholm - Managing Editor whitebearnews@presspubs.com

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Winterfest brings festivities downtown for holidays

Santa was at Festival of Trees to take festive pictures with families in front of the LaFrance fire engine.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

A choir performs for crowds while they wait in line for a ride around downtown in a horse-drawn carriage.

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The downtown White Bear Lake Winterfest celebration was once again a popular event with a full schedule of events on two Saturdays including visits with Santa, Festival of Trees display, an elf hunt, ice sculptures and horse-drawn carriage rides.

6 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

DECEMBER 25, 2024

www.presspubs.com

JANUARY Year in Review 2024

• After 16 years of serving as a City Council member for Ward 3, Dan Jones stepped down from his position on the White Bear Lake City Council. Jones, who also served on the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) for 15 years, became the new creative director at the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society. Andrea West took over for Ward 3.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Skaters out on White Bear Lake after a late freeze.

• After losing their son Owen to leukemia, White Bear Lake residents Dan and Susan Loftus followed through on their son’s wish to adopt a Goldendoodle and have him become a certified therapy dog. That dog, named Hutch, became certified through training at Canine Inspired Change, a nonprofit dog training organization founded by Little Canada resident Danielle Graczyk in 2010.

• After three years in the making, the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra performed “Peter and the Wolf” at the Chautauqua Fine Arts Center in Mahtomedi in honor of Wildwood Artist Series (WAS) founder Ellie Bruner. Bruner, who died of liver cancer in April 2023, had said that it was her dying wish to include a children’s concert as part of the organization’s repertoire. “Ellie was such an inspiring person,” said orchestra bassoonist Ellen Maas. “It was always her dream to include a children’s concert.”

• Heidi Dierssen, a professor of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut (UConn), became the project manager for the Space X Falcon 9 Block 5 launch. The launch is part of the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, oceanOceanystem (PACE) NASA Earthobserving satellite mission, which seeks to observe

global ocean color, biogeochemistry and ecology, and the carbon cycle, aerosols and clouds. Dierssen is a 1985 alum of White Bear Lake Area High School, where she was class valedictorian.

• In partnership with builder Elements DesignBuild, the city of White Bear Lake applied for a redevelopment grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to turn the old gas station at the corner of County Road E and Bellaire Avenue into nine new townhome units.

The estimated total cost for the project was $230,000, $115,000 of which the city intended to cover with state funds. The grant would help builders offset extra costs unique to “Brownfield” development, which refers to commercial and industrial properties long since abandoned. These costs include the demolition of existing structures, upgrades to city water and sewer connections and sidewalk replacement among others.

FEBRUARY Year in Review 2024

• Birchwood residents Nancy and Bob Brydges made a special visit to the Brydges Center in Nairobi, Kenya.

The couple established the center nearly 30 years ago to provide for the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of orphaned and abused children and teens in the country.

Scott Dibble and Republican Rep. John Koznick.

Initially formed during the 2023 legislative session, the group was created to reform the council’s government-appointment-based model approach.

While some members, such as Bigham and Dibble, favored a directly elected model approach, others, such as Koznick, favored the current governmentappointment-based approach, albeit with some slight modifications. Despite the disagreement, the task force adopted several principles to guide the Legislature in considering multiple reform proposals should they be looked at in the future.

• In honor of Valentine’s Day, Press Publications reached out to local readers and asked for submissions of a “love story” in one photo. These submissions ranged from a couple going on 54 years of marriage to a young family enjoying the holidays to a mother and son riding a carousel.

• The 2023-2024 Zephyr wrestling season saw three female wrestlers join the newly formed girls' wrestling team at Mahtomedi High School. One of those wrestlers, senior Shelby McFetridge, made history by becoming the first female to qualify for the Girls State Tournament. McFetridge placed third at the Minnesota State High School League Section Tournament the previous season.

• A special task force’s efforts to find a new governing model for the Metropolitan Council ended with widespread disagreement over what model

CONTRIBUTED

Zephyr wrestler Shelby McFetridge qualifyed for state.

• Three brothers—Jimmy, Patrick and Max— talked about what it’s like to play on the Mahtomedi High School Hockey team together, and how family history is intertwined with the sport. Dick Redpath, their grandfather, was the founder of the Mahtomedi Hockey Association in the early 1960s. Their other grandfather, Patrick Egan I, was president of the St. Paul Saints in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

type to adopt. The group comprises 17 appointed council members, including Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham, Democratic Sen.

MARCH

Year in Review 2024

• The 617 Bar celebrated its 90th anniversary after opening in White Bear Lake on March 9, 1934. The bar was one of the first to operate in the city after the end of Prohibition in December 1933.

• White Bear Lake officially called its earliest-ever iceout on record (March 8) and possibly the shortest season ever for ice on the lake.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The landmark 617 Bar celebrated its 90th anniversary.

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• Bald Eagle Lake is slated to be potentially removed from Minnesota's impaired water list. The lake was added to the list in 2002 due to its then-high levels of phosphorus and algae detected in the water. Different projects have led to an overall decrease in both levels, such as the 2014 Oneka Ridge Course stormwater reuse project and an iron-enhanced sand filter and pond project on Ramsey County Ditch 11, completed in 2020.

Rice Creek Watershed District Program Manager Matt Kocian noted that the possible removal was a rare development, as less than 50 cases of lakes have been removed from the list in its history.

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• St. Thomas University student/Hill-Murray School alum Brendan Bonin talked about his overseas trip to Rome, which was made possible by a special on-campus program. Bonin, who planned to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Catholic studies, said one of his trip’s highlights was seeing one of Pope Francis’ speeches at the Vatican. Bonin also read from the Old Testament in St. Peter’s Square to a crowd of thousands on Easter Sunday.

• Trisha Kauffman retired from the position of executive director for Solid Ground, where she had been since 1997. During her tenure, Kauffman expanded several of the company’s programs, including adding a permanent housing subdivision and providing rental assistance to people outside the company’s housing program. Kauffman was succeeded in her position by Diamond Hunter.

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WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

7

APRIL

Year in Review 2024

• White Bear Lake native and High School alum Jill Defiel shared her experiences working as a sound mixer for several blockbuster Hollywood movies. These movies include “Dune: Part Two,” in which Defiel did the international sound mix, and “The Beekeeper,” in which she did the domestic mix.

• The Lake Links Association discussed some of their proudest accomplishments around White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi. These include completing a walking/ biking trail around South Shore Boulevard in 2023 and safety improvements for bicyclists and automobiles along Wildwood Beach Road and Park Avenue. Another notable achievement was constructing a rest stop at Bellaire Beach along the trail called Saputo Station, which opened in October 2022. The station was dedicated to Lake Links co-founder Steve Wolgamont, who passed away in August of that year.

• Following two years of rehabilitation from knee injuries, Mahtomedi High School alum/Northern State University graduate Parker Fox celebrated his success on the court after joining the Minnesota Golden Gophers Basketball team last November. During his last season on the Northern State team, Fox was a first-team

Division II All-American. Fox averaged 14 minutes, 5.1 points, and 2.9 rebounds per game, shooting 68 percent on field goals, blocking 27 shots and making 18 steals. Fox played in all 34 games for his first season as a Gophers player, helping them post a 19-15 record, a massive jump from the previous season. Fox credited the trainers/ strength and conditioning staff for ensuring he was fully prepared to participate in the season.

• The Protez Foundation, an Oakdale-based nonprofit organization, hosted a special fundraiser at the Ukranian Baptist Church in Hopkins. The fundraiser was held to buy prosthetic limbs for Roman and Olexsandr, two Ukrainian soldiers who lost multiple limbs in the Ukraine-Russian War before coming to Minnesota.

Established in 2022 by Yakov Gradiner and Yuri Aroshidze, the foundation helps Ukrainian children, civilians and soldiers who have lost limbs as a result of the war receive high-quality prosthetics in the United States.

• The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society hosted multiple presentations on Native American heritage as part of its Native American Education Initiative Project, launched the previous fall. The project is a brand new

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Mahtomedi High School students celebrated prom with a St. Croix River cruise. addition to the society, which has only done sporadic presentations on Native American history in the past.

Project Coordinator Elsa Battala said the project was launched to help educate the public on the city’s rich history of Native American lore.

MAY

Year in Review 2024

• The White Bear Lake Police Department launched its brand-new drone program, led by Sgt. Isaac Tuma after its initial creation by former Chief of Police Julie Swanson the previous year. According to Tuma, the program will help locate missing individuals and assess the safety of a particular scene rather than help apprehend suspects due to concerns over violating individuals’ Fourth Amendment rights. Chief of Police Dale Hager said that the program will adhere to national, federal and state guidelines regarding the legality of drone use.

• White Bear Lake resident Michael Henderson was presented a Citizen’s Award by the Police Department for helping prevent an attempted carjacking outside of Planet Fitness on Buerkle Road.

• Vadnais Heights resident Jackie Edberg talked about her son Nathan, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances almost 25 years ago. Edberg said that while Nathan’s vanishing has led to more questions than answers, she remains upbeat about how she and the rest of the family continue to keep him in their memories to this day. “There was a friendliness about him that we all loved,” said Jackie about Nathan’s personality. “He was very much a people person who enjoyed being around others and telling jokes.”

wreckage of the USS Oklahoma, which was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Gusie had worked on the ship as a 3rd Class Navy Fire Controllman.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Road Construction in Mahtomedi was completed in the fall.

• White Bear Lake Area Learning Center (ALC) Language Arts teacher Michelle Norcross was awarded Teacher of the Year at the district’s award ceremony.

Norcross has taught in the school district for the past 13 years and currently leads several ALC programs for students beyond high school age and teachers seeking career growth opportunities.

• The remains of William F. Gusie, a 1939 White Bear Lake Area High School graduate, were laid to rest in a special burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Gusie’s remains were identified in September 2021 by members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in the

• White Bear Lake Area High School junior Gabe Kessel was diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma, a rare cancerous brain tumor with a low survival rate. Kessel has since been doing daily radiation treatments at Regions Hospital, which have stopped the growth of new tumors and cancer cells in his body. Kessel’s family has recently contacted the University of Minnesota Medical Center, which is currently developing a special drug that is shown to slow the progress of the tumor’s disease. Kessel’s family hopes to get Gabe on the waiting list to participate in a drug trial.

• In response to reports of rising crime in neighboring counties, the city of Dellwood began rolling out a new crime prevention program. The program involves installing automatic license plate readers around the city, which Project Manager Greg Boosalis said will increase the safety margin for concerned residents.

JUNE

Year in Review 2024 • Derick Ngu and Thomas Dowie, two pastors from Cameroon and Liberia, established church services at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake.

Ngu holds services through the Church of Cameroon in the church’s sanctuary from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. while Dowie holds services through his ministry, “Kingdom Restoration Ministries,” from 2 to 2:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Both are held on Sundays.

• Hugo resident Zoua Vue discussed her life as a foster parent. Vue cited her 16-year job as a St. Paul Public Schools teacher as inspiration to become a foster parent, as several students she taught were in foster care. Vue had previously fostered five children between the ages of 5 and 14 and currently fosters three adopted siblings, ages 7, 9 and 10. While Vue admitted getting the children used to a new routine and schedule was challenging, she has described her overall experience as “very rewarding.”

The White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf officially opened a Community Market with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

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• Sisters Colleen and Claudia Beckmann of White Bear Lake became embroiled in a dispute with the city over ownership of their pet pigs, Ozzie and Harriet. The sisters initially rescued both pigs from an unnamed animal sanctuary in Northern Minnesota and have kept them as pets ever since. According to City Manager Lindy Crawford, the sisters’ home was not properly zoned to allow the keeping of domestic farm animals. However, the sisters’ lawyer, Mary Wingfield, stated that the code they violated has only been in force for a few years and is not specific about what kind of farm animals residents are not allowed to have.

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DECEMBER 25, 2024

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JULY

Year in Review 2024

• White Bear Lake City Council voted to expand parking restrictions for vehicles and boat trailers in downtown residential areas.

• For the 4th Monday in a row, the A-scow races on White Bear Lake were canceled due to poor wind conditions.

• White Bear Lake High School speech team captains Miriam Elias-Danjuma and Sanyu Mwassa won first place in the National Speech and Debate Tournament.

• Evan McGuire, Mahtomedi High School senior wrestler, helped Team USA capture gold in GrecoRoman by going 4-0 with 3 pins and winning his division.

• White Bear Lake resident Andrew Lee was arrested after an armed standoff with the local police and SWAT team.

• Nuni Omot, former Mahtomedi basketball player born in a Kenyan refugee camp, will play for South Sudan in the upcoming Olympics. Lara DallmanWeiss, Olympic sailor who honed her skills on White Bear Lake, is headed back to the Olympic Games in a new, mixed-gender event.

• Groups working to bring back the Ramsey County Fair in 2025 fail to reach a deal due to cost estimates.

• White Bear Lake has multiple properties that contain restrictive covenants excluding “persona other than of the Caucasian race” in their property titles.

JAY RENDALL | CONTRIBUTED

Sailor Lara Dallman Weiss competed in the Olympics.

AUGUST

Year in Review 2024

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

A young visitor rings the bell on a vintage fire engine during the new Public Safety Building grand opening.

• Ling Becker has been selected as the new Ramsey County Manager. Becker was formerly executive director of the county's Workforce Investment Board and executive director of the Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation.

• Dozens of participants stopped at 17 establishments throughout Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi during the 36th annual Tour de Bar Bicycle Benefit Ride.

• The White Bear Lake Rotary Club and YouLEAD will hold a picnic to welcome 15 Ukrainian exchange students who will be in the area for a month to learn about Minnesota's culture, government, health car system, and other topics.

• The City of White Bear Lake is working with the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society to design a display for the 1929 LaFrance fire truck that can be viewed at the new Public Safety facility at the

upcoming open house.

• The Bald Eagle Yacht Club will celebrate its quasquicentennial. The first “gaff rig” sailboats raced on the lake 125 years ago.

• A pickle ball fundraiser is planned to help rebuild the Brydges Centre in Kenya following a fire.

• The White Bear Lake City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed change to the city's liquor ordinance, which would halt all on-site liquor sales by 1 a.m.

• Mariner Middle School is ready to open for the 2024-25 school year in the renovated former South Campus building. A Community Open House will be held before the first football game at the new White Bear Lake Area High School.

SEPTEMBER Year in Review 2024

• The Bald Eagle Art Crawl debuts this month, featuring 53 individual local artists.

• After 35 years of ownership, Eric and Kelly Hendrickson have handed over ownership of Mahtomedi's Liquor Barrel to long-term employees.

• Angela Vick, who works at Magnuson Christian School, recently won shot put and discus at the Minnesota Senior Games and earned a trip to 2025 nationals.

• Aviation mechanic Tommy Hammonds of Vadnais Heights is this years recipient of a scholarship from Benson Airport's Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 745.

• Local school districts are evaluating their policies for students cell phone use, as a new law requires them to adopt a cell phone policy by March 15, 2025.

• The Mahtomedi City Council approved planning documents for the development of a senior community

at the vacant site of the former First Christian Church.

• The Vadanis Lake Area Water Management Organization denied plans for an apartment building on a 1.75-acre parcel along Arcade Street.

• Over 200 pieces of pottery created by Mata Ortiz artists in Mexico will be displayed for sale at the White Bear Center for the Arts.

• After 31 years, Mahtomedi Fire Chief Terry Fischer is retiring.

• Caroline Grubs of White Bear Lake secured the national swivel title at the 2024 Division 1 Show Ski Nationals.

• Local food shelves report financial donations over the past couple of years have not kept pace with increased demand for services.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Pumpkin decorators in Railroad Park during Fall Fest.

OCTOBER

Year in Review 2024

JAY RENDALL | CONTRIBUTED

An injured Great horned owl was rescued local raptor expert Frank Taylor.

120 Years Years 110

70 Years

• More than 60 classmates from White Bear Lake High School's Class of 1994 gathered for a 30 year reunion.

• Residents are invited to a community meeting at Otter Lake Technologies, the business that acquired the assets of Water Gremlin earlier this year.

• Customers and community members helped Hardik Patel, owner of Controneo's liquor store, relocate to the building formerly occupied by Fraser Automotive. The new store, renamed White Bear Wine and Spirits, seeks to continue the legacy of Ciresi's Liquor.

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• The future of the Purple Line BRT is uncertain after the Maplewood City Council reversed it's prior support of the project.

• A bounce house carnival and talent show are new events that are open to the community as part of White Bear Lake Ara Schools Homecoming festivities.

• The Vadnais Heights Green Team needs more helpers to help clean 1,800 drains throughout the city as part of the Adopt-a-Drain program.

• White Bear Lake graduate Josh Cassada has retired from NASA after 11 years of service. He plans to return to the private sector.

• Plans to purchase and install an electric vehicle charger in front of City Hall failed to proceed at last week's White Bear Lake City Council meeting.

DECEMBER 25, 2024 www.presspubs.com

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

9

NOVEMBER Year in Review 2024

• The Mahtomedi Girls Soccer Team recelaimed the state championship by beating Holy Angels 2-0 in the Class 2A finals.

• Vadnais Heights resident Marianne Baumgarten, who is in her 80s, recently achieved her childhood dream of becoming a flower girl in a wedding.

• The city of White Bear Lake and White Bear Township are in the middle of a contrct dispute regarding what the township is expected to pay for the new public safety building.

• Local presidential race results indicate Kamala Harris and Tim Walz won in all of the communities in the White Bear Press circulation area, with the exception of Dellwood, Grant and Pine Springs, which were carried by Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. Gem Lake reported a tie with 183 votes for each candidate.

• The White Bear Lake Rotary Club and Rudy's Redeye Grill teamed up with Sweet Martha's cookies to ship 60 buckets of cookies to Major Justin Bradshaw and his National Guard unit who are stationed in Kuwait.

• Railroad Park will be the location of a new holiday lighting ceremony. The gazebo and surrounding trees will be be lit during downtowm White Bear Lake's Holiday Open House.

• DECA students from Mahtomedi High School visited classrooms at O.H. Anderson and Mahtomedi Middle School to inform students about the school district's ongoing service project to collect donations for families in need of assistance this holiday season.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

A new tradition of a holiday gazebo lighting ceremony was started this year.

DECEMBER Year in Review 2024

• Beginning in the fall of 2025, Otter Lake Elementary and Matoska International will each have three kindergarten classrooms in which only Spanish will be spoken for half of the day.

• Lisa Beecroft, owner of Beecroft Marketing & Events, who has helped coordinate Marketfest and other local events, has accepted a position at the U of M and will be closing her business in the coming months.

• Jeffrey London, who retured home earlier than expected from a military deployment in Djibouti, Africa surprised his son, Gabriel, during class at Lakeaires Elementary School.

• White Bear Lake City Manager Lindy Crawford

presented a bear to retired Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt in recognition of her nearly three decades of service to the city and county.

• Residents have sent letters to the White Bear Lake Conservation District complaining about barking dogs, parking issues and fecal bacteria harming water quality at the dog beach.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

After returning from deployment early, Jeffrey London surprised his son Gabriel during a class at Lakeaires Elementary School.

SP TTED

Top 2024 website stories-White Bear Press

AROUND TOWN

1

2

1. Firefighters respond to early morning call at White Bear Bar-7-14 2. Boat builder plays role in retelling of Olympic history-1-4 3. 90 years of the 617: New era, same love-3-6 4. Big Wood Brewery opens soon in Vadnais Heights-1-10

3

5. College student in critical condition after White Bear Lake stabbing-7-29 6. 2024 White Bear Lake – Vadnais Heights area election results-11-12 7. Nasvik, Bears wrestling coach for 35 years, retires-3-30

4

5

8. Tale of 2 Mahtomedi grads-turned-entrepreneurs-7-29 9. White Bear Bar reaches 50-year milestone-2-21 10. Boys hockey: Bears clip Stillwater 5-1, face Hill-Murray for section title-2-29

51 Years

1-3. Congratulations to the Festival of Trees winners: The White Bear Lake Rotary, White Bear Lake Historical Society volunteers and the White Bear Press.

— Shannon Granholm, Press Publications

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4-5. White Bear Lake TRIAD recently hosted its annual appreciation luncheon for volunteers and community partners. Pictured on the right is White Bear Lake Fire Chief Greg Peterson. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications

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VADNAIS HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL NOTES • The council approved an amendment to its purchase agreement with Arcade Limited Partnership, which is doing business as Reuter Walton. The city had signed this agreement in June to support an affordable multifamily residential development at 3400 Arcade Street. After beginning the entitlement process earlier in the year, the developer withdrew all relevant land use and zoning permits the previous month. At the developer's request, the council discussed extending the purchase agreement during a closed session on Dec. 3. The amendment would extend the purchase agreement until Dec. 31, 2026, and give the developer more time to revise the original project for future consideration.

• The council approved an agreement with local organization Tubman for consultant services to assist domestic abuse victims in 2025. The organization provides shelter, counseling and violence prevention for those experiencing relationship violence, exploitation and other forms of trauma. As per the agreement, the city will pay no more than $14,000 to the organization and will do so on or before Jan. 30 of next year.

• City staff signed an update on the city’s agreement with Municode. CivicPlus, the company that currently owns Municode, had previously contacted the city about changes to its billing for hosting and updating the city’s Code of Ordinances. In the original arrangement, the city paid by the page for supplement updates. CivicPlus is proposing a flat rate of $1,600 to be paid with the subscription for online hosting and is adjusting the perpage rate to increase by 30%. This rate is less than the most recent bill for supplements and, as of late, the pace at which ordinances are proposed has increased.

• The council approved hiring Allan Hanson as a probationary part-time firefighter at the Fire Department. According to Fire Chief Chris Hearden, Hanson has adhered to all personnel policies and is recommended to be hired after meeting specific requirements. These requirements include completing a criminal background review and serving a 24-month

probationary period. Hanson’s compensation will begin at a probationary part-time firefighter rate; upon a satisfactory performance review, his compensation will be moved to a regular POC firefighter rate.

• The City Council accepted the resignation of part-time firefighter Santino Preciado. Preciado, who was hired on Nov. 5, 2020, is leaving to pursue a full-time firefighter position in South Dakota. Fire Chief Chris Hearden thanked Preciado for his hard work and dedicated service to the city and wished him the best in his future endeavors.

• The council approved a solicitor license for Renewal

by Andersen. The company had previously completed an application for a soliciting license for members of their sales team for roofing and siding. One license requirement is the acquisition of a Ramsey County transient merchant license. The company has submitted correspondence indicating that the county does not require this license type for the firm’s planned soliciting.

The company has already paid all required fees, including background checks, with no reason found for denial based on the current City Code.

• The council approved an application from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to host a cohort learning opportunity for communities to improve their sustainability practices, especially in parks. The program will involve partnerships between city park systems and community-based organizations and will occur over 16 weeks, involving eight threehour virtual workshops. City staff had worked with the Vadnais Heights Green Team to apply for the program, with the latter to receive a $10,000 stipend for its participation. Staff will also submit a formal commitment to the program due by Dec. 27.

• The council approved an agreement between the city and the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce for services in 2025. These services include assisting the city in serving its business owners through meetings and business promotion initiatives, providing training

opportunities for local businesses to promote economic growth and assisting minority-owned businesses. The total cost of the agreement is $560, which will be paid upon contract approval.

• The council approved Ordinance 784, which sets the 2025 fee schedule, and adopted a corresponding resolution for publication of an ordinance summary.

Updates to the new schedule from the previous year include reinspection and zoning fees, cannabis registration and renewal costs, late fees, unlicensed rentals, plan reviews, athletic fields and water rates. A copy of the fee schedule and the resolution can be found online in the Dec. 17 council agenda packet at www. cityvadnaisheights.com/AgendaCenter.

• The council adopted Ordinance 785, which updates City Code Chapter 36, Article II regarding water conservation sprinkling regulations. Since 2006, the city has enforced an “odd/even” watering ban that restricts watering outdoor areas to odd or even days of the month based on address numbers. While the schedule has proved helpful in reducing peak water use on high-demand days and preventing additional water infrastructure investments, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has identified it as a “conservationneutral” strategy that does not result in significant water conservation. Ordinance 785 would effectively switch this schedule from a two-day-a-week schedule to an every-other-day one. Additional changes through the ordinance include commercial 10B properties being allowed to irrigate only one day per week. At the same time, the daily lawn watering schedule has also been updated to restrict watering between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to reduce water waste through evaporative loss. The annual schedule limiting ordinance effect from June to September has been removed to simplify the code, and staff has updated the ordinance to include four zones rather than three to reduce the maximum number of SEE CITY COUNCIL, PAGE 15

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies: 1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Caring Transitions of Roseville, MN 2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 5979 Highview Place, Shoreview, MN 55126 3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

NextStage Solutions, LLC 5979 Highview Place, Shoreview, MN 55126 I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: December 17, 2024 Signed: Dawn L. Etmund Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on December 25, 2024, and January 1, 2025.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given that on January 21, 2025 at 2:00PM at 3020 Rice S Lot A6, Little Canada, MN 55113 the following property will be sold by public auction by the Sheriff of Ramsey County: A 2006 Skyline Manufactured Home, VIN number 5B300435U and any contents therein or about the premises.

This sale will be held to satisfy a claim upon the above-described property held by Enjoy Communities. Upon information and belief, this property is owned by Cedar Creek Homes Inc. at 14384 BROOKMERE BLVD NW PRIOR LAKE, MN 55372.

The amount of the claim against the above referenced property is $5,800.00 computed to the date of the sale at the rate of rent since abandonment of the home, exclusive of the expenses of making said sale.

The grounds for the claim held by the landlord are as stated in M.S.A. §§514.18 (1) and (4), 514.19(2), and 504B.271(1), in that the landlord is holding and storing the abandoned personal property described above to its preservation and care.

Dated: December 2, 2024 Landlord Resource Network, LLC Patrick Flynn (#0403107) Landlord Resource Network, LLC 225 S 6th Street, Suite 3900, Minneapolis, MN 55402 patrick@landlordresource.net Attorney for Enjoy Communities Published three times in the Vadnais Heights Press on December 11, 18 and 25, 2024.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2024 The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:07 a.m. with the following members present: Frethem, Moran, Ortega, Xiong and Chair Reinhardt. Commissioners McGuire was absent. Also present were Ling Becker, County Manager, and Stacey D’Andrea, Assistant County Attorney, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.

AGENDA of December 3, 2024 was presented for approval Motion by Ortega, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved.

MINUTES of November 26, 2024 were presented for approval Motion by Frethem, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Read by Commissioner Moran.

ORDINANCE PROCEDURES Board of Commissioners, Economic Growth and Community Investment – Proposed Ramsey County Arts, Cultural and Creative Enterprise Advisory Commission Ordinance – Waive the Second Reading and Hold the Public Hearing. Motion by Ortega, seconded by Frethem. Unanimously approved.

(B2024-255) Finance – 2025 Capital Improvement Program Bond Ordinance – Waive Second Reading and Hold Public Hearing. Motion by Frethem, seconded by

Xiong. Unanimously approved. (B2024-256) ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS County Attorney’s Office – Memorandum of Understanding with the Partners of the Ramsey County Bail Reform Work Group for the Supported PreCharge Release Process. Motion by Moran, seconded by Ortega. Unanimously approved. (B2024-257) Emergency Communications – Grant Agreement with Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services for Ramsey County Emergency and Public Safety. Motion by Moran, seconded by Ortega. Unanimously approved. (B2024-258) County Manager’s Office – Resolution Affirming Metro County Engagement on Youth Intervention. Motion by Xiong, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2024-259) Public Health – Master Grant Contract with the Minnesota Department of Health. Motion by Moran, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved.

(B2024-260) POLICY ITEM Safety and Justice – Ramsey County Sheriff Operational Staffing Study Proposal. For information and discussion only. Presented by Director Gloria Reyes. Discussion can be found on archived video.

COUNTY CONNECTIONS Presented by County Manager, Ling Becker. Discussion can be found on archived video.

OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Discussion can be found on archived video.

BOARD CHAIR UPDATE Presented by Chair Reinhardt. Discussion can be found on archived video.

ADJOURNMENT Chair Reinhardt declared the meeting adjourned at 10:07 a.m.

CLOSED MEETING Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 13D.05 subdivision 3(b) in order to discuss Venedia Larita Campbell and Martin Alan Smith II v Schroeder et al., the Ramsey County Board met in a closed meeting, which is not open to the public.

In Re Venedia Larita Campbell and Martin Alan Smith II v. Schroeder et al.

The Closed Meeting was called to order at 10:40 a.m. with the following members present: Commissioners Frethem, Moran, Ortega, Xiong, and Chair Reinhardt.

Also present: Ling Becker, County Manager; Brett Bacon, Assistant County Attorney, Office of the Ramsey County Attorney; Gloria Reyes, Deputy County Manager, Safety and Justice Service Team, Susan Earle, Chief Financial Officer, Finance, and Jason Yang, Chief Clerk – County Board, County Manager’s Office.

Motion by Commissioner Frethem, seconded by Commissioner Ortega.

Unanimously approved, Now Therefore, Be It Resolved, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners authorized the Office of the Ramsey County staff to proceed as discussed in this closed meeting. (Resolution B2024-261).

The closed meeting was adjourned at 11:17 a.m.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on December 25, 2024.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

OFFICIAL SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. B2024-292 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS IN AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $19,500,000 On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners adopted the following Ordinance (B2024-292). Motion by Xiong, second by Ortega; Ayes – 6; Nays – 0 This ordinance authorizes the issuance of bonds, notes or other obligations, in one or more series in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $19,500,000 for capital improvement needs.

A. WHEREAS, since 1989, Ramsey County, Minnesota (the “County”), has issued bonds to finance capital improvements identified in a capital improvement plan developed with citizen participation; and B. WHEREAS, the Home Rule Charter of the County (the “Home Rule Charter”) is a desirable source of authority for the issuance of such bonds; and C. WHEREAS, the County’s proposed capital improvement budget for 2025 contemplates undertaking capital improvements financed in part by bonds, notes or other obligations, in one or more series, in an estimated aggregate amount of $19,500,000; and NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF RAMSEY DOES ORDAIN as follows:

1. Authorization of Bonds - The bonding and borrowing of money by the issuance of general obligation bonds, notes or other obligations, in one or more series from time to time as needed, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $19,500,000 plus the amount of any premium paid with respect thereto (the “Bonds”) is hereby authorized to financ (1) the costs of improvements set forth in the 2025 capital improvement budget of the County, as approved and amended; (2) the costs of any other improvements set forth in the County’s capital improvement budgets of any year and any other capital expenditures authorized by the County, to the extent proceeds of the Bonds are not expended on improvements set forth in the 2025 capital improvement budget, as approved and amended. The amount authorized under this Ordinance is in addition to amounts previously authorized under prior ordinances of the County.

2. Bonding Procedure and Terms - The Bonds shall be scheduled for sale and awarded for sale by resolutions. The specific amount, maturities, interest rates and other terms and conditions of the Bonds and covenants with respect to the Bonds shall be set or made by resolution.

3. Taxes - The Bonds shall be general obligations to which the full faith and credit and taxing powers of the County are pledged. The Bonds may also be paid from interest earnings on the debt service account, and from any other moneys appropriated by the County Board. The taxes levied for the payment of the Bonds shall not limit or reduce the ability of the County to levy taxes for the payment of the costs of other capital improvements or obligations issued to finance the payment of such costs.

4. Authorization of Refunding Bonds - The bonding or borrowing of money by the issuance of bonds or other obligations to refund the Bonds is hereby authorized on the same basis as set forth in paragraphs 4 and 5 of Ordinance No. 93-292, authorizing the refunding of bonds issued prior to November 6, 1992. Further proceedings to schedule such refunding bonds for sale, to set the terms and conditions thereof, to make covenants with respect thereto and to award the sale thereof may be, and are hereby authorized to be, done or taken by resolution.

5. Referendum Upon Petition - This ordinance is subject to the ordinance procedure of the County’s Home Rule Charter, including the holding of a referendum if a sufficient petition is filed within forty-five (45) days after its publication. Among other conditions to be met, a sufficient petition must be signed by registered voters of the County equal in number to ten percent (10%) of those who voted in the County for the office of President of the United States in the last general election.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on December 25, 2024.

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-PH55531553-DC OPENING DATE: 1/16/2025 RAMSEY COUNTY THROUGH PUBLIC PROJECT DESCRIPTION: HEALTH DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE YARD WASTE SITE WORK AT FIVE (5) COUNTY YARD WASTE SITES: ARDEN HILLS, BATTLE CREEK, FRANK & SIMS, MOUNDS VIEW, AND WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP SITES. SOLICITATION: RFB-EMCOM4023-MS OPENING DATE: 1/23/2025 RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT, SEEKS QUALIFIED VENDORS TO ESTABLISH “ON-CALL” COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC, MAINTENANCE, AND INSTALLATION SERVICES. Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on December 25, 2024.

DECEMBER 25, 2024 www.presspubs.com

Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online!

Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online!

Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online!

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The chocolate, ice skating, snow shoeing, and - servicios Inresidential residential areas,they theymay may backup up ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, Silver Ball In areas, back ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, trees should be picked upwithin within 48hours, hours, but --servicios trees should be picked up 48 but In residential they may back up ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios trees should be picked up within 48 hours, but cookies.

Event isareas, free. ynoticias noticias en línea! in order to turn around.

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When roads are could be delayed due to weather. Place your coveredwith withsnow snowor orice, ice,watch watchfor forthe the covered tree atthe the curb and yourhauler hauler will pickititit best and join us and for ayour dance at the Vadnais tree at curb will pick covered with snow or ice, watch for the tree at the curb and your hauler will pick Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online!

Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online!

Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online! flashing white,yellow, yellow,and andblue bluelights lightsof of Winter Activities Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online!

Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online! flashing white, up at no charge.

Remove all decorations and Heights Commons on January 12.

Tickets up at no charge.

Remove all decorations and Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online! flashing white, yellow, and blue lights of up at no charge.

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The tree Registration include live music and hors d’oeuvres.

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Trees will be picked up by a Learn to Snowshoe, Dance, Basketball, Floor Family and friends of all ages are welcome cityvadnaisheights.com Facebook.com/CityVH seven (7) feet.

Trees will be picked up by a Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, cityvadnaisheights.com Facebook.com/CityVH only when you can see the entire vehicle.

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Trees will be picked up by a Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, cityvadnaisheights.com Facebook.com/CityVH Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, Staywell well behindplows plowsto toavoid avoidany anyflying flying adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlayn ahaan!

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There will be $7 charge for adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlayn ahaan! sanding materials, snow,and and ice that could sanding materials, snow, that could treesplaced placed outside for pickup attimes times other include Learn to Snowshoe, Taiice Chi Chuan, online at cityvadnaisheights.com/register trees outside for pickup at other sanding materials, snow, and ice that could ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios trees placed outside for pickup at times other ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios strike your vehicle. strike your vehicle. than those listed above. and Yoga – including a holiday yoga cleanse! or at City Hall, cost is $20.

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Bealert alertfor for dangerous snowclouds cloudsor or -- - Be dangerous snow Registration can be completed online at great performance by 8-time winner of the Be alert for dangerous snow clouds or “whiteout”conditions. conditions.Snowplows Snowplowscan can “whiteout” cityvadnaisheights.com/register.

“Best Vocalist and Band” award from Press Sharing theRoad Road withSnowplows Snowplows “whiteout” conditions.

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Find FindFind the the latest latest about about our our events, events, programs, programs, services, services, and and news newsnews online! online!

Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online!

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cityvadnaisheights.com cityvadnaisheights.com Kuhel wixi danbeeyey ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, twi9er.com/Vadnais_Heights cityvadnaisheights.comKuhel Facebook.com/CityVH wixi wixi ugu ugu danbeeyey ee ee kusaabsan kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, barnaamijyadeena, twi9er.com/Vadnais_Heights cityvadnaisheights.com cityvadnaisheights.com Facebook.com/CityVH Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, twi9er.com/Vadnais_Heights cityvadnaisheights.com Kuhel Facebook.com/CityVH adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlayn ahaan! adeegyadeena adeegyadeena iyo iyo wararkeena wararkeena onlayn onlayn ahaan! ahaan!

VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

Winter Parking Rules

15

Ramsey County Survey

Winter parking rules are in effect Ramsey County Public Works is updating Winter Rec Programs–––Registration Registration Open Skating Rinkswith Disabilities Act (ADA) Winter Rec Open Skating Rinks Winter Rec Programs Registration Open Skating Rinks November 1Programs through April 1. No parking is an Americans On cue with the snow, our winter rec Weatherpermitting, permitting,the theice icerinks rinksat at On cue with the snow, our winter rec Weather On cueon with snow, our winter the rec hours Transition Weather permitting, the ice rinks at allowed anythe City street between Plan for pedestrian facilities programsare areopen openfor forregistration. registration.Youth Youth CommunityPark Parkand andWestfield WestfieldPark Parkshould should programs Community programs are open for registration.

Youth Community Park and Westfield Park should of 1am and 6am. There is also no parking within the County’s public right-of-way basketball,floor floorhockey, hockey,indoor indoorsoccer, soccer,and and be beopen. open.Visit Visitour ourwebsite websiteor orcall callCity CityHall Hallfor for basketball, basketball, floor hockey, indoor soccer, and be open. our website call City Hall for allowed immediately after accumulation of that are Visit managed by the or Public Works adultTai TaiChi ChiChaun Chaunand andyoga yogaprograms programsare are updates updatesas asthey theybecome becomeavailable. available. adult adult Tai Chi Chaun yoga programs are updates as they two inches or more ofand continuous snow until Department, asbecome well asavailable.

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Stay busy with us this winter: the street is plowed curb to curb.

Violators communications, services, activities, www.cityvadnaisheights.com/register www.cityvadnaisheights.com/register WinterShindig Shindig Winter www.cityvadnaisheights.com/register Winter Shindig will be ticketed and/or towed. policies, and procedures. The plan outlines Newto toour ourrecreation recreationcatalog catalogthis this New Embrace winter with Vadnais Heights Embrace winter with Vadnais Heights New to our recreation catalog this Embrace winter with Vadnais Heights how Ramsey County Public Works will winter Learn to Snowshoe classes!

Learn winter Learn to Snowshoe classes!

Learn Parks & Recreation!

Enjoy hotchocolate, chocolate, Parks && Recreation!

Enjoy hot winter - Learn to Snowshoe classes! Learn Parks Recreation!

Enjoy hot chocolate, make all relevant assets ADA compliant, Notify Me the basics and gain confidence through the basics and gain confidence through cookies,ice ice skating,snowshoeing snowshoeing andall all cookies, skating, the basics and gain confidence through cookies, ice skating, snowshoeing and all including timelines and fundingand sources. guided hike.Snowshoes Snowshoes provided!

Stay informed on the latest updates in aaaguided hike. provided! things winter!

Joinus usfor for theWinter WinterShindig Shindig things winter!

Join guided hike.

Snowshoes provided! things winter!

Join us for the Winter Shindig A virtual presentation isthe available on the Ages7+ 7+are arewelcome welcome (14and andto under must Vadnais Heights!

Subscribe emails and Ages (14 under must onSaturday, Saturday, January 14at atCommunity Community Park, on January 14 Park, Ages 7+ are welcome (14 and under must on Saturday, January 14 at Community Park, Ramsey County Public Works website. be accompanied by an adult). www. text messages on a variety of topics from be accompanied by an adult). www.

651 E County Road F, from 2 to 4 pm.

FREE 651 EECounty Road F, pm. be accompanied by an adult). www.

651 County Road F,from from22to to44calling pm. FREE FREE Feedback can be provided by 651-286cityvadnaisheights.com/register the city, including the latest city council cityvadnaisheights.com/register -all allages ageswelcome. welcome.No Nopre-registration pre-registrationis --8472.. all cityvadnaisheights.com/register ages welcome.

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Visit www.cityvadnaisheights.com or call 651.204.6000. | City Hall Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday twitter.com/Vadnais_Heights Facebook.com/CityVH twitter.com/Vadnais_Heights Facebook.com/CityVH Facebook.com/CityVH Visit Friday twitter.com/Vadnais_Heights Visitwww.cityvadnaisheights.com www.cityvadnaisheights.comor orcall call651.204.6000.

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FROM PAGE 1

competent, dedicated and efficient to the city. We are very lucky to have them.”

In an additional round of thanks, Rogers spoke directly to the residents who helped elect him. “Thank you for electing

me to be a trusted steward of the city for these four years,” said a visibly tearful Rogers.

“I appreciate it, thank you and Merry Christmas.”

Roger’s wife, Jennifer, approached the podium and supported her husband’s dedication and work ethic. “You executed a terrific campaign,”

said Jennifer, “and we found that all of your natural talents have been used in this position. You always have asked important and insightful questions. You care about the residents and have always kept their best interests in mind. You’re also very fiscally responsible and conscientious

VADNAIS HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL NOTES properties scheduled to water in one day. Turf irrigated for recreational purposes, such as recreational softball, baseball and/or soccer fields will be exempt from this schedule. A list of the aforementioned zones can be found online in the Dec. 17 council agenda packet at www.cityvadnaisheights.com/ AgendaCenter.

• The council approved the 2025 calendar of regular meetings, commission meetings and holidays. New additions to the calendar include a first-ofits-kind budget workshop to be held at City Hall at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 29. At the request of Council Member Katherine Doll Kanne and Mayor Mike Krachmer, the council added advance notices of its tax levy increase meeting and truth in taxation hearing. The meeting regarding the preliminary tax levy will be held in the second week in September, while the truth in taxation meeting will take place at the first meeting in December.

• The council ratified the appointment of several parttime fire department officers, which will become effective Jan. 1, 2025. Those officers include Assistant Chief Ryan Eckert, Captains Mike Bigelbach, Mike Morelan, Dan Anderson and Derek Johnson, and Lieutenants Tom Liberkowski, Dave Bahl, Cameron Miller, Ed Gorr, Will Ricci and Rolando Leon.

Currently, the department’s officer structure allows for 13 officers. The proposed officer structure for 2025 is one assistant chief, four captains and seven lieutenants (six active and one vacant position).

• The council authorized the creation of an Energy Action Team Task Force for the Xcel Partners in Energy Program.

The action team will consist of multiple stakeholders with expertise in energy efficiency

Erik Suchy is a staff writer for Press Publications. To reach him, please contact him by email at vadnaisheightsnews@ presspubs.com or by phone at 651-407-1229.

COMMUNITY BRIEF

to develop and guide the city’s energy action plan’s goals and strategies. These stakeholders will include a mix of city staff, Xcel Partners in Energy representatives, local business representatives and energy efficiency/renewable energy experts. The team will meet regularly to develop ideas for the first six months of the program, beginning in February. These ideas will go toward developing a comprehensive energy plan that focuses on reducing energy consumption, improving energy efficiency and promoting clean energy alternatives throughout the city.

• The council approved a design services agreement with SEH for the 2025 Centerville Road watermain improvements.

The improvements will include installing a water main from Vadnais Road to Costa Drive, since there is no existing water main at Centerville Road. The installation will also provide a loop into the Mondello Shores neighborhood. According to

Public Works Director Jim Hauth, the loop water system will address water quality issues that residents in the neighborhood have voiced due to the area being at the end of a dead-end water main. As a result, this has led to longer detention times for water in the neighborhood. Because the main is to be installed via directional boring, the overall disturbed land area will be under an acre, and additional stormwater improvements will not be necessary. Homeowners will be responsible for the cost of connecting to the new water main at the time of the sale of their home or when their well fails. The total cost of the project is not to exceed $30,500.

The next Vadnais Heights City Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at City Hall, located at 800 County Road E East.

City seeks community members to join Energy Action Team

The city is looking for community members to join an Energy Action Team through the Xcel Partners in Energy Program. The team will consist of stakeholders with expertise and interest in energy efficiency, sustainability and community development. Community members will work with city staff and Xcel Partners in Energy facilitators to develop and guide the city’s energy action plan’s goals and strategies. The city is currently seeking volunteers from the following groups: • Community members with experience in energy management or environmental sustainability • Community leaders • Homeowners, renters and landlords • Local business representatives • Nonprofit or advocacy organization representatives (focusing on equity, sustainability and energy access) • Energy efficiency or renewable energy experts • School district representatives (to explore energy solutions for educational facilities) and students Those interested in participating can complete the Energy Action Team Member Application online at www. cityofvadnaisheights.com.

Erik Suchy

Celebrations

Annual Audit Report 2024

Audit Period October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024 PUBLICATION VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

Publishing Company: PRESS PUBLICATIONS 4779 BLOOM AVENUE WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110 651-407-1200, 651-429-1242 (FAX)

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FROM PAGE 14

about wisely using city funds.

You are hard-working and dedicated, and I hope that’s been obvious to everyone who’s been here with him. As a fellow Vadnais Heights resident, I am grateful for your four years of service.”

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY ROYCE!!!

Love mom, dad, Twinkie, Tundra & Tinsel

16 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

DECEMBER 25, 2024

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Arts Culture

823077

and

2024

EMERGING ARTIST: YAHAIRA NOK-CHIDANA

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

n sixth grade, Yahaira NokChidana played Violet Beauregard in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” a role played by a white actor in both movie versions. “A woman came up to me with her Black CONTRIBUTED daughter,” NokChidana recalled, “and she goes, ‘…

I just wanna thank you because she doesn't see people who look like her doing the things that you do.’” This past November, Nok-Chidana, now a senior, took center stage as Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde,” the role made famous by Reese Witherspoon.

“I think that people don't really understand what a privilege it is to

be able to look in media or to look around you and see people who look like you,” Nok-Chidana stated. While she believes that people of color should also have new stories and original roles, Nok-Chidana acknowledges the situation is not that simple. “We are still ingrained in our past and we still carry it with us. So I think that being able to see a person of color play a traditionally white role—It’s a way for us to see how things can be or how things could have been.”

The role of Elle Woods was not simply given to Nok-Chidana, though.

Since sixth grade, she has earned a spot in eight White Bear productions and two all-state choirs. Last year, she won the Hennepin Arts Spotlight Award for Best Supporting Actress in White Bear Lake Area High School’s “Little Shop of Horrors.” This summer, she was a finalist in the Minnesota State Fair’s Talent Show. Still, though Elle Woods has long been Nok-

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Chidana’s dream role, she was aware of the questions people would ask should she get the part.

Part of the power of Nok-Chidana’s performance, then, came from underestimation. “Her story lies within not just the experience of what it's like to be a girl, but also like what it's like to be a person of color,”

Nok-Chidana explained. “People are doubting you because of what you look like. Just because she is blonde doesn't mean that she's dumb … I have felt her story throughout my life. And I think that Elle's story is a story that can relate to so many people no matter who you are.” She, along with her director, Wendy Suoja, bet correctly—all six performances sold out.

Going forward, Nok-Chidana is headed to college, then to Broadway.

Such a lofty dream seems not just plausible, but likely for Yok-Chidana because she has already received the most crucial advice, the advice that gave her the courage to try out for Elle Woods. “My mom, she always says, ‘Remember Yahaira, you have the talent inside you already, you just have to show people it.’ I think that we spend so much of our lives trying or waiting to be something or to be someone, when we could realize that we are somebody already.”

DAN JONES MAKES HISTORY INTERSECTIONAL

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

W

hite Bear Lake Area Historical Society Creative Director Dan Jones frequently drives past an intersection near his house: Cedar Avenue and Dennis Lane. Cedar Avenue, Jones figured, was selfexplanatory. But who was Dennis?

Thoughts like these drove Jones to investigate the history of the White Bear Lake area street signs. At 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, Jones will present the fifth annual installment of the Historical Society’s “What’s in a Name?” series at the White Bear Lake Library.

Each past installment has focused on a different neighborhood: Downtown White Bear, Ramaley Park to Gardenette, or Podvin. Last year’s presentation started to cover Bald Eagle Lake. “We literally hugged the lake for the most part,” Jones explained. “That’s why I was like, ‘The next one we're calling Bald Eagle Revisited and Historic White Bear Township.’”

In his presentations, Jones ignores the obvious street names, mainly flora and fauna. Seemingly mundane names, though, may surprise. Elk Street, one block east of Division Avenue, for instance, used to host an Elks Club. This leads Jones to talk about the cultural meetings there and at the nearby Bald Eagle Depot in the 1930s.

Many streets’ stories also prove handy for drivers today.

Traveling up Highway 61, drivers can easily clock County Roads B through F, then much later, County Road J. Where are G, H, and I? Jones explains that Ramsey County built these roads one mile apart from one another. County Road G exists; we just know it as Highway 96. County Road H is Ninth Street, crossing Podvin Park before meeting Central Middle School.

County Road I starts in Moundsview, but three different lakes interrupt it before it becomes Buffalo Street. What, then, to call the unaligned-to-mile-marker exchange from Centerville Road to Bald Eagle Boulevard? Ramsey County went with H2.

Jones also offers glimpses into a parallel history that might have been. In 1939, the town considered land between Highway 96 and Ninth Street (County Roads G and H, respectively) for a regional US aviation center, 25 years before the Lindbergh Terminal. Imagine MSP airport stretching from Lincoln to Birch Lake Elementary.

Ultimately, Jones believes the “What’s in a Name?” series makes history personal for locals. He remarked, “You might put it on your Christmas card address or return label … I think it's a way to bring history into our neighborhood.”

To watch part one of “What’s in a Name?” Visit the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society’s Facebook page, at fb.watch/wyXxYbWBw0/.

MEET DAVID HAMILTON: CPA INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

W

ith executive director experience from Youth Farm to the Cedar Cultural Center, David Hamilton has extensive expertise coming aboard as Children’s Performing Arts’ interim executive director. Hamilton will be at the helm for the next several months as CPA’s board looks for a someone to fill the position permanently. What can, or should, a leader accomplish in such a short period?

“Usually, they come into an organization and they fix messes,” Hamilton explained before stating this is not the case with CPA. “My immediate impression of CPA is that it's a very strong impact organization in the community. I really love the work CPA does. The programming is great,

and there's a very strong passionate staff.” Hamilton specifically praised CPA’s low-cost admission options and funding to address inclusivity.

Instead, Hamilton hopes to provide illuminate possibilities on where CPA could go next. “Eight hundred kids participated in performances, camps, classes and workshops this year … We know that we have certain revenue programs that are doing better than others, should we be focused more on the educational one?” he offers as an example.

He also commented on a possible

future for intentionally diverse programming. “So a challenge that happened post-George Floyd was that some foundations just asked every single organization to present their racial equity or DEI statement,” Hamilton said. While Hamilton stressed that having such a statement is a fine goal, he believes organizations and communities need to communicate to find a pledge that is supported, real and important.

“Of course, you have to sometimes push people, but it has to be done in a learning way, in an engaging way that people can accept. Otherwise, it's not going to be successful.”

Hamilton will be rooting for CPA’s success, whatever path they choose, because of the mission, programming and staff. “That's what makes it easy to be involved with such an organization,” he concludes. “I really want to see a success and have no doubt that that will

JANUARY EVENTS

Explore upcoming Avenue of the Arts events with CPA, LPT and WBCA CHASE & OVATION: A SALUTE TO THE MUSIC OF PRINCE

Location: Lakeshore Players Theater Date: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 Details: Chase has been traveling North America performing the music of Prince live in concert for the past 16 years. Fans of the show include many of Prince’s former bandmates and family members who all give Chase & Ovation the highest marks for reproducing Prince’s music “the way it is meant to be played, heard, and felt.”

SLEUTH MYSTERY BOOK CLUB

Location: White Bear Lake Library Date: 1:30–3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 Details: Guess what the collection noun is for a group of bears? A sleuth. Every month members read any book on the same theme and discuss their selections with each other. This month’s theme is Freedom/Your Choice.

WINTER OPEN HOUSE

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts Date: 1–3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 Details: Bundle up embrace the magic of winter with our annual, festive Winter Open House. Outside, brave the elements and watch St. Paul Winter Carnival award-winning ice sculptor John Njoes take a chainsaw to a block of ice to create an intricate work of art. Inside, make a macramé keychain take the clay wheel for a spin and more!

MISERY

Location: Lakeshore Players Theater Date: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24—Sunday, Feb. 9 Details: A heart-pounding play based on the novel by Stephen King, “Misery” is a 100-minute thrill ride with no intermission. Romance novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes.

Annie forces Paul to write her a new novel as if his life depends on it… and it does.

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Santa’s helpers serve up holiday cheer Above: Dozens of community volunteers, dressed in Santa and elf costumes, line up to deliver desserts during the recent annual Dinner with Santa holiday event for area senior citizens.

Above: Patty Hall shared a variety of hats and other costume accessories with her fellow volunteers.

At left: Past and present Winter Carnival Klondike Kates help lead a sing-along during the festive annual event, organized by Bill Foussard in collaboration with community organizations, business sponsors and volunteers.

At right: The Zellmann family was recognized for military service and also received a personal visit from Santa.

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Church Directory redeeminglovechurch.com

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St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church

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CHURCH OF ST. PIUS X

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Sacrament of Reconciliation: www.stjudeofthelake.org Friday 7:45 - 8:45 am Saturdays 3:30 - 4:30 pm 651-426-3245 | 700 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi By appointment

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Want to Buy

Marketfest is seeking an Event Director for 2025 Director is responsible for the full operations of Marketfest including: selling vendor spaces, obtaining sponsorships, booking musicians, and managing the budget.

Strong organizational and communication skills required Background in festival and event planning required Send inquiries and resumes to Dan Perry at dan.perry@edwardjones.com

GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 844.220.9501 today!

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GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited talk, text and data for just $25/mo! The power of 3 5G networks, one low price! Call today and get the latest iPhone every year on us! 855.849.6621 GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free install, free HDDVR upgrade, 80,000 on-demand movies, plus limited time up to $600 in gift cards. Call today! 855.562.4309 SAFE STEP North America's #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call today!

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WE BUY 8,000 CARS A WEEK Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 855/397-1673 We Buy Vinyl Records Lps, 45s, Stereo Equip We make house calls by appointment.

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WE BUY HOUSES for cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 844/978-0683

451

• Employment • • Employment • • Employment •

Rentals/ Commercial EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law.

Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777.

The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

Marketfest is seeking an Event Director for 2025 Director is responsible for the full operations of Marketfest including: selling vendor spaces, obtaining sponsorships, booking musicians and managing the budget.

• Strong organizational and communication skills required • Background in festival and event planning required Send inquiries and resumes to Dan Perry at dan.perry@edwardjones.com

READ THEN RECYCLE!

Groundwater advisory group hears updates The advisory group for the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area (GWMA) met online via Microsoft Teams last month.

The GWMA advisory team was established to provide ongoing insights to the DNR as it implements a five-year plan approved in November 2015. The plan will continue to guide the DNR’s approach to groundwater management in the north and east metro and provide a framework within which the DNR will work with water users to ensure that groundwater supplies remain adequate to meet human needs, while protecting lakes, streams and wetlands. The plan covers all of Ramsey and Washington counties, along with portions of Anoka and Hennepin.

The public meeting included a number of updates, including: • District Court-related activities • Metropolitan Council water policy planning • The next cycle of 10-year water supply planning • An update on the White Bear Lake water use workgroup comprehensive plan DNR Conservation Assistance and Regulations Section Manager Randall Doneen opened the meeting with a review of activities related to the Ramsey County District Court Order. Doneen shared information about the recent contested case hearings and briefly described the findings of fact and conclusions of law and order issued by the administrative law judge in May 2024.

Following Doneen’s brief presentation, DNR Inventory, Monitoring and Analysis Section Manager Jason Moeckel described activities occurring throughout the groundwater

management area by the DNR and other organizations and agencies. Moeckel emphasized that groundwater sustainability will be something all people and organizations will be a part of, and the DNR will continue to assist in pursuing that goal.

Metropolitan Council Water Resources Environmental Analyst Lanya Ross presented work related to the Met Council’s 2050 Water Policy Plan.

Ross described the input used to draft the plan, the general content of the plan, and next steps to finalize and adopt the plan. The 2050 Water Policy Plan draft received over 100 comments that are being used to shape the final plan scheduled for adoption in February 2025. Ross also shared some specifics about the northeast metro area that encompasses the GWMA, noting that the northeast subregion area showed reductions in water use since the 2010s, but recent drought years, with the addition of new homes and businesses, have increased demands for drinking water more recently.

Claudia Hochstein, DNR water conservation consultant, outlined the water supply planning process for the next cycle of 10-year community water supplier plans. Water supply plans are required by state statute and help communities anticipate demands and opportunities to use water more efficiently. Specifically, Hochstein described how the DNR is working to update requirements of the plan for water suppliers and move the submittal to an online-preferred option. Hochstein encouraged public water suppliers to review their previous plan, current DNR water appropriations permits, and water level monitoring requirements before

they embark on a new plan.

Greg Johnson, principal engineer with the Metropolitan Council, provided an overview and update for the White Bear Lake Area Comprehensive Plan. Johnson shared the recent activities of the work group to continue to develop the comprehensive plan to ensure communities in the area have sufficient drinking water to allow for growth while ensuring sustainability of surface water and groundwater to supply the needs of future generations. He provided an overview of the work group meetings and some of the results that the work group has produced to date through attendee review and feedback. Additionally, Johnson described the contracts Met Council is working through to develop water supply studies and technical analyses and to evaluate the financial implications of the proposed solutions. Johnson also described the preferred solutions by the workgroup to further evaluate for converting water supplies, reusing water, increasing groundwater recharge and reducing groundwater use, among other topics.

Finally, he shared the preliminary water demand projections for 2050 and ultimate development for the White Bear Lake area, including an example of the city of Hugo’s projected development for two different growth scenarios.

Presentations provided during the meeting can be reviewed on the DNR North and East Metro GWMA webpage at www.dnr.state.mn.us/gwmp/area-ne. html.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

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White Bear students learn the nitty-gritty of coffee business

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

White Bear Lake Area High School’s new coffee shop, School Grounds, recently encountered a problem. Its drip machine began malfunctioning, making the house brew undrinkable.

Customers then began asking student staff members about the flavors of the available roasts and beans—a specialized subject with which the average teenager is unfamiliar.

Enter Thesis—a lifestyle brand built around coffee, skating and snow sports—which offered a presentation and flavor tasting class to the School Grounds team. “(The students) have tasted what a good cup of coffee is or what kind of flavors you're supposed to get out of

it,” said Nutrition Services Assistant Manager Karen Hanscom. “They can talk to other people who do know what they're talking about or what they're looking for in a coffee bean.”

Senior Maria Kimlinger, meanwhile, was impressed with the marketing.

“I'm not like a huge coffee drinker,” Kimlinger explained. “(Thesis) was based around their passions. I think that that was really inspiring if you wanted to go out and start a business.

“It just feels like there's more genuine motives behind said business if there's passion behind it rather than just product.”

Thesis co-owner Chris Raaymakers believes Kimlinger’s sentiment is key to building a brand.

“If you look on our Instagram page, it's all about skateboarding, or it's all

Thank you for supporting Your Real Local News CONGRATULATIONS! MICHELE FISCHER

The winner of the 2024 Fall Subscriber Campaign & $250 in local gift cards!

CONTRIBUTED

Thesis co-owners Chris Raaymakers and Spencer Kimball present coffee flavor profiles to students who work at the school’s coffee shop, School Grounds. This collaboration is made possible by the Career Pathways Department at White Bear Lake Area High School.

about snowboarding with a splash of coffee. … If I were to just post a cup of coffee every single day on our Instagram, it wouldn't go that well,” he explained.

Raaymakers’ business partner, Spencer Kimball, gave a specific example: “We'll do weird videos. One time, I took a drip coffee machine, and I just plugged it in with an extension cord at the skate park. And I made a cup at the skate park while I was skateboarding.”

While skateboarding has a reputation for being relaxed and carefree, Raaymakers’ and Kimball’s business sense came across as on point to senior Lacy Fridolfson. “Their slideshow was very put together,” she said. “I liked the fact that they were younger. They were still, you know, adjusting to life too.”

Similarly, senior Ash Rossvach felt Thesis’ challenges and strategies have given her ideas for her own business one day. “Having to connect with a broader audience and to expand the business more… It was really nice

to hear from them, so they helped,” Rossvach reported.

Seeing these critical factors all together is essential for entrepreneurial minds, but difficult for a teacher to present as a single package. Thesis, then, is a prime example of the White Bear Career Pathways Department’s efforts to connect businesses with interested students.

Explained Career Pathways Coordinator Katy Olsen, “In Career Pathways courses, we try to take advantage of every opportunity to bring the real world into our students' classrooms and subsequently let them apply their classroom learning with real-world impact.”

Put more succinctly, senior Skylar Olsen (no relation) said, “I was here more for the caffeine than the coffee.

After that lesson, I am starting to see more reason to learn about the coffee.”

Logan Gion can be reached at news@ presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.

Weekly Outlook Michele has chosen Menards and Carbones gift cards.

SUNRISE/SUNSET DECEMBER 25 - 31 ,2024

7:50 4:37

4779 Bloom Ave. | White Bear Lake, MN 55110-2764 | 651-407-1200

7:51 4:38

7:51 4:39

7:51 4:40

7:52 4:41

7:52 4:41

Weather Tidbits Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com

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7:50 4:38

Frank Watson

It was a wild week of weather last week with our first significant snow of the season on Thursday. Thursday’s 6 inches of snow and the cold that followed ensured a White Christmas for us. Speaking of temperatures, we’ve been all over the place without one regime taking hold, cold or warm. For the first 3 weeks of the month, overall, we’ve been colder than normal but with the forecast calling for warmer temperatures, we just might finish warmer. It will be close. Merry Christmas, everyone. Note: My 2025 weather calendar is available.

Check WeathermanWatson.com or call 651-206-5364 for more info. Also available at Lake Country Booksellers in Downtown White Bear Lake.

WEEKLY AVERAGES HIGH LOW SUN PCP

23° 8° 41% 0.32

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.

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DECEMBER 25, 2024

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RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township:

Vadnais Heights • Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Nov. 17 recovered a large black and yellow tote containing several Amazon packages in the 4000 block of Clover Avenue. The case is under investigation.

• A Vadnais Heights woman, 20, was cited Nov. 17 in the 3200 block of Highway 61 for reckless driving and failure to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for speeding 96 mph in a 50 mph zone. The driver was made to find other means of transportation, and her vehicle was towed.

• A resident in the 900 block of County Road E on Nov. 18 reported an attempt by unauthorized persons to fraudulently use her credit card.

• A St. Paul man on Nov. 18 reported his storage unit in the 3200 block of Highway 61 broken into and several items taken. Within the stolen inventory were computer monitors, a toolbox, Harley Davidson motorcycle parts and a toy tow truck valued at $400.

• Hit-and-run to a parked vehicle was reported Nov. 18 in the 900 block of County Road E. • The T-Mobile store in the 1000 block of Highway 96 on Nov. 18 reported two males for entering the business and stealing a watch valued at $529.99 before leaving the store.

• A Roseville man, 31, was arrested for assault and for violating an order for protection Nov. 18 in the 1000 block of County Road D, after he allegedly struck a woman, 31, during an argument. The suspect was booked into the law enforcement center pending charges.

• A construction company employee reported a burglary in the 4000 block of Labore Road Nov. 19, during which scrap metal and copper wires were stolen.

• A resident in the 4300 block of Hillview Lane on Nov. 19 reported checks stolen from his mailbox, after which someone tried to cash them at a bank.

• A White Bear Township woman reported the rear of her parked vehicle struck by a hit-andrun driver Nov. 19 while she was shopping inside a store in the 1000 block of Highway 96.

• Deputies took custody of a white pill found by a resident in the 3200 block of Labore Road on Nov. 20.

• A Vadnais Heights man, 74, was cited for misdemeanor theft Nov. 20 at the Vadnais Heights Target in the 900 block of County Road E, after he was found to be taking women’s

clothing from the store without paying for it. He was also issued a trespass notice.

• An unidentified person was arrested for DWI Nov. 20, following a hit-and-run accident in the intersection of Vadnais Blvd. East and Vadnais Blvd. West. As expected, the arrested party was the culprit who drove off without stopping before being caught.

• A pickup truck parked outside an apartment building in the 1000 block of County Road D was reported stolen overnight Nov. 21-22.

• A Shoreview man, 34, was arrested for DWI at 2:43 a.m. Nov. 22 in the 500 block of Bear Avenue N. after he called 911, became belligerent and admitted to driving drunk.

• A purse was reported stolen from a vehicle that was broken into while parked in the 4500 block of Oakhurst Avenue Nov. 22.

• A domestic assault was reported at 10:24 p.m.

Nov. 22 in the 70 block of Twin Lake Blvd., during which a woman, 21, admitted to slapping another woman in the face during an argument.

• Walmart employees on Nov. 23 reported a shoplifting incident at their store in the 800 block of County Road E on Nov. 23.

• A White Bear Lake man, 60, was cited for theft Nov. 24 after he tried to steal more than $450 worth of merchandise from the Kwik Trip in the 3200 block of Highway 61. The man, who is known to store employees, grabbed a large box intended for donation collections and filled it up with armfuls of candy valued at more than $456 before making a break for it. Luckily, store employees were on to him, because they apprehended him before he could leave the store.

• Residents in the 3800 block of Tessier Trail on Nov. 24 reported fraudulent activity on their bank account. The case has been assigned to Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) investigators.

• A Vadnais Heights woman, 40, was arrested on a warrant Nov. 24 at the intersection of Mayfair Road and Twin Lake Blvd. after she phoned RCSO deputies to turn herself in.

• A Hastings woman, 41, was cited Nov. 25 in the 900 block of County Road E for driving after revocation.

• A New Brighton woman and a Maple Grove woman on Nov. 26 reported that someone broke into their vehicles and stole credit cards, cash and a service animal certificate while they momentarily had their backs turned as they did yard work in the 300 block of Oak Ridge Drive.

• A Roseville man, 30, was cited at 12:53 a.m.

Nov. 27 at the intersection of I-694 and Highway 61 for failure to provide proof of insurance. A Vadnais Heights woman, 29, was cited Nov. 27 at

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents: • Theft was reported in the 2400 block of Orchard Lane Dec. 11.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 1800 block of Birch Street Dec. 11.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 2100 block of Lakeaires Blvd. Dec. 11.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 2100 block of Eighth Street Dec. 13.

• Officers mediated a verbal dispute between family members in the 2100 block of Roth Street Dec. 13.

• A White Bear Lake resident was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop nar County Road E and Highway 61 Dec. 14.

• Officers responded to a fight in the 2400 block of Elm Drive Dec. 14 and arrested a 19 year old for threats of violence and domestic assault.

• A St. Paul man was arrested for an active misdemeanor warrant following a traffic stop in the area of White Bear Avenue and Woodlyn Avenue Dec. 14.

• Officers moved along a suspicious individual from a business in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road Dec. 14.

• A man was arrested for DWI Dec. 14 in the 3700 block of Bellaire Avenue.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI Dec. 15 in the area of Bellaire

the intersection of Highway 61 and County Road E for driving after revocation. A St. Paul man, 25, was cited at 12:17 a.m. Nov. 29 in the 1400 block of Willow Lake Blvd. for speeding.

• A Wyoming woman reported losing her purse Nov. 29 while shopping at the Vadnais Heights Target Store in the 900 block of County Road E. Deputies noted that the case lacked solvability factors, so the case is not being investigated.

• A Brooklyn Park man, 29, was cited at 12:34 a.m. Nov. 30 on Rice Street and Country Drive for driving without a license. A St. Paul woman, 42, was cited at 10:34 p.m. Nov. 30 on Highway 61 and County Road E for operating a motor vehicle with expired registration.

• A Fridley woman, 21, was arrested and cited Nov. 30 at the Walmart in the 800 block of County Road E, after she stole $112 worth of merchandise from the store.

White Bear Township • A White Bear Township man, 44, was cited for theft Nov. 21 after he was found to be stealing merchandise from Cub Foods in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive.

• A handgun was reported stolen Nov. 23 from a residence in the 1700 block of Whitaker Street. It was entered into the National Crime Information Center database.

• A St. Paul woman, 21, was cited for misdemeanor theft Nov. 25 at the Cub Foods in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive after she tried to walk out of the store without paying for more than $264 worth of merchandise. She was also trespassed from the store. On Nov. 26 and Nov. 29 deputies took two more shoplifting reports from the store, gathered evidence and spoke with witnesses.

• A Minneapolis woman, 40, was arrested Nov. 25 on active warrants out of Wright, Dakota and Washington counties after deputies responded to a civil dispute in the 1200 block of Bibeau Road. The subject was also issued a harassment restraining order short form.

• A resident in the 4800 block of Moon Lake Circle on Nov. 26 turned in for destruction a BB gun and ammunition that he no longer wanted.

• A Minneapolis man, 34, was cited Nov. 26 on Greenhaven Drive and Highway 96 for driving without automobile insurance.

• A resident in the 2300 block of Hoxie Avenue at 10:22 p.m. Nov. 27 reported her boyfriend for shoving her into a window. Other parties separated the couple, and the boyfriend left the scene before deputies arrived.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF Avenue and Oak Drive.

• Theft was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Dec. 15.

• Officers respinded to a disorderly conduct inciodent in the 3100 block of Century Avenue Dec. 15.

• Road rage led to a two vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 61 and White Bear Avenue Dec. 15. No injuries; one driver was cited.

• Intentional damage occurred to a vehicle parked int eh 4700 block of Centerville Road Dec. 15.

• Officers responded to a verbal dispute between family members in the 4500 block of Bald Eagle Avenue Dec. 15.

• Officers reposned to a domestic incident Dec. 15 in the 3500 block of Dell Court N. • A man was arrested for felony domestic assault by strangulation Dec. 15 in the 2100 block fo Division Court.

• Officers removed two patrons from a business in the 2100 block of Fourth Street Dec. 16.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 2000 block of Fifth Street Dec. 16.

• Officers responded to a report of disorderly conduct in the 2000 block of County Road E Dec. 17.

• A St. Paul man was arrested for DWI after a traffic stop near Interstate 694 and White Bear Avenue Dec. 18.

Stillwater felon charged with illegal possession of explosives, ammunition

A Stillwater man has been indicted and charged with possession of unregistered firearms and possession of explosives, firearms and ammunition.

According to court documents, on Nov. 2, Wayne Robert Lund, 46, illegally possessed eight destructive devices not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

He was also found in possession of explosives and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Because Lund has prior felony convictions in Ramsey and Anoka counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms, explosives or ammunition at any time.

The indictment charges Lund with one count of possession of unregistered firearms, one count of possessing explosives as a felon, one count of possessing

firearms as a felon and one count of possession of ammunition as a felon. (An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.)

He made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on Dec. 11. He was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

The case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Oak Park Heights Police Department; the Stillwater Police Department; the Saint Paul Police Department; the Saint Croix County (Wisconsin) Sheriff’s Department; and the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States Department of Justice

24 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

DECEMBER 25, 2024

www.presspubs.com

Longtime Willernie mayor lays down her gavel

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Now that she is retiring from her mayoral duties, outgoing Willernie Mayor Barb Parent will be able to take her time circumnavigating Lake Superior in her camper and maybe make it all the way around. No more will she have to cut the trip short to attend a City Council meeting on the third Wednesday or rush home to facilitate an emergency meeting.

Parent can also get back to finishing the eighth book in her series of young adult fiction she has published.

“There is also a short story in the works,” she added.

In other words, she can take up the serene Willernie life she fell in love with, such as going for walks around town, before she was appointed as a council member after the death of Council Member Lois Millner.

In 2000 she was appointed mayor CONTRIBUTED to replace the retiring Claudette Munson, after the four men on council Barb Parent pointed to her and volunteered her. “I was hesitant, but gave it a try,” Parent said. She was reelected at every election cycle until she decided she wanted to spend more time traveling or sitting down to read with her two cats. “It's time to move on now,” she said.

For 24 years, Parent was instrumental in “keeping the town going,” as she said. That included making sure the creek stopped eroding the banks and taking homes to the ground with it; keeping the city financially solvent during a recession; testifying before the House Capital Investment Committee to procure funding from a bonding bill; dealing with infrastructure issues arising from the CSAH 12 rebuild and building a maintenance building the city can be proud of. As Parent hands over the gavel to Mayor-Elect Diane Baglio, Willernie is in the black financially.

A Madison, Wisconsin native, Parent moved to Willernie to be close to her job as a school psychologist in the White Bear Lake Area School District. About 35 years ago, a local Realtor showed her a home in Willernie that cost less per month than the residence she was living in at the time. Due to its location, location, location — surrounded by open spaces, a park and one wonderful neighbor — Parent has stayed in the house ever since.

It's important to live in the community that you're serving, Parent said. There is that built-in incentive to care that things get done or that the city will outlast a recession.

“If you live in the community you serve, the public can find you,” she added. This can be a good thing if the neighbors like you and want to chat or check on your welfare when they see you around town. But they'll also stop you on your daily stroll if they want to give you an earful about potholes or speeding cars.

Parent said she will most miss working with council members and city staff, as well as its public works directors. “It has been an honor to live in Willernie and serve the city all these years.” She said she also appreciates the help she received from her city colleagues over the years.

What Parent won't miss is having to deal with water main breaks at 1:30 a.m. Nor will she have to be concerned about that old lift station in need of major repairs.

Parent thanked council members, city staff and community for being good people to work with over the years.

“Now I might be able to walk more than one block in an hour and a half,” she said.

A retirement celebration for Parent will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at the Wildwood Public Library, 763 Stillwater Road.

GET TO KNOW WILLERNIE'S MAYOR Willernie Mayor Barb Parent has served as mayor for 23 years, after having originally been appointed to office as a council member. Parent has been gracious enough to share a few personal tidbits and thoughts so that the community can get to know her better.

Q. Where were you born?

A. Madison, Wisconsin.

Q. Where did you grow up?

A. Madison, Wisconsin.

Q. How long have you lived in this community?

A. 37 years.

areas, a refurbishing of our buildings and parks.

Q. What things would you like to preserve in your community?

A. We are a varied and diverse community, economically and architecturally, with all ages and backgrounds. It makes for an interesting variety and mix. We will never be described as a cookie-cutter city.

Q. Why did you decide to accept the appointment to the office of mayor?

A. Originally, I was asked to fill a city council spot upon the death of a city council member. I took the position because I thought it would be interesting and a way to learn more about my community. When the previous mayor retired and asked which of the four of us on the council was going to be mayor, the others turned and volunteered me, so I ran for the mayor’s position.

Q. What do you think the voters, as well as the council who appointed you, were looking for in you?

A. Since I have been mayor for 23 years now, I hope they are pleased with what I and the council have done so far to maintain Willernie, keep us in the black moneywise, and keep us on course to keep Willernie a good place to live.

FILE

Q. What was your profession?

A. I spent 30 plus years in education. I retired from White Bear Lake School District as a school psychologist.

Willernie Mayor Barb Parent holds “Journeys Middle,” the first in a series of books she has written under the pen name B.K. parent.

Q. How has your profession helped you as mayor?

A. Remaining calm under pressure and adversity, using listening skills, attempting to see the issues or the problems from different angles.

Q. What would you like the public at large to know about you and/or your community?

A. While I am a newbie to Willernie (I have only been here 37 years), I am really glad that when I moved to this area for work, I found a house in Willernie. I like the fact that we are a small city with good roads to walk or bike on, with friendly, helpful neighbors. I like knowing that my mail and packages are safe in our post office and I can run into my neighbors when I go to pick up my mail each day.

Q. What exactly are you responsible for in your role? Describe your duties.

A. It all depends on the day. I certainly am responsible for the meetings, both within the city and in other venues, for the city. I am blessed with a great city council and duties are divided between us.

Q. What new things have you learned so far in your position that you didn't know before?

A. I have certainly learned how small government works. I have also learned much about the history of our community. Lately, I have learned to read the water meters and what to do when a water main breaks in the middle of the night.

Q. Your favorite hobbies?

A. Writing, golf, camping, reading, crocheting.

Q. Retired/not retired?

A. Retired.

Whistleblowers settle with hockey association

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Q. What are you really good at that people may not know about you?

A. I am not sure I would say I was really good at writing books, but since I have retired, I have had some success in writing young adult fantasy.

FILE

Animal characters sit on top of a Q. What fun place series of books display in Parent’s do you like to home office. volunteer?

A. At the small golf course (Fox Run) I play at in the summer. At the American Family Insurance Championship golf tournament at the University of Wisconsin Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin.

Q. What are some of the top 10 things on your bucket list?

A. To drive and camp around Lake Superior and to see the Maritime Provinces in Canada.

Q. When you go out into the community, what are your favorite places to go/things to do?

I like to walk around Willernie, visit with the neighbors.

Q. What do you like best about living here?

A. I like living in a small community where I know my neighbors, and where neighbors help neighbors.

Q. What is your favorite way to unwind?

A. Sitting with my feet up with a cat on my lap, reading. Or taking time to just enjoy nature, a view of a lake, the quiet of the woods.

Q. What changes have you wanted to see in your community ever since you've lived here?

A. A continuing effort to clean up the yards and public

Q. What fun thing do you like to do that you can divulge, that no one would ever guess of you?

A. Build things in wood.

A settlement agreement has been reached in a suit that was filed in May 2023 against the White Bear Lake Hockey Association (WBLAHA) and its former gambling manager.

The suit was filed May 30 in Ramsey County District Court on behalf of plaintiffs Bradley Naylor and Lorray Rolfer, who alleged the hockey association, along with ex-employee Christine Olson, retaliated against them for questioning fundraising practices, for questioning the award of contracting work to Olson’s husband, and being vocal about personnel who were terminated for making complaints about gambling operations.

The plaintiffs, who said they met at a restaurant after golfing with hockey association members, have been verbal on social media regarding what they consider the association’s lack of transparency.

Board meetings would be held without an agenda, according to the Complaint, and minutes would be consistently inaccurate and incomplete. (See “Whistleblowers file suit of their own against hockey association” June 14, 2023.)

In an announcement on social media, Naylor said a settlement has been reached.

“There have been a lot of changes made to the organization, and we feel most are positive with new leadership on the board and we hope they will lend an open line of communication to both the employees and the members concerns,” Naylor said. “We still would like to see more of the money raised go to reducing the cost to the kids to participate and to the employees for their efforts to bring the all the money in both on the gambling side and Bingo … We will still be monitoring operations from a distance and encourage all of you to remain vigilant and ask questions.”

DECEMBER 25, 2024 www.presspubs.com

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COMMUNITY BRIEF Educational Foundation to host Bear Legacy Breakfast

The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) will hold its annual BEAR Legacy fundraiser event from 8 to 9 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the White Bear Lake Area High School Student Union. This breakfast fundraiser is free, but advance registration is required.

Immediately following the event, tours of

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26 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

DECEMBER 25, 2024

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BUSINESS BRIEFS Royal Credit Union names new branch manager

CONTRIBUTED

Jeni Groppoli

Royal Credit Union has announced Jeni Groppoli as branch manager II at its White Bear Lake office, located at 1400 East Highway 96. Groppoli

oversee daily operations of the White Bear Lake office, provide guidance and development to team members and engage with community members and local businesses.

Groppoli has 20 years of experience in the financial industry, and most recently served as a branch manager at US Bank. In this position, Groppoli is looking forward to leading a

team that is committed to serving others and fostering growth.

Party City closing

After nearly 40 years, Party City has announced it is going out of business.

The party supply chain, which has several locations across the state, told employees on Friday that it was

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL NOTES

Public comments requested on SWPPP

• As municipalities all over the state scramble to enact cannabis (marijuana) ordinances before they are required to allow sales of adult-use cannabis on Jan. 1, the Mahtomedi City Council at its Dec. 17 meeting adopted two ordinances and passed two resolutions related to the cannabis industry.

Council approved an ordinance adopting Mahtomedi City Code Chapter 7, Section 12, Regarding Cannabis and Hemp Business Regulations. Second, council passed a resolution approving the publication of a summary of an ordinance adopting Mahtomedi City Code Chapter 7, Section 12 regarding Cannabis and Hemp Business Regulations. Third, council approved an ordinance amending Mahtomedi City Code Chapter 11, Section 11.01, subd. 7.0 Definitions, Subd. 9.0 Specific Use Standards and Subd. 11.1, Table 11.0 a Land Use Table, Related to Cannabis and Lower Potency Hemp Edible Businesses. Finally, council a passed a resolution approving the publication of a summary of an ordinance No. 2024-12, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 11, Section 11.01 Regarding Cannabis and Hemp Businesses.

A summary publication paired with an ordinance means that the newspaper of record can pass a summary of the ordinance as opposed to the entire ordinance, so that the ordinance takes effect upon publication. A city of Mahtomedi's size is required to have at least one cannabis business. Three cannabis businesses have already applied for a city permit to sell lowpotency cannabis products.

Although cities cannot deny sales of the product, they can draw up regulations and set up cannabis selling zones.

• Bikers and walkers throughout the city may have noticed how much safer it has been to get around town recently. The volunteers responsible for infrastructure changes that made safe walking and biking happen appeared before council to summarize their activities over the past few years. Ian Harding, Cindy Rasmussen and Lindsay Buck, as well as other members of their team, highlighted improvements to Mahtomedi's streets and roadways due to the work of the Safe Routes to School, Mahtomedi Area Green Initiative, Lake Links Association and Streetcar Park initiatives.

Some notable enhancements to city streets and trails include sidewalks on 72nd Street and Warner Avenue S., near O.H. Anderson Elementary, along with a flashing beacon as part of the Safe Routes to School project.

A covered bridge was donated by the Runze family and trail lighting was installed on the Mahtomedi portion of the Lake Links Trail. A Winter Walk and Open House will be held at the District Education Center, 1570 Mahtomedi Avenue, from 5-6:30

The city is seeking public comments on its Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), which is part of its efforts to manage and reduce pollution that can affect downstream waters. The plan’s aspects include public education and outreach, illicit discharges, post-construction stormwater management and pollution prevention/ municipal operations, among others. The full copy of the plan can be found on the city website at www.cityofvadnaisheights.com, and residents can also submit public comments on the same site.

Public feedback sought on updated Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan Ramsey County is seeking public feedback as it works on an updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for pedestrian facilities within its public rightof-way. The plan outlines how public works will make all relevant assets ADA-compliant, including timelines and funding sources.

These assets include curb ramps, crosswalks, sidewalks and traffic control signals. Any and all submitted public feedback will be incorporated into the plan presented to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners in early 2025. Those interested in submitting their thoughts can do so through an online survey at www.cityofvadnaisheights.com or by phone at 651-286-8472. Questions can be directed via email to PublicWorksADA@ramseycounty.us.

Invasive plant species found at Pioneer Park

Japanese hop, also known as Humulus japonicus, was recently discovered at Pioneer Park and the surrounding neighborhood in Stillwater. This vine is listed as “prohibitederadicate” on the Minnesota Noxious Weed List.

It can grow 30 feet per year and release thousands of seeds each fall. Left unchecked, the Japanese hop vines will crawl, climb and often kill off native vegetation. Seeds are dispersed by wind, water and birds.

This is the first known occurrence in Washington County. If you see this plant in Stillwater, report it to Andrew Coyne, Natural Resources, at 651-430-8836 or acoyne@ stillwatermn.gov.

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shutting down. There is a Party City located at 3000 White Bear Ave. in Maplewood.

The retailer first declared bankruptcy in January 2023. An associate at the Maplewood location confirmed the store will close sometime in February.

p.m. Jan. 3 and on the portion of the trail just north of the District Center.

• The city accepted a $15,000 donation from the Lake Links Association and the Wolgamot Lake Links Trail Enhancement Fund of the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation for improvements at Streetcar Park.

• Expect TH 244 (Mahtomedi Avenue), the major thoroughfare near the northern portion of the Lake Links Trail and extending southward to Triangle Park, to be turned over to the city and be completely reconstructed sometime in 2026, after council approved the professional services agreement with its engineering firm, WSB. Engineering fees will take up approximately 15% of the construction costs. The city will pay slightly less than $1.4 million for WSB to design and manage the project. Additional work and engineering costs must be approved by council. The approximately 1.6 mile stretch of roadway will run from Stillwater Road to Tamarack Street.

• Among the open spaces within the city, the city has rezoned two of them. Council reguided a city-owned property on Glenmar Avenue and another property at 999 Arcwood Road by approving a city-initiated Comprehensive Plan Amendment and rezoning those two properties. The Glenmar Avenue property has been reguided from Park/Private Open Space to Low Density Residential on the 2040 Future Land Use Map and has been rezoned from C-Conservation to R1-D Low Density Residential. The property at 999 Arcwood has been rezoned from A-Agricultural to R1-B Low Density Residential.

• The property owner at 165 Hickory Street was given approval to subdivide his property into two lots. The Planning Commission at its Dec. 11 meeting held a public hearing and voted unanimously to recommend approval, subject to six conditions.

• Each year, the city renews its agreement with Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS). For 2025, the contract fee will increase 3.5% to $19,510.52. The total cost for all individual services in the city during 2024 was $7,120.

NYFS is a nonprofit social service agency whose mission is to meet the unmet developmental needs of at-risk youth and families within the community.

• Due to space and staffing issues, the city will no longer be able to house impounded animals at the Otter Lake Animal Care in Hugo. As an interim solution, Northwood Humane Society in Wyoming will house impounded animals until the construction of the Companion Animal Center in Oakdale is completed in May 2025.

Council approved the agreement for animal impound services with Companion Animal Care LLC for 2025 and approved the pricing addendum to the agreement with Companion Animal Care LLC for animal control services.

• The city, St. Andrew's Church

and Verizon are parties to a lease agreement related to the placement of cell antennas on the city's water tower located on St. Andrew's Church property.

Earlier this fall, the city added a new handrail to the water tower at the same time that Verizon sought permission to install nine antennas on the tower. The nine antennas are three more than were authorized in the existing lease. Council approved a lease amendment requiring Verizon to pay its proportionate share of the costs of the handrail and authorizing Verizon to install a total of nine antennas on the water tower.

• The city received a $125,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to remove ash trees infected with the emerald ash borer, as well as grind their stumps and replace the trees. The grant was executed and begun in 2024, and will continue until Dec. 31, 2027, or until all the grant-eligible work is complete.

The first portion of the project was completed during the summer and fall of 2024 with an ash tree-only inventory and ranking. The next step will be to release a bid packet to remove the tree and stumps in the poorest condition. City staff received permission to bid for a contractor to perform this work.

• In his final report to council before starting a new position with the Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO), Deputy Ryan Corneia gave an update on law enforcement activities over the last 14 days.

• There were four personin-crisis calls, two thefts, two verbal domestics, two physical domestics with one arrest, two trespass cases, one drug offense, four suspicious persons calls, 48 traffic stops and two attempted fraud calls. “Fraud is always a topic we discuss,” Corneia said.

The agency has recently seen an uptick in fraud calls, especially those with the elderly as victims.

He reminded the public that neither the WCSO nor any other law enforcement agency would never phone people to ask for money for any reason. “Do not give out money to a phone caller,” he cautioned the public.

• Having already earned the designation as a GreenStep City, council unanimously passed a resolution authorizing participation in the Pilot Gold Leaf Challenge Program. This is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program focusing on pathways for communities to take 44 high-priority, highimpact climate action measures in partnership with the Minnesota GreenStep program.

The council next meets at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 7, at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road.

Loretta Harding

SPORTS AND OUTDOORS

DECEMBER 25, 2024

www.presspubs.com

Bear skaters win 2 more, lead SEC at 5-0

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake boys hockey is 5-0 in the Suburban East and 6-1-1 overall after defeating Forest Lake and Roseville Area last week.

The Bears have the early SEC lead with Cretin-Derham Hall and Stillwater each 3-0 in second place through Thursday.

The Bears went overtime to beat Forest Lake 4-3 with Blake Eckerle delivering the game winner just 22 seconds after the faceoff. Jack Stanius and Will Distad assisted.

Eckerle also had a power play goal.

Mahtomedi tripped Columbia Heights 73-39 at home, led by 6-foot-7 sophomore Willie Roelofs with 28 points. Noah Carlson added 12 points, Mark Graff 10 and Hank Roelofs eight. Mahtomedi is 4-1 and Columbia Heights 2-5. In Mahtomedi’s 93-49 win at New Life Academy, Willie Roelofs notched 19 points (shooting 9-for-11), Kellen Johnson 17, Joe Sevenich 14 points off the bench (4-for-7 on three’s), Graff 13 (and nine assists) and Carlson 13 (3-for-4 on three’s).

BOYS BASKETBALL

Woodbury edged White Bear Lake 62-58 on Wednesday. Rithy Sain netted 15 points and Colin Piper 14 for the Bears (1-3). Gavin Krenz and Tyler Allshouse were next with seven points each.

Also scoring are Stanius (shorthanded) and Tyler Lalonde. Will Distad assisted on three goals. The Bears had a 36-14 edge in shots but the Rangers (2-5) were 2-for-4 on power plays with Colton Horak and Nate Peterson getting them. Horak had two goals.

The Bears downed Roseville Area 5-2, sparked by Stanius with two goals (one of them shorthanded) and two assists. Also scoring were Eckerle, Distad and Nash Roed (empty net). Leo Gabriel saved 19 of 21 shots. Jacob Villela and Grant Jakoboski scored for the Raiders (5-4).

GIRLS BASKETBALL

White Bear Lake made ten 3-pointers on the way to a 54-43 win over Woodbury. Chloe Thiessen sank four of them (two in each half) and led the Bears (4-4) with 18 points. Elise Dieterle added 13 points and Abby O’Brien eight. Woodbury was 6-for-14 on free shots and made seven three’s. The Bears were 4-for-9 on free throws.

GYMNASTICS

White Bear Lake had another solid showing but lost to an excellent Cretin-Derham Hall team 146.40 to 135.625. The Bears are 2-1 in conference. The Raiders had the top three in all-around, led by Anna Lentz with 37.35 points. Addy Mueller of the Bears was fourth with 35.85, Josie Mlejnek sixth with 34.35 and Grace Mueller seventh with 33.925. Mueller was third on vault (9.10), beam (8.90) and bars (9.05).

Mlejnek was fourth on floor (9.275).

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Mahtomedi’s 45-game winning streak in Metro East Conference games was snapped by Hastings 56-54 at Hastings. Keagan McVicker led Hastings (4-2) with 22 points.

GIRLS HOCKEY

Anna Greene had 17 points and Sarah Poepard 15 for the Zephyrs, now 4-2 overall and 1-1 in conference.

White Bear Lake lost to Park 5-3, then tied CretinDerham Hall 1-1. The Bears are 2-8-1. Madalyn Lee, who had missed eight games with an injury, drilled two goals in the first period against Park. Tally Domschot made it 3-0 in the second. Lily Howard supplied two assists. The Wolfpack then scored five straight goals, the last two by Addie Corkish in the third period. Against Cretin-Derham Hall (5-4-3), Bear goalie Macie Marston made 37 saves and Grace Kemp 23 for the Raiders. Both goals came in the second period, by Maddie Belisle for the Bears, assisted by Carlie Griffin, and Channing Haycraft for CDH.

BOYS HOCKEY

Delano (5-2) handed Mahtomedi a 4-1 loss. The Tigers blanked the Zephyrs (3-6-1) until Laken Decker scored with 2:18 left in the game.

GIRLS HOCKEY

Roseville/Mahtomedi blanked Mounds View/Irondale 3-0 at home.

Annie Tanner, Sophie Martin and Rylee Bogren (power play) had the goals for the Raiders (6-3-1). Lily Peterfeso made 19 saves for the shutout.

Bruce Strand

27

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS BOYS BASKETBALL

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

SWIMMING

Woodbury defeated White Bear Lake 100-72 in the first dual meet of the season. For the Bears, Anthony Parada Romero won diving, and Benedict Hoefer placed third in the 200 free and 100 free.

CONTRIBUTED

Addie Mueller of the Bears on balance beam.

Bruce Strand

SPORTS BRIEFS Leather & Laces kicks off competition season Leather & Laces adult synchronized skating team’s season is officially underway.

The team recently competed at the Maplewood Synchro Classic at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, placing first in it the open adult vision.

Leather & Laces practices at Polar Arena in North St. Paul and is coached by Andrea Hall.

Team members range in age from 19 to 46. Skaters hail from Hugo, Lino Lakes, Lexington, Roseville, Minneapolis, Lakeville, Bloomington, Maple

Grove, Eden Prairie, Woodbury, Moose Lake and Zimmerman among other cities.

The team is now preparing for the Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships in Kalamazoo, Michigan Jan.29 through Feb. 1. The team will host a beer bash fundraiser from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at Roddy’s Bar, located at 2543 7th Ave. E, North St. Paul. There will be raffles for two grand prizes, a pair of Gopher football tickets for the home opening game and a one-night stay at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.

White Bear Cheer competes at U of M White Bear Lake Middle School Cheerleading competed at the University of Minnesota Cheerleading Championship on Sunday, Dec.15. The team took home division champions in both traditional routine and game day. Pictured (back row, from left) are Belle Millard, Cora Morrin, Addyson Weigel, Lacey Rancour, Victoria Dowdle and Louise Cowan; (middle row) Dai Nathanson, Avery Manship, Maddie O’Connell, Finley Nicholas, Abby Bernier and Lauren Johnson; (front row) Sydalee Donnelly, Mairin Smentek, Gretchen Hayes, Rosie Wolf and Aubree Tollefson-Schenck

CONTRIBUTED

Leather & Laces adult synchronized skating team placed first at the Maplewood Synchro Classic at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis Dec. 14.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Blake Eckerle White Bear Lake Hockey December 25, 2024 Blake Eckerle, who will play Division I baseball, is also a hockey standout for White Bear Lake. Last week, Eckerle scored the overtime game-winner in a 4-3 win over Forest Lake, his second goal of the game, then netted the first goal of a 5-2 win over Roseville Area. The senior forward has eight goals and five assists in eight games for the Bears (6-11). He missed much of last season with injury but returned for the section playoffs and played a key role in the Bears reaching the state tournament. A catcher and infielder in baseball, Eckerle is committed to Utah.

BREE SHERRICK | CONTRIBUTED

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