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ICE OUT: Officially declared March 23 PAGE 9A
Experts tell court: Multiple factors impact lake level BY DEBRA NEUTKENS EDITOR
ST. PAUL — An expert witness for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) believes climate change and not groundwater pumping is the primary cause of low lake levels. The plaintiff’s expert said his opinion has not changed since his original 2013 report: that groundwater withdrawals permitted by the DNR directly impact the lake surface water level, impairing White Bear Lake and the aquifer beneath it. Whose testimony carries the most weight will be up to Ramsey County Judge Margaret Marrinan to decide. There is much to sort out among the scientific reports and anecdotal evidence provided the judge since the trial began March 6. Witnesses for the plaintiff, the White Bear Lake Restoration Association (WBLRA) and intervenor Lake Homeowners Association, included hydrogeologists and lake homeowners who are members of the WBLRA. The defending DNR called its own scientists and regulatory people to the stand. Intervenors for the defense, White Bear Township and the city of White Bear Lake, called staff to testify, including retired City Manager Mark Sather. Closing arguments were expected March 29. The expert witness for the DNR was Matthew Tonkin, PhD, a hydrogeologist
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
$40K for 40Years
Above, auctioneer Kurt Johnson led the live auction and Fund-a-Need appeal at the White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf’s ‘Feed the Bear’ Gala last Friday night at Kellerman’s Event Center. Along with table sponsorships and ticket sales, a total of $40,000 was raised at the first-time event, which celebrated the organization’s 40 years of service to the community. At right, Mary Bosscher, left, and Lorraine (Mim) Kolling started the White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf in 1977 with $850 from Ramsey County. They spoke about their vision to provide food to anyone in need and to treat people with dignity.
SEE LAKE TRIAL, PAGE 8A
Lions add Soldier’s Memorial Flagpole restoration to legacy projects BY DEBRA NEUTKENS EDITOR
The tallest flagpole in White Bear Lake is 80 feet high, yet few know it’s there. That’s the contention of Lion Lynn Farley who has made it the club’s mission to erect a new and more visible Soldier’s Memorial Flagpole at Washington Park. And where is Washington Park? It’s a small patch of ground in front of Premier Bank near the corner of Highway 61 and Third Street. The flagpole and its prominent stone base were built in 1939 at a cost of $350.
Today, the monument is hidden by large trees and in disrepair. Restoring it is expected to cost about $60,000. The White Bear Lake Lions Club is spearheading a community fundraising drive to return the monument and flagpole to its former glory. The restoration project will coincide with the 100th anniversary of Lions International. “The flagpole, its base and surrounding stone work have become very tired,” Farley said. “It was dedicated as a tribute to all soldiers in any wars and the Lions think this is a great legacy project for our centennial year.”
The project is something the Lions hope both citizens and the business community will get behind, much like the city did 78 years ago when local leaders, including the owner of the White Bear Press, rallied support. In fact, the Press put in the first $5. The first of many articles in the community newspaper, dated July 7, 1939, was entitled, “Why Not a Public Flag Pole?” The writer, presumably owner W.A. Stickley, had this to say: “The Press, being of the opinion that White Bear FILE
SEE FLAGPOLE PROJECT, PAGE 8A
The flagpole was dedicated Nov. 11, 1939.
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