White Bear Press

Warmer weather = road construction

Bicyclists, motorists and a pedestrian recently maneuver through a road construction zone in Mahtomedi, one of several area road construction projects currently underway. According to the Washington County website, the County Highway 12 (75th Street) Summer 2024 Improvement Project includes construction from East Avenue/Hallam Avenue to Kimbro Avenue. The road serves 9,900 vehicles per day and is an important east-west corridor for local and regional trips.

Dellwood rolls out new citywide security program

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

After two years of discussions and planning, the city of Dellwood is implementing a new program to help stop crime. That program involves a first of its kind for the town: automatic license plate readers.

“We’re trying to make sure criminal activities are increasingly dealt with around Dellwood,” said City Council Member and Project Manager Greg Boosalis. “The public’s overall safety is what we’re committed to.”

Boosalis said he conceived the idea two years ago and presented it to the rest of the council. The project, Boosalis explained, was created as a deterrent in response to rising crime in Ramsey and Hennepin counties nearby. “Crime in these counties has increased significantly over the past few years,” said Boosalis. “Ramsey and Hennepin both lead Minnesota for violent property crime, which is concerning because Dellwood already borders Ramsey. I feel these (license plate) readers will provide an increased safety margin in and around Dellwood.”

Boosalis emphasized that while Dellwood has little crime, numerous past incidents made him consider installing the readers. These include a car being stolen, as well as past reports of burglaries

SEE DELLWOOD, PAGE 2

Remembering the forgotten war with Dr. Don Sonsalla

Nestled in downtown White Bear Lake are Dr. Don Sonsalla and his wife of 70 years, Verna. From an employment standpoint, Sonsalla’s retirement is well deserved: He hauled cement blocks for a trucking company; got a bachelor’s degree from Winona State and two doctorates from the University of Minnesota; and was a teacher, then counselor, then principal in St. Paul Public Schools for 40 years. All the while, his co-workers never knew that he was also a Purple Heart recipient and Korean War veteran. “Multiple schools. None of my teachers knew about it,” Sonsalla said. He noted that once the war was over, he went back to his old job: “Just walked in, started driving truck again, and nobody said anything … It wasn’t until my grandkids started growing up and asking a whole bunch of questions that Verna said, ‘You better write this down.’”

“General William Sherman said, ‘War is hell.’ He forgot to add—not only is war hell, but also the recollection of war is hell to a combat veteran. During night terrors, I visit hell.”

Donald R. Sonsalla PhD, “A Purple Heart Story”

The result of Verna’s suggestion is “A Purple Heart Story: My Experiences in the US Army and the Korean War,” a concise book that nonetheless etches its words into its readers’ brains. If simply reading about a soldier’s experiences is this upsetting, it is no

wonder why veterans are reluctant to recount their experiences.

Tragically, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was only first diagnosed in 1980; effective treatments were not standardized until 2003.

“PTSD is an interesting thing; each person has to deal with it differently,” Sonsalla explained. “Those who have been in combat … bury it and want to keep it buried.

“To solve my PTSD was to put it in writing.”

The following is just an outline of his remedy: Sonsalla became part of Baker Company, 15th Regiment, 3rd Division. “In November 1950, we did a beach landing in Wonsan, North Korea … That’s when I saw the first kid killed. A kid right next to me—Bernie (Stover) got shot, and then we made the

“A Purple Heart Story: My Experiences

in the US Army and the Korean War” was written by Don Sonsalla, PhD, to answer his grandchildren’s curiosity about his service.

PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS

happening around town.

Mayor Mike McGill also highlighted the importance he sees the license plate readers playing in the town.

“It’s a good tool for us to have in our box as far as catching somebody,” said McGill. “Through the process of elimination, we can identify people who live in Dellwood who are constantly coming and going versus those who aren’t. Then, we can potentially follow up on those leads.”

Boosalis noted that there has not been any pushback from residents regarding privacy concerns for the readers. Additionally, Boosalis said that public feedback toward the readers has been fairly positive.

“This has been on every agenda in the City Council since it began,” explained Boosalis. “We’ve discussed the readers on almost every occasion,

how soon they would be ready, and how we would handle privacy concerns. We’re installing them in public spaces, and even then, we’re limiting how much they can record.”

Six license plate readers are currently installed around Dellwood, each set to record for 72 hours. If a reader records a plate belonging to someone who has committed a crime, the city must turn the footage over to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. If no such plates are filmed within that time, the city will dump the video upon completion of recording.

McGill said there are no plans for Dellwood to install more readers around town. However, McGill said he is hopeful that the current readers installed will prove to be effective.

“This is basically an extra security measure for our residents,” said McGill. “Still, if there’s no crime,

there’s hope in having something like this so that you don’t have to use it very often.

“Then again, if something were to happen, at least we would have the tools in place to address it.”

District continues to refine budget

The White Bear school board will take action on the preliminary budget in June. District staff have been working on forming the budget since October.

“As the Legislature goes through its process, they wind up having much better numbers, which informs our preliminary budget, which we bring to the school board at the planning session in May. Then in June, we’ll bring it to [the board],” said Finance and Operations Tim Wald.

The primary budgetary concern, as has been the case for the past 20 years, continues to be the General Education

Allowance’s failure to keep up with inflation overtime. This will cause the district to experience an $11,206,315 shortfall this coming year. “This is something that every school district in the state is painfully aware of,” Wald reported, “We continue to challenge leaders in the State of Minnesota to fully fund public education…”

Director of Finance Andi Johnson highlighted that projected revenue minus projected expenses showed “more revenue than expenses to the tune of about $818,000.” This money will be rolled into the unassigned fund balance, adding to the districts

I have many new clients because they have seen my branding ads in the White Bear Press over the years. I have found that consistency builds trust and familiarity which gives us an advantage when people are deciding on which dentist to call.

goal of an 8% leftover ending fund balance. “Based on what we know, we’re looking at a fund balance of $11,821,000,” she continued, “We’ll continue to monitor and make changes as we know more.”

“We’ve had a lot of budgetary changes regarding nutrition services,” Johnson said in regards to the reinstatement of free meals. The expenses here will be higher than funds received in order to “spend down that balance,” Johnson explains. Because White Bear’s expenses were under projections during COVID years, more will be spent this year to

maintain the nutrition fund balance goal.

Johnson reiterated that the numbers were healthy and that “this is not a structural imbalance.”

Conversely, COVID had a negative impact on the community service fund. “We had a lot less kids signing up during those years, but still had fixed costs,” Johnson stated, “so we’re working our way out of a deficit there.”

Logan Gion

Dr. Joy Johnson

4

The strength of local news in an era of division

In their hit song Bad Moon Rising, Creedence Clearwater Revival writes, “I see trouble on the way/I see earthquakes and lightnin’/I see bad times today.” Though a product of its time, these lyrics still hold true regarding the tensions surrounding divisions in politics and social justice. I see these tensions constantly made worse by various national news channels, which seek to fan these flames of divisiveness solely for ratings.

It is here where I must stress the importance of local news and its effects on readers. Specifically, I want to highlight the warmth and joy it can spread through human interest and community-driven stories. These intended effects are crucial to one’s mental health in a time of anxiety and uncertainty. I was first drawn to the appeal of local journalism when I was beginning college. Before that, I read every edgy, political/ world event-driven story I could find. I was bizarrely fascinated by reading about this kind of drama from left and right-wing perspectives. It was as though the very sense of division I find myself rallying against now entranced me into reading more and more without stopping.

But then came the stress. The often-sleepless nights. The mentality of dependency I got caught in. My mood became based on not knowing if the next story I read was about civilization’s proximity to the brink of destruction. I knew I had to stop reading if it meant being at peace, but I couldn’t. I was too far down the rabbit hole of world drama to even care.

Who knew that a random visit to the Press Publications website helped change my entire outlook on news?

But alas, one random click was all it took for me to get hooked. And boy, was I lucky to reap the benefits of what I saw. No headlines expressed distaste for anyone with differing political ideologies, and there was no anticipation of how close World War III was.

People discussed their love for volunteering to make a difference in White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights. There were human interest stories on different organizations and businesses. Often, there were previews of upcoming events around town. People seemed happy to be alive and honored to call White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights their home.

No anger. No spite. Just pure, unrefined happiness sprouting from a desire to highlight the best of people. In short, the perfect template for what I should follow as a creative writing major and journalist.

However, this isn’t just an example others should follow for pursuing journalism as their dream career. It’s also an opportunity for readers to escape the stressful hubbub of national news and focus on something much brighter. True, there is still a time and place to read about events in the greater scheme of things. We always want to know about forces outside of our control that have the potential to impact the way we live. Yes, they do deserve our attention from time to time. But as humans, we also deserve a chance to break tradition and uncover positivity in our communities today. That alone is worth picking up a copy of your Press Publications newspaper today.

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, email at whitebearnes@presspubs.com

OPINION

Transforming learning and seeing results

MMovers & Shakers

Wayne Kazmierczak

ost of us are familiar with Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. In the child’s fairy tale, Alice asks the mysterious Cheshire Cat: “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where--” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. For far too many American youth over recent decades, this conversation mirrors their school experience. Many students navigate their education with uncertainty, going through the motions, following instructions, and collecting diplomas, yet they leave still wondering. This passive learning, a remnant of the Industrial Revolution, prepared students in an assembly-line fashion but fails to equip them for a rapidly changing world.

Recognizing this problem in 2017, the White Bear Lake Area Schools Strategic Planning Team set a vision to transform learning. What if our schools could ensure students realize their unique talents and abilities to make meaningful contributions with

• Limited to 350 words. Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area. Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and

local and global impact? What if we promote, encourage, and support students’ personal learning experiences and aspirations? What if we built a future where students design and create their future?

Today, the work of our Strategic Planning vision is evident. Recent interviews with elementary students about their learning experiences revealed significant insights. Students as young as 8 and 9 described making daily decisions that impact their learning, from choosing where to sit for focus or collaboration to managing their schedules and transitioning between activities. These students are no longer passive recipients of information but active participants in learning.

A district-wide commitment to student success has led to gains for high school students as well. Our graduation rates lead state averages across all demographic groups. In 2023, our South Campus boasted a graduation rate of 93%, including 82% of special education students, 94% of Black or African American students, 95% of White students, and 75% of Hispanic/Latino students.

Additionally, our district was recognized on the College Board AP Honor Roll for maintaining high expectations, expanding access to advanced coursework, and closing achievement gaps.

This investment in our youth has profound community implications. A high school

at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters. Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.

diploma significantly increases lifetime earnings—by an average of one million dollars per student. Thus, as we transform individual lives, we infuse over $24 billion into our economy over their lifetimes.

Our students are succeeding. Our girls soccer, girls basketball, and boys hockey teams earned bids to state tournaments; our Knowledge Bowl team reached state for the first time; our theater program excelled in the Spotlight Theatre Awards (with the most awards in the last 15 years); and our high school bands and robotics team earned regional recognition. Two of our students completed the highest number of Ford Automotive Career Exploration program modules in the United States, supported by our partnership with Ford Motor Company.

The future demands variety in skills and talents, and children driven by their intrinsic interests and motivations will excel. Rather than filling students with information, authentic learning ignites curiosity and creativity. Unlike Alice in Wonderland, in White Bear Lake Area Schools, students discover their talents and design their futures from an early age. The days of “I don’t much care” need to be well behind us.

Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak is the Superintendent of White Bear Lake Area Schools.

• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published. Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification. All letters are subject to editing. Deadline is 5 p. m. , Thursday of the week prior to publication. To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Suchy’s Scoop

Erik Suchy

Grateful for art community

I want to give congratulations to the people who were involved in the celebration I experienced with my friend on Thursday, May 9, at White Bear Center for the Arts. It was called Heart 4 Art 2024 and it was deeply meaningful.

I realized the power this community-White Bear Center for the Arts-has to encourage all the different art forms to so many different groups. How powerful to be part of this building of community of all different ages and abilities!

I was also amazed at the quality of student poetry in WBCA’s WriteNow High School Writing Contest this year. I had the honor of serving as one the judges, and it was difficult to judge because the quality of poetry was so excellent. I would love to express a congratulation to the teachers involved and students willing to share their heart through this art form. Our world is so filled with difficult concerns and I am grateful to be part of a community building positive solutions and encouraging beauty in so many ways.

Anne Picard White Bear Lake

Questions about school library materials

Last week the Press reported on actions taken by our White Bear Lake School Board.

However, one important board action parents should be aware of includes adoption of a new “Library Materials” policy. Others and I requested the board to reconsider the language they were voting on because the new language does NOT restrict having “Sexually Explicit“ material in our children’s library(s). Additionally, their language was vague versus simple/clear. My request was simple, to amend the policy to include: “No Sexually Explicit Material” will be allowed in our libraries. Superintendent Kazmierczak responded on behalf of the school board writing: “Unfortunately, the District must respectfully deny your request. The policy adopts the U.S. Supreme Court’s definition of “obscene” in Miller v. California. Note his cited court case was decided 50 years ago.

So, assuming we’re being told the truth, why did it take our school board 50 years to update our district library materials policy and allegedly comply with this U.S. Supreme Court decision?

Still skeptical

The recent Biden/Trump letters take me back to my youth. My skepticism of politics started while watching “This Week with David Brinkley.”  Most shows began with a Democrat (D) and a Republican (R) being asked about some topic of the week. Both would give us some story with differing statistics and stuff to make their point. When finished, we were left with two stories that could not be true at the same time. Obviously, one or both of them were lying. Years later it seemed reasonable to me that both were lying. The D was lying because he knew that D voters would believe him and think the R was lying. The R was lying because he knew that R voters would believe him and think that the D was lying. The one that performed best probably swayed some independent voters with their style. Sadly, this game still goes on because the politics of fear and emotion depend on it. Doesn’t say much for the American voter. Of course now the media is a much bigger player. I find that the media’s use of adjectives to manipulate us exposes what media outlets are the least trustworthy. Being alert to manipulative adjectives is a fun game to practice. Enjoy.

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Ramsey County Public Works unveiled updates to its ongoing County Road J & I-35E Interchange reconstruction planning at its open house. The event, which was hosted at the Ramsey County Public Works Office from 4 to 6 p.m., is the second open house related to the project. The first open house, held last summer, introduced some initial concepts. The project was first introduced in late 2021. Project members identified several traffic congestion and access issues affecting pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. The proposed solutions included creating access from southbound I-35E to County Road J, creating access from County Road J to northbound I-35E, and improving County Road J between Centerville Road and Otter Lake Road.

One new change concerns a roundabout at Centerville Road and County Road J. “We considered an option to make it potentially bigger,” said Project Consultant Chris Hiniker. “We backed off on doing that to reduce costs and right-of-way impact.” Hiniker also highlighted potentially higher traffic congestion as a reason why plans did not move forward.

Anoka County Assistant County Engineer Jerry Auge further emphasized the changes during the open house. “We’re working to improve the intersection at Otter Lake Road,” said Auge. “Right now, it’s a T-intersection that will turn into a roundabout. It’ll connect into the east side ramps, both the northbound off-ramp and the northbound on-ramp to I-35E.” Auge said this would give greater access to motorists coming from the road to I-35E.

Auge also spotlighted other improvements, specifically the fourway intersection of 20th Avenue South and County Road J in White Bear Township. “We’re going to turn that into a roundabout as well,” said Auge. “We’ll also add an off-ramp going southbound in that location. It’ll improve the safety and speed of the vehicles in the area.”

After the first open house, Lino Lakes resident Amy Donlen said she was happy with the changes in plans for County Road J. “I think they made some good changes to the first several plans,” said Donlen, who lives on Centerville Road. One initial plan involved extending County Road J through a conservation easement on a neighbor’s property. This was scrapped after significant pushback arose at the first open house.

Despite this, Donlen still voiced concerns she had regarding traffic

congestion. “I live in an already busy area,” said Donlen. “An access ramp to the northbound freeway and southbound exit from I-35E to County Road J will bring more traffic. I’m worried that this will make it harder for people who want to exit their driveways.”

More concerns were echoed by White Bear Township residents.

Jean Cook, who lives on Otter Lake Road, expressed similar concerns about traffic. “I’m worried about the commercial and manufacturing companies off Centerville Road,” said Cook. She said her biggest fear was that more access from these businesses to I-35E would bring traffic closer to Otter Lake Road.

“If there’s more freeway access from different directions, that’s going to bring that traffic closer to our residential area,” explained Cook. “There could be a greater chance of someone taking Otter Lake Road as a shortcut to get onto I-35 E.”

Elise Raburn, who lives next door to Cook, also voiced her concerns. “I don’t know what the environmental impact on this will be,” said Raburn. “From what I heard, they aren’t going to install any noise barriers along I-35E. That bothers me.”

When asked about these concerns, Project Manager Joey Lindquist said that through future open houses, new changes will be made to the project before its scheduled 2025 construction start date.

SHERI

Terry Nyblom Vadnais Heights

Neal Philastre Vadnais Heights

The Ramsey County Public Works department has been updating planned changes

Centerville Road and Otter Lake Road

which includes the addition of roundabouts.

COPS&COURTS

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

• A Cottage Grove man reported that someone had stolen approximately $300 worth of scrap metal from a dumpster at his business in the 1300 block of County Road E overnight April 23-24.

• A St. Paul man, 48, was arrested at 8:10 a.m. April 24 at the intersection of Highway 61 and Willow Lake Blvd. for driving without a license and for window tint that allowed less than 50% of the light through, following a traffic stop for the illegally tinted windows.

• A St. Paul woman, 33, was arrested for theft at 8:55 a.m. April 25 in the 3200 block of Highway 61, after she and a companion were caught stealing merchandise from a gas station.

• A Little Canada woman, 51, was cited for theft April 25 after she was found to be stealing money from a Walmart cash drawer while she was working as a cashier.

• A resident in the 800 block of County Road D reported that someone broke into his vehicle on April 27 and stole several Magic the Gathering Lord of the Rings playing cards.

• An Oakdale woman reported that

ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS

BASEBALL

Mahtomedi defeated Mankato West 6-1 in a duel of two of the state’s leading Class 3A teams. The Zephyrs (16-4) will host St. Paul Harding Tuesday in the opener of Section 4AAA, which they’ve won three straight years. The Zephyrs had just three hits, including a two-run double by Jack Erickson and a solo homer by Cody Loida, along with eight walks against three Scarlet pitchers. Mahtomedi used six pitchers — Winston Wisely, Peyton Erickson, Andrew Sokoll, Josh Donna, Jack Erickson and Max Strecker — who yielded eight hits and four walks to the Scarlets (15-2) but left 10 runners on base. A 6-4-3 double play ended one bases-loaded threat.

SOFTBALL

After a 5-15 regular season, Mahtomedi is still alive in the fourth round of Section 4AAA. The Zephyrs (7-15) won 9-3 over Minnehaha Academy (13-8) at home. Victoria Nelson slammed a three-run homer, Annika Martin notched two hits and two runs, and Sophia Metcalf had a double, walk, and three runs. Malia Erickson pitched the distance (five hits, five strikeouts). The Zephyrs lost 11-1 to CretinDerham Hall (17-8). They kept going with a 11-2 win over TotinoGrace (1-18), rapping 15 hits. Erickson pitched a four-hitter, recorded seven putouts herself and caught a line drive to start a double play. Julia Ruzynski was 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBI’s. They face Hill-Murray (10-10) Tuesday at Lexington Fields.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi lost close games to Roseville Area 10-8 and White Bear Lake 6-5 in two overtimes to close the regular season. The Zephyrs (8-5) start Section 4 playoffs Wednesday. Against Roseville (4-7), Annie Tanner led with four goals and two assists while Evi Cegielski notched two goals, and Ella Dahlberg, Maggie Duea, Payton Mielke and Brooklyn Kragness one each. Against the Bears (8-5), Cegielski

someone had rifled through her purse on April 28 and stole $30 in cash while she was checking out of a store in the 800 block of County Road E.

• A group of residents of an apartment complex in the 1000 block of County Road D reported finding a blood trail and a knife in the hallway April 29.

• A Vadnais Heights man, 26, was arrested April 29 at the Walmart for fifth degree assault, theft and other misdemeanors, after he assaulted an employee and absconded on foot before being tracked down a short distance later.

• A resident in the 4200 block of Desoto Street on May 1 reported being scammed out of thousands of dollars while trying to get her laptop repaired.

White Bear Township

• A resident in the 2400 block of County Road F on April 29 reported that two people entered her home without consent and damaged her property before leaving.

• A resident in the 2300 block of Hoxie Avenue on April 29 reported receiving a phone call from a person she didn’t know who said he would urinate on the grave of a family member.

• Deputies recovered a rolled up dollar bill coated with a white residue from inside a staff restroom in the 1400 block of County Road H2 on May 2.

netted four goals and Kragness one. Goalie Addie DeMars 16 of 24 shots against Roseville. DeMars and the defensive crew did a great job holding off the Bears in the second half and overtimes.

BOYS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi finished the regular season with a 5-8 record after losing to Minnetonka (7-6) 16-7 and to Woodbury (10-3) 7-2. The Zephyrs will start Section 4 playoffs Friday.

GIRLS GOLF

Mahtomedi won the Metro East Conference 18-hole finale and moved up to third place in the season standings. The Zephyrs edged Two Rivers 329 to 332 on a soggy course at Highland National in St. Paul. Zephyr freshman Reagan Juhl  placed second with 73, sophomore Lexie McGrane sixth (83) and senior Sadie Stembridge eighth (86), each locking up all-conference honors. Audrey Carlson and Lily Carlson got honorable mentions. Co-champions were Two Rivers and Hill-Murray with 48 points. Mahtomedi was next with 45. “This team has had a great two weeks of golf,” said coach Matt Huss, “and we hope to continue the great play in sections and hopefully on to state.”

BOYS GOLF

Mahtomedi was champion by one stroke, led by medalist Thomas Meader, in the Metro

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road May 15.

• Theft was reported in the 4500 block of Centerville Road May 15.

Officers assisted a business owner in the 4400 block of Highway 61 with a disorderly individual May 15.

• A postal carrier reported being chased by a dog that broke through a screen door in the 2500 block of Orchard Road May 15. An officer spoke with the pet owner.

• Officers responded to a report of a disorderly individual at several businesses in the area of White Bear Avenue and Buerkle Road May 15.

• Officers responding to a burglary in progress in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road May 15 arrested a White Bear Lake man for 2nd degree burglary.

• Officers

East Conference 18-hole finale at Loggers Trail in Stillwater. Top three were Mahtomedi with 310, St. Thomas Academy 311, and Simley 321. Meader was low with 73 and Jacob Wilson fourth with 76.  Mark Graff added a 79 and Tony Kurn 82. Next is Section 4AAA at Bunker Hills on May 28-29.

BOYS TRACK

Mahtomedi tied for fourth place among nine teams in the Metro East meet at Two Rivers. Hastings was champion. Zephyr senior Jonah McCormick won the 110 hurdles in 14.26 and 300 hurdles in 39.21. The Zephyrs were 1-2 in high jump with Elijah McCormick clearing 6-4 and Andrew Russell 6-2. Also scoring conference points were:  Evan Carion, sixth, 800 (2:02.54); Michael Barry, sixth, 400 (52.66); Nils Landes, sixth, 300 hurdles (42.80), and eighth, 200 (23.63); William Lieberman, seventh,1600 (4:42); Alex Mahoney, eighth, 100 (11.96), and ninth, long jump (197); Evan Miller, eighth, pole vault (9-0). In relays, the Zephyr 4x200 was second with Mahoney, Barry, Landes and Gavin Kruse (1:31.77) and the 4x400 was third with Barry, J. McCormick, Lieberman and Carion (3:28.85).

GIRLS TRACK

Mahtomedi girls placed fifth of eight teams in the Metro East meet at Two Rivers. Hastings was champion.  Olivia Thiele won the 400 dash in 57.99 and ran second in the 200 (25.92). Kaili Malvey won high jump with 5-4 while placing second in long jump (175.5) and seventh in 100 hurdles (17.34). Also scoring conference points were: Sophie Shores, seventh, 800 (2:36.37); Amber Schaefer, eighth, 400 (1:03.38); Natalie Jackson, eighth, shot put (30-9.5); Natalie Beaulieau, tie for eighth, pole vault (7-6); Abigail Peterson, ninth, long jump (156.25). Their top relay finishes were fourth in the 4x400 and 4x800.

responded to the 2100 block of Fourth Street for a trespass issue May 16.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI May 16 near the intersection of Highway 96 and Margaret Street.

• Theft was reported in the 1700 block of County Road E May 17. Officers assisted with a disorderly person who was refusing to leave a business in the 1400 block of County Road E May 17.

• Officers took a report of an order for protection violation in the 4700 block fo Centerville Road May 17.

• An person was arrested for DWI after driving an ATV on Interstate 35E and Interstate 694 May 18.

• Officers responding to a report of a stolen license plate in the 3500 block of McKnight Road May 18 discovered it had fallen off in the car wash.

Bruce Strand

CONTRIBUTED

All smiles after winning the MEC finale were, from left: Lexie McGrane, Lily Carlson, Alayna Bartylla, Audrey Carlson, Sadie Stembridge and Reagan Juhl.

MAY 29, 2024

WHAT’S HAPPENING

YMCA HEALTH AND WELLBEING OPEN HOUSE

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 Where: White Bear Area YMCA, 2100 Orchard ln.

Details: Celebrate National Senior Health Day with demo classes and assessments.

Contact: ymcanorth.org

COMMUNITY MARKET RIBBON CUTTING & OPEN HOUSE

When:  4:30 p.m., Thursday, May 30

Where: Community Market, 2446 County Rd F

Details: Everyone is welcome to the opening of the Community Market, a new free food market and community resource hub by the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Remarks by state and local leaders followed by self-guided tours of Community Market. Not a food distribution.

Contact: whitebearfoodshelf.org

LOCAL AUTHOR EVENT

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 30

Where: Anchor Coffee House, 4742

Washington Square

Details: Visit with 10-12 local authors and other book lovers. Coffee and hot chocolate available.

Contact; catalystwbl.org

BEARS EXPLORE OUTDOORS

When: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, May 31

Where: Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park, 5785 Hugo Rd., White Bear Lake

Details: Community event with fishing, activities, games, food, music, demonstrations, bike giveaways, and more.

Contact: communityservices.isd624. org

“20TH ANNUAL 10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL”

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, May 30-June 9

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: See 10 never-before-seen plays from around the world performed by Lakeshore Players actors. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers

LANDSCAPE REVIVAL

When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 1

Where: Rockpoint Church, 5825 Kelvin Ave. N., Lake Elmo

Details: 13th Annual “More than a plant sale” expo includes local conservation and restoration groups discussing how to grow native plants to benefit pollinators, wildlife, and water quality. Purchase plants from local growers. Food truck on site. Contact: tiny.cc/LR24

WATERFEST 2024

When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 1

Where: Lake Phalen Park, 1600 Phalen Dr.

Details: Free family festival celebrating clean lakes includes hands-on learning about clean water, wildlife, and land and water conservation.

Contact: rwmwd.org/waterfest

ROBINSON AND REEVES CONCERT

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, June 1

Where: Salvation Army Lakewood

White Bear Lake Area

Church Directory

Worship Center, 2080 Woodlyn Ave., Maplewood

Details: Liberion Expo at 4 p.m. followed by Robert Robinson and Sam Reeves in concert. Freewill offering. Contact: 651-226-4289

BIRCHWOOD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 2

Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park

Details: The Riff Rangers perform. See website for details.

Contact: theriffrangers.com

PHOENIX BOYS CHOIR

When: 7 p.m. Monday, June 3

Where: White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch St.

Details: Renowned boys choir performs a wide repertoire of classical and popular selections. Free and open to all.

Contact: wblumc.org

KIDS BIKE RODEO

When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 8

Where: White Bear Lake Public Works facility, 3950 Hoffman Rd.

Details: Kids can get bikes tuned up, helmets fitted, rider safety information, demonstrations, prizes and ride through courses. Registration required. Contact: whitebearlake.org/ publicsafety/webform/kids-bikerodeo

MOVIE IN THE PARK

When: Dusk, June 8

Where: Polar Lakes Park,1280 Hammond Rd., White Bear Township

Details: Bring a lawn chair or banket and bug spray and watch a free familyfriendly movie outdoors. “Super Mario Brothers” shows on June 8. See weather updates on facebook. Contact: facebook.com/ WhiteBearTownshipMNOfficialSite

German exchange student finds new home, friends in Mahtomedi

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Friendship. Memories. A home away from home.

Jakub Becha was unsure if he would find these in Mahtomedi as easily as he did in his native Frankfurt, Germany. But since then, the 16-yearold exchange student has grown to love his new surroundings.

“People here are super welcome and friendly,” said Becha. “Life here feels so different, and I just love it.”

Since last September, Becha has stayed with Sara Amberg and her family at their Mahtomedi residence. The two were introduced to each other through Amberg’s involvement in Nacel Open Door. The nonprofit organization runs exchange programs for foreign students to study abroad in the United States.

“We had a French exchange student stay with us when I was younger,” Amberg explained. “It became something my husband and I wanted to do again because of our good experience.”

Amberg said that out of all the exchange applications presented, Becha’s stood out the most. “We liked that he enjoyed being busy, hanging out with friends and playing

sports,” said Amberg. “My son, Mason, is also a 10th grader, like him, which resonated with us.”

For the 2023 to 2024 school year, Becha is attending Mathomedi High School, along with Mason. Becha said that the two have become close friends. “Me and him get along really good,” said Becha. “He introduced me straight to his friend group, and we all hang out every weekend. We’ve all been having a great time together.” Amberg said there are plans for Mason and a mutual friend to visit Becha in Frankfurt next year.

Becha is also heavily devoted to sports, having previously played on his native high school’s soccer team. Here, Becha plays for the Mahtomedi Soccer Association outside of school. “I’m also really into lifting a lot,” Becha added.

Through making other friends, Becha attended the Mahtomedi and White Bear proms this year. Most of these friends, Becha says, were ones he made through gym class. “I became friends with some juniors and seniors in that class,” said Becha. “I also became friends with a few girls, so I went to the Mahtomedi prom with them. For the White Bear prom, one of my best friends at Mahtomedi

WBLAS COMMUNITY SERVICES & RECREATION

has a girlfriend who goes there. She asked if I wanted to come, and I said yes.”

Becha will return to Frankfurt on June 13.

However, Becha said this does not spell the end of his association with the Amberg family. “Mason and a mutual friend will try and visit Jakub sometime next year,” said Sara. In addition, Becha said he plans to revisit the United States to explore the country further.

“Everyone here is so friendly and kind,” said Becha. “It’s almost like people here are born to be educated gentlemen.”

Becha said he wants to attend college in the United States, having aspirations of becoming a lawyer. This profession, according to Becha, runs deep within his family. “My uncles, aunts, grandpa and greatgrandpa are all lawyers. There might be a couple more of us, too. For me, it’ll almost be like joining the family business.”

Becha said that after college, he hopes to open his own law firm someday.

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

ADULT & SENIOR CLASSES AT THE WB SENIOR CENTER REGISTRATION REQUIRED - 651-653-3121

55+ Defensive Driving Classes

4-Hr Refresher ($35) ONLINE: Jun 4, 9am-1pm/ Jul 9 1-5pm

8-Hr Class ($45): Online/Sr Center: Jul 16 & 17, 1:30-5:30pm Chair Yoga: Tue, Jun 3-24, 10-10:45am, Sr Center, $30 Vinyasa Yoga @ Bellaire Beach: Tue, 6/4-7/9, 530-6:30pm, $72 Folk Art BirdHouse Painting: Jun 7, 10am-12pm, $40, Sr Center

Improving Bladder Control: Jun 11, 3-4pm, $30, Sr Center

History: Down & DIrty: The Ugly 30’s (K.Simmer): Jun 14, 10am12pm, $18 Sr Center Travel Show: Fri, Jun 21, 10-11:30am, Free, Sr Center, Learn about new travel opportunities from Premier World Travel. Special Event: Women Veterans Day: Jun 12, 10-11:30am, Free, Sr Center. Join us in honoring our past/present women veterans for their service.

Senior BBQ: Fri, Aug 9, 11am-1pm, $6, Sr Center FootCare Clinic: Have our Nurses take care of your feet! Call for a 30-minute appointment / $50 at the Sr Center. Call 651-6533121 for details.

Hot or Frozen meals delivered MondayFriday. If you are interested, know of someone who may need meals, or have questions, please call 651-653-3123. For more information or to receive “The Voice” newsletter, call us at LYNGBLOMSTEN COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Gathering enrichment program provides brain-stimulating activities for adults living with memory loss and four hours of respite for their family caregivers. The Gathering is offered on Wednesdays at Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes and on Thursdays at St. John in the Wilderness Church in White Bear Lake. To learn more, contact Lisa Brown, Caregiver Services Program Coordinator, at (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org.

Lyngblomsten Caregiver Services

Caregiver Education: Tips for Dementia Travel: Local and Extended Trips Tuesday, June 4 • 4–5:30 PM. Online via Zoom Living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia doesn’t mean it’s necessary to stop participating in meaningful activities, such as travel. However, it does require planning to ensure safety, comfort, and enjoyment for everyone. In this workshop for caregivers, we’ll cover a variety of topics and tips, including: Medical forms and emergency contacts; Transportation services; Tools for navigating airports; and Family gatherings and holidays. Register by Noon, June 4 by contacting Lisa Brown with Lyngblomsten Community Services at (651) 632-5320 or lbrown@ lyngblomsten.org. Donations appreciated.

Are you or someone you know helping an older adult and looking to connect for support? Our staff provide ongoing, individualized support and resources to family caregivers over the phone, in person, via email, and virtually. Give us a call. We can help you navigate the journey. Connect with us to learn more about: Local resources; Memory loss caregiver support groups; Educational opportunities; and Respite programming. (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org.

MAHTOMEDI COMMUNITY EDUCATION ADULT ACTIVITIES AT THE MAHTOMEDI DISTRICT EDUCATION CENTER (DEC) 1520 MAHTOMEDI AVE. ALL ACTIVITIES ARE HELD AT THE DEC UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

MONDAYS: Stitchers 1-3:00 PM, 2nd/4th Monday of Month

TUESDAYS: Mah Jongg, 9:30-11:30 AM, Cribbage 1-3:00 PM

WEDNESDAYS: Bridge, 1-4:00 PM

THURSDAYS: 500 Cards, 12:30-3:00 PM

FRIDAYS: Games, 12:30-3 PM; Bridge, 1-4 PM; Book Club, 2nd Friday, 10-11:30 AM Mahtomedi Evening Star Quilters - FREE

Meeting: Tuesday,June 25, 5:30-8:00 PM

Bingo: FREE! Monday, June 24 1:30-3:00 PM. Please bring items to donate to the prize table! The following requires registration: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com Paint Date - $60. Friday, May 31, Middle School. (Adult & Child age 10+) Mat Pilates - $165. Mondays and Wednesdays, June 3-July 31; 4:30-5:30 PM Spanish: Adult Conversational (Beginner or Intermediate) - $99 Tuesdays, June 4-25, 6-7:00 PM. (Online via Zoom)

Preventing Elder Abuse - FREE. Wednesday, June 5; 10-11:30 AM

Barre Basics - $99. Thursdays, June 6-July 25; 7-7:45 AM

Strength & Balance - $79. Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 6-July 2; 1:15-2:00 PM

We help you get back to living. Every step of the way.

Learn to Kayak - $30. Monday, June 10; 5:30-7:30 PM, Matoska Park, WBL

Yoga on the Beach - $77. Wednesdays OR Fridays, June 12-July 26; 9-10:00 AM, Chautauqua Beach, Mahtomedi. Day Trip: Minneapolis Global Market- $40. Wednesday, June 12; 9:15 AM-2:30 PM. Depart/Return Mahtomedi District Education Center.

Canva for Awesome Beginners- $25. Thursday, June 13, Noon. (via Zoom)

Medicare 101 - FREE. Monday, June 17; 6:30-8:00 PM

Practical ChatGPT Training for Everyone- $25. Tuesday, June 18, Noon. (via Zoom)

Therapy services at Cerenity White Bear Lake help you return to what you do best. Our combination of highly trained compassionate staff and the most innovative care in the area make our community your best choice for professional therapy services.

Medicare 101 - FREE. Monday, June 17; 6:30-8:00 PM

• Aquatic Therapy

Landmark Tours Travel Presentation - FREE. Tuesday, June 18

• Occupational Therapy

Minneapolis Experience: Day Trip to Walker Sculpture Garden + Lunch at Brit’s Pub - $75. Thursday, June 27. 9:30 AM-2:00 PM. Depart/Return DEC.

• Physical Therapy

• Speech Pathology

Kayak Adventure: National Sunglasses Day - $30. Thursday, June 27; 6-8:00 PM, Square Lake, Stillwater. Register at mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com. If you have any questions, please call 651-407-2024.

Call today to schedule a tour: 651-232-1847

CONTRIBUTED

Jakub (back row, second from right) with the Mahtomedi Soccer Association team.

SARA AMBERG | CONTRIBUTED Jakub (center left) gathered for Prom with fellow Mahtomedi friends (from left) Drew Sokoll, Ayla Pilrain, Elsie Hammer, James O’Connor and Emma Gahm.

SARA AMBERG | CONTRIBUTED

Jakub (center) with Mason Amberg (left) and Brian Amberg (right) while on a road trip in St. Louis, Missouri.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Communities benefit when consumers shop local

Ideas about shopping are never set in stone, and the pandemic illustrated just how quickly consumer trends and opinions can change. Many individuals are now reevaluating how they spend their hard-earned money, particularly since inflation has affected just how far a dollar can be stretched. When consumers think about which stores to patronize, locally owned businesses may be the smartest option for a number of reasons - not the least of which is the way such enterprises benefit the communities they call home.

More money kept in the community

Shopping locally means that more money will stay in the community. According to recent research from Civic Economics, local eateries return nearly 79% of revenue to the community, compared to just over 30 percent for chain restaurants. Overall, for every $100 spent at a local business, around $73 remains in the community, verus roughly $43 when shopping at a non-locally owned business.

Get a personal touch

Local business owners typically are inclined to go the extra mile for their customers and are personally invested in the services and products they are selling. As a result, shopping locally tends to be a personalized experience. Furthermore, a local business owner may be more amenable to ordering products for specific clientele. Such personalized service is typically not

checkout or to pick up merchandise ordered online can drain consumers’ energy and

contribute to stress. Local businesses tend to have short lines and small crowds, which can lead to a more pleasant shopping experience.

Generates tax revenue

Local businesses generate more tax revenue per sales dollar, according to Rubicon, a digital marketplace for waste and recycling businesses. Taxes paid by local small businesses go to support schools, parks, roads, and other programs that benefit the community as well.

Support nonprofits

Local businesses often support good work in the community, such as nonprofit groups. These can include schools and sports teams, among other groups. According to Dr. Sue Lynn Sasser, professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma, studies indicate nonprofits “receive 250% more support from small businesses than larger ones.”

Support other local businesses

Local business support other local businesses by buying and selling among each other. A local, independently owned restaurant may source its ingredients from local farms, which means visitors to such eateries are supporting multiple local businesses each time they dine out.

Small businesses are a boon to the economy, particularly local economies. These enterprises help their communities in a multitude of ways.

accessible when shopping big box stores or other shops where owners are off-site.

Lines are short Waiting in long lines for

‘A PURPLE HEART STORY’: Local veteran recounts experiences of Korean War

landing,” Sonsalla describes.

A newspaper at the time estimated that Sonsalla’s division saw combat 95% of the days they were on Korean soil. In his first five weeks in Korea, Sonsalla participated in the defense of the Majonni mountain base, Operation Revenge (aka the retaking of Ambush Alley), the Chosin Reservoir campaign and the Hungnam Evacuation.

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir alone claimed 70,000 casualties—20,000 more than the Battle of Gettysburg. Because of a Siberian cold front, temperatures during this battle were often colder than those on the surface of Mars! Historians consider the subsequent Hungnam

Evacuation to be one of the prominent military rescue operations of history, a feat on par with Dunkirk.

Sonsalla earned his Purple Heart three months later at the Battle of Easter Egg Hill on Easter Sunday 1951. “I’m going up that hill, sneak behind a mortar position … knocked out all of the guys (there),” Sonsalla remembers, “and right in front of me, a Chinese soldier jumped out … lobbed several grenades down at me … and I’m getting ready to go up and get that guy, but I couldn’t stand …”

Sonsalla spent six months regaining use of his legs in a hospital in Tokyo before returning stateside. He spent another eight years battling blood poisoning due to embedded shrapnel.

SCHOOL BRIEFS

Century College received two grants from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for job skills training partnerships. Funding includes $298,804 toward a partnership with Russ Davis Wholesale, a fresh produce processor and distributor, to provide training for 735 employees in various manufacturing processes and to translate training materials into Spanish. The company’s leadership, administrative and support staff will also receive training in computer skills, lean manufacturing and leadership, and maintenance employees will receive training leading to Manufacturing Skills Standards Council Certified Production Technician certification.

When asked what his Purple Heart means to him, Sonsalla replied, “I bled my heart for our democracy. I actually put blood out, not just rhetoric.”

In addition to his Purple Heart, Sonsalla earned the rank of Corporal, became a squad leader and received four Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge. While he felt heroic, he no longer felt human.

“My parents picked me up in Chicago. I’d just gotten off the hospital boat. We went to a bar for a drink, and I was not 21 yet … and a bartender wasn’t gonna serve me. So, I came across that bar, grabbed that guy, and started throwing him around, and I said ‘I’ll kill you right now if you don’t serve me,’” Sonsalla admits, slapping the table with finality, “That time, I swore I’d never do that again. That’s the day I forgave myself.”

Sonsalla credits his wife, Verna, for much of his healing, confessing, “She saved me. I was a killer. I was angry. And she rehabilitated me.”

Letting go, however, is a process that has taken Sonsalla his entire life.

“The one that sticks with me is when we were in the mountains,” Sonsalla remembered. “There was a

Buddhist temple—very small. There was one Buddhist statue that stood 4 feet high, and behind it was a North Korean soldier … I threw an incendiary grenade in there and burned the church down.

“Forty years after the war, I went back to Korea … and there was a Buddhist temple. Through an interpreter, I talked to the monk—told him what a terrible thing I did, that it’s haunted me all my life. And he said, ‘Son, those things happen. It’s war.’ … and he gave me a tiny Buddhist statue.

“When (my granddaughter) got her commission in the JAG program, I gave her that statue to wish her good luck. And so it’s on her desk wherever she goes.”

Now, more than 70 years after his service, Sonsalla is

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP NOTES

The second grant is for $279,443 to fund a program with J&B Group, a meat products producer and distributor, to develop a training program to meet new regulatory safety requirements and improve workforce skills, engagement and efficiency for 398 employees.

St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School in Mahtomedi announced the renewal of it’s accreditation by the Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association (MNSSA) for the period 2024 to 2031. Accreditation is awarded to schools who uphold rigorous standards for curriculum, instruction, personnel, governance, and marketing practices that ensure an effective learning environment for students.

Letters to the Editor

• As part of the consent agenda, the board approved the Bellaire Beach lifeguard contract with the YMCA for 2024. The board also awarded bids to St. Croix Recreation in the amount of $110,334 for a playground replacement at Mead Park as well as $124,765 for a playground replacement at Otter Park. Money from the park improvement fund will pay for these projects.

• A special town board meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. on May 30 at Community Market, 2446 County Road F in White Bear Lake. The White Bear Area Food Shelf will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house.

• Township Planner Evan Monson, an employee of TKDA, described plans submitted for a variance request regarding a shared driveway between Gary and Kim Delaney and April and Greg Klein on 5305 and 5315 Bald Eagle Blvd W., respectively. Because Ramsey County only allows one access point, the two properties intend to merge driveways at the access point which will connect with the street through an easement granted by the county. The Planning Commission recommended approval, though one member cautioned to keep water drainage in mind during construction. Monson’s presentation found that the variance request was reasonable and motivated by necessity, and would solve a problem not created by either homeowner. Supervisors Steve Ruzek and Scott McCune approved the request, yet Chair Ed Prudhon voted against. “I think this is still a problem,” Prudhon said. “A board in the future is going to have to deal with this again. These shared

the last remaining veteran of his division.

“At 93, I’ve outlived ‘em all. That, I know,” he said. Memorial Day, then, gains more significance for Sonsalla as each fellow veteran passes on. “It’s an opportunity to think about all the guys I lost.”

Sonsalla’s main focus now is helping living veterans. “We have a small group of veterans that meet here once every two months,” he noted, “and we have the Ramsey County Veteran Affairs officer meet with us, so all of our vets are caught up to date.” Working with these veterans has shown Sonsalla a pattern.

“In war,” Sonsalla said, “There are no unwounded soldiers.”

driveways just never end up working out … eventually, they fall apart. I just want to get this on the record so that a future board will understand what we were wrestling with here.

• Town Engineer Larry Poppler, also an employee of TKDA, recommended that the board approve contract bids for the Mallard Ponds and Parkview Court improvements. The low bid for the Mallard Ponds project was North Valley Inc. in the amount of $2,841,913.50. The low bid for Parkview Court was Miller Excavating Inc. in the amount of $439,998.59. The board adopted both resolutions.

• Supervisor Scott McCune tendered his resignation from the board because his new address will be outside the township. In his official email, McCune stated, “I have truly enjoyed my time as a board member and wish continued success to the community.” Supervisor Steve Ruzek reluctantly moved to accept the resignation while Chair Ed Prudhon seconded the motion “with a heavy heart.”

Before leaving, McCune jokingly asked that he be given blanket amnesty and that his replacement be called his “successor”. “No one can replace me,” McCune noted with faux gravitas. Town Clerk Patrick Christopherson then swore in McCune’s interim “successor,” Tom Riedesel, who will serve until the general election this November.

On Memorial Day 2016, Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan flew the American flag in honor of Dr. Don Sonsalla and his service during the Korean War. His granddaughter—a Marine and member of the JAG corps—witnessed the occasion. PHOTOS

Dr. Don Sonsalla wearing his service medals. In addition to his Purple Heart, Sonsalla earned four Bronze Stars and the coveted Combat Infantry Badge.

Dr. Don Sonsalla received the Purple Heart after he was wounded in action during the Battle of Easter Egg Hill on Easter Sunday 1951.

Logan Gion

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: May 17, 2024

Signed: Chet Latawiec, President Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 29 and June 5, 2024.

CITY OF DELLWOOD PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be conducted before the Dellwood City Council on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., in the Willernie City Hall, 111 Wildwood Road. Purpose of said hearing would be to consider, and to possibly act on, a proposed interim ordinance authorizing a study and imposing a moratorium on cannabis businesses within the Township pursuant to the authority under Minnesota Statutes, section 342.13(e). Joel Holstad, City Clerk Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 29, 2024.

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that on June 12, 2024, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, the Mahtomedi Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to solicit public response to a request from Phil Dommer, Prelude Holdings LLC, for a minor subdivision resulting in three lots at the city-owned property located at the southwest corner of Bevins Ln. & Warner Ave. S, PID: 32.030.21.24.0010. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation regarding the proposed request to the City Council, for their meeting to be held on June 18, 2024, 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Those persons having an interest in said meetings are encouraged to attend.

If you have questions about this notice or if you would like further information regarding the project described above, please contact Hannah Rybak, Mahtomedi City Planner, at 612-269-3684. Written comments may be submitted to City Hall, or via email at hrybak@wsbeng.com.

Scott Neilson, City Administrator

Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 29, 2024. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: PROBATE/MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 62-C6-50-270728 NOTICE AND ORDER FOR HEARING PURSUANT TO MINN. STAT. § 501C.0203

In the Matter of The Trust

Created Under the Last Will and Testament of Harry Harris, Deceased, Known as the William Harris Kolb Trust No. 1

IT IS ORDERED AND NOTICE IS GIVEN that a Petition to Terminate Trust, Discharge and Release Trustee, and Approve Final Account, signed by Connor Dorsey as an Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer of Trustee U.S. Bank National Association dated May 13, 2024 has been filed with the Court. The Petition requests an order for the following relief:

1. Settling and allowing the Final Account;

2. Confirming all allocations between income and principal;

3. Confirming all distributions from the Trust;

4. Approving payment by the Trust for the Trustee’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses,final trust administration expenses or fees, any remaining taxes, and tax preparation feesincurred in connection with this proceeding; 5. Terminating the Trust; 6. Directing the Trustee to distribute the remaining net balance of income

and principal of theTrust to the sole current beneficiary, William Harris Kolb, outright and free of trust afterpaying any remaining trust administration expenses and the fees and expenses of thisproceeding;

7. Discharging U.S. Bank National Association as Trustee of the Trust and from any and allliability in connection with the administration of the Trust as shown in the annual accountsand the Final Account and from any and all liability in connection with the distribution andtermination of the Trust with such termination being effective upon the filing of this Court’sOrder; and

8. Granting such other relief as may be proper.

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

The Court represents all persons in interest who are minors or incapacitated, or unborn, unascertained or whose identity or address is unknown and not reasonably ascertainable and has determined that all other persons with an interest in the Trust are represented under sections 501C.0301 to 501C.0304.

IT IS ORDERED, that the Petition will be heard using remote technology on July 1, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. by this Court at Ramsey County Courthouse, St. Paul, Minnesota. Information on how to participate in the remote hearing is available by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.

1. Notice shall be given to all persons named in the Petition as having or as claiming an interestin the Trust.

2. Notice shall be given by (in rem jurisdiction): mailing a copy of this Notice and Order forHearing to all persons named in the Petition as having or who may claim to have an interestin the Trust, at their last known addresses by U.S. Postal Service at least 15 days prior to thehearing date, and Publishing this Notice and Order for Hearing one time at least 20 days priorto the hearing date in a legal newspaper of Ramsey County, Minnesota.

BY THE COURT

Dated: May 17, 2024

/s/ Kimberly Smith, Deputy Court Administrator Attorney for Petitioner

SPENCER FANE LLP

Serena O’Neil, #399368

100 South Fifth Street, Suite 2500, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Telephone: (612) 268-7021; Facsimile: (612) 268-7001

soneil@spencerfane.com

ATTORNEY FOR TRUSTEE U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 29 2024.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY

DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: PROBATE/MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION

COURT FILE NO. 62-C1-90-012977

NOTICE AND ORDER FOR HEARING

PURSUANT TO MINN. STAT. § 501C.0203

In the Matter of The Trust

Created Under the Last Will and Testament of Harry Harris, Deceased, Known as the William Harris Kolb Trust No. 2

IT IS ORDERED AND NOTICE IS GIVEN that a Petition to Terminate Trust, Discharge and Release Trustee, and Approve Final Account, signed by Connor Dorsey as an Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer of Trustee U.S. Bank National Association dated May 13, 2024 has been filed with the Court. The Petition requests an order for the following relief:

1. Settling and allowing the Final Account;

2. Confirming all allocations between income and principal;

3. Confirming all distributions from the Trust;

4. Approving payment by the Trust for the Trustee’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses,final trust administration expenses or fees, any remaining taxes, and tax preparation feesincurred in connection with this proceeding;

5. Terminating the Trust;

6. Directing the Trustee to distribute the remaining net balance of income and principal of theTrust to the sole current beneficiary, William Harris Kolb, outright and free of trust afterpaying any remaining trust administration expenses and the fees and expenses of thisproceeding;

7. Discharging U.S. Bank National Association as Trustee of the Trust and from any and allliability in connection with the administration of the Trust as shown in the annual accountsand the Final Account and from any and all liability in connection with the distribution andtermination of the Trust with such termination being effective upon the filing of this Court’sOrder; and

8. Granting such other relief as may be proper.

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

The Court represents all persons in interest who are minors or incapacitated, or unborn, unascertained or whose identity or address is unknown and not reasonably ascertainable and has determined that all other persons with an interest in the Trust are represented under sections 501C.0301 to 501C.0304.

IT IS ORDERED, that the Petition will be heard using remote technology on July 1, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. by this Court at Ramsey County Courthouse, St. Paul, Minnesota. Information on how to participate in the remote hearing is available by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.

1. Notice shall be given to all persons named in the Petition as having or as claiming an interestin the Trust.

2. Notice shall be given by (in rem jurisdiction): mailing a copy of this Notice and Order forHearing to all persons named in the Petition as having or who may claim to have an interestin the Trust, at their last known addresses by U.S. Postal Service at least 15 days prior to thehearing date, and Publishing this Notice and Order for Hearing one time at least 20 days priorto the hearing date in a legal newspaper of Ramsey County, Minnesota. BY THE COURT

Dated: May 17, 2024

/s/ Kimberly Smith, Deputy Court Administrator Attorney for Petitioner SPENCER FANE LLP Serena O’Neil, #399368 100 South Fifth Street, Suite 2500, Minneapolis, MN 55402 Telephone: (612) 268-7021; Facsimile: (612) 268-7001 soneil@spencerfane.com

ATTORNEY FOR TRUSTEE U.S.

property is no longer needed for use by the Township of White Bear, and can be offered for sale; and WHEREAS, property may also be considered for donation to a nonprofit organization as stipulated in Minnesota Statue § 471.3459; and WHEREAS, the Township Board adopted a resolution for sale of surplus property; and WHEREAS, The Township has no obligation to make a donation of surplus property. Surplus property that is not donated may be sold at the discretion of the Township Board; and WHEREAS, surplus property is “as is” with no warranty, guarantee or representation of any kind, express or implied, as to the condition, utility, or usability of the Surplus property; and WHEREAS, the property listed below is recommended to be designated as surplus by Township staff: Lot 12, Block 6, Eastwood Manor, PID 253022120029

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF WHITE BEAR, MINNESOTA: The property listed within this resolution be declared surplus and authorized to be sold or donated.

Whereupon said Resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of White Bear on this 6th day of May, 2024. Interested parties may submit a written proposal by June 14, 2024 for acquiring this property. Ed Prudhon, Town Board Chair, Town of White Bear, Minn. Attested: Patrick Christopherson, Town Clerk, Town of White Bear, Minn. Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 22 and 29, 2024.

Above: White Bear Lake Mayor Daniel Louismet watches his daughter Francis operate a miniature backhoe under the guidance of Parks Maintenance employee Ryan Hannig during a recent Public Works Open House.

Above: Public Works street foreman Mike Lillie poses near a welcome sign, attached to the metal claws of a backhoe, near the front entrance.

At left: White Bear Lake Water Division representatives Mike Meyer, Wade Hunt and Martin Wippler fielded questions about the maintenance and operation of the city’s water plant, wells, reservoirs and water mains.

PT Yardwork, 3 hrs/Saturdays $25 hr stockman_management@msn.com

Ann's AwesomeHousecl eaning - 20 Yrs experience. Dependable, Trustworthy References Avail. Call or text 651-776-7834

Lawnmowing & housecleaning 651.765.6313

DONATE YOUR CAR, truck, or

assist the blind an d visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost

pickup and secure a generous year-end ta x credit. Call Heritage for the Blin d Today at 844/220-9501

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited ta lk, text and data for ju st $25/mo! The power of 3 5G networks, one low price! Call today and ge t 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! 8 55/562-4309

Miscellaneous DONT LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for an yone who struggles on the stairs is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 866/852-5506

SAFE STEP North America's #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower pa ckage and $1,60 0 off for a limited time! Call today! Finan cing available. Call Safe Step 833/966-3882

Wanted to Buy WANTED: ALL 19 70 S MOTORCYCLES Runn ing or not Titled or not Will pick up. Cash in exchange. Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612/720-2142 WBL, Christ The King 1660 Birch Lake Ave Thur May 30 8-8, Fri May 31 8-12 (Bag Sale)

HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention,

2 Garage sales TWO sales at Second St and Lake Ave. Fri-May 31/ 9-2pm Sat-J

18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newsp ap er 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

and related work as assigned. Performs basic preventative maintenance on City vehicles including tune-ups, lubrication, tire changes and simple parts replacement. Services, diagnoses and repairs small and large pieces of City equipment, performs minor repairs in the field on City equipment, secures parts from suppliers and performs related work as required, operates City vehicles and equipment to perform testing, servicing and deliveries as required. May assign and direct the work of seasonal/temporary workers. Performs Maintenance Operator duties as directed. High School diploma or GED; and moderate experience in auto/truck repair and heavy equipment mechanics, or equivalent

you enjoy meeting people, solving

Food Shelf celebrates opening of Community Market

at this event. The Community Market, located at 2446 County Road F, opened this spring as a way for the food shelf to meet the additional needs of community members who are experiencing food insecurity. According to food shelf staff, the organization served twice as many visitors in 2023 than it did in 2020 during the pandemic. So far this year, visits are up by nearly 50%. In the month of April alone, 6,429 visitors accessed food from food

shelf programs. The addition of the second location allows the food shelf to double the number of people it can serve, and ensures that anyone in need of food can receive it.

At the Community Market, visitors can choose food items — including produce, deli items and bakery items — in a corner-market style shopping experience. Visitors to the Community Market can also meet with representatives from human service organizations who are on site, including those that provide assistance with rent and utility bills, and programs for youth, seniors and families. This model allows visitors to access a variety of resources in one place. Those in need of food can also pick up food curbside at the food shelf’s main location at 1884 Whitaker Street in White Bear Lake. All food shelf programs and locations, including curbside pickup, the Community Market and the seasonal mobile markets, are open to all members of the community, and no appointments are needed. For more information about White Bear Area Food Shelf programs and hours, go to whitebearfoodshelf.org.

CARTER JOHNSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Community members can see what the new Community Market has to offer at an open house event at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 30.

Melburn G. “Mel” McCarty

Age 82 of White Bear Lake, Minnesota passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 16, 2024. Mel was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Ernie, Dennis and Pearl Gaffney. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Sandra; children Michael (Ellie), Jeff, and Carrie; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; brother Duane; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Retired Local 512. Mel was loved so much and will be greatly missed. Special thanks to Patrice and Sandra of Beyond Hospice. Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Honsa Family Funeral Home, 2460 East County Road E, White Bear Lake, with visitation one hour before Service. Private Interment, Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Mahtomedi. Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172.

Rosemary “Cookie” Fisher

Jean Constance Barnum

(née Meyers) passed away at the age of nearly 99. Jeannie was born in Seattle in 1925 and passed away April 20, 2024.

She was married to her husband Claud (d. 2012) in 1949. She leaves behind two daughters: Steffani Shefte (John) of Charlotte, NC and her children Kyle, Nicole, Brittany and Tyler; Noël Hegedus (Jozsef) of Birchwood, MN and their children Josef and Acadia.

Jeannie had a wonderful childhood playing in Puget Sound and loved Seattle but moved to Birchwood in 1966 when Claud was transferred by 3M Company. When she was 18, her mother sent her and a best friend to live in Hollywood and they had many adventures spotting and hobnobbing with movie stars.

Marie A. Bunning

Age 83. Preceded in death by husband, Edward. Survived by children Michelle, Jim, and Mike. Visitation at Honsa Family Funeral Home, 2460 East County Rd E from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 1. Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home.

John Joseph Gunderson

Age 95, of Mahtomedi.

Loving mother and grandmother, age 75, of Wyoming MN, passed away on May 17th. Cookie is now with her parents, Jim and Donna; brother, Joe (Lisa); nephew, Josh. She is survived by her partner, Bruce; sons, Brian (Chrissy), Randy; grandsons, Cohen, Jax and Mace; siblings, Tom (Beth), Patti (Bill), Jill, Jim (Kirby) and Rich. Memorial service held at 3, on June 1st at Mattson Funeral Home in Forest Lake. Visitation from 2-3. Celebration of life after at 5, at the Forest Lake American Legion.

-  

She loved Birchwood and the many friends she made here. Most especially, the friends she made as co-founder of Writers Unlimited, a creative writing club, that produced many published works and met for over 40 years in the Birchwood Village Hall. She also wrote a weekly column called “Under the Birch Trees” in the 1970s in White Bear Press.

She was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Jude’s since 1966. She taught CCD at St Jude’s for several years and also taught Creative Writing in the night school at Lakewood (now Century) College for 12 years. She was a strong, optimistic person who always chose to look at the sunny side of everything. Private services were held in April.

Joseph Fletcher

Age 99, died May 6, 2024. Graveside service 11:00 am on May 31 at St John‘s Cemetary, Little Canada, followed by luncheon, 12:00 pm at Holiday Inn Express, 1100 Co Rd E, Vadnais Heights.

Preceded in death by his wife Dolores; daughterin-law Julie Ann; parents John A. and Mary; sisters Mary Luers, Jane Noehring and Margaret Whitcomb. He is survived by his children Kathleen (Larry) Borgen, Larry (Kathy), John C., Michael, Raymond (Amy), Mary (Mike) Moraczewski; grandchildren Camille, Leah, Teresa Borgen, Andrew, Christopher Borgen, Matthew, Emily, Thomas, Katelyn, Jennifer, Sarah Moraczewski, Joseph Moraczewski, and John T.; greatgrandchildren Hunter, Garrett, Rylnn, Warren, Wyatt, Waylon, Mabel and Caleb; brothers James (Peg), Richard (Dee), Thomas Penny Streifel); and many other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Jude of the Lake Church, 700 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at Honsa Family Funeral Home, 2460 East County Road E, White Bear Lake on Tuesday, May 28 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and on Wednesday 1 hour before Mass at the church. Memorials preferred to St. Jude of the Lake Church, Mahtomedi.

Celebrating 25 years of reporting ‘Town Life’

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Town Life Magazine. The Press talked to Catherine Carey, the magazine’s founder and publisher, about her experiences covering local people and community happenings.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background in journalism.

A: I am the publisher/ editor of Town Life Magazine. I live with my wonderful husband, Brendan, and our Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dog and Maine coon cat in an 1882 Queen Anne Victorian. I love animals and have been active in animal rescue throughout my life. Further, Brendan and I cochaired the Manitou Days Pet Parade for 13 years with St. John in the Wilderness Church.

I grew up in White Bear Lake, graduated from White Bear Mariner High School in 1978, migrated with Minneapolis comedian friends to Los Angeles in the early 1980s, worked as a legal assistant for a high- profile entertainment firm in Beverly Hills, was a freelance reporter for the Los Angeles Reader, graduated from California State University-Northridge with a journalism degree (while serving as an on-air reporter on the campusaffiliated public radio station), moved to Texas in 1994 where I was the news director at Texas A&MEast Campus (writing, producing and anchoring 11 public radio newscasts per day and co-teaching one journalism course), moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family, was associate editor of the White Bear Press, and started Town Life Magazine in 1999.

Q: What are your favorite or most memorable stories in Town Life over the past 25 years?

A: Town Life is a quarterly “coffee table” magazine that features local arts and entertainment, education, history, recreation and community events. All of its writers, artists, cartoonists and photographers are from White Bear. I enjoy featuring our community’s wide variety of talented artists and musicians as well as others making a positive difference in the world. My favorite contributors are cartoonist Paul Dillery and Children’s Corner artist Noelle Dahlen. I am also proud to have featured children’s book author/illustrator David LaRochelle in my early issues. And, turning to politics, it was a great honor to include articles written by the late Congressman Bruce Vento, the late Senator Paul Wellstone and former Governor Jesse Ventura.

One of my favorite articles was an investigative piece I wrote about a White Bear Township wood manufacturing company that was leaking toxic chemicals (hexavalent chromium) into the groundwater. The company was located next door to a Gem Lake family with a newborn baby. My article caused the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to fine the company, force it to clean up the area and stop it from polluting further. TV News KARE 11 did a feature story and filmed me being interviewed and walking along the contaminated site. Weeks later, I was sitting on a beach in Redondo Beach, California, when a childhood friend called my cellphone to say, “KARE 11 is playing news promos of you and calling you the ‘Erin Brockovich of Minnesota.’” Any day that I’m compared to Julia Roberts is a good day to me.

Q: What have been your biggest challenges as publisher of Town Life?

A: Most of my support over the years has come from local readers, artists and musicians, business owners, schools, government and nonprofit organizations. Realtors originally made up a great deal of my advertising base but, along with other businesses, migrated from print to online advertising as the Internet grew. Then COVID-19 hit, causing devastating loss of life (1,189,603 Americans died) and lockdowns that hurt small businesses. Print journalism in all of its forms has since been struggling.

Q: What are your goals for Town Life going forward? Do you have any other projects in the works?

A: Town Life is sold at Lake Country Booksellers and can be found, along with the history book I was commissioned by White Bear Township to research, write and design, “White Bear: A History,” at Ramsey County Library-White Bear Lake. “White Bear: A History” was chosen as Book of the Year in 2008 by Ramsey County Library Friends. It remains one of the biggest sellers

subscribe to the magazine, visit www.town-life.com. The best is yet to come.

The next edition of Town Life will be published June 5. Town Life is distributed quarterly through the White Bear Press, though the publications are unaffiliated.

Catherine Carey

Recycle old mattresses conveniently, for free

The city of White Bear Lake, White Bear Township and the city of Birchwood Village are partnering with Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy and Second Chance Recycling to offer curbside mattress and box spring recycling collection on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the month of June. In an effort to recycle mattresses and box springs and keep them out of the trash, mattress pickup

comes at no cost to residents within these communities.

To schedule a curbside mattress pickup, visit: secondchancerecyclingmn.com/ curbside-collection-program.

Free entry to county parks on National Get Outdoors Day Washington County is celebrating National Get Outdoors Day by offering free admission to all county parks June 8.

Washington County Parks designates the second Saturday in June as a free day to visit the county parks without requiring a vehicle permit. The goal is to inspire and motivate people to get outside and enjoy a day of healthy and fun outdoor

Loon parents have much to celebrate. If all goes well, the fourth chick will hatch on May 24. The Peninsula parents are on top of their game, this year, and should be greeting their second chick

a group of three Loons splashing, calling, and wing-rowing, on the west side of the bulrushes. After a few more calls and a Penguin dance, they took off to the other side of the lake. As we entered the Cove, we spotted a feisty little chick swimming with its parents. It was able to keep up and was not interested hitching a ride on either parent’s back. After swimming, the chick was able to crawl up onto the nest without any help. Mama Loon slowly raised her right wing, as the chick inched its way closer to her. Instinctively, the chick crawled under her raised wing and disappeared for a long nap. That was our cue to leave and check the Loon pair by the Peninsula. When we arrived, Mama

Loon was on the nest, looking very determined, with her mate only a few feet away. No hatch, so we headed home. May 23 was magical! Imagine our surprise when we found two chicks on the nest bickering and picking at each other, without a parent in sight. This went on for several minutes. Eventually, the chicks quieted down and snuggled together, until the parents returned. We spent the next hour watching the first chick crawl on and off the nest, swim, and ride on both parent’s backs. The second chick, which we think was only a few hours old, could not get off the nest, so it sat on the edge, watched, and made little sounds. The first chick enjoyed getting all the attention, until the second chick made its first jump into the water. The Loon parents did not lose sight of predators and made warning calls when an Eagle flew over the bulrushes, with talons deployed. Mama Loon removed a large clump of eggshell debris from the nest and deposited it far from the nest. As we headed out

of the Cove, the second chick got its head stuck under papa’s wing while swimming and trying to climb up on his back. The second chick is going to be a handful. When we arrived at the Peninsula nest, we spotted another active chick swimming with both parents. After a few minutes, mama Loon climbed back on the nest to tend the remaining egg and the chick joined her. We returned at sunset and found the Cove parents sleeping with chicks hidden under mama’s wings. The Peninsula parents were swimming with the chick riding on mama’s back, until she returned to the nest. If all goes well, the fourth chick should hatch on the Peninsula nest on May 24. Fingers are crossed for a safe and quiet Memorial Day weekend. Both sets of parents appear to be ready for what lies ahead. Stay tuned.

Ellen Maas

SPORTS

Zephyrs edge Mustangs, return to state

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Mahtomedi (23-2) will make a return trip to the state tournament after pulling out a 4-3 win over Mounds View in the Section 4AA finals.

Aidan Wald and Zach Burge got the clinching fourth point when they finished a 6-3, 6-2 win against Sidharth Sharma and Michael Wang. Zephyr teammates mobbed their No. 1 doubles team that had made the score 4-2.

Action took place at the University of Minnesota’s Baseline Courts, where Mahtomedi will return for the state tournament June 4-5.

“This was truly a state caliber match, with two teams in the top six vying for one spot,” reflected Aaron Freer, Zephyr coach. The Zephyrs (23-2) are ranked third and Mounds View (14-4) sixth by the coaches association.

Mahtomedi won the top three singles slots — Sam Rathmanner over Soren Swenson 6-0, 6-3; Brandon Pham over Nolan Jones 6-1, 6-1; and Jack Allaben over Anders Swenson 6-1, 6-2. Mounds View’s Max Daigle edged Will Lieberman 7-6 (6), 6-4 at No. 4 in the last match to be completed.

In doubles, Mounds View’s Parker Bryntesen/Andrew Hermes tripped Max and Eli Hendrickson 6-2, 6-2 at No. 2, and Christian Forbes/Bryan Huie topped Luke Roettger/Reese Nelson 6-3, 6-2 at No. 3.

That left it up to 1-doubles. Freer said it “brought tears to my eyes” to watch Wald and Burge nab the clincher. “I was a mess, in the best of ways,” he said, adding, “They picked the best day to have their best match of the year, and it was so inspiring to watch the

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

BOYS TRACK

White Bear Lake placed fifth of 10 teams in the Suburban East Conference meet at Forest Lake. The top three were

team rush their court.”

Mahtomedi’s losses came against No. 2 ranked Rochester Mayo 6-1 and No. 1 Wayzata 4-3 early in the season. In last year’s section finals, Mahtomedi won by the same 4-3 score over Mounds View.

In section singles competition, Rathmanner and Pham placed first and second, respectively, advancing to state individually. Each reached finals with three wins and Rathmanner topped Pham 6-3, 6-3. Meanwhile, Allaben and Wald went 4-0 to capture the doubles title. In the finals, they beat Mounds View’s Bryntesen/Jones 6-4, 6-3. State singles and doubles will be held Thursday and Friday.

Stillwater, Mounds View and Roseville Area. The Bears had no champions. Caleb Anderson was the top scorer, running third in the 100 dash (11.34), third in the 400 (49.63) and fourth in the 200 (22.29). Keith Johnson was fifth in the 400 (50.81) and sixth in the 200 (22.57). Luke Williams placed third in the 3200 (9:48.38) as did Vaughn Larson in the 1600 (4:23.29). Also scoring conference points were: Matt Hunter, fourth, discus (156-3) and sixth, shot put (49-1); Femi Animasaun, fourth, 110 hurdles (16.80), and seventh, 300 hurdles (41.89); Easton Miles, fifth, long jump (21-1.5); James Wallek, sixth, pole vault (12-6); and  Tommy Cao, eighth, pole vault (12-0). The Bears top relay finish was fifth in the 4x800.

GIRLS TRACK

White Bear Lake placed sixth of 10

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Thomas Meader

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Mahtomedi Golf

Brol Scherman

Lacrosse

Thomas Meader, Mahtomedi golfer, earned a spot in the US Junior Amateur by tying for first place with a four-under-par 68 in a qualifier at Baker National. He’ll advance to nationals July 22-27 in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Meader has been hot. The 6-foot-2 junior shot 69 for the Zephyrs in a recent invitational at White Bear Yacht Club, and was medalist with 73 at the final Metro East Conference tournament at Loggers Trail in Stillwater. Last year, he placed 20th in the state meet as a sophomore.

Brol Scherman, Centennial junior lacrosse standout, has netted 22 goals and provided seven assists for the Cougars (4-2) while notching 17 ground balls (a change of possession statistic). Scherman was all-conference as a sophomore with 36 goals and 28 assists. The recruiting website ILMCA said of him: “Endto-end playmaking machine with striking confidence both on and off the field. Versatile offensive threat with strong outside shooting and crease finishing skills. Magnetic team leader and positive influencer.”

Bears nip Zephyrs in 2-OT thriller

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

In a hard-fought, exciting defensive tussle in girls lacrosse, White Bear Lake edged Mahtomedi 6-5 in double overtime on a goal by Zoe Timmons in the regular-season finale.

Mahtomedi tied the score 5-5 on Evi Cegielski’s fourth goal with eight minutes left. Brooklyn Kragness had their other goal.

Jaeda Jensen netted three goals for the Bears and passed the 200-point marker for her career. Beverly Peterson hit two goals.

Through the last eight minutes of regulation and two three-minute overtimes, the Bears kept heavy pressure on the Mahtomedi net, but goalie Addie DeMars and the Zephyr defenders held firm.

Until 28 seconds left in the second OT, that is, when Timmons got a penalty shot opportunity after being checked to the ground, and came through. “With a fractured arm, at that,” said coach Colleen Dunnigan.

Timmons injured her arm a few days prior in an 11-10 loss to Blake.

Timmons bounced one past DeMars, who had been rejecting high shots. “That goaltender is

definitely strong on the top,” Dunnigan said. “So we talked about, in practice, in a game situation, to fake high and shoot low.”

The Bears and Zephyrs are both 8-5 heading into Section 4 which starts May 31.

In the Bears’ loss to Blake, Jensen had four goals and Kylee Lehman and Georgia Kodytek added two goals each. Mesa McElmury in goal made seven saves.

teams in the Suburban East Conference meet at Forest Lake. The top three were Stillwater, Mounds View and Forest Lake. The Bears had no champions. Top finishes were second place by Josephine Mlejnek in high jump with 5-0, and third by Lys-Aurele d’Almeida in the 100 with 12.70. Placing fourth were Karen Enow in shot put (36-1.75) and Kiera Windish in discus (107-11). Rosalie Sommars was eighth in the 3200 (11:53.58). The Bears placed second in the 4x400 with Grace Bailey, Gabrielle Bohrer, Kate Bullis and d’Almeida (4:09.60), and third in the 4x200 with Sophia Haley, Madelyn Compton, Bailey and Alyssa Hamlin (1:47.18). They were fourth in the 4x400 and fifth in the 4x100.

BASEBALL

White Bear Lake lost the regular season finale to Mounds View 3-2. The Bears take a 12-8 record into Section 4AAAA starting Wednesday. The Bears were 10-8 in the Suburban East for sixth place among 10 teams. East Ridge and Stillwater tied for first at 13-5. Mounds View’s Andrew Getty hurled a three-hitter against the Bears and Tyler Guerin hit a two-run single. Bear starter Owen Mortimer gave up three runs in four innings. Jackson Kolb threw two scoreless innings, striking out four.

GIRLS GOLF

White Bear Lake finished third in the Suburban East, behind East Ridge and Mounds View, after a busy week playing the last three conference meets. Earning all-SEC honors were Ivory Drusch, Bailey Eddicus and Lainey Eddicus. Getting honorable mentions were Cami Bachmeier, Sydney Pheil and Maddy Vang. At Stillwater Country Club, the Bears placed second with 173 as Drusch and B. Eddicus each shot 42, Pheil 44 and Vang and L. Eddicus 45’s. At Tanners Brook in Forest Lake, the

Bears were fourth with 179. Drusch shot 42, B. Eddicus 43, L. Eddicus 46 and Vang 48. In the 18-hole finale at Oak Glen in Stillwater, the Bears were third with 364. Drusch came in at 88, B. Eddicus 91, Bachmeier 92 and Vang 93. Next is Section 4AAA on Thursday and Friday at Goodrich in St. Paul.

SOFTBALL

White Bear Lake, top-seeded in Section 4AAAA, was tripped by Woodbury in the second round and will have to battle through the sudden-death bracket to earn a third straight state appearance. The Bears (15-7) blanked St. Paul Central 10-0 as Lilly Martin threw a one-hitter with 13 strikeouts. Heidi Barber was 2-for-3 (double, two RBI’s), Emma Larson 2-for-3 (double, two runs, RBI), and Lauren Elias had two RBI’s. Woodbury (13-9) then downed the Bears 3-1 with Kate Rapp holding them to four hits, six walks, striking out four. Martin gave up five hits and six walks, striking out 13, leaving 12 runners on base. The sophomore aces had split two duels in conference, the Bears winning 3-1 and the Royals 1-0.

BOYS GOLF

White Bear Lake placed fourth of 10 teams in the Suburban East finale at Troy Burne in Hudson, WI, and landed in third place for the season behind Stillwater and Cretin-Derham Hall. Earning all-conference recognition were Jack Stanius, Easton Fiddle and Wyatt Peterson. Anders Samec got honorable mention. CDH won the finale with 302. The Bears, not at their best, totaled 317. Stanius was second with 74, one stroke behind Michael Markley of CDH. Thomas Pederson shot 81 and Peterson and Fiddle 83’s. Next is Section 4AAA at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids on Tuesday and Wednesday. Bruce

Strand

Thomas Meader

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Aidan Wald (dark cap) and Zach Burge (behind Wald) were rushed by teammates Sam Rathmanner, Jack Allaben and Brandon Pham after clinching the 4-3 win over Mounds View.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Mahtomedi defenders crowded Georgia Kodytek (3) of the Bears after she scooped up the ball.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Karen Enow launches the iron ball on the way to fourth place in shot put.

Vineyards & Breweries

Andrew Spreck and Bob Colbert

June 2 Music: Sarah VanValkenburg

June 2 Yoga in the Vines 10 –

St. Croix Vineyard

June 2 Music: Tuscany Trio 2 – 5 p.m. 7 Vines Vineyard

June 2 Art at the WineryPlant & Sip 6 - 8:30 p.m. Dancing Dragonfly Winery

June 4 Yoga in the Vineyard 6 – 7 p.m. Rustic Roots

June 4 Trivia with Ryan 6:30 – 8 p.m. Rustic Roots

June 4 D&D learn-to-play session 7 p.m. White Bear Meadery

June 5 Music: Gary LaRue 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. 7 Vines Vineyard

June 5 Trivia Night 7 p.m.

White Bear Meadery

June 5 Keychain Kash drawing 8:30 p.m. Big Wood Brewerys

June 7 Music: Corey White 6 – 9 p.m. Big Wood Brewery

June 8 Music: Mike Salovich 1 – 4 p.m. St. Croix Vineyard

June 9 Yoga in the Vines 10 – 11 a.m. St. Croix Vineyard

June 9 Music: Patrick Allen 3 – 6 p.m. Rustic Roots

June 11 Yoga in the Vineyard 6 – 7 p.m. Rustic Roots

June 11 Bingo 6:30 – 8 p.m. Rustic Roots

June 12 Cribbage Tournament 6 – 8 p.m. Rustic Roots

June 12 Keychain Kash drawing 8:30 p.m. Big Wood Brewery

June 13 Jigsaw Puzzle contest 6 p.m. White Bear Meadery

June 13 Music: High & Mighty: $12.18 advance $14 day of 6 – 9 p.m. Big Wood Brewery

June 15 Saigon Delicious food truck 2 – 7 p.m. Big Wood Brewery

June 15 Live Music 1 – 4 p.m. St. Croix Vineyard

June 16 Yoga in the Vines 10 – 11 a.m. St. Croix Vineyard

June 16 Music: Jeff Brooks 3 – 6 p.m. Rustic Roots

June 16 Music: Becky Rae 2 –5 p.m. 7 Vines Vineyard

June 18 Trivia with Ryan 6:30 – 8 p.m. Rustic Roots

June 18 One shot D&D adventure 7

June 19 Keychain Kash drawing 8:30

June 20 Farmer & Artisans Market 4 – 7

June 20 Music: Tim Cheesebrow

June 20 Devon Worley Band:

June 21 Smug Pug Food Truck

June 22 Live Music

June 23

June 23

June 23

June 23 Sample Bar

June 23 Music: Michael August

June 25 Yoga in the Vineyard

Vines Vineyard

June 25 Bingo 6:30 – 8 p.m. Rustic Roots

June 26 Keychain Kash drawing 8:30 p.m. Big Wood Brewery

June 26 Monthly Book Club Mtg 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Rustic Roots

June 26 Cribbage Tournament 6 –

June 26 Music: Patrick Allen 5:30 –

June 27 Music: Lonesome Losers

$12.18 advance $14 day of 6 –

Vines Vineyard

wood brewery

June 29 5th Anniversary Celebration Noon White Bear Meadery

June 29 Live Music 1 – 4 p.m. St. Croix Vineyard

Jun 29 Intuitive Living Summer 11 a.m.Expo 4 p.m. Dancing Dragonfly Winery

June 30 Music: Steve Poynter 3 – 6 p.m. Rustic Roots

June 30 Yoga in the Vines 10 – 11 a.m.

Croix Vineyard