Dad’s biggest fans
Ahead of Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, the White Bear Press asked local families to share a message for their dad.
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Dr. Jen Pratt (Krueger) was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in her leg, right before she turned 11. Going through her cancer journey, coupled with her Make-A-Wish experience, she was inspired to become a pediatrician.
The Dellwood resident’s story is featured in a special now streaming on Hulu and Disney+ called “Lasting Wishes: A Disney & Make-A-Wish Celebration.” The piece was put together by Localish, a national television and digital media network created by ABC Owned Television Stations, to celebrate the longstanding partnership between Disney and Make-AWish. The special highlights inspiring stories of wishes that have changed lives and continue to make an impact long after they come true.
“(My wish) provided that hope that we really needed at a time that was really challenging,” Pratt explained. “Make-A-Wish is so much more than one day or one moment in time; it really changed the trajectory of how I was approaching my treatment.”
Pratt was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her femur. She underwent several surgeries at Mayo Clinic, and all her chemotherapy was at Children’s Minnesota. She missed a year of school while undergoing intense chemotherapy and was in and out of the hospital due to the treatment and complications from the treatment.
“I was on crutches or in a wheelchair for most of a year before I got back to walking and weight-bearing. It was a long journey,” Pratt recalled.
SEE FROM PATIENT TO PEDIATRICIAN, PAGE 7
“Dad (Ben) is the best dad ever! My dad is special because he goes fishing with me and helps me catch big fish. I like it when he makes funny faces with me.” - Oliver and Charlie
“Happy Father’s Day, Micah! To the best firefighter dad, we love you! From all the buggys you squish, to the girl dad moments, thank you for being the best dad around!”
- Eloise and Cecelia
“Happy Father’s Day Blake! To the best hug-giver, snack maker and entertainer in the world! You’re the best dad and we’re so lucky to have you! Thank you for everything.”
- Love, Jacqueline and Savannah
“To daddy (Scott) the best dad in todo el mundo! I love you more than all the estrellitas in the sky! I can’t wait for you to teach me to fish, and we can catch a big slimy fishie! Baby brother loves you too! Lots more sticky hugs and unknown wet mysterious blobs. Love you, Happy Father’s Day!”
-Annette and Roy
School board votes on preliminary 2026-27 budget
BY SARAH BAKEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The school board has approved the preliminary budget of $156 million, and it will need to adopt the final budget this fall. The budget, presented by Director of Finance Andi Johnson, is projected to have $156 million in expenditures for the upcoming academic year –meaning the district is budgeting to have $2.6 million in excess. The preliminary 2026-27 revenue is $10 million greater than last year’s, with nearly all of that new money coming from increased special education and English learner budgets to match increased needs.
“Expenses, costs, revenues – they’re tied to enrollment, right?” Skaar asked.
“It’s not simple. A $150 million budget is just not that simple.”
Andi Johnson Director of Finance
This comes amid a growing stretch on school district budgets and local concern with increased property taxes, given the Minnesota per-pupil revenue has not kept pace with inflation since 2003. During the previous 2025-26 fiscal year, the White Bear district overspent by $4.6 million.
Johnson shared a detailed breakdown of where revenues are coming from, what the money is to be spent on by object area, and how the money is being spent by program.
“Not always,” Johnson said. “They’re also tied to specific categorical funding. So, a good example is –” Skaar cut into Johnson’s answer before she could finish. She continued on after a beat, pointing to COVID funding and longterm facility expenses as a reason for the higher revenues over the past six years.
“We have to peel back the onion a little bit and look at the categorical revenue,” Johnson said. “It’s not simple. A $150 million budget is just not that simple.”
Skaar then shared concern for upkeep costs for new facilities, with his main worries rooted in the decreased enrollment. Buildings create fixed costs, and that, on top of less federal funding due to fewer students, results in less money being spent on students in the classroom, Skaar argued. He then recommended two paths forward for Johnson: zero-based
SEE DISTRICT BUDGET, PAGE 2
Chair Scott Arcand then opened the forum to questions from board members. Skaar shared his personal research that, combining the past six years, WBL Area Schools have outpaced inflation by roughly 3%, despite a 4.4% decrease in enrollment.
Dr. Jen Pratt
DISTRICT BUDGET: Passes 6-1
FROM PAGE 1
paths forward for Johnson: zero-based budgeting and cuts to the preliminary budget.
The same budget had been shared previously in a May 18 work session. At the June 8 meeting, though, Skaar asked Johnson if it would be possible to cut $2 million from the upcoming expenditures in order to make up entirely for last year’s $4.6 million deficit in this year’s excess. He then motioned to vote on this idea. Arcand called for a second, but no board members were interested in opening this discussion.
“Which staff members are we going to release from the district so we can have that $2 million?” Board Member Angela Johnson later asked Skaar. Salaries are projected to make up for 58% of district spending in 2026-27. She continued, “From what I can see, (zero-based budgeting) is an extensive,
CONSTRUCTION BRIEF
Road closures on 20th Avenue, eastbound County Road J
Twentieth Avenue is closed at County Road J. Eastbound County Road J is closed between the southbound I-35E entrance ramp and northbound I-35E exit ramp.
Traffic traveling eastbound on County Road J from Centerville
highly labor-intensive process that most corporations use. We are not a corporation, we are public schools. We do not profit off of what we do in this district other than our education of our students – that is the profit of the school.”
Board Member Christian Streiff Oji clarified Skaar was pitching to change the budget for the coming school year, then added “it’s a bit late to be making the decision to cut the budget that starts in three weeks.”
“It’s a 1.3% decrease, it’s not like it’s substantial,” Skaar later said. “That’s not a big ask.”
The preliminary budget for the 202627 school year passed 6-1. Skaar was the only dissenting member. In winter or early spring, the board will revisit the budget and pass a revised version, considering actual student enrollment, updated state and federal estimates, and any other changes that arise during the year.
Road will have full access to the theater shops and entrance ramp to I-35E south. Traffic cannot cross the County Road J bridge over I-35E.
Westbound traffic on County Road J is open from Otter Lake Road to Centerville Road. Traffic will be able to access southbound I-35E.
Traffic exiting I-35E will be able to go westbound to the theater shops and Centerville Road. Traffic can also go eastbound from the ramp
to Otter Lake Road.
Starting the week of June 15, crews will work on grading the 20th Avenue intersection and the new roundabout. Crews will also install storm sewer for the new roundabout.
Starting the week of June 22, crews will begin working on grading the new County Road J southbound exit ramp and will begin installing railing on the new County Road J bridge.
PET EXTRAVAGANZA
WHAT’S HAPPENING
When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17
Where: Mahtomedi High School, fields 9 & 10
Details: Bring a costumed pet for the pet parade at 5:30 p.m. then visit vendor booths and a food truck. Pets must be leashed. No registration required. Contact: 651-407-2018 or communityed.mahtomedi. k12.mn.us
COPS AND BOBBERS
When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, June 18
Where: Lions Park, White Bear Lake
Details: Kids ages 7-12 who live or attend school in White Bear Lake are selected for a one-onone fishing experience with local police officers. Nomination-based and space limited. Equipment and lunch provided. Contact: 651-429-8559 or whitebearlakemn.gov/ publicsafety/page/cops-and-bobbers
CERENITY CARE OF WHITE BEAR LAKE BEACH LUAU
When: 4-6 p.m. Thursday, June 18
Where: Cerenity Care of White Bear Lake, 4615 2nd Ave.
Details: Senior-focused event with live music on the patio, food, beach games and conversation. Guests welcome. Contact: 651-396-1001 or https://cwbl. cerenityseniorcare.org/BeachluauWBL2026
MARKETFEST
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, June 18
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake
Details: Community summer festival kicks off with over 200 food and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants. Contact: marketfestwbl.com
RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE
When: 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Friday, June 19
Where: White Bear Lake VFW Post 1782, parking lot, 4496 Lake Ave. S.
Details: Hosted by the VFW Auxiliary; donors will receive a gift card for a food order at VFW 1782. Call or go online to schedule an appointment. Contact: 800-733-2767 or redcrossblood.org
MANITOU DAYS GRANDE PARADE
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 19
Where: Begins at 2nd Street and Clark Avenue; ends at Memorial Beach
Details: Floats, marching bands, local organizations, and more travel through downtown and along Lake Avenue toward the beach. Contact: manitoudays.com
MANITOU DAYS CHILDREN'S FISHING CONTEST
When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 20
Where: White Bear Lake; registration at Lions Park
BEACH DANCE
When: 8-11 p.m. Friday, June 19
Where: Memorial Beach
Details: Enjoy live music by the Free & Easy Band. Food and beverages available for purchase. Admission fee. Contact: manitoudays.com
Details: Fishing contest for youth ages 15 and younger. Fish on your own schedule. Prizes and gift for every angler.
Contact: 651-363-1008 or manitoudays.com
YOGA ON THE BEACH
When: 8:15 a.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: Memorial Beach, 4980 Lake Ave.
Details: Annual fundraiser for the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Canceled if rain.
Contact: yogadevotion.com
VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD SHELF DISTRIBUTION
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, June 20 and the third Saturday of the month
Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F
Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. May register day of event. Contact: 651-246-3638 or cityvadnaisheights.com/ foodshelf
SANDCASTLES AND CREATURES BUILDING CONTEST
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 20
Where: Memorial Beach
Details: Gather family and friends to build a sandcastle, sand creature, or sand sculpture in an event hosted by White Bear Center for the Arts. Prizes awarded at noon.
Contact: manitoudays.com
WHITE BEAR LAKE CLASSIC & VINTAGE BOAT SHOW
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: Lakefront of the White Bear Lake Shopping Center, 4391 Lake Ave. S.
Details: Display of classic and vintage boatsinboards, outboards, row boats and sailboats. Live fishing and “ask and expert” fisherman, vendors, nautical market, food and vendors.
Contact: facebook.com/WhiteBearPress
VADNAIS HEIGHTS FREEDOM DAY FESTIVAL
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: Kohler Meadows Park, 365 County Road F East
Details: Family-friendly community event celebrating Juneteenth. Black history exhibit, vendors, artist market, Live Human Library, hands-on art activities, live music, games and culturally relevant food options.
Contact: vh-can.org/freedom-day-festival
MANITOU DAYS 5K
When: 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 21
Where: Admiral D's/Lions Park, 4424 Lake Ave. S.,
White Bear Lake
Details: Scenic 5K on the paved trails along the south end of the lake. Registration information online.
Contact: mmraces.com/manitoudays5k
BIRCHWOOD MUSIC IN THE PARK
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 21
Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park, Birchwood
Details: Adult show chair Harmonic Relief performs a repertoire of folk, rock, show tunes, jazz and contemporary music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Contact: cityofbirchwood.com
GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 24
Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th Street
Details: Guided walking tour of downtown White Bear Lake highlighting the history of the buildings, businesses, and organizations that make this community unique. Registration required.
DONUTS AND COFFEE WITH THE WBLPD
When: 8:30-10 a.m. Friday, June 26
Where: White Bear Lake Farmers Market
Details: Stop by to visit with officers and ask questions. Contact: whitebearlakemn.gov/publicsafety/page/ donuts-and-coffee-wblpd
OPINION
Summer in full swing
With one parade under our belt and these hot, humid temperatures, it sure feels like summer is here!
My co-workers and I had a blast kicking off the season with the Hugo Good Neighbor Days Parade in my VW Bus, Bernice. She is always a hit, but my corgi, Twinkie, likely stole the show riding in her own pink VW mini bus.
Shannon’s
Shenanigans
Shannon Granholm
Fun fact — Twinkie’s minibus actually predates Bernice. I stumbled across it while shopping one day, prior to having my son, and I remember at the time thinking, ‘Am I crazy for buying this for my dog?’” When I was checking out, I even pretended that I was purchasing it for a niece (that didn’t exist).
But ever since that day, I’ve been reminded about why that was one of the best purchases I have ever made. That little bus, along with the real one that came years later, brings so much joy to people. We have car shows, birthday surprises, senior visits and parades.
During the Good Neighbor Days parade, we handed out newspapers, community insiders, stickers, candy and smiles. Along the route, I heard many people ask about how Twinkie was driving her bus. I think my favorite comment was from a young kid who was responding to his friend’s question. His friend asked, “How is that dog driving?” and he responded, “She’s driving with her butt.” That sure made me giggle, especially since corgi butts are known to be pretty magical.
I’m so excited for all the events that are yet to come. I’m looking forward to the kickoff of Marketfest and Manitou Days this week. I don’t want to wish away summer by any means, but Vadnais Heights Days in August should be fun too.
Father’s Day
Ever since I lost my dad at the age of 22 in 2015, I’ve come to dread Father’s Day. It always sneaks up on me, and all the emotions of that grave loss hit me all at once.
He has been gone for over a decade, but the day is still hard for me because he should be here. So much has happened since we had to say goodbye. June 7 would have marked my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary.
I think about my dad all the time, but especially this time of year. Last week, while I was walking around Berwood Park in Vadnais Heights to find families to interview for our Father’s Day issue, I couldn’t help but think about my dad. On my way home, I saw a beautiful rainbow, and I’d like to think that was him letting me know that he is checking in on me every now and then.
Now that I have a son, the day has some joy to it too, because we have someone else to celebrate. Shout out to my husband, Patrick, who really is the coolest dad ever. He can fix just about anything, drives cool cars, makes yummy snacks, reads the best books and always makes sure to spend time with his little. It is thanks to him and my father-inlaw that we were able to save our son’s playset in our recent move. We love you, Patrick!
This Father’s Day, if you are lucky enough to still have your dad by your side, please spend some time with him and make sure he knows how much you love him while you still can. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, we moms appreciate you!
Shannon Granholm is managing editor at Press Publications.
Common ground and real results for
The 2026 Legislative Session has concluded, and I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish for our community.
Legislator
Lingo
Heather Gustafson
Perhaps my biggest priority for this session, the Legislature finally passed my bill to create an Office of Inspector General (OIG). This new independent office – the most significant antifraud measure in state history – will act as a government watchdog, protecting tax dollars from bad actors and safeguarding the programs and services that Minnesotans rely on. Along with this new office, we enacted stronger program security measures and funded the modernization of IT systems, so that our state agencies and counties
can more easily detect and stop fraud. This is good governance, and our state will be stronger for it.
We also passed over $1.2 billion in funding for essential infrastructure needs across the state — roads, bridges, public works, water treatment facilities, parks, recreation and more. The package includes $4.75 million for improvements to the Vadnais Boulevard Trail, which I was proud to fight for.
The rising cost of living in America is hitting all of us. While I can’t control what happens in Washington, I will keep doing what I can to help Minnesotans. This session, we worked to directly address the cost of living and passed bills to ban AI-driven dynamic pricing based on your personal data, hold insurance companies accountable for covering more of your health care, and curb corporate ownership of nursing homes and single-family homes. Unfortunately, these measures did not pass the House.
our district
However, we did secure over $125 million in one-time property tax relief, reduced vehicle registration fees to put money back in your pocket, and delivered $40 million for family homelessness prevention and $13 million for supportive housing for vulnerable Minnesotans. There is more work to do, and many affordability proposals stalled despite broad public support, but I'll keep pushing. As one of the most bipartisan Senators in Saint Paul, I'll keep working with anyone who is serious about solutions, because my job is simple: keep essentials affordable, make communities safer, and make sure our government works for you, not special interests.
Minnesota Sen. Heather Gustafson represents District 36, which includes Centerville, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Gem Lake, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Township and Birchwood Village.
The magic of White Bear
My family moved to White Bear at the end of July 2025. We were drawn to the area for various reasons, but the school district played a big factor in that. My young daughter and I participated in a few ECFE programs through the district; with Knee High Nature at Tamarack Nature Center being one of them, and we were met with nothing short of genuine and kind people all around. We were outside of the district and desperately wanted to continue to build on the community we were making in the White Bear area. Toward the end of the 2025 school year as Knee High Nature was coming to an end, the home search began. It didn't take us long to find the perfect house tucked away in the cutest little neighborhood. Now we have a large support and friendship group and we couldn't have felt more welcomed by the community as a whole. Not to mention the weekly Marketfest in the summer, Cup and Cone, beaches and everything in between that makes White Bear special. I'm proud to be in the community and over the moon that I am able to give my daughter this beautiful life surrounded by wonderful people and traditions. It is my hope that in years to come, when my daughter comes back home, she will ask to have a family outing to Cup and Cone. Thanks, White Bear; you've changed our family's lives in so many ways. We are so thankful.
Corrah Talks White Bear Township
Get project done
In the May 27 Vadnais Heights Press, Patricia Youker’s letter, “Pause the project,” says the city is justifying the fire station project based on an increase in calls. The letter questions that justification. But the city’s online South Fire Station project page doesn’t mention an increase in calls. It says the old station was not designed for 24-hour staffing, and needs upgrades to provide firefighters with a safe, healthy workplace, and meet current standards. The old station was built over 30 years ago in an era when firefighters responded from their homes, drove to the station, and then went on the call. Today there are staff living 24-7 in a facility that was never designed to be lived in.
Youker’s letter argues that there should be a “moratorium” on moving forward, so the city can restudy the justification for the decision to her satisfaction. The city’s website documents years of discussion about this project, and I attended many of those discussions. To me, it makes no sense to spend time and money redoing work that has already been done and done well. Delaying construction for months or years would likely raise costs even more. Construction costs soared during the COVID-era supply disruptions, and the current war in Iran may create similar cost pressures in the months ahead. To wait means to spend more, or to suffer the consequences of continuing to squeeze more life out of an inadequate, aging facility. How can we expect to recruit and retain the best firefighters if we can’t offer them a safe, well-equipped place to live and work?
I don’t like paying taxes any more than the next person, but gradual increases from about $45 per year for the median home to about $420 per year in 2034 – 8 years from now – are a small price to pay for a modern, safe and cost-effective new fire facility. That’s insur-
ance I’m happy to pay for. The project has been carefully studied by the city council for years, and it’s time not to pause the project but to get it done.
Peter Helgeson Vadnais Heights
Response to letters
Several letter writers in the June 10th issue of the Vadnais Heights Press complain about the process used by the city council to approve the new fire station.
Janet Corrigan wrote, “there appeared to be limited in depth examination of several technical and land use issues…questions were also raised regarding setbacks, site constraints and variance related requirements… additional concerns involved storm water management, drainage assumptions and engineering comments…project plans include a fire training tower…the issue is whether a project of this magnitude received the level of scrutiny, transparency and objective review that taxpayers expect.” Corrigan must not have attended city workshop meetings or city council meetings in which detailed discussions of these items and more occurred.
Troy Kunze complained about the city’s default on bonds for a sports center that long predates the current city council and is irrelevant to the need for a fire station. He also complains that, in response to the petition drive that he supports, the city is hiring legal representation and a communications firm to help it navigate the situation. It seems to me that the “anti-fire station” group must be well funded, and have legal support itself, to manage the coordinated communication effort and petition drive it is organizing, complete with a website. Should those who support the new station sit back and be steamrolled?
Dan Anderson wants to halt progress on the new station, saying he considers it “irresponsible” to incur debt on which the city will have to pay interest. He claims that the new fire station is being built to transition to full-time staff, which the city allegedly can’t afford. That’s not the rationale offered by the city, which has announced no plan to change from the current mix of full and part-time staff. Rather, it states the old facility is inadequate to house the existing staff as it was never designed for firefighters to live onsite.
The city council has reviewed this for over three years in detail, in meetings open to the public. Those taking potshots at the council must not have attended any of those.
Penny-wise and pound-foolish
Terry Nyblom’s June 3 Vadnais Heights Press letter, “Give Residents Opportunity to Vote,” argues that bonding for a new fire station should be decided by referendum rather than by the city council. I disagree. Representative democracy exists so voters can choose leaders to study complex issues and make informed decisions on the public’s behalf.
The LetVHVote.com website includes some points I agree with, but much of it seems misleading. For example, it says the city council approved $54.5 million in debt for a new fire station without a public vote. The
White Bear Lake Area
debt is closer to $32 million; the larger figure includes interest over time. What alternative to paying interest does Mr. Nyblom propose – saving up for 20 years so we can pay cash? The council was not required by law to put this issue to a referendum before making this decision, and after years of study, it wants to move forward before inflation drives even higher costs.
A project as complex as a new fire station is best handled by elected representatives with the time and ability to understand it fully. Council members pay property taxes too, and I am sure they dislike tax increases as much as anyone else. But delaying badly needed upgrades to our firefighting infrastructure would be penny-wise and pound-foolish.
Sharon Lorraine Vadnais Heights
Importance of summer reading
As educators, we know that reading is one of the most important skills students develop. Reading opens doors to learning by building critical thinking skills, strengthening communication, and helping students understand the world around them. While the school year provides countless opportunities for students to grow as readers, summer offers a unique chance to continue that growth in meaningful and enjoyable ways. A few minutes of reading each day can help students retain what they learned during the school year and start the next year feeling confident and prepared.
Summer reading has never been more important. Recent data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress shows a troubling decline in the number of students who read for enjoyment. In 1984, 35% of 13-year-olds reported reading for fun every day, a number that fell to just 14% by 2025. Among 9-year-olds, 37% reported reading for fun daily in 2025—down from 53% in 2012. These trends underscore the importance of fostering strong reading habits in and out of school. Fortunately, families have many ways to encourage reading throughout the summer. Local libraries provide free access to books and resources that allow students to explore topics that interest them. Whether reading independently, listening to audiobooks on family trips, or sharing stories with loved ones, every reading experience builds skills and confidence.
Families might also consider participating in the American Federation of Teachers' Summer Reading Cup, one of many programs designed to make summer reading fun and engaging. This free program encourages students to discover new books, track their reading, and share their favorites. Reading brackets (https:// www.aft.org/summer-reading-cup) submitted by Aug. 31 will be eligible to win a back-to-school pizza and book party for the student’s school.
Together we can help children discover the joy of reading. Many of us still remember the books that made us laugh, inspired our dreams, or kept us turning pages long after bedtime. By encouraging kids to explore their interests, celebrating progress, and making reading part of everyday life, we can help create those same memories for a new generation of readers.
Tiffany Dittrich
President, White Bear Lake Area Educators, Local #7286
SEE MORE LETTERS, PAGE 15
Brooke Raeker Vadnais Heights
COPS&COURTS
WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
Multiple dog owners were advised about their dogs being off leash at Matoska Park June 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
• Harassment was reported in the 1900 block of Eugene Street June 3.
• Graffiti and harassment were reported in the 2100 block of Division Court June 3.
• A minor dog bite incident occurred in the 3900 block of Highland Avenue June 3.
• Officers responded to a disorderly male in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road June 3.
• A noise complaint was reported in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road June 4.
• An assault was reported in the 2500 block of Oak Drive June 4.
• Officers responded to a disorderly conduct/ trespassing incident in the 1500 block of Goose Lake Road, Gem Lake June 4. The person in question was advised but not arrested.
Juveniles were warned about their behavior following a disorderly conduct incident at the intersection of County Road E and Bellaire Avenue June 4.
• Officers mediated a civil dispute in the 4000 block of
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:
Birchwood Village
• A motorist was cited for failing to stop at a stop sign on Birchwood Avenue May 11, after Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies observed the vehicle travel through the traffic control device without stopping.
• Kids on scooters were reported on May 11 for failing to move over for vehicles on the roadway near Hall Avenue and Wildwood Avenue.
Grant
• A resident in the 11000 block of Keats Avenue reported a purse stolen from her vehicle on May 11. A chainsaw was reported stolen from the 9000 block of 110th Street N. on May 14.
• A burglary suspect was arrested May 13 in the 8000 block of 105th Street N., after deputies responded to a burglary report.
• A motorist was cited May 14 on 75th Street N. and Lake Elmo Avenue N. for driving after revocation, following a traffic stop for obstructed rear license plate.
• Deputies responded to a rear-ender accident May 15 in the 11000 block of 60th Street N. in which the aft party stated he was stopped behind the boat trailer which started rolling backwards and struck the front of his vehicle. The forward party and owner of the trailer stated his truck may have backed up, but the other vehicle had stopped too closely behind the trailer.
• In the Case of the Trespassing Tomcats, a resident in the 9000 block of Ideal Avenue N. reported her neighbors’ cats for coming onto per property May 15 and asked deputies to have a talk with them (the neighbors, not the cats). They did, and the neighbors advised deputies they were thinking of taking out a harassment restraining order due to the complainant’s behavior.
Mahtomedi
A boat was reported stranded in the middle of White Bear Lake May 8 due to engine failure. Deputies notified Ramsey County rescue officers to answer the call as the WCSO water, parks and trails team was unavailable.
• A suspicious male reported spying around Juniper Street May 9 turned out to be a private investigator. He left the area after providing deputies with his business card.
Highway 61 June 4.
• Disorderly conduct was reported at the intersection of Highway 61 and Fourth Street June 4. Officers responded to juvenile incidents June 4 in the 4800 and 4500 blocks of Centerville Road.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 900 block of Wildwood Road June 4.
• Officers served a trespass notice to a female who was known to steal from a store in the 900 block of Wildwood Road June 4.
• Officers responded to an animal complaint in the 1900 block of Eugene Street June 4.
• A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while crossing the intersection at White Bear Avenue and Orchard Lane June 4. The White Bear Lake man, 66, was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The accident remains under investigation.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2400 block of Floral Drive June 5.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 4800 block of Birch Lake Circle June 5.
• Officers responded to a juvenile incident in the 2000 block of County Road E June 5.
• Officers responded to a juvenile incident near Spruce Place and White Bear Avenue June 5.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2100 block of Orchard Lane June 6.
• A Juniper Street resident on May 12 reported receiving six text messages over a two-hour period from a Wells Fargo fraud department stating that her accounts had been compromised. The message sender stated that they were working with the FBI and needed the complainant’s help in investigating the financial institution. Shortly after the sixth text was received, the complainant received a suspicious email appearing to be from Wells Fargo and immediately contacted the real bank using the official number. The bank informed the complainant that all the texts and email were a scam attempt. She closed her accounts and requested new cards. On May 12 deputies pulled over a vehicle on Wildwood Road for several equipment violations and cited the driver for them.
• A motorist was arrested at 12:08 a.m. May 13 on Century Avenue N. and Long Lake Road for driving after revocation, a history of failure to appear in court, giving a false name and date of birth to deputies and failure to provide proof of insurance.
• A resident of an unknown address called on May 13 to complain that there was too much law enforcement presence in Mahtomedi and that it was oppressive. The message was passed on to the contract sergeant.
• Deputies were dispatched out to the Lincolntown Avenue area May 13 following a report of a male exposing himself in the Katherine Abbott park area. They spoke to the male in White Bear Lake and learned he was a special needs adult. They then spoke with the male’s mother and advised her of her son’s behavior.
• In the Case of the Swamp Spree, a dog near Echo Lake Avenue and 60th Street N. escaped deputies late May 15 and holed up in a nearby swamp, where deputies could not contain it due to poor visibility. Its owners were advised to try other means to catch the dog.
• In the Case of Lassie on the Lam, the complainant’s missing dog was airtagged to a neighbor’s house on Long Lake Road May 16. The dog may have shed the air tag, because it was found on the neighbor’s deck, but the dog was not.
In the Case of the Ransomed Rover, residents in the 1000 block of Griffin Avenue reported losing their dog May 16 and posted an online alert. After the complainants found their dog at home, they received an email stating that someone had found their dog and wanted $100 for more information. The complaints didn’t fall for the scam after seeing their dog still at their side, so lost no dog and no money.
• Officers responded to animal complaints June 6 in the 4900 block of Wood Avenue and the 1900 block of Nicholas Court.
Harassment was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue and the1800 block of Cedar Avenue June 6.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1800 block of Birch Street and the 1500 block of Park Street June 6.
• Officers responded to a disorderly party in the 1600 block of Highway 96 June 6.
• Disorderly conduct was reported June 7 in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road.
• A White Bear Lake man, 67, was located on Fourth Street and arrested for multiple warrants June 8.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road June 8.
• Officers responded to a dispute in the 2100 block of Orchard Lane June 8.
• Harassment was reported in the 2600 block of Riviera Drive S June 8.
• Officers mediated a dispute in the 1700 block of Birch Lake Avenue June 9.
A White Bear Township woman was arrested for first degree drugs-intent to sell following a traffic stop in the 3700 block of Bellaire Avenue June 10.
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
• Deputies responded at 3:12 p.m. May 31 to Walmart after a 28-year-old woman was caught attempting to steal merchandise. She was issued a trespass notice.
• At 6:55 p.m. May 31, deputies issued trespass notices and theft citations to a 20-year-old man from Minneapolis and a 20-yearold man from St. Paul after they were caught attempting to steal merchandise from Walmart.
• Deputies responded at 8:27 p.m. May 31 to Walmart after a 34-year-old woman was caught attempting to steal merchandise from Walmart. She was issued a trespass notice.
• Deputies issued a trespass notice and theft citation June 1 to a 32-year-old man from White Bear Lake after he was caught attempting to steal merchandise from Walmart.
White Bear Township
• At 3:49 p.m. June 1, deputies responded to a report of theft using a counterfeit $100 bill at Cub Foods. The incident is currently under investigation.
• At 4:57 p.m. June 1, deputies responded to a report of theft at Cub Foods, collected evidence and began an investigation.
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
White Bear Lake man charged with criminal vehicular homicide
At approximately 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, officers from the White Bear Lake Police Department, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol, along with White Bear Lake Fire, responded to a report of a vehicle-motorcycle crash near Highway 61 and Highway 96 in White Bear Lake.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a two-vehicle crash between a jeep and a motorcycle. A 31-yearold female from Stillwater was treated at the scene and transported by ambulance to Regions
• On June 1 in the 5400 block of Jenni Lane, deputies assisted White Bear Lake Fire with a garden fire that destroyed plants and an evergreen tree.
• Deputies responded June 2 to a hit-and-run crash in the 2500 block of South Shore Boulevard and arrested a 62-year-old woman from White Bear Lake for DUI and failure to notify police of a crash.
• On June 2, near Otter Lake Road, deputies took a report of non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images. The matter is under investigation. Deputies responded to Cub Foods June 3 after their employees reported seeing a man steal air fresheners and personal hygiene items. The incident is currently under investigation.
• On June 4 in the 1100 block of E. County Road J, deputies recovered a firearm, secured it and began the process of determining to whom it belongs and how it was left unattended. The matter is under investigation.
• Deputies responded to a property-damage crash June 6 at the intersection of E. County Road H2 and Centerville Road and assisted two drivers after the deputies determined that no citations were warranted. Both vehicles were cleared from the intersection.
Hospital where she later died from her injuries.
Robert Marines Rodriguez, 63, of White Bear Lake has been charged with one felony count of criminal vehicular homicide. According to the criminal complaint, Rodriguez told state troopers that he was turning left from Highway 61 to Highway 96, had a yellow arrow and did not see the motorcyclist. According to the complaint, Rodriguez admitted to consuming a Bloody Mary and a shot of Fireball. He registered a .27 BAC on the preliminary breath test. Rodriguez has a prior conviction for DWI in 2021. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 18.
FROM PATIENT TO PEDIATRICIAN:
In 1995, Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted Pratt’s wish to go to Disney World with her family and meet an animator. Her wish came at the perfect time, giving her hope and motivation to get through some really tough struggles.
“Hearing that that wish would be granted was really pivotal in my ability to persevere and cope with what was to come with my cancer journey,” she said. “It really helped my ability to cope and was a turning point for me. Just seeing the light at the end of tunnel and seeing that there was much more than what I was dealing with in that moment.”
Pratt used art and animation to cope during treatment. She would often draw and watch movies. As a part of her wish, she met an animator, received some drawings and toured MGM Studios (now known as Hollywood Studios).
Even though it’s been three decades, she says the experience forever impacted her, and her family and it is something they will never forget.
“We still really cherish that time that we had. It was a really special time and something that we continue to look back on fondly,” she said.
Wish inspires career, volunteer work
Dr. Pratt has worked at Children’s Minnesota since 2013. She is currently a pediatric hospitalist and the director of graduate medical education. She says the care she received all those years ago and the impact that the care team had on her is what inspired her to go into the career.
“I had wonderful doctors, nurses and physical therapists. Everyone I worked with at Children’s Minnesota was so wonderful. I had a really supportive and positive family and friend presence during that, so it made that experience actually quite positive, empowering, and I think it gave me that sense of
Calling all Birchwood band instrument players
The Birchwood Band is looking for people to perform with their wind or percussion instruments in the Fourth of July parade. The only requirement to join is that instruments are in good working order and that participants attend the rehearsal prior to the parade at 9 a.m. on the July 4.
The meeting point is Birchwood Avenue near East County Line Road. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. For questions or to get music in advance, contact Michael Lein at 651-216-9507 or michael. lien09@gmail.com.
Read books, earn prizes
Children up to age 12 who participate in the Ramsey County Library's Summer Reading Program can win a free book, a token for a free ice cream cone at Cup and Cone, and a free ticket to the Battle Creek Waterpark. Participants can pick up a reading tracker at the White Bear Lake or Shoreview branch libraries or use the online program. To qualify for prizes, they must read 20 books or read for 20 hours between June 1 through Aug. 8. To learn more, go to rclreads.org.
Documentary details dangers of high potency cannabis
A free viewing of the documentary, “THC, Inc.” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 at the Woodbury 10 Theater. The film explores the history of cannabis and features stories of individuals and families who have been impacted
resilience,” Pratt explained. “I went through this incredibly challenging journey, and I had all these wonderful people along the way to help me, and I wanted to be a part of that for someone else.”
Pratt has long been an advocate for Make-A-Wish Minnesota. During the last eight years she has volunteered as a medical advisor. In that role, she works with referring providers to make sure that everything is as safe as possible for children who wish to travel somewhere for their wish.
This past fall, she was a part of a group wish in which several children attended a Vikings game, met the players, ate dinner in the locker-room and watched the game in a suite. “It was an incredible wish,” she said. “To see the impact that had on those families and be able to walk with them through that process … Make-A-Wish is an incredible organization. What they do for children and their families is so far-reaching.”
She added, “It is really neat to have it come full circle and to now be on the other side of the care team and be able to have that understanding of what families and children are going through with life-threatening or serious medical conditions.”
by high potency THC, including the family of Randy Bacchus, III, who suffered from cannabisinduced psychosis and took his life in 2021 (see story at presspubs.com/white_bear/news/bacchusfamily-mission-continues-to-thrive). To learn more, go to facebook.com/beextraordinarybeu.
Explore private college opportunities
High school students and their parents can take the next step in planning for college with introductory visits during Minnesota Private Colleges Week, which runs from Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 26.
Families choose among 18 private, nonprofit colleges they want to visit. The free visits start at 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. and run either two or three hours, depending on the campus. Each campus holds at least one visit session each day. Learn which colleges are participating and how to register at mnprivatecolleges.org/mpcw.
Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted Jen Krueger’s wish to go to Disney World with her family and meet an animator. Her wish came at the perfect time, giving her hope and motivation to get through some really tough struggles.
If Pratt could speak to the people who were a part of granting her wish all those years ago, she would say, “The people who make wishes possible are really providing hope. The impact of that hope lasts for many, many years; it really lasts a lifetime. It is not just for patients, it’s not just for the child, it is for the entire family, both before the wish and long after the wish.”
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
Jen Krueger missed a year of school while undergoing intense chemotherapy at Children’s Minnesota. PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
21.5-hp (16.0-kW)* iTorque™ Power System 42-in. Accel™ Deep Deck, compatible with optional MulchControl™ kit with one-touch technology Twin Touch™ forward and reverse foot pedals year/300 hour bumper-to-bumper warranty
X350Lawn Tractor with 42-inch Deck
Voting rights expert headlines local forum
White Bear 4 Democracy will host nationally recognized voting rights expert and professor at Hamline University David Schultz at a community forum from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 at Parkview United Church of Christ (UCC).
Professor Schultz has extensive experience in election law and has been a leading voice on protecting fair, secure and accessible elections. The forum includes a 20-minute presentation followed by a Q & A and audience discussion.
Parkview UCC is located at 3737 Bellaire Ave., White Bear Lake.
Get to know candidates for Washington County Sheriff
The League of Women Voters (LWV) will host a candidate forum June 27 for the three individuals who have filed to run for Washington County Sheriff. Jeremy Bolen, Henry Marthia and Brian R. Mueller have been invited to attend, and the forum is a chance for voters to submit questions about each candidate's plans for county public safety.
Voters can submit questions in advance at the LWV website, lwvmn. org. The forum will be available for viewing on YouTube a few days after June 27, and a link can also be found on the website.
Chamber launches passport program
This summer, the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce will launch Wander & Welcome — a community passport program designed to send locals exploring the businesses that make the area special. Beginning mid-summer and wrapping up at a celebration event on Oct. 1, participants can purchase a passport booklet. They can spend the season visiting participating businesses, collecting stamps and entering drawings for prizes. Businesses need to secure their spot in the booklet for a fee by June 30. For more information or to sign up, email Kari@ WhiteBearChamber.com.
andArts Culture2026
BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
MEMERGING ARTIST: RYLEY OSWALD
any young artists give freedom to their imagination via drawings and paintings. White Bear Lake Area High School graduating senior Ryley Oswald, however, found 2D art constricting. “Clay is the medium I really enjoy,” Oswald stated. “I feel like I have more freedom to encapsulate what’s going in on my mind.”
Oswald also finds that working in 3D art gives her more visceral satisfaction. “With clay, I feel it— that primal feeling, working and digging with my hands, using physical force to create something pretty,” Oswald described. Many times, Oswald’s mind creates fantasias or riffs on stories she reads—particularly involving Greek mythological
Ofigures. From there, she creates clay figures, sculptures and dioramas. She is careful, however, to balance structure with movement.
“I’m a collector myself, so I like pretty things that look nice in my room … I make them organic looking; they’re not—boom, boom—box,” Oswald explained, miming a container with her
hands. “Working with clay Oswald’s sculptures are pretty in the sense that their dynamic poses and sumptuous color schemes are marvelous to behold. Her subject matters, though, involve Odyssean sea monsters. Oswald first became interested in “The Odyssey” while reading Mary Pope Osbourne’s version of the epic,
which structures the tale in an accessible way for middle-grade readers.
“It was really different than what I was introduced to growing up,” Oswald remembered. “I was like, ‘Wow, this is super new and exciting.’ And the more I dug, the more I found … I started growing up; I started to relate the lessons within the mythologies to my own personal life and the world around us.”
Oswald feels a personal connection to her piece “Scylla’s Wrath,” in which she depicts the legendary figure taking six of Odysseus’s men beneath the waves. “Which is the greater evil? Sacrificing six men or his whole fleet dying in the whirlpools of Charybdis?” Oswald pondered. To symbolize the sailors who perished, Oswald incorporated a circuit system of
THE SCUTTLE ON ‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’
BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
ne of the main themes in
“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” is leaving a figuratively small pond and becoming part of a larger world. Incoming fifth grader Aurelia Lachaelt can relate. While she has been in shows at Children’s Performing Arts before, “The Little Mermaid” will be her first all-ages show. The cast for the show ranges from grades 3-12. “It feels different because the actors are a lot more experienced,” said Lachaelt. “This is my first show where I’m playing multiple parts, so I’m kind of unsure how that’s going to work.” Indeed, Aurelia will play a fish in the first half of the show, then reappear in the second half as a sailor. Lachaelt also states that she’s learning a lot from her cast mates, and that her favorite part is watching everyone else on stage.
Incoming sophomore Mallory Clem, this production’s Ariel, knows that feeling well, having been in that position in previous shows. “It’s a key theater shape. It’s a U, and then there’s the main character,” Clem explained. “I look around and realize, ‘I’m the center of the U.’ … Looking around, I’m seeing all these people that have been in different sections of
Members of the Children’s Performing Arts recently spoke about how being a part of theater has helped them with leadership skills:
• “CPA gave me a learning ground to grow and expand. I wouldn’t be as confident—I wouldn’t even be a performer if I didn’t have CPA … I’ve loved it, and I’ve made so many friends and connections through it.” - Brecken Lee, LILA
• “CPA gives opportunities to a lot of kids who are not super confident. Sometimes, in schools there’s a
my life—like elementary school, or my first play (at CPA).”
Director Siddeeqah Shabazz is also having a full-circle moment. “I used to want to be Ariel, growing up,” Shabazz said, laughing. “The scene when she’s on the rock with the water splashing behind her? I did that in the bathtub so many times.” Now, as director, Shabazz’s challenge is giving moments like that to a cast of 50. “It’s about getting everyone to shine and come out of their shells,” Shabazz said. “Let’s make this a great experience but also give you something to do where you can feel proud. We can
lot of favoritism, and that can lead to some people feeling like they don’t deserve to be in theater. I feel CPA has been an extremely welcoming community.”Layla Lee, no relation, Irondale High School
• “I used to not like talking to people. But then the pandemic hit, and I realized I had no one to talk to. I’d been wanting to do theater for years … and it sparked a whole thing for me. Now I’ve noticed I’m one of the most extroverted people on Earth. I’ve grown into who I was actually supposed to be.”Cameron Shepard,
Forest Lake High School
• “Even if you’re in the ensemble and not playing leads, you still have an awesome time … You have your community to build you up, and you are focused on the memories you make and how much fun you’re having.”Taylor Mindestrom, LILA
• “CPA has given me the opportunity to lead and to follow … It’s given me the confidence to show who I really am. Without CPA, I wouldn’t be the actor I am today.” - Evelyn Rivard, White Bear Lake Area High School
collaborate on it, so it’s within your skill set and something you really enjoy.”
Charlotte McManus, an incoming sophomore who plays this production’s Ursula, believes Shabazz’s approach is what makes live theater essential. “I hope people come here, and they can see the different ways people play these characters that are so well known,” McManus said. “I have a young voice. I try to make it commanding, but you’ve got to be real … so I think I’m a little more—not heartwarming—but soft or inviting.”
Clem is similarly bringing inspiration from her own experiences into her portrayal of Ariel. When not at rehearsal, Clem lifeguards at the Dellwood Country Club. “They did teach us lots of swimming techniques to keep afloat while we’re saving people,” Clem informed. “I use some of the hand movements they taught us, and incorporate that.”
Clem also believes people should see this production because of the generational impact it can have. “It’s a classic. It came out in the ‘80s,” Clem stated. “Parents who watched this when they were a child, they can bring their child and see it live. I feel like it’s something to bond over.”
That bonding experience is why Lachaelt is doing shows at CPA in the first place—her grandmother tries to take her to live theater whenever she visits. When asked what her grandmother will think of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” she grinned, saying, “I think she will be proud.”
Children’s Performing Arts’ production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” runs June 19-28. For tickets and details, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org.
six lights into her clay sculpture.
This past April, at White Bear Center for the Arts’ Vision and Verse competition, Oswald’s “Scylla’s Wrath” won the Minnesota College of Art and Design Pre-College Scholarship Award.
During the community reception, contest judge Tadhg Silvius Vinson stated that he found the sculpture’s lights alluring— much like dangerous sirens of Greek mythology.
Oswald’s reason for putting the lights in her piece, though, were so that the sailors’ sacrifice would be remembered. To be remembered, Oswald believes, is one of the main reasons people create art—especially ceramics.
“Once it’s glaze-fired, the chemical bond is there forever,” Oswald described. “It’s not able to chemically go back into clay. That piece is there. It is history.”
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THEATER SUMMER CAMPS
Unless otherwise noted, camps take place at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. To register, visit childrensperformingartsmn. org/classes-workshops.
YES AND! IMPROV
Grades: 8-12
Dates: 10 a.m-1 p.m. June 29-July 3
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Learn about the art of “yes and,” and experience the beauty of on-your-feet storytelling. Throughout the week, students will learn the basic tenets of improv, practice different exercises to strengthen and cultivate their improv skills, and play longand-short-form improv games. At the end of the week, the students will host their very own improv show for friends and family.
ROMEO AND JULIET: ONE ACT PLAY
Grades: 9-12
Dates: 12-4 p.m. July 6-10
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Luke Hiland, co-founder of the Duluth Shakespeare Project, will direct this one-act version of “Romeo and Juliet.” Students will rehearse and perform the play in just one week.
MINI PRODUCTION: SEUSSICAL KIDS
Grades: 3-6
Dates: 1-4 p.m. July 6-23
Where: Forest Lake High School, Door 32, 6101 Scandia Trail N., Forest Lake Details: This camp is the perfect opportunity for young performers to gain stage experience and grow their acting chops. Over the course of three weeks, students will stage, rehearse and perform a full-scale, 30 minute musical production.
PEPPA PIG’S MAGICAL UNICORN
Grades: K-2
Dates: 9 a.m-12 p.m, July 13-17
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Join us for a week of fun with Peppa Pig and her entire family. Students will devise a play and script based on the popular family TV show, and will present at the end of the week.
THE CAST OF “DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID” REHEARSES A MUSICAL NUMBER FROM CHILDREN’S PERFORMING ARTS’ UPCOMING PRODUCTION.
PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS
RYLEY OSWALD POSES NEXT TO HER AWARD-WINNING PIECE “SCYLLA’S WRATH.” THE WORK COMBINES CLAY POLYMER WITH ELECTRIC CIRCUITRY.
• Due to feedback on the hazards of crossing Maple Street from pedestrians using the Lake Links Trail, the Mahtomedi Public Works Department proposed parking restrictions on certain city streets to create safer sightlines. “It’s dangerous for pedestrians to walk out into the road at that corner,” said PWD Director Bob Goebel at the June 2 Mahtomedi City Council meeting. He proposed no parking zones on the following city streets:
- The north side of Maple Street from Mahtomedi Avenue to Summit Avenue
- The east side of Summit Avenue down to Locust Street
- The north side of Locust Street
• Council was asked to consider approval of a resolution establishing parking restrictions on certain city streets so that emergency vehicles can pass down the streets and so pedestrians don’t have to peer around parked vehicles to see oncoming traffic. Council unanimously (4-0 with Council Member Jeff Charlesworth absent) amended the resolution to establish parking restrictions on the north side of Maple Street from Mahtomedi Avenue to Summit Avenue only. The other two locations were taken out of the resolution, and public works would continue to monitor these other two streets and return to a future meeting with information about these locations.
• The new home proposed to be built at 1499 Bryant Avenue is in the General Floodplain District, and before the building permit could be issued, the project needed to meet all the requirements of the city’s floodplain management rule in Section 11.05 of the City Code. The technical evaluation and
findings of the designated engineer must be presented to the city council, which must either formally accept the technical evaluation and the recommended floodway or flood fringe boundary or deny the permit application. The city engineer provided a technical evaluation and determined that the proposed project at 1499 Bryant Avenue met all the requirements of the city’s Flood Plain Management Rule. For example, the 100year Regulatory Floodplain Elevation (RFPE) is 954.43 feet, and the proposed building area and property are located within the Flood Fringe and completely outside the Floodplain. The lowest floor elevation of the proposed home and the vehicular access are sited at elevations above the 100-year Regulatory Floodplain Elevation, as required by Mahtomedi City Code. City staff recommended that council accept the technical evaluation of the Regulatory Flood Protection elevation and flood fringe determination for the proposed construction of a new home at 1499 Bryant Avenue. Council unanimously accepted the technical evaluation.
• The Mahtomedi Fire Department has a bit more cash to help fulfill its many missions, after council passed a resolution approving the acceptance of gifts for miscellaneous purchases. The city received a $252 donation from Phoneoke Karoke & Quinny’s earmarked for the fire department.
As Mahtomedi is a statutory city, it is generally authorized to accept gifts of real and personal property according to Minnesota statutes.
• Every year, the Public Works Department budgets for the roadway striping of higher volume roads. Striping is essential to maintain the visibility of
the roadway markings throughout the year. Snow plowing, traffic and weather conditions degrade the striping over the course of the year, so the city needs to obtain quotes to apply new striping. This year, council awarded the contract for the 2026 Long Line Striping Project to Sir-Lines-A-Lot, LLC in the amount of $10,944.35. The work will likely be done later this summer, said City Engineer Nick Guilliams.
• The final payment for 2025 work has been approved, after council approved Final Pay Voucher No. 3 for the 2025 Parking Lot and Trails Project to Winberg Companies, LLC in the amount of $2,617. All restoration in the project areas has been determined to be sufficient and complete, the contractor has agreed upon the terms.
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ross Peterson gave a report on the agency’s activities during the past month. The Minnesota Legislature has adjourned without passing any clarifying laws on e-motos, he said. The WCSO receives many questions
about e-motos and e-bikes, and Peterson encouraged the public to call in with questions on this topic. The busy season of summer has arrived, so the public is encouraged to report any strange happenings. Make sure to lock your doors and cars at night, he emphasized. Surveillance and ring cameras have been helpful in helping deputies solve certain crimes. Peterson discouraged youths from trying to kick in doors, as this activity is dangerous for everyone and is on the threshold of felony burglary.
• In his report, City Administrator Scott Neilson relayed statistics from the Metropolitan Council noting that the population estimate for Mahtomedi is 8,494. This figure will be used by state government to allocate funds, he said.
• Twenty-five years ago, Jerene Rogers began her first day of work with the city of Mahtomedi as an accounting clerk. Now, she is a key person in the city who knows what’s going on. She’s in charge of a whole bunch of things, said Mayor Richard Brainerd. “City council governance, elections, public hearings and legal notices. The list goes on and she does an admirable job on all those fronts,” he said. In her list of duties, the task that Rogers expressed the most satisfaction with was turning over responsibility of running the elections over to the county. Rogers gave credit to her co-workers for their role in the smooth running of the city. “Our staff is a wonderful staff. We have longevity in our office. I think we’re a good group and well represented,” Rogers said. “We hope you stay on for many more years,” Brainerd told her.
Loretta Harding
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDED ASSUMED NAME
Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes, the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:
1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Koobmeej Vang-Photos & Videos
2. The address of the principal place of business is or will be: 1438 Mayre St., St. Paul, MN 55117
3. The name and address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name. (Only one signature is required by law.)
Note: if the business owner is a corporation, you must list the legal corporate name and the legal Registered Office of the corporation. Koobmeej Vang
1438 Mayre St., St. Paul, MN 55117
4. This certificate is an amendment of Certificate of Assumed Name number 1312957800024 filed with the Secretary of State on May 9, 2022.
I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.
Dated: February 18, 2026
Signed: Koobmeej Vang
Published two times in the White Bear Press on June 10 and 17, 2026.
CITY OF BIRCHWOOD VILLAGE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING PROPOSED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
JUNE 29, 2026, 6:45 PM
NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Birchwood Village will be considering a Conditional Use Permit for a landscaping project proposed at 309 Wildwood. As a function of the scope of the project the City guides this as a Conditional Use and as such this notice is published to satisfy Minnesota Statutes §§ 462.3595 and 462.357 sub. 3. This public hearing will be conducted via a June 2026 City Council meeting set to begin at 6:45pm on Monday, June 29th, 2026. A copy of the Application is available for review at the Village Hall or by contacting the City Administrator at 651-426-3403 to request a physical copy.
Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 17, 2026.
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The City of White Bear Lake Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, Minnesota on Monday, June 29, 2026 beginning at 7:00 p.m. to hear and make a recommendation to the City Council on the following requests:
A. Case No. 26-11-LS & V: The applicant, Chy Nou Lee, is requesting a variance from the 30 foot rear yard setback, per code section 1302.050 in order to split the property at 3850 White Bear Avenue into two lots through a minor subdivision.
B. Case No. 26-13-CUP: The applicant, Josh Thurston, on behalf of Roar Academy, is requesting an amendment to their existing conditional use permit (formerly a special use permit) in order to operate a Pre-K through 8 grade school, per code section 1305.010, at the property located at 1691 Highway 96.
C. Case No. 26-15-CUP: The applicant, Don Peltier, on behalf of Remi Development LLC, is requesting a conditional use permit, per code section 1305.010, for outdoor storage at the property located at 4026 Hoffman Road.
Unless continued by the Planning Commission, these items will be heard by the City Council on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
Comments may be presented at the public hearing or filed with the Planning Department until 12:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the hearing in order to be included in the packets. Each response will be considered before
the Planning Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council. If there are questions concerning the application, please call the City’s Planning Department at (651) 429-8561.
Caley Longendyke, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 17, 2026.
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
ORDINANCE 26-06-2085
AN ORDINANCE ZONING THE PROPERTY AT 1854/1900 WEBBER
STREET (PID 143022330153) AS R-3, TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL/PUD
The Council of the City of White Bear Lake does ordain the following:
SECTION I. That the following described premises is hereby zoned to R-3, Traditional Residential/PUD. The legal description of the property to be rezoned is as follows: Lots 1 through 18 (except Lots 8 through 9) of Block 7 together with that part of vacated Third Avenue that accrued to Lots 1 and 18: All of Block 8 together with that part of vacated Third Avenue that accrued to Lots 9 and 1; and Lots 10 and 11 of Block 9 of RAMALEY PARK, according to the plat and survey thereof on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota (PID: 143022330153).
SECTION II. The property shall be developed and maintained in accordance with the underlying planned unit development, as amended and as more specifically detailed in City Resolutions 11060 and 13661. Except to the extent expressly authorized under such approvals, the property shall otherwise remain subject to all standards and requirements that apply to the City’s R-3, Traditional Residential district.
SECTION III. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its passage, after second reading and publication.
Passed by the City Council of White Bear Lake on June 9, 2026.
Mary Nicklawske, Mayor
ATTEST: Caley Longendyke, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 17, 2026.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110
MINUTES MAY 11, 2026
Abbreviated Minutes-complete information available from the Superintendent’s office or online at www.isd624.org
A meeting of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in Boardroom 200 at the Sunrise Park District Service Center, 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS Chair Arcand called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Daniels, Skaar, Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Beloyed. Absent: Ellison. Ex-Officio: Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak. Pledge of Allegiance. Mission Statement. Thompson moved and Beloyed seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Skaar moved to add parent concerns about the multi-age classroom to the agenda. Motion failed due to lack of second. Skaar moved to add an item regarding student safety to the agenda. Motion failed due to lack of second. Voice vote: Ayes, Daniels, Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Beloyed. Nays, Skaar. Motion carried. Daniels moved and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the consent agenda consisting of: Minutes for Board meeting on April 13, 2026 (removed from consent agenda) and April 27, 2026; Monthly invoices, all of which met the standards and guidelines as set by the School Board; Resolution regarding acceptance of gifts with thank you letters directed to the donors; Field trips; Resolution regarding personnel items; Quarterly Investment Report; and Quarterly Revenue and Expenditure Report. Skaar made a motion to amend the April 13, 2026 minutes to mark Ellison out of order for Calling the Question while Skaar was speaking. Thompson seconded. Motion tabled. Skaar and Thompson made a motion to approve the consent agenda excluding the April 13, 2026 minutes. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. PUBLIC FORUM. INFORMATION ITEMS Student Recognition. Historically Black Colleges and Universities Tour Summary. DISCUSSION ITEMS First Reading of School Board Policies: 203.2, 208, 503, 649, and 902. OPERATIONAL ITEMS Streiff Oji moved and Thompson seconded to approve the action on the Nutrition Services Milk Products Contract for SY 2026-27. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Thompson moved and Beloyed seconded to approve the action on
Resolution to Sell Real Property. Skaar moved to amend the resolution to require full board approval on the sale of the property. Motion failed due to lack of a second. Skaar moved to amend the resolution to require that the property cannot be sold at a loss. Beloyed seconded. Skaar and Beloyed agreed to withdraw the amendment. The Action on Resolution to Sell Real Property will be moved to the May 18, 2026 meeting. Thompson moved and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the action on School Board Policies 201, 202, 203, 214, 215, 415, and 712. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Thompson moved and Beloyed seconded to approve the action on School Board Policy 203.6, Consent Agenda. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Tabled motion: Approval of Minutes for Board meeting on April 13, 2026. Thompson moved and Beloyed seconded to approve the April 13, 2026 minutes as presented. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, Skaar. Motion carried. BOARD FORUM. ADJOURNMENT Thompson moved and Daniels seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Kathleen Daniels, clerk. Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 17, 2026.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110 MINUTES MAY 18, 2026
Abbreviated Minutes-complete information available from the Superintendent’s office or online at www.isd624.org
A work session of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in Boardroom 200 at the District Service Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS Call to Order - Chair Arcand called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Roll Call - Present: Ellison, Skaar, Streiff Oji, Arcand, Beloyed, Daniels. Absent: Thompson. Skaar made a motion to amend the agenda to move items D-1 and D-2 to the June 8, 2026 meeting. Motion failed due to lack of second. DISCUSSION ITEMS Recognition of Student Liaisons to the School Board. Thompson arrived at 5:40 p.m. Middle School Activities and Community Recreation Update. Mariner Middle School Update. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Preliminary Budget. OPERATIONAL ITEMS Thompson moved and Beloyed seconded to approve the Action on Resolution to Sell Real Property. Roll call vote: Ayes, Ellison, Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Beloyed, Daniels. Nays, Skaar. Motion carried. Daniels moved and Ellison seconded to approve the Action on Resolution Addressing Status of Board Members for Purposes of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Roll call vote: Ayes, Ellison, Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Beloyed, Daniels. Nays, Skaar. Motion carried.Skaar made a motion to amend the action to move item C-2 to the June 8, 2026 meeting. Motion failed due to lack of second. Ellison left the meeting at 7:04 p.m. CLOSED SESSION Negotiations *This portion of the meeting may be closed to consider strategy for labor negotiations, including negotiation strategies or developments or discussion and review of labor negotiation proposals, conducted pursuant to Minn. Stat. 179A.01 to 179A.25. Beloyed moved and Streiff Oji seconded to go into closed session at 7:05 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Thompson moved and Beloyed seconded to go into open session at 7:11 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Preliminary Consideration of Allegations Against an Individual Subject to the Board’s Authority **This portion of the meeting may be closed to discuss preliminary consideration of allegations or charges against an individual subject to the board’s authority pursuant to Minn. Stat. 13D.05, Subd. 2(b). Skaar requested that this item be held in open session. OPERATIONAL ITEM Thompson moved and Beloyed seconded to extend the meeting to 8:15 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Streiff Oji moved and Thompson seconded to extend the meeting to 8:30 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried.Daniels moved and Thompson seconded to approve the Resolution Censuring a School Board Member and Disavowing the Board Member’s Conduct containing clerical corrections and removing “potentially” from paragraph 8 on page 2. Roll call vote: Ayes, Streiff Oji, Thompson,
Mayor Richard Brainerd recognizes longtime city employee Jerene Rogers.
WHITE BEAR LAKE CITY COUNCIL NOTES
• After conducting a second reading of an ordinance, the council has approved an amendment to the zoning code regarding the zoning designation at 1900 Webber Street as well as a planned unit development (PUD) to allow for a parking lot expansion at Cerenity Senior Care. (See “Cerenity Senior Care: Council to consider parking lot expansion,” June 3, 2026, White Bear Press.)
City Council
Member Ellen Gurrola asked Community Development Director Jason Lindahl to speak more about the island requirements in parking lots.
“When we updated the zoning code, we had standards for the downtown area that addressed adding greenspace into parking lots. One of our overarching goals of the zoning code update was to put in place standards that would extend and mimic the design standards in
downtown,” Lindahl explained. “The idea about the number and spacing of the stalls is not just an aesthetic thing, it also helps provide greenspace within parking islands to create a tree canopy that will help reduce the heat effect that comes with larger parking lot areas.”
Cerenity Senior Care’s project proposes a slight deviation from those standards, granted through the PUD amendment. The amendment allows the existing zero-foot setback along Webber Street to continue and permits one row of 13 stalls without an island and one parking lot island that measures 1 foot narrower than the minimum requirement.
“The applicant did a good job of trying to meet the standards and fitting them into an existing location with some slight deviations,” Lindahl said.
• City Administrator Lindy Crawford reminded residents that event season
is upon us with the kickoff of Marketfest and Manitou Days Thursday, June 18. Events include the grand parade, beach dance and boat show. (For more information, see the special pullout section in print or online at prespubs. com.)
• Mayor Mary Nicklawske is gearing up for the next Community & Coffee event from 9:30 to 11 a.m. July 11 at Lions Park, 4410 Lake Ave. S. Nicklawske said approximately 15 people attended the first event June 6 at Stellmacher Park. “We had a great showing for our first one. It was really nice,” she said. “People got to know each other … It is a good community thing for each ward.”
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 23 at City Hall.
Shannon Granholm
Dolores (Dee) Pribnow, a resident at the Lodge at White Bear, is officially a member of the 100-club. Pribnow recently celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends. She dressed for the occasion with a tiara and golden sash that said, “100 and fabulous.” To celebrate, she enjoyed a sangria toast, followed by an ice cream sundae. Many of the Lodge residents and staff wore flannel, because Pribnow often wears those shirts. Another resident supplied pink peonies for her table.
• Prior to agenda approval, School Board Member Daniel Skaar motioned for a summary of the public forum to be included in the notes. There was no second to this motion.
• As the board moved to approve the consent agenda, Skaar expressed concern with duplicate payments on invoices and requested for the Payment of Invoices to be removed and given more in-depth discussion. Director of Finance Andi Johnson spoke to clarify Skaar’s concerns, citing that Skyward, the software used for invoices, has an internal trigger to detect duplicate purchases, and oftentimes payments split between two budget codes have the appearance of a double payment. “In our accounts payable process, every transaction does get reviewed,” Johnson said.
• During the public forum, resident Dianna Delaney expressed disapproval for the May 18 censure of Skaar, saying the taxpayer money spent on investigation could’ve been used more
effectively to benefit students. “I don’t understand how the taxpayers can fund the ego of a superintendent’s vendetta against a board member,” Delaney said. “It’s clearly a misuse of funds.”
• Resident and 2021 school board candidate Rebekah Bradfield questioned the efficiency of funds used, especially in the wake of the 2019 $326 million building bond referendum. She pinpointed the construction of a new sports facility and the lack of a detailed expense report for the project. “This demonstrates a lack of transparency and accountability,” Bradfield said. She then criticized the construction of an $8 million Hugo district transportation center and its decentralized location, as well as the “short-sighted” construction of orchestra spaces for a now-cancelled fifth-grade orchestra program. “Is there a possibility of generating revenue from unused spaces during offbeat hours in order to reduce the
local tax burden?” Bradfield asked.
• Former district parent Joshua Wickander finished the public forum by sharing a May 17 email he sent to Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak and board members went unanswered. In the email, he requested an audit for the proposed use of the referendum versus the actual outcome, “You have an amazing staff, they’re doing a great job, the micromanagement isn’t to condemn what you’re doing,” Wickander said. “It’s to make sure you’re being good stewards with our money – which I don’t think you are.”
• On June 25, White Bear Lake Area Schools is sponsoring Marketfest and will host an “Orange Out” spirit theme.
• WBL Area Learning Center is transitioning to a new name – WBL Area High School Manitou Campus. The change comes after the school was accepted as an Alternative Learning Program by the Minnesota
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Department of Education. Alternative Learning Programs (ALP) are focused programs for students who have struggled in traditional classroom environments. “It really demonstrates the partnership and the connection that we already have with our main campus,” said Associate Principal Jenni Sjosten. “We really want to make sure we’re standing firm in the connection that exists between an ALP and their main high school.”
• Policy 210, which deals with conflicts of interests among school board members, will be sent back to the committee after board members struggled to agree on a monetary limit to set. Previously, the policy stated that board members could not earn more than $8,000 from the district in a fiscal year. In a routine review, the committee updated this number to $20,000 – a change in line with the Minnesota School Board’s earning
WHITE BEAR LAKE
At right: Smith family members, from left, Lark, Jake, Karee, Iris and Rowan, attended the bike rodeo with their dog Mosly.
Above: Gateway Cycle mechanic Troy Herlick performed dozens of thorough safety checks and tune ups on bicycles that were brought to the community event.
At left: White Bear Lake Police Sergeant John Vette uses a melon to help demonstrate the importance of wearing a bike helmet.
limits increase. Skaar argued board members should never have any contract or employment with the district, whereas Board Member Jessica Ellison
said it would be most “clean” and aligned with state law to follow the statute given.
• A move to approve 2026-27 Property and Liability Insurance passed 7-0. The renewed package will cost the district $856 thousand, a decrease of 7% compared to the existing premium while increasing cyber coverage.
• A move to approve the 2026-27 Workers Compensation Insurance passed 7-0. This package’s price increased by 14% from last year, now costing the district $668 thousand compared to last year’s $584 thousand. Nick Lano, VP at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co, said this increase is more in line with what other districts pay. “We have been at the bottom of the bell curve for eight, nine years,” Lano said. “Now we’re seeing that upward trend.”
• The 2026-27 preliminary budget passed 6-1, with Skaar being the only board member to dissent. Johnson shared the 2026-27 preliminary budget, forecasting $159 million in revenues, $156 million expenditures, and a $2.6 million surplus. The same budget had been shared previously in a May 11 work session. Skaar’s June 8 dissent came after
Andrew L. “Andy” Semlak
Age 51, of Mahtomedi
Passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, after a courageous battle with renal cell carcinoma. He will be sadly missed by his wife, Molly; children, Jacob and Izzy; parents, Dan and Lyn Semlak; siblings, Dana Dougherty, Jono Semlak (Kelly), Kevin Semlak and Pat Semlak (Katie); mother and father-in-law, Linda and Marty Riva; brother-in-law, Chad Neihart (Angie); sisterin-law, Shari Clauson (Bob); many nieces and nephews, family and friends.
A celebration of Andy’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 18th at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Family will also receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family for Jacob and Izzy’s future education expenses.
Charles “Chuck” Von Feldt
Died on June 10, 2026. Visitation from 5-7pm, Monday, June 22, at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave. Mass of Christian Burial 11am Tuesday, June 23 at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., with visitation one hour prior. Mueller Memorial, 651-429-4944 www.muellermemorial.com
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he failed to get a second in a motion to amend the budget altogether, pitching cutting $2 million from no specific part of the budget to make up for last year’s deficit. Board member Christian Streiff Oji clarified to ensure he was pitching to change the budget for the coming school year, then added “it’s a bit late to be making the decision to cut the budget that starts in three weeks.” Board Member Angela Thompson also pushed back, saying, “We are not a corporation, we are public schools. We do not profit off of what we do in this district other than our education of our students – that is the profit of the school.”
• A motion for setting the filing affidavits of candidacy passed 7-0. Filing dates are set to begin on July 1 and will close on July 28.
The next White Bear Lake Area School Board meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., Monday, July 13 at the District Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Ave, White Bear Lake.
Gerard Nicholas Vandeberg
Age 77, passed away on May 14 at Aspen Meadows Health Center in Billings, Montana. He was born to Mary and Vernon Vandeberg, the third of 14 children.
He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary of the Lake in White Bear Lake. He attended St. Mary’s grade school, Nazareth Hall and the College of St. Thomas, earning a BA in Mathematics. He later earned his MS in Mathematics at the University of Montana Bozeman.
Gerard taught in several schools; St. Mark’s (St. Paul), Bethlehem Academy (Faribault) and Hill Murray High school (Maplewood). He taught for several years at Montana schools including Moore, Hays, Lodge Grass, Blackfeet Community College and Stone Child College.
He was married to Marcella Shortman and helped raise her two children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles and step-daughter Winnie.
A service will be held in Roundup, Montana and later a family gathering in the White Bear Lake area.
Douglas Otto Riedinger
Was born on March 12, 1938, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He died in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 4, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Schawn Riedinger and Deborah Riedinger; and stepchildren, Kimberley Woodyard and Eric Forseth. He worked in the floor-laying industry for over fifty years. He was a Marine. He was very knowledgeable about World War II, and would have been able to recount the June 4, 1942, Battle of Midway events in detail, relishing that he shared an anniversary with many valiant Marines. His passion was his family and volunteering to build sets and props at Lakeshore Players Community Theater in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. He was such a long-time skilled and dedicated worker that the Lakeshore Players named a dressing room, “The Dougout.” He will be remembered for his kind manner, his wonderful smile, and most of all, his wit.
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MAHTOMEDI & WILLERNIE
The show must go on: Comedi in Mahtomedi still thriving 2 years in
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
When local comedian Steve Windels was out of the country on his honeymoon, his friend and comedian Nate Hood stepped in to guest-host his comedy show., When Windels returned to the U.S., he was greeted by about 30 “bathroom selfies.”
“We put flyers on the table, and I shared Steve’s number with every table. Whoever texted Steve the best bathroom selfie won free tickets to another show that we were doing,” Hood recalled. “People were a lot crazier with those bathroom selfies than we had anticipated. Bathroom selfie night was a hit.”
Since 2024, Windels, and now Hood, have hosted “Comedi in Mahtomedi,” a monthly comedy show at the Dug Out Bar. The two met each other through the Twin Cities comedy scene and became friends.
“We both started comedy later in life … Steve and I would go to open mikes, and everyone would be like 24, and then there was us,” Hood recalled. “We were on the same wavelength, same thing with our comedy style.”
Windels started doing comedy when he turned 50. “We were in the middle of COVID. I had been writing jokes for years, but never got on stage to perform. I thought, ‘What am I waiting for?”
Windels entered a comedy contest in Minneapolis and got on stage for the first time. “I was hooked,” he said. He started producing his own comedy
shows and noticed a lack of stand-up shows in the northeast suburbs. At the time, he was living a few blocks away from the Dug Out Bar and approached the new owners about doing a monthly comedy showcase.
Windels hosted the show until this past January, when he and his wife, Javiera, moved to Hamburg, Germany, for a job opportunity.
“Nate and I have been friends for a while, and he was my first choice to take over as host/producer of this show when I moved. He's already injected his own comic sensibilities into the show, and I'm excited to see where he takes it next,” Windels said. “My hope when I started the show was to create a comedy venue in the northeast suburbs that is accessible, friendly and fun, and to provide opportunities for Twin Cities comics to do longer sets. We've accomplished both. Hood, 40, also got his start in comedy during the pandemic. He’s always loved stand-up comedy, writing and thinking of clever anecdotes.
“Once COVID hit, I was home so much and I found myself watching comedy and thought to myself, ‘I could do that,’ and I did,” Hood explained. “It was one of those COVID hobbies that people pick up. Some people did woodworking, knitting. I did stand-up comedy.”
Hood, a resident of St. Paul, would often do guest sets with Windels at Comedi in Mahtomedi and fell in love with the area. So, he was eager to step in and keep the show going.
“I always loved that downtown
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Comedi in Mahtomedi
When: 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 2 and the first Thursday of each month.
Where: Dug Out Bar, 96 Mahtomedi Ave.
Details: Comedi in Mahtomedi is a monthly stand-up show hosted by comedian Nate Hood. There are no cover charges, nor tickets to purchase -- just show up. July’s lineup includes Steve Windels (founder of the show), Erika Bang, Rachel Kennedy, Nate Hood, Victoria Jocko, Tom Bonnett and Charlie Roettger.
Willernie area, and Mahtomedi is such a great place,” he said. “There are so many awesome regulars and local businesses right there … I hadn’t been a part of a comedy show that had that kind of neighborhood support.”
Hood added, “It is such a unique spot, and I love highlighting that within the show. I’ve written a lot of Mahtomedi, Willernie material. It’s a funny dynamic, the difference between Willernie and Mahtomedi.”
Each show features five to six comics each doing 10 to 15 minutes of comedy, followed by a headliner. Most of the comics are Twin Cities-based and just starting out their careers as stand-up comedians.
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“People see comedy on social media and think it's just comics picking on people in the audience. That happens some, but the vast majority of comedy is comics telling jokes they've written and perfected over many appearances on stage,” Windels explained. “We've cultivated a great and loyal audience at The Dugout, and many comics tell us how much they like performing there. We almost always have a full room and a great time.”
Hood says he tries to make sure that the show is stacked with different types of comedians.
“I try to have different styles, so there is something for everyone … a silly comic, a more serious comic, someone who does political material, someone who is a mom or dad comic. I try to mix it up,” Hood explained.
Because there are so many regulars, Hood says he has to write new material for each show. His goal is to turn Comedi in Mahtomedi into the “best comedy show” in the northeast metro.
The show is 18 plus. The two say they try to produce a show that is not offensive, but it is not necessarily clean. “It's like going to an R-rated movie. People are gonna hear jokes about all kinds of mundane, G-rated subjects. But they also might hear jokes about sex, politics, religion and other taboo subjects,” Windels noted.
For the first time in six months, Windels will return to headline the two-year anniversary show on July 2.
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Nate Hood has kept Comedi in Mahtomedi running after the original founder, Steve Windels, moved to Germany.
Zephyrs seek repeat title at state baseball finals
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mahtomedi played in the state Class 3A baseball championship game
Monday against Totino-Grace at Target Field, seeking a second straight title and fourth overall. See results online at presspubs.com.
In the first two rounds at Chaska, no. 2 seeded Mahtomedi (23-5) defeated Grand Rapids 2-1 on a walk-off hit by Cody Loida, then defeated Mankato West 12-5 with a nine-running inning that erased a 5-1 deficit. Top seed Totino-Grace (19-8) defeated Rocori 5-3 and St. Thomas Academy 7-2.
“Pitching and defense has been the key,” said coach Rob Garry. “We have made great catches in the outfield by Isaac Iten and Cody Loida, and our infield play, especially Gavin Bifulk
at third, has really shined for us. Tino Foster and Alex Kurpis took a lot of pressure off our team with their pitching.”
Foster, sophomore right-hander, pitched the distance against Grand Rapids, giving up just three hits and two walks although he hit three batters. Foster struck out two. He gave up a run in the second when Grand Rapids got two of their three hits.
Mahtomedi tied the score in the fifth when Luke Torgrude was hit by pitch, stole second, took third on a throwing error and scored on Sam Nasvik’s sacrifice fly. In the seventh, Iten led off with an infield single, sped to third base on an errant pickoff throw by he pitcher, and scored when Loida singled to left field.
Against Mankato West, the Zephyrs had a poor start as their ace Connor
Adelle
are shown here with their section medals after qualifying for state.
Bear duo at state
Maddy Vang, White Bear Lake senior, placed 54th of 88 entrants at the state Class 3A golf tournament, shooting 87-83-170 on June 9-10 at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids. Adelle Blasing, Bear eighth-grader, placed 71st, shooting 91-90-181 total. Both
qualified for state with placements at Section 4AAA. Vang made the allSuburban East team in the regular season and Blasing got honorable mention.
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Bear golfer Fiddle places 5th at state tournament
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Easton Fiddle, White Bear Lake sophomore golfer, tied for fifth place in the state Class 3A tournament, shooting 72-71-143 on June 9-10 at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids.
“I’m pretty happy with fifth place, but I missed few putts or I could have been on top of the leaderboard,” said Fiddle. “I left a lot of strokes out there.”
The champion was Willam Roiland of Elk River with 67-72-139.
Fiddle moved up from 19th and 31st place finishes the past two seasons. This was his fourth state tournament.
“Easton had a great
season, finishing off with the fifth place finish at state. He had two days of pretty good golf,” said coach Craig Nasvik, noting that Easton had 27 pars, five birdies and only four bogies, and was close to doing even better. “He had so many birdie putts that just ended on the edge of the cup. He felt like he couldn't catch a break.”
Asked if there were any particular highlights, Easton mentioned the par3, No. 7 East on Tuesday, where he drove to 10-12 feet and sank the birdie -- “that was my second birdie and it really got me going” — along with No. 4 East on Wednesday, a par five where he chipped within 25 feet and sank the birdie putt.
Finn, recently named state Player of the Year by the Star-Tribune, gave up five runs in two innings. The Scarlets had an early 5-1 lead.
The Zephyrs scored nine runs in the third inning, helped by a couple errors, to vault into the lead. The Scarlets made five errors that led to nine unearned runs in the game.
Kurpis, relieving Finn, threw five shutout innings. The senior righthander gave up four hits and no walks, and struck out three.
Garry praised Foster and Kurpis for “changing speeds consistently in
the strike zone, keeping Grand Rapids Mankato West guessing at the plate. Their ability to stay in the strike zone kept our defense on their toes and has really kept the game moving.”
The Zephyrs had 12 hits and five walks. Loida was 2-for-4 with two RBI’s, Frank Schweiters 2-for-4 with two RBI’s, Finn 1-for-4 with two RBI’s and two runs, Cam Hentsch 2-for-4, and Nasvik 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs.
“Our offense made great strides in game two, with several players getting key hits throughout the game,” Garry said.
Four Zephyrs compete; Juhl is 12th in state
Reagan Juhl, one of four Mahtomedi golfers in the state Class 3A tournament, earned a 12th-place finish. Juhl, a junior and Section 4AAA champion, shot 80 in the first round and finished strong with 72 for a 152 total June 9-10. Lily Carlson, Zephyr senior, placed 34th of 88 entrants with 83-80-163 total. In the boys tournament, Brooks Ashfield, a junior, placed 40th of 88 entrants, shooting 75-77-151. Leo Miller, a sophomore. placed 76th with 81-81-162.
Bruce Strand
Fiddle was season champion in the Suburban East this season and placed third in the section.
“He has two more years to improve on this year's accomplishments,” Nasvik said. “He is a great young man and such a pleasure to coach.”
CONTRIBUTED
Maddy Vang (left) and
Blasing
CONTRIBUTED
Lily Carlson (left) and Reagan Juhl are shown here with their section runner-up trophy after qualifying for state.
CONTRIBUTED
Easton Fiddle, sophomore, played in his fourth state tourney at Bunker Hills.
BETH DONAHUE | CONTRIBUTED
Alex Kurpis threw five shutout innings in a relief stint in the semifinal win over Grand Rapids.
CONTRIBUTED
State entrants Brooks Ashfield (left) and Leo Miller.
QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE?
Attend a free, no obligation workshop to get your questions answered.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Medicare workshops help you understand your options and choose the coverage that’s right for you. We present current plan year information until October. Beginning in October, we’ll present 2027 plan information.
To register and see a complete list of workshops, visit bluecrossmn.com/baker or call (651) 662-3428/TTY 711
Revea Baker
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of MN (651) 662-3428 | TTY 711 revea.baker@bluecrossmn.com bluecrossmn.com/baker
Anpétu Téca Education Center 1910 County Rd B West Roseville, MN 55113 Friday, July 10, 2:00 p.m.
Highland Park Community Center 1978 Ford Parkway Saint Paul, MN 55116 Tuesday, July 21, 6:00 p.m.
New Brighton Community Center 400 10th St NW New Brighton, MN 55112 Monday, July 20, 5:30 p.m.
Shoreview Community Center 4580 Victoria St N Shoreview, MN 55126 Monday, July 13, 10:00 a.m.
You’ll learn about:
• What Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers
• How and when to enroll to avoid penalties
• Plan options available in your region, including prescription drug benefits
The Boatworks Commons Community Room 4495 Lake Ave S White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Tuesday, July 21, 10:00 a.m.
Linwood Community Recreation Center 860 St Clair Ave Saint Paul, MN 55105 Tuesday, July 14, 6:00 p.m.
Wakefield Park Community Building 1860 Hazelwood St N Maplewood, MN 55109 Wednesday, July 15, 11:00 a.m.
Workshops cover individual Medicare plans. If you’re Medicare-eligible and covered under the Federal Employee Program® or a Blue Cross group employee or retiree plan, talk with your employer. You may be able to get better coverage than an individual Medicare plan. Blue Cross offers PPO, Cost and PDP plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in these Blue Cross plans depends on contract renewal. Plans are available to residents of the service area. A salesperson will be present with information and applications. Registration is encouraged as seating may be limited. Walk-ins are also welcome. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call the number above to be directed to a licensed insurance agent.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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M01646R05 (10/23)