White Bear Press

Joy

Late season ladybug sighting

Treatment hits the spot when it comes to invasive water weed

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Lake level is down, but so is Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM).

In his annual report to the White Bear Lake Conser vation District, “Lake Detective” Steve McComas said treatment of the invasive weed was “pretty good” this season.

About 32 acres of the lake was treated mid-July after McComas, owner of Blue Water Science nicknamed the lake detective, identified EWM hot spots in June. A follow-up is conducted in August every year to assess treatment effectiveness.

The 10 areas hit with herbicide to control the weed (as shown on the accompanying map) showed a signif icant reduction in density, assessed the aquatic expert, who noted they don’t try to treat all EWM around the lake. Most of the milfoil was observed 5 to 7 feet below the surface, present but not growing, and below prop depth. This year, too, native milfoil was more abundant than nonnative species.

Asked why the lake seemed extra weedy this sum mer, McComas blamed better light penetration due to dropping water level and zebra mussels. The lower lake level is drought-related and not unique to White Bear, he added. Other lakes in the area are also down.

The lake has been treated for EWM since 1988. The number of acres treated was low at first, then exploded in 2010 with a record high of 174 acres. That coincided with dropping lake levels as an abundance of nitro gen stimulated milfoil growth. Once the nutrient was depleted, EWM levels diminished. “We don’t see it

Eurasian Watermilfoil Treatment

‘From lives of hopelessness to hope’

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

A Birchwood missionary couple with a special connection to Kenya is raising money for the faith-based Brydges Cen tre, a children’s home outside Nairobi that provides love, care and education for street children who otherwise face bleak and frightening futures.

The center, named after Bob and Nancy Brydges, runs primarily on donations from individual and organizational contributors. Both are retired

from careers: Nancy as a substi tute teacher in the White Bear school district and Bob as an IT executive for Burlington North ern Railway. They keep busy fundraising and volunteering in several ministries. Bob also served as executive pastor at Rockpoint Church in Lake Elmo.

After taking a hiatus due to the pandemic, the husband-andwife team plan a fall FunDrive at Top Golf in Brooklyn Center Nov. 6. You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the festivities.

“The goal is to raise $40,000,” Nancy said. “This will help the Centre finish 2022 and be in a

good position to start 2023. Pric es have skyrocketed in Kenya for basic needs of the children. We are in dire need of funds to pay school fees.”

Their mission is to help chil dren become productive Kenyan citizens with a strong, Christian faith to guide them through life. The home is purposefully not called an orphanage because children are members of a family. When they walk through the center’s gate, children find a family within, ready to provide the love, care, nourishment,

BRYDGES CENTRE,

PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Tom Melhorn gives his daughter Blakelee, 2, a ride on his shoulders along a torch lined route down Lake Avenue during the recent Scare in White Bear event. Find a comprehensive list of upcoming Halloween events on page 3A.

Historical Herbicide Use

Hurricane Ian: ‘We are the lucky ones’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Hugo residents who rent or own homes in Florida find themselves picking up the pieces after Hurricane Ian and can’t help but compare the experience to what they went through when the tornado hit the city in 2008.

Former Hugo City Council Member Chuck Haas and his wife Marykay have spent their winters in Sanibel, Florida, for 10 years. For nine of those years, they rented. Last year, the two decided to purchase a home.

Before Hurricane Ian was even forecast, the two had already purchased their plane tickets for the end of October and planned to be out there through the end of April. As news of Hurricane Ian loomed, all they could do was watch the news from Hugo and hope for the best.

“It was forecasted to be a Category 3,” Chuck Haas said. “We knew we’d be on the edge of it. We weren’t really worried, but then about 48 hours before it hit, it made a right turn and went dead on into Sanibel and got up to a Category 5 hurricane,” he explained. “We had less than 24 hours to prepare, and that really wasn’t enough time for most people. It caught a lot of people by surprise.”

Right after the storm hit, some of their neighbors informed them that their neighborhood had 5 feet of water. “We knew right off that there was a lot of damage,” Haas explained.

Thanks to some satellite images from the Coast Guard and the National Weather Service, Haas said they were able to see that their house was still standing, but it wasn’t until the following week when they were really able to assess the damage. One of their

sons drove from Minnesota to Florida to assess the damage and get to work.

Virtually everything that was in the lower level of their home was damaged, Haas reported, including their car, which is a total loss. All that remains of the lower level now is the studs. “It gutted the lower level completely,” he said, adding that his son’s place in Sanibel had similar damage.

“We are really fortunate. We have got people in our neighborhood … their siding is gone; their roof is gone.”

As soon as they can, Chuck and Marykay plan to return to Florida. They have rented an apartment in Fort Myers for the time being in the same complex as their son and his family.

“We are going to rent that for a couple of months until we can get into our place, and then start fixing it up,” Haas said. “We are very grateful that our damage was relatively minor. We could still live there if we had to. Our hearts go out to the people that have lost their entire home.”

There are similarities with the 2008 tornado, Haas said, noting that “It brings out the best in people.” He added that many people continue to reach out to them to offer their good wishes and support.

Hugo Lion Pete Pedersen has owned a timeshare at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island since 1996. Typically, he spends about seven weeks there in February and March. Pedersen said he is not really certain about how their unit fared because they haven’t been able to access the resort and are relying on property management to relay information.

“They have said that they are going to give us a weekly update on what is going on as soon as they gain some understanding of what the units

look like. They can’t really tell us much,” said Pedersen. “We just are not anticipating anything at least for a month, because it’s going to take a fair amount of time to rebuild.” Right before press deadline, Pedersen received communication that the resort will be closed until next September.

Pedersen still plans to visit Florida this January but has made arrangements to spend some time in another town.

Retired Hugo firefighter and current city of Hugo employee Jodie Guareschi has owned a place with her husband in Port Charlotte for about five years. Once temperatures get cold, her husband heads there, but she usually remains in Hugo to continue her role on the fire department and with the city. She does make frequent trips to visit, because much of her job can be done remotely.

The Guareschis were at their home in Port Charlotte when Hurricane Ian struck. “We were standing at the windows watching … I’ve never seen anything like it,” Jodie recalled. “I don’t scare easily at all, I’m a firefighter, but this gave me a little bit of a pause.” She added, “It’s an absolute travesty and there is nothing you can do. You have to stay there and just watch everything. You start to think, ‘Oh my gosh, we should have done this’… but it’s too late.”

Part of their home’s roof was damaged as was their lanai. In addition, their boat fell off the lift and went into the water. Despite the damage, she says they are “one of the lucky ones.” The damage was erratic, similar to that caused by the Hugo tornado, Guareschi said — some houses were completely destroyed, while others fared okay.

“The tornado was a terrible, terrible

tragedy, but there were many young families who could get up, shake it off and start again. But when you are 75 years old, it’s terrifying to start over…” Guareschi explained. “They have worked all their lives for this. They have raised their families; they have saved their dollars; and they are standing there among this rubble of dreams, and it’s gone.”

After election season, Guareschi plans to join her husband again in Port Charlotte to escape the cold temperatures and continue to pick up the pieces the storm left behind.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@ presspubs.com.

past August, Ross wasn't feeling well, so he went to the doctor to run some tests to see if everything was okay. A few weeks later, he told his son and daughter he had a large cancer tumor in his liver. Last Thursday, he had to go to Region's Hospital because of the urgency of his cancer. The doctors let them know that it was stage 4 cancer, and if he didn't perform surgery the next day on his liver, he would die in the next two weeks. The surgery went well, but he had to stay in the hospital for a few more days until his pain started to slow down. He started Chemotherapy on Sunday, but he still isn't doing so good.

Recycle Return Reuse

Wassomeoneinyour familyapastcarrier forPressPublications?

PHOTOS BY CHUCK HAAS | CONTRIBUTED

Hugo residents Chuck and Marykay Haas’ winter home in Sanibel, Florida suffered extensive damage on the lower level from Hurricane Ian. Their car is a total loss.

The lanai at Jodi Guareschi and her husband's home was damaged during Hurrican Ian.

Local Halloween events for all ages

FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS

Trunk or Treat at Harbor Crossing: Treats will be handed out in the parking lot of the senior living residence across from Lunds & Byerlys on Friday, Oct. 28 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Harbor Crossing is located at 4650 Centerville Rd., White Bear Lake. For more information, contact 651-762-6121.

Bear Scare Fun Run:

Event for all skill levels on Saturday, Oct. 29 includes four routes originating at Otter Lake Elementary School, 1401 County Road H2, White Bear Lake. The Spooky Scamper is a short loop around school; the Skeleton Skip is a 1/2 mile on the school grounds; the Terrifying Two Miler route is from Otter Lake to Lincoln Elementary and a shuttle bus back; and the Freaky Four Miler is Otter Lake to Lincoln and back. Costume con test with winners announced by random drawing at 9:45 a.m. Cost is $20/runner. Register online at sites.google.com/view/bearscarefunrun2022/ home, and walk-ins welcome.

Trunk or Treat At South Shore Trinity:

South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church will host a free outdoor event with treats and hay rides on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. Costumes are welcome and donations of non-perishable food items for the White Bear Area Food Shelf will be collected. South Shore Trinity is located at 2480 South Shore Blvd., White Bear Lake.

Tricks and Treats with the Mighty Organ:

18th Annual concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 features Bill Chouinard playing spooky music on Minnesota's largest pipe organ at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, with added special lighting and video effects. Kids invited to wear non-violent cos tumes for a parade in the Sanctuary. Pizza will be sold from 5 to 6 p.m. along with treats. Free-will offering. St. Andrews is located at 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi. For more information go to saintandrews.org

Halloween Night at the Fillebrown House:

Children are invited to trick or treat from 5 to 8 p.m. Halloween night, Oct. 31. at the historic Fille brown House in White Bear Lake, located at 4735 Lake Avenue.For details, visit whitebearhistory. org.

Scarecrow Trail:

View scarecrows created by local businesses, or ganizations and residents along the trail at Com munity Park, 641 East County Road F, Vadnais Heights. Stop by any time the park is open from Thursday, Oct. 27 to Wednesday, Nov. 2 to see the creations and vote for favorites online.

Vadnais Heights Halloween Party:

Family event kicks off with a costume parade through the Scarecrow Trail followed by free games and treats on the softball field on Friday, Oct. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. Community Park, 641 East County Rd. F, Vadnais Heights. For more informa tion, go to cityvadnaisheights.com/events.

Fright Flight Pancake Breakfast:

Help fight off ghost and goblins with a pancake breakfast at the Benson Airport on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. Costumes are encouraged and fly-ins and drive-ins are welcome. The event is sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Associa tion Chapter 745. Benson Airport is located at 5860 Highway 61, White Bear Lake.

Pumpkin King:

Head over to 5290 East Street, White Bear Lake, at your own risk. Walk through a guided trail in a private yard. Open Halloween weekend from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Dress warm and look for the pumpkin with the button to claim candy. Donations of non-perishable food items for the White Bear Area Food Shelf strongly encouraged. Dates subject to change due to weath er. Go to kingofthepumpkins.com for updates.

Haunted Roundhouse:

Are ghosts of Great Northern Railway workers haunting the Jackson Street Roundhouse? Find out at a family-friendly event on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. hosted by the Minnesota Transportation Museum at one of the state’s most historic, iconic, and likely haunted locations. Wear a costume, bring a trick or treat bag, and hear music by the Teddy Bear Band from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. There will be railroad history, haunted train cars, a railway hobo, bonfire, train rides, and treats. Tickets can be purchased at trainride.org and are $5 for a family up to six; or $15/adults, $10/children 5-15; $7 toddlers 2-4. Children under 2 free. The Jackson Street Roundhouse is located at 193 Pennsylvania Avenue E., St. Paul.

ADULT-ONLY EVENTS

Annual Halloween Masquerade Ball:

Hop on the Haunted Trolley Tour then head to the Stillwater Zephyr Theatre for a dinner buffet, drinks, live music and entertainment on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 6 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $75 per person at mywahooadventures.com/haunted-his tory-trolley. The Zephyr Theatre is located at 601 N. Main St., Stillwater.

Kellerman’s Halloween Costume Party:

Dress up for a costume contest and come to the 11th annual event to listen to the music of all-star band WildCat Combo on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Kellerman’s Event Center, 2222 Fourth Street, White Bear Lake. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. with music from 9 p.m. to midnight. Cash bar available.

Old Hollywood Murder Mystery Party:

Halloween party for adults includes a night of mystery, mayhem and murder set in a mansion event venue. Participants are encouraged to dress up. $25 per person. Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Charleston Event Center, 4525 White Bear Parkway, White Bear Lake. Register at eventbrite. com/e/423664841947

Lake

The Troops

The White Bear Lake Lions & Lion Dr. John Tomlinson were Field sponsors for the Welcome Home the Troops Pheasant hunt held Oct 16th. The event was sponsored by Wild Wings of Oneka and the Hugo Yellow Ribbon Network.

OPINION

Fentanyl test strips

Fentanyl is cheap and easy to get. Today it is the biggest player in overdose deaths in the United States. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that began to get attention long before Prince died from a fentanyl overdose.

T he prevalence of drugs being laced with fentanyl is frightening. According to the CDC, approximately 107,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2021 and fentanyl accounted for 71,238 of those. This is up from the 57,834 in 2020. These numbers are alarming, and in some cases have doubled depending on the state or county you live. It isn’t just affecting regular drug users - young people experimenting with drugs for the first time are putting their lives at risk.

R ight now more than 120,000 fentanyl test strips are available free to the public from the Wisconsin Department of Health. Test strips have become legal to carry in Minnesota. The test strips are a tool to tell if a substance has fentanyl in it, which is helpful to those who use or are considering using a drug.

W hat do the test strips do? By displacing a small amount of a drug into water with a test strip, one can determine if fentanyl is present in drugs such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines, as well as pills that are made to resemble prescription medications. More and more we are hearing stories that even marijuana or weed purchased outside of legal dispensaries is at risk of being laced with fentanyl. You can’t see, taste or smell fentanyl. People taking any drug not purchased from a licensed pharmacy should always use fentanyl test strips. Even though test strips may not be available everywhere, they can be purchased for a few dollars per strip at most large pharmacies or online. It seems that with this epidemic of fentanyl-laced drugs, it’s time to start talking about better availability and affordability of test strips in order to save more lives.

Publisher’s View Carter Johnson

O f course, the best way to avoid a fentanyl overdose is to abstain from using drugs at all.

Candidate profiles

T his week’s edition marks the last of the paid political letters to the editor. For that, our news team is grateful. We continue to believe letters to the editor are one of the best ways to engage our readers in dialogue about important local topics and share the variety of opinions represented by people in our communities. Over the past several weeks the paper, our news staff, and even me personally have been accused of leaning extremely far left and extremely far right, based on the letters that are published in a given week. We keep reminding our readers that we publish all letters that meet our guidelines, and letters represent the opinions of people in the community, not the paper. I guess if we are accused of representing all ends of the political spectrum, then we are actually staying neutral. I do wish everyone having strong opinions about the election would stop being so mean to each other, no matter what side they’re on. It’s time to get back to being neighbors. W hat we do offer right now is a complete 2022 Voters’ Guide, which can be found at presspubs.com. The Voters’ Guide covers all of the state, township, city council and school board candidates running to represent the communities in the Press’ circulation area. Some candidates chose not to respond to our questionnaire.

T he Voters’ Guide provides readers an opportunity to learn about the candidates and where they stand on important issues. We focus on local elections that don’t tend to get coverage elsewhere. We do not tell you who to vote for, but through the Voters’ Guide, we have laid some groundwork for you to make your own informed decisions.

Take some time to review the Voters’ Guide before you mail in your ballot or head out to the polls. Although we are sold out of most hard copies, it is available online. As always, feel to give us a call for comments or story ideas at 651-407-1200.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

Adding structure to enhance your landscape design

Our first foray into landscaping occurred more than 30 years ago and consisted of traditional spireas, mugo pines and dogwoods, all surrounded by landscape rock. As we learned more about gardening, we wanted to make our yard stand out. After consulting with a local designer, we learned more about the concept of structure, and how adding simple objects like trellises and raised beds can add height and interest to the landscape. Our structure journey started with a simple fence. This provided a focal point, demarcation, and a foundation to build on. Since then, we have added trellises, a garden bridge, raised planters, and an arbor. Each of these additions had a purpose, usually related to plant needs, but we also thought about how a structure could add beauty, height, or color to tie in the surrounding landscape.

I am comfortable working with wood and building things;

Election season is considered to be when filing first begins until the day of the election.

Limited to 350 words. Paid letters running longer will be charged $10 per 30 words after that.

Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $35 fee. Please call 651-407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement letters are labeled, “paid letter.”

if you don’t have these skills, you can work with a landscaper (or handy friend) to create your own structures. The internet has many great resources to help you find design ideas, and some sites provide step-by-step instructions and supply lists, too.

If you like the challenge of building things, here are some tools and materials that I recommend:

• A table saw, power miter box, jigsaw and good drill are important for accurate cutting and fastening.

• Mechanical fasteners in stainless steel, if possible, work great. Adhesives tend to lose cohesion in our extreme thaw and freeze cycles.

• Brazilian Ipe wood (a renewable hardwood) is ideal for trellises and non-planter structures. It is extremely hard and requires sharp tooling. Cedar is a less-expensive alternative, requiring staining every other year.

• Ipe oil is a commercially available finish that does an excellent job of sealing wood and protecting it from the elements.

• Professional grade treated landscape timbers work well for structures that will hold soil and water, such as raised beds.

The trellises were the simplest of our projects and took only

a few hours to build, but they made the most visible impact. Providing structure for our languishing clematis allowed it to climb and spread, and we have been rewarded by an unprecedented influx of pollinators and hummingbirds. Our arbor and bridge gave us the opportunity to amend the soil and introduce additional plant species, which also benefit the pollinator ecosystem. As our structure adventures continue, we often find new projects to enhance our landscape. Instead of staking our hydrangeas to protect them from the wind, we plan to build another fence that will offer both physical support and an aesthetic focal point.

W hether you spend just a few hours on a simple trellis, or you build multiple garden structures as we have, you’ll find that adding visual interest to your landscape can be both beneficial and beautiful.

The University of Minnesota Extension has several resources for home gardeners who want to learn more about landscape design. For more details, visit: https://extension.umn. edu/lawns-and-landscapes/ landscape-design.

LETTER GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION SEASON 2022

Letters for or against a candidate will qualify as paid letters.

Submissions must include a full name, address and phone number for verification.

Letter-writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.

Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

• Repeat unpaid letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published. Repeat paid endorsement letters will be

published as space permits. Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer.

Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters at the editor’s discretion.

Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

Letters by campaign managers or candidates designed to champion the candidate’s position on a specific issue will be accepted as paid letters.

• Letters reprinted as part of letter-writing campaigns are paid letters.

All letters are subject to editing. We reserve the right to not publish any letter.

The deadline to submit a letter is 5 p.m. Wednesday the week prior to publication.

The last batch of letters to be printed before the Nov. 8 election will be printed in the Oct. 26 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.19.

To submit a letter, email news@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651429-1242 or mail/deliver it to Press Publications.

Nyle Zikmund is an Anoka County Master Gardener.

Gardener’s Grapevine Nyle Zikmund

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

What legacy do we want to leave?

I was reviewing candidates for the upcoming Mahtomedi School Board election and noted the word legacy used in some of the campaign literature. I remember being rejected by a college because the parents of another applicant from town had attended the school and that person filled the quota from my town, a legacy acceptance. I got into another college with a scholarship and did well. I have not thought much about “legacy” admissions until I saw the word in some of the school board candidates’ campaign lit erature. The word “legacy” has bad connotations for some people who see it as exclusionary and a benefit of heritage, class, and race.

I also read in this literature a desire to return the classroom to the “ABCs” and 1+1;” the classrooms of my youth in the ’50s and ’60s. While nostalgia may seem good, students who are not trained to prob lem-solve and understand our history will not be the applicants that college or trade school admissions committees are looking for. The future of our students depends on our ability to offer them a curriculum that allows them to challenge the future. We must give them the legacy that Steve Wolgamot left us with his work on the Mahtomedi school board, not a legacy based on where your parents and grandparents lived.

The publicly available data for our school district shows excellent student performance with top-level scores in the state and a solid school system national ranking. We had seven National Merit finalists from our high school this past year. While they likely would have been finalists in any school system, their parents live here, in Mahtomedi, to improve their child’s chance for success. The reputation of our school system is high, and reputations are hard to get and easy to lose.

Think about this as you cast your vote for school board.

Bill Roberts Mahtomedi

the idea as a bit awkward and self-serving. But then I considered how important this election is for our district, and decided I needed to get past my personal discomfort and address my fellow residents directly. If you are reading this, I have two thoughts to share.

If you haven’t done so already, please take the time to learn everything you can about our six candidates for school board. School board races used to be sleepy affairs, often populated with unopposed candidates. Those days are over, perhaps never returning. I welcome this vibrancy in local democracy, but it un derscores that we, as voters, must shift our thinking about local school board elections. They are every bit as important, and probably more so, as the better-pub licized state and national races. This year is more important than most, with our school board potential ly on the cusp of a significant member turnover. Nov. 8 will define our district’s direction for years to come.

I want to thank the district for my experiences campaigning over the past few months. The conversa tions I’ve had with voters, connections I’ve made with supporters, and miles of our district that I’ve walked have all changed me for the better. My wife and I were welcomed here 13 years ago, and little could happen that would change my firm belief that Mahtomedi was and remains an exceptional place to raise a fami ly. Thank you all!

Mark Pollard White Bear Lake

them a sense of security. And please, allow them to be kids.

5. Use your power to empower. Not to push an agen da. Not to form young activists. You have the power and authority as a public school representative to fos ter academic growth of young minds. Use it to foster confident free thinkers.

Jennifer Thayer White Bear Township

PAID LETTER

Candidate will limit government overreach

As a mom of three young children and an active community volunteer, I am supporting Heather Gus tafson for state Senate and I hope you will too. She is a mom, a teacher and a member of our community who understands our needs. She knows firsthand how to support our schools, ensuring our children have ac cess to great teachers in each classroom. She is com mitted to community safety and supports funding to hire more local police and for after-school programs designed to help at-risk youth and she will protect all of us from government overreach in our lives.

Heather’s commitment to our families, feeling safer in our daily lives and our freedom, make her the best candidate to represent us. Please join me in support ing Heather Gustafson for state Senate.

PAID LETTER

Taking care of what we have

Residents love our community and want to ensure the leadership of Vadnais Heights takes care of it with them.

As I go knocking on as many doors as I can to speak with residents of Vadnais Heights, “stewardship,” or “taking care of what we have,” keeps coming to mind because that is what our residents are asking for.

PAID LETTER

We can find common ground

I’m Heather Gustafson and I’m running for state Senate. I’m also the mother of four, a wife, teacher and a member of St. Joe’s in Lino Lakes, American Legion #566 and Pheasants Forever. I volunteer for Mounds View Softball, and am a former member of the Vad nais Heights Community Engagement Committee. My goal is to serve the community I care about and call home.

As we enter the final weeks of the campaign, politi cal groups are spending incredible amounts of money to gain a competitive advantage by spreading misin formation. Let me tell you where I really stand:

• Pro-public safety — I respect law enforcement and support funding our local police so we can tackle ris ing crime and prevent it before it happens. Had I been in the Senate, I would have voted for the Public Safety Amendment that would have given millions to local police departments to help them protect and serve our community. Unfortunately, my opponent voted against that amendment.

• A strong economy — I support responsible tax cuts, including elimination of the tax on Social Se curity. I’ll fight to lower prescription drug costs and prohibit price gouging.

• Great schools — As a teacher, I know the challeng es students and schools are facing. I’ll work to make sure students from pre-K to graduation get what they need to succeed.

• Protection from government overreach — We need to keep the government out of decisions about our bodies, our relationships or how we raise our chil dren.

• Community transportation needs — The Rush Line outcome was a local decision that affected White Bear Lake. I trust White Bear citizens to make that decision for themselves, which is why I stayed neutral in discussions about the Rush Line.

It’s easy to become cynical as we’re bombarded by ads and mailers. But I believe politics can be a force for good, as long as we stay focused on what matters. I’ll never declare allegiance to a political party ahead of what’s best for our community. Together, we can find common ground, and if elected to serve as your state senator, that’s what I’ll do.

Heather Gustafson Vadnais Heights

City budgets are not that exciting to most residents, but the budget is at the core of taking care of our city. This is where is all starts. Budgets are a moral docu ment of what a community prioritizes.

Vadnais Heights is almost all built out as a commu nity. We have many more residents now, and much less open green space. It is more important than ever now to preserve what we have and ensure we keep up with our infrastructure to provide the residents of VH the quality of services they expect.

Our infrastructure, which includes our roads, water services and parks, is old and has not been adequately maintained. The City Council for years has taken the approach of being a low-tax city at the expense of our infrastructure. Council members have kicked the can down the road. Well, we are at the end of the road. Regardless of who gets elected mayor and to the City Council, residents are going to see a significant increase in their taxes in 2023 and the next few years just to maintain our city, not enhance it. The projected tax increase for 2023 is north of 13%, with many residents feeling an impact of over 20%. These big increases are already in next year’s budget but could have been avoided if the council had done strategic planning for the past several years instead of touting itself as “low cost.” This type of leadership is not being fiscally responsible.

If elected, I will have to deal with these challenging times and unhappy residents, but I pledge to you I will vote consistently for good stewardship/taking care of Vadnais Heights and ALL its residents.

Mike Krachmer Vadnais Heights

PAID LETTER

Leah Nicholson White Bear Lake

Candidate a good steward of tax dollars

I’m confident that Mark Pollard will make an excel lent Mahtomedi school board member. Mark is a par ent to two elementary-aged kids and with his career in finance, he’s committed to being a good steward of our tax dollars to ensure the success of current and future students. He is tuned into the current happen ings of the school board and, as a former teacher him self, he knows what our teachers need to feel support ed and valued. Mark will hear all the voices in the district equally, including alumni families, those new to the district and those who have been traditionally marginalized. He’s ready to hit the ground running and work respectfully and collaboratively to focus on student achievement for all of our kids. Please join me in voting for Mark Pollard on Nov. 8.

Tovah Marek Mahtomedi

PAID LETTER

Change needed on school board

Change in leadership is needed on the Mahtomedi school board. I am voting for Ryan Domin to effect the needed change. As a Mahtomedi alumnus, Ryan experienced firsthand as a student the impact the Mahtomedi school board’s decisions have on academ ic achievement and the academic experience in the district. The decisions by school boards of the past led to Mahtomedi’s rise to the No. one-ranked public school in the state, along with similar improvements in measurable academic achievement. In recent years, Mahtomedi schools have objectively suffered a broad and steady decline in academic performance as the priorities of the school board have changed.

PAID LETTER

5 steps to save our schools

1. Be welcoming. Stop the division of children by race, gender, nationality … through your posters, lectures and affinity group division. If you want to foster children’s emotional development, treat fami lies equally.

2. Communicate. Not with carefully worded press releases, emails and newsletters laced with politically driven catch phrases. Communicate how you will help our children learn basic academic skills, prepar ing them for success after they leave your classrooms.

3. Compromise. We know the majority of teachers are union members. The union backs the Democratic party. Yet, a large portion of families you serve are Christian conservatives who deserve respect for our beliefs. Show us that you protect our children’s identity, too.

PAID LETTER

School board race important for future

Hello, Mahtomedi, I’m Mark Pollard. When I first considered submitting a paid letter about my own candidacy for Mahtomedi school board, I dismissed

4. Realize they are children. Not miniature adults. They are not capable of mentally processing the full scope of adult topics on racism and sexuality that you throw at them. The continued push of complex topics will only increase the behavior issues schools are facing. Set up strong boundaries for discipline. Give

Ryan’s plan is straight forward. (1) Refocus the district’s mission on academic achievement in the foundational subjects of literacy and math. (2) Rein troduce the concepts of the past that led to Mahtome di’s academic dominance and eliminate concepts that have contributed to Mahtomedi’s academic decline. (3) Determine what the current high-achieving schools in the state have done to earn their way to the top and bring those successful concepts back to Mahtomedi schools.

For decades, Mahtomedi schools have been the hallmark of the Mahtomedi community. Families have moved to Mahtomedi, and Mahtomedi alumni like Ryan have chosen to move their families back to the district because of the schools. This is very much in jeopardy, as evidenced by the huge number of Mahtomedi families moving their children to schools outside the district. A vote for Ryan on Nov. 8 is a vote to return to what the Mahtomedi district once was and can be again.

Doug Wolgamot Mahtomedi

COPS&COURTS

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township:

Vadnais Heights

• An Oakdale man reported the catalytic converter stolen from his Ford Escape Sept. 23 while it was parked at the Sucker Lake Regional Park south lot.

• A resident in the 900 block of Valley Oaks Road at 8:50 p.m. Sept. 23 reported the windows of her vehicle smashed in with a baseball bat by a male wearing a black hoodie and driving a black sedan.

• A Lindstrom man reported the catalytic converter stolen from his Acura 3 overnight Sept. 25-26 as it was parked in a hotel lot in the 1100 block of County Road E.

• A Shoreview man, 52, was ar rested Sept. 28 in the 700 block of County Road F for assault after Ramsey County Sheriff's Office deputies were called out to the scene of a dispute between a brother and sister.

• A resident in the 4100 block of Centerville Road on Sept. 29 reported an apartment window broken after he heard a loud noise, followed by the sound of a window breaking.

• A St. Paul man, 42, was arrested on multiple warrants and booked for motor vehicle theft Sept. 30 in the 3500 block of Hoffman Road after he was observed arriving in a business parking lot belonging to Priority Courier, entering an unsecured truck and taking the truck without permission before fleeing the area. After the stolen vehicle was tracked to a motel in Maplewood, deputies and Maple wood Police Department squads saturated the area. With the help of State Patrol Air Support, authorities located and took the suspect into custody.

• A St. Paul man was hospitalized at St. John's Hospital after he

was assaulted Oct. 1 in the south Vadnais Lake parking lot on Sucker Lake Road. Although the suspects fled the scene, witness es called 911 upon observing the fight. Deputies found the victim was not very forthcoming with the details of the incident. Fol low-up interviews with witnesses revealed that the victim was the antagonizer.

• A White Bear Lake man, 45, was arrested on a felony Anoka Coun ty warrant Oct. 1 at the Kwik Trip in the 3200 block of High way 61 after deputies conducted a random license plate check of an unoccupied vehicle at the gas pumps.

White Bear Township

•A 66-year-old Las Cruces, New Mexico man has been charged in Ramsey County Court for mak ing terroristic threats Sept. 25 in the 4100 block of Parkridge Drive, after deputies were called out to the scene of an assault against a male and female.

• Cub Foods in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive on Sept. 26 reported four juveniles for enter ing the store and grabbing bottles of liquor before fleeing. During their flight, one of the youths dropped one of the bottles before running through a neighboring parking lot and disappearing from the area. A Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert was issued on their vehicle.

• A White Bear Township woman, 26, was arrested on a warrant Sept. 26 after deputies were called out to the 4500 block of Grace Street to see about a person in crisis. While an adult male was transported to hospital by ambu lance, the subject was transport ed to jail.

• A New Brighton woman, 26, was cited for assault at 6:30 a.m. Sept. 28 in the 5900 block of Otter View Trail, following a domestic.

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• A Maplewood man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop at Buerkle Road and White Bear Avenue Oct. 12.

• Officers responded to a family dis pute in the 3800 block of McKnight Road Oct 12.

• Officers mediated a disorderly conduct situation in the 3600 block of East County Line Road Oct. 12.

• Harassment was reported in the 1900 block of Third Street Oct. 12.

• Officers responded to an alterca tion in the 2400 block of Orchard Lane Oct. 12.

• Harassment was reported in the 2500 block of Mayfair Avenue Oct. 12.

• Suspicious phone calls were reported in the 2100 block of Roth Place Oct. 12.

• A vehicle hit a pedestrian in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road Oct. 12. Minor injuries were reported.

• A White Bear man was arrested for not having insurance and for possession of methamphetamine and marijuana following a traffic stop at White Bear Avenue and South Shore Blvd. Oct. 12.

• Officers responded to calls of sus picious activity Oct. 13 at Podvin Park, the 3500 block of McKnight Road, the 4700 block of Campbell Avenue, and the 3900 block of Lin den Street.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 4700 block of Highway 61 Oct. 13.

• Theft by swindle was reported in the 3600 block of Dennis Lane Oct. 13.

• Harassment was reported in the 4800 block of Johnson Avenue Oct. 13.

BUILDING LIVES THAT INSPIRE

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

The Washington County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Birchwood, Dellwood, Grant, Mahto medi, Pine Springs and Willernie:

Dellwood

• A speeding motorist was cited for driving after revocation at 12:03 a.m. Oct. 8 in the area of Dellwood Avenue and Yellow Birch Road after Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies observed a vehicle speeding on Dellwood Avenue and trained their radar device on the vehicle to confirm their suspi cions.

Grant

• A suspicious male reported seen on a security system in the 11000 block of Julianne Avenue N. at 6:45 a.m. Oct. 4 turned out to be a male client from nearby Cedar Ridge who had left the facility during the overnight hours and who had since returned to his residence.

• Residents in the 8000 block of Imperial Court N. reported a burglary overnight Oct. 4-5, after finding their vehicle tampered with and the garage door opener stolen.

• A bicycle was reported stolen from a day camp in the 10000 block of 75th Street N. on Oct. 5 and recov ered nearby.

• An unidentified motorist was arrested late Oct. 5 in the area of Dellwood Road N. and Manning Avenue N. on an active warrant out of Hennepin County after dep uties ran the license plate number through their mobile computer database.

• Residents in the 8000 block of 60th Street N. reported damage to their mailbox overnight Oct. 6-7.

Mahtomedi

• A vehicle reported stolen from an address on Stillwater Road Oct. 2 turned out not to have belonged to the complainant. The incident was not considered a crime at the time of the report.

• A resident in the 1900 block of 6th street reported their student was assaulted at school Oct. 13.

• Theft and fraud were reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Oct. 13.

• Officers located two juveniles out past curfew Oct. 14 in the area of County Road E and Highland Ave nue.

• A White Bear Lake man was ar rested for an outstanding disor derly conduct warrant in the 3500 block of Century Avenue Oct. 14.

• A Gem Lake man was arrested for third degree domestic assault on Summit Farm Lane, Gem Lake Oct. 14.

• Suspicious activity was reported in the 2200 block of Orchard Lane Oct. 14.

• Harassment was reported in the 4500 block of Centerville Road Oct. 14.

• A catalytic converter was report ed stolen Oct. 2 in the area of Long Lake Road and Lincolntown Avenue. The theft was witnessed, and a Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) report has been issued.

• Motor vehicle theft was reported overnight Oct. 4-5, after deputies were dispatched out to the scene of a suspicious vehicle in the area of Wildwood Court and Warner Avenue N.

• Residents in the 1000 block of War ner Avenue N. on Oct. 5 reported an intoxicated male neighbor for provoking them and cursing at them.

• An unidentified individual was arrested Oct. 5 in the 1000 block of Warner Avenue N. for DWI and driving on a license canceled due to behavior inimical to public safety.

• A Spruce Street resident reported a possibly rabid raccoon perched on some large rocks Oct. 6. Dep uties advised the complainant that it wasn't safe to dispatch the raccoon and to alert deputies if it moved from its rocks.

• A Grub Hub driver was reported Oct. 6 for opening the front door of a residence on Glenmar Avenue without permission to deliver the complainant's food. The com plainant had already reported this brazen, unusual behavior to Grub Hub central and simply wanted the incident documented.

• Deputies cited a motorist Oct. 8 on westbound I-694 just east of Centu ry Avenue for displaying expired registration.

Pine Springs

• A motorist was cited at 2:06 a.m. Oct. 8 on I-694 south of Highway 36 for violating the Ted Foss Move Over law.

Willernie

• Theft was reported Oct. 5 on War ner Avenue S.

• A vehicle was stolen in the 2100 block of Fourth Street Oct. 14.

• Officers responded to a dispute Oct. 14 between a resident in the 2600 block of Aspen Court and an adult son living at the address.

• Disorderly conduct was reported at the intersection of Orchard Lane and McKnight Road Oct. 15.

Suspicious activity was reported in the 2200 block of County Road F Oct. 15.

• Theft was reported in the 2600 block of Aspen Court Oct. 15.

• A bicycle was stolen in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Oct. 15.

A person stole a bottle of vodka Oct. 15 from MGM in the 4300 block of Lake Avenue.

• A Woodbury woman was arrested for 911 interference following a domestic incident in the 1400 block of Park Street Oct. 15.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

LUNCH AND TABLE GAMES

When: noon Wednesday, Oct. 26 and Nov. 9

Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Cen terville Road, Vadnais Heights

Details: Bring a bag lunch and play table games with friends. Coffee provided.

Contact: 651-204-6000 or cityvadnaisheights.com/seniors

ROCK THE RINK

When: 5:30-10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27

Where: Kellerman’s Event Center,

Details: Hockey Day MN fundraiser features live music by Good for Gary, complimentary appetizers, beer release, and silent auction. Tickets $99; ages 21+.

Contact: tempotickets.com/rocktherink

“THE GIRL WHO SWALLOWED A CACTUS”

When: 7 p.m. Thursday Oct. 27 and Friday, Oct. 28; 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29; 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30

Where: Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4941 Long Ave.

White Bear Lake

Details: Performance recommended for ages 6 ad up. Tickets $20/adult; $10/child.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

TRAVEL SHOW

When: 10 a.m-noon Friday, Oct. 28

Where: White Bear Senior Center, 2484 E County Rd F

Details: Join us as we discuss the exciting rebound in the travel and tourism industry. It is time to learn and dream about touring again.

Contact: 651-653-3121

KIDS WORLD OF FUN

When: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29

Where: Majestic Pines Community Church, 930 Mahto medi Ave.

Details: Parents and children through grade 6 can enjoy candy and popcorn, carnival games, prizes, moonwalk, family photos and a box maze. Free.

Contact: majesticpines.com

OCTOBER COMEDY SHOW

When: 6:30 and 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29

Where: Running Aces, 15201 Zurich St., Forest Lake

Details: Headliner Wendy Maybury, featuring Kevin Cahak, and hosted by Pege Miller. $25 in advance; $30 day of show. Dinner available.

Contact: 651-925-4600 or runaces.com

SILVER HARMONY SINGERS BENEFIT CONCERT

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29

Where: Parkview United Methodist Church, 3737 Bel laire Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Annual concert benefits the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Free, but monetary donations requested.

Contact: 612-867-2171

Sign refresh

Workers replaced the sign at Highway 61 and Fourth Street welcoming visitors to down town White Bear Lake.

Press Publications hosts Thanksgiving artwork contest

Press Publications has teamed up with local author Frank Zeller to host a Thanksgiving-inspired artwork challenge. Youth age 3 to 10 are invit ed to submit a drawing that depicts their perspective of the Thanksgiving holiday. The contest winner’s artwork

will be published in the newspaper. Drawings should be submitted by Nov. 10, and can be dropped off or mailed to the Press Publications office, located at 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Submit your child’s artwork

A well-known local author, Frank Zeller, has issued a challenge for children from ages 3 to 10 to submit their perspective of our Thanksgiving holiday.

Drawings need to be submitted by Nov. 10, 2022 MAIL TO Press Publications 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110 OR put in the drop box outside our front door.

NE METRO ROTARY OPEN HOUSE

When: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3

Where: White Bear Country Inn, 4940 Highway 61, White Bear lake

Details: Learn about the satellite club of WBL Rotary, which meets once a month and focuses on community service. Hors d'oeuvres served and cash bar. RSVP.

Contact: nemetrorotaryclub@gmail.com

SENIOR CENTER CRAFT CORNER FALL BOUTIQUE

When: 9 a.m.- 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Satur day, Nov 5

Where: White Bear Senior Center, 2484 E County Rd F

Details: Shop the fall holiday boutique for unique home crafted items by local seniors. Home and holiday decor, mittens, hats, scarves, kitchen items, art jewelry and more! Also a bake sale.

“UNVEILED”

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, Sunday, Nov. 6, and Mon day, Nov. 7

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: One-woman show written and performed by Rohina Malik. Tickets $20

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

Breakfast for Veterans at Harbor Crossing

Drive Up Harbor Crossing Front Entrance

Honoring all veterans!

you for your service! We would like to give you a FREE breakfast to go. Drive up and we will run it out to you at the front door.

To RSVP, please call Vicki at 651-762-6121 or email vseidl@preshomes.org by November 7th.

Crossing

Centerville Rd, White Bear Lake, MN

INVASIVE SPECIES: Treatment keeping weeds at bay despite drought conditions

FROM

reaching the 2010 level in the near future,” McComas told the board. Last year, 50 acres were treated.

His June survey included a search for starry stonewort at public access points around the lake, which fortunately wasn’t found. “You don’t want it,” McComas said. “It disrupts spawning and hurts habitat. It’s worthwhile to keep check ing for starry stonewort. We’re always on the lookout for it at public accesses. You want to find it early and contain it.”

The weed forms a blan ket-like mat that can be 2 to 3 feet thick and 4 feet wide. Twenty-one lakes in Minne sota have confirmed starry stonewort.

Another invasive mentioned at last week’s meeting was the spiny water flea, accidently introduced to North America in the 1980s. McComas said it is a miniature crustacean that competes for native zooplank ton, an important food source for fingerlings. Fish avoid them, he said, because of the flea’s spines. “Fish will even tually figure how to eat them,” McComas added. “The same with zebra mussels. Fish and

ducks control zebra mussels in the Caspian Sea, where they originate. It will happen here someday.”

A board member also asked if Asian carp could come to White Bear Lake. The answer is no. The inva sive carp requires specific spawning habitat and only spawns in fertile rivers, never freshwater lakes. “The Illinois river is a poster child for Asian carp,” McComas said. The Minnesota River could probably support them, but the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers are not fertile enough.

In other business at the district’s Oct. 18 meeting:

• Lake level was reported at 922.59 feet, down 13 inches from April. Water tempera ture is a chilly 47 degrees, down from 70 degrees a month ago. Lake quality committee Chair Mike Par enteau said the temperature drop might indicate an early freeze.

• The board agreed that next summer, the slalom ski course can be moved every three weeks instead of every two.

These before and after EWM treatment maps show that areas of heavy growth (in red) were reduced to just one patch on the lake’s north end by August.

• Board Member Chris Chur chill of Mahtomedi was named vice chair of the lake utiliza tion committee. The commit

tee handles dock licenses, lake usage permits, public safety and other duties.

• The district’s last 2022 meet

ing is Nov. 15. The board does not meet in December.

BRYDGES CENTRE: Organization with local ties gives hope to Kenyan children

FROM PAGE 1A

education and encouragement they need to thrive.

“If these children hadn’t walked through our door, they would probably be dead,” noted Nancy. “We refer to it as moving them from hopelessness to hope at the Brydges Centre,” Bob added. Some are preteen girls rescued from arranged marriages; some came to the center as babies abandoned in garbage dumps or were orphaned by HIV and left to fend for themselves.

The success stories are many. Now a fourth grader, Timothy was 18 months old when he was found by a Maasai herdsman in a field. Not only was he abandoned, but most of his body had been buried in the ground so he couldn’t crawl away. Police were called and local child protective services brought him to the Brydges Centre.

The toddler could not walk, could not speak and had no name. He was severe ly malnourished. Staff brought him into the family, named him Timothy Daraja and saved his life. Daraja, by the way, means “Bridge” in Swahili and is the last name given to children with no name.

Extremely bright, today Timothy is in first place academically in his classes. He loves to sing, dance and play soccer and recently declared that he wants to be a pilot when he grows up.

Nancy also shared a letter from a woman named Dorcus Nanjala, who lived at the Centre for 17 years. Dorcus recently graduated from university with a social work and community development degree and a mission to help others. She shared how she was pushed and advised to work hard for her future because “it is brighter than what I could see.

“Everyone (at the Centre) has a sense of belonging, acceptance, engagement and openness, which leads to positive outcomes for each individual at a personal level,” Dorcus said. She noted that she owes the Centre “my all” and “thanked God” for bringing her teach ers and people like “Uncle Bob and Aunty Nancy” into her life.

Led by Rosemary Wafula and her staff and supported by benefactors

like the Brydges, the nonprofit children’s home has helped more than 500 orphaned, abandoned and abused children discover their potential, earn university degrees, learn new careers and pursue personal missions to change their country.

The Centre is currently home to 132 children. The total annual operating budget for the home is $430,000. Divided by the number of children, the cost of supporting one child is $3,257 a year. Costs include food, clothing, school fees, health insurance, guest house rent, transportation, security, maintenance, utilities, teachers and staff salaries.

For more information on the Centre, visit www.brydgescentre. org or email Bob Brydges at rbry dges@comcast.net. Tax exempt donations are welcome.

IF YOU GO

Second annual Top Golf FunDrive for Kenya’s Brydges Centre is 3-6 p.m. Nov. 6 in Brooklyn Center. Enjoy golf, food, non-alcoholic bever ages, an authentic African marketplace for shopping and time to connect with hosts Bob and Nancy Brydges.

For tickets, go to: https://www.zeffy.com/enUS/ticketing/9761e646-bc094d0a-b143-3386f551af56

PUBLIC NOTICE

WHIITE BEAR LAKE

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624 MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26, 2022

Abbreviated Minutes-complete information available from the Superinten dent’s office or online at www.isd624.org.

A work session of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, September 26, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 112 at District Center, 4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1) Call to Order - Chair Ellison called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2) Roll Call - Present: Streiff Oji, Arcand, Daniels, Ellison, Newmaster. Absent: Be loyed, Thompson. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1) Construction Update - Tim Wald, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations was joined by teacher Abby Kath, principals John Leininger and Dan Schmidt, Paul Aplikowski and other representatives from Wold Architects and Engineers, and AJ Lillesve from Kraus Anderson Construction to give a construction update. 2) Summer Learning Program Update - Tim Maurer, Director of Community Services and Recreation and Lisa Ouren, Director of Student Support Services were joined by Darcy Rodriguez, Early Childhood Coordinator, Kristen Johnson, Assistant Director of Student Support Services, and Nicole Oswald, Out of School Time Programs Coordinator to provide an update on summer learning program ming, including Next Step K, Camp Summer, and Summer U. 3) Freedom Schools Update - Tim Maurer, Director of Community Services and Recreation gave an update on our first Summer Freedom Schools and our plans for Sum mer 2023. OPERATIONAL ITEMS 1) Arcand moved and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the Certification for 2022 Payable 2023 Preliminary Property Tax Levy. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 2) Daniels moved and Arcand seconded to approve the action on the Bid for Unified High School Ceiling Tensile Fabric Structure in the amount of $318,586. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT - Arcand moved and Daniels seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:26 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Margaret Newmaster, acting clerk. Published one time in the White Bear Press on October 26, 2022.

CONTRIBUTED

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The Brydges Centre Skills Training Institute teaches at-risk students a trade that can help them find jobs in the culinary world, cosmetology, cell phone repair, hospitality, catering and sewing. It changes the course of girls’ lives who won’t have an opportunity to receive a college education.

Rosemary Wafula started the children’s home in 1995 and named it after Bob and Nancy Brydges, who helped her son finish college in the United States.

Fundraisers focus on different objectives as the Centre expands. The latest project was a new preschool/kindergarten, built last year.

Miss your Envelope?

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Subscribe

Subscribe today and receive $100 value in Loyalty Coupons or online

Buy One Give One

$72/two

One

Additional

Donated

I

Name:

Check

Please

Subscribe Today for a chance to WIN a $25000 Gift Card!

Your Source to LocaL NewS

The White Bear and Vadnais Heights Press exists thanks to the community’s support. More than 17,000 newspapers are delivered weekly by our carriers and motor route drivers to the city of White Bear and Vadnais Heights.

We hope you find the White Bear and Vadnais Heights Press helpful in your daily lives. Visit our Web site at www.presspubs.com and you’ll find the scores of the local high school games, events and in-depth stories on changes in your community.

Our readers value the contribution Press Publications makes to their communities. If you also find value in the stories, photos and advertising that appear on these pages each week, please consider becoming a subscriber to this publication.

Act Now!

to subscribe today or fill out and return the envelope inside.

Miss your Envelope?

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Buy One Give One

Subscribe today and receive $100 value in Loyalty Coupons or online at www.presspubs.com/site/services

Additional Contributions to support Journalism: $_______ $26/6 mo. Subscription

year Subscription

I would like the Vadnais Heights Press to donate $1 of my subscription to the Vadnais Heights

Please tip

Total

Today’s

Name:

Vadnais Heights

Please tip my carrier $_______

Total amount enclosed

Today’s date:

Name: Address: City/State/Zip:

City/State/Zip:

Check

Expires:

WhatTheReadersAreSaying

651-407-1200 circ@presspubs.com

Please detach this portion and mail with your payment.

Subscribe Today for a chance to WIN a $25000 Gift Card!

“We really love this local paper. Keeps us really informed on what’s going on in our community.”

appreciate reading about the positive things going on in the community, especially with our youth. Great to see and read about!”

Now – it’s even easier to move a loved one here.

Encore’s unmatched lifestyle brings a sense of family to residents in our convenient Twin Cities locations. We welcome you to tour one or many of our communities for yourself or a loved one. Whichever you choose, Encore is expertly positioned to provide attentive, quality care.

Ask about our move-in savings for assisted living & memory care. Call 651-370-8644 today.

* Must be used on move-in expenses. Offer ends 12/31/22. For complete terms and conditions, contact Encore.

Vadnai Heights

PAID LETTER

Response to claims in letter

I am writing in response to the letter written by Jill Fisher-MacIntosh published in the White Bear Press and Quad Press on Oct. 11 titled, “Candidate supports Rush Line.” Ms. Fisher-MacIntosh states that in the recent candidate forum, Heather Gustafson expressed strong support for the Rush Line. I listened to the can didate forum to find this information, and nowhere in the forum did I hear Heather say she strongly sup ported the Rush Line.

What Heather Gustafson did say during the forum was that she has met with business leaders in the northern suburbs who talked about how the lack of funding and support for infrastructure from Republi can senators is hurting us and hurting future proj ects. These business leaders cited specific examples of economic investments that they knew were lost to our community because we didn’t have the leadership support for transportation or infrastructure projects in the northeast suburbs. The Republican senators have not had the desire to put money into our roads, bridges or public transportation.

Heather also said that local leaders in construction management are saying the same thing, that with out transit, it hurts their ability to get workers to job sites, and seniors want the ability to get around in our community. She supports giving cities what they need in terms of infrastructure when they need it. She also stated she supports reasonable, stable and long-term funding for infrastructure because our local govern ments depend on state roads, reliable bridges and transportation systems.

Heather appears to be listening to her constituents and their transportation needs in our community. I will be voting for Heather on Nov 8.

Lori Olinger North Oaks

ties — a vibrant and healthy place where people of all backgrounds can thrive.

With Keith Ellison, the Office of the Attorney General is taking steps to make sure that Minneso tans will have the clean air and water and healthy, safe places to work and live that our families need to prosper.

Keith Ellison is defending us against polluters. As our state's chief consumer advocate, he filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil Corp., Koch Industries and the American Petroleum Institute, saying these compa nies knew long ago the negative effects their products have on the environment but chose instead to deceive the public about the harm they were doing. He also moved aggressively with state agencies to protect workers from lead poisoning at a suburban manufac turer and worked closely with the Minnesota Pollu tion Control Agency to shut down a longtime polluter in North Minneapolis.

When we exercise our right to vote, we send a message about what we value for ourselves and our families. Minnesota's voter participation is one of the highest in the nation because voters believe in the in tegrity of our system. Keith will be there to defend our system of voting when attempts are made to challenge the integrity of our elections, giving us confidence that when our vote is cast, it is counted.

We can protect Minnesota's communities and en vironment by electing candidates like Keith Ellison, who defend us against polluters and are committed to making Minnesota healthier, safer, and cleaner for our families and future generations.

Joe Crowe White Bear Lake

volunteer, an attorney, a nonprofit employee. Read more about who they are, what they stand for and how they want to help our communities. Then please vote for them on or before Election Day on Nov. 8. I will be so proud to be represented at the state Capitol by these highly capable and hardworking women.

Dianne Sandberg White Bear Lake

PAID LETTER

Election will impact lives

This upcoming election will be one of the most important and impactful elections in years. From women’s rights to protecting our democracy, the results of this election will fundamentally impact all our lives. Extremist Republicans want to slash edu cation, ban all abortions, push divisive culture wars and erode the integrity of our elections. Quite honest ly, their agenda scares the hell out of me. That is why I am very glad we have three fantastic local candi dates who are standing up against such radicalism.

PAID LETTER

Candidate will defend climate, elections

Most of us want the same things for our communi

PAID LETTER

Candidates bring variety of experiences

Midterm elections ARE important, and I'm feeling so lucky to know and support three women who are running for state office in Senate District 36. They are Heather Gustafson for Senate, Susie Strom for House District 36A and Brion Curran for House District 36B. They bring a variety of experiences with them. Look at their official campaign sites to learn who is a former deputy sheriff, a current high school teacher, an Army veteran and current reservist, a community

Heather Gustafson, Brion Curran and Susie Strom are all moderates who take commonsense approaches to issues that truly matter in our community. These candidates want to help support our local economy through responsible tax cuts for families, seniors and small businesses. They want to ensure Minnesotans have access to world-class schools by fully funding education. These candidates are also strong allies of law enforcement and want to make sure police receive the funding and training needed to make all Min nesotans feel safe in our communities. Finally, all three want to help protect Minnesotans from harmful government overreach, making sure that decisions we make about our bodies, who we love, how we raise our children, or how we vote are private decisions.

Heather Gustafson, Brion Curran and Susie Strom all give me hope in this volatile and uncertain time, which is why I will be supporting them on Nov. 8. I sincerely hope you will join me.

Joel Juen White Bear Lake

SEE MORE LETTERS,

bottoms dry

also needed.

5,

Diaper need is growing for local families. Most daycare facilities require parents to provide diapers, which can be a significant additional cost for working parents trying to afford childcare.

be dropped

in the church commons from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Thursdays.

donations are also accepted online at communityofgrace.church/ diaper-drive.

The Diaper Drive runs through Thanksgiving Eve. Community of Grace is located at 4000 Linden Street, White Bear Lake.

October 2022 Carrier of the Month

Joe Johnson

Congratulations to Joe Johnson! Joe has been a carrier with us for 8 months. Thank you for all your hard work.

In-Person worship

Action from the Mahtomedi City Council Oct 18 meeting:

The roads may look great, and now they have to be paid for. After a public hearing, council passed a resolution approving the final assessment rolls and adopted special assessments for the city’s 2022 street improvement project. The $1.5 million project in cluded mill and overlay work for War ner Avenue North and reconstruction work on Maple and Locust streets. The amount to be assessed to abutting property owners is $174,182; the re mainder of the costs will be financed through the city's various funds.

Washington County has largely finished its work on Wildwood Road, so detours through residential neigh borhoods should have stopped. After a public hearing, council passed a res olution adopting special assessments for the CSAH (Wildwood Road) Street Improvement Project. The county paid for most of the approximately $6 million project, and the city will pay $365,308. Additionally, abutting prop erty owners will share the $197,239.72 in assessments, according to the city fee schedule.

Council approved an amendment to the Metropolitan Council grant agree

ment that extended the Lake Links Trail grant eligibility until June 2023.

Council amended the recently passed tower lease agreement to allow additional antennae on the DISH Wireless tower on Briarwood Avenue.

The festive, illuminated sailboat will return to Veterans Memorial Park for the holidays this year, after council directed city staff to work with its owner to display the A Scow under the same terms and conditions as last year.

The average speed on south Warner Avenue during the recent three-week speed study was 28 mph in a 25 mph zone, according to results provided by the speed trailer stationed on Warner Road at 72nd Street. Most alarming, however, is that the highest speeds occurred during pickup and drop-off times at O. H. Anderson Elementary, said Public Works Director Bob Goeb el. During those times, 196 vehicles registered speeds of 39 mph or greater. As most of the speeding traffic likely involves people with children at the school, the city will send a letter to the school district to set up a collaborative effort encouraging its drivers to obey the speed limit. The speed trailer will remain in position to record traffic

speed for the next three weeks, Goebel said.

A black bear has been reported wandering around the north end of town, said Council Member Lilly Melander. Goebel added that a bear has broken into a beehive and into bird feeders. Visit the link on the city web site at www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us and on its Facebook site to learn how to avoid attracting bears. He remind ed the public that it is illegal to feed wildlife, including deer, and that bird feeders must be at least 5 feet off the ground.

Melander also reminded the public that anyone caught destroying or taking yard signs, especially political signs, can be subject to a large fine. “We all need to be respectful of our neighbors and their property,” she said.

The council next meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at City Hall, 600 Still water Road.

Loretta B. Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.

costumewinner!Contest

Congratulations to the winners Aiden, 12, and Adrian, 9. They are being kidnapped by aliens.

Night

CONTRIBUTED

John Volgren and Kristin Dahl

Haunting pre-Halloween

Above: Brock, Brian and Emma Johnson and Natalia Castaneda wear race-ready costumes as they jog along the Lake Avenue pedestrian and bike path during the recent Midwest Multisport Races Scare in White Bear event, featuring a 5K and children’s fun run.

At right: Getting into the spirit of the Halloween themed event, Yuriko and Ayana Schmidt and their dog Bella dressed as Mario, Toad and Princess Peach.

every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.

Above: Merrily Shipp and her Australian red heeler dog Willy dressed in colorful matching tutus for the event.

At left: St. Clair family mem bers, Chris, Isabelle, Parker, Gavin and Michelle, roast hot dogs over one of the open fire pits set up at Me morial Beach for the event, sponsored by Midwest Events, Kinecio Physical Therapy and Summit Pilates and Training. Find more photos at presspubs.com.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Bears shut down Eagles 27-0, playoffs next

TENNIS

Mahtomedi will have two entrants in the state Class AA tournament — Mari Meger in sin gles, and Campbell Albers and Kate Hoffman in doubles. Each was runner-up with a 4-1 record in the Section 4AA tournament at Lifetime Fit ness. Each faced Mounds View players in both semifinals and finals. Meger, a senior with a 19-4 record, beat Rory Wahlstrand 6-4, 6-3 in the semi finals, then lost to top-seeded Katerina Smiricin schi in the finals 7-5, 6-4. Albers, a senior, and Hoffman, a junior, defeated Annabelle Huang and Shae Cockarell 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 in the semifinals, then lost to Amanda Diao and Avery Schifsky, 6-2, 6-1 in the finals. State singles and doubles com petition is slated for Thursday and Friday at the University of Minnesota.

VOLLEYBALL

BY BRUCE STRAND, SPORTS CONTRIBUTER

White Bear Lake’s defense has taken center stage the last two weeks with a pair of shutouts to close the regular season. The Bears blanked Totino-Grace 27-0, following a 23-0 whitewash of Os seo, both at home.

After the Senior Night win, they’ll take a 6-2 record and four straight wins into state playoffs, hosting Anoka (1-7) on Friday.

Michael Delaney, senior safety who intercepted two passes, said the defensive talent has always been there, and they’ve grown into “putting the pieces together” for full games. “With the rewards being shutouts, I’d say it’s paid off.”

The Bears also had a defensive shutout against Eastview in week four (when the offense gave up a touchdown) and have held five op ponents to zero, seven or 14 points.

“With the energy that we bring,” said Chris Heim, senior lineback er, “no matter the starting field position, we know that we are capable of shutting anyone down.”

Totino-Grace’s best opportunity

came when a shanked punt by the Bears, and two penalties, helped the Eagles get inside the five in the second quarter. On fourth-andone at the three, linebacker Tolu Oyekunele stuffed a running play for a one-yard loss.

“We talk about how important it is to stay poised after something doesn’t go our way,” Heim said. “It was our time to really show what we can do, when it’s short, really tough yardage down there on the goal line.”

The Bears held the Eagles (1-7) to 47 yards on the ground and 43 pass ing. Defensive starters are Heim, Delaney, Vaulx, Oyekunle, Dam arion Pollard, Nick Asper, Austin Gibson, Imeleyo Stanton, Domi nick Anderson, Bennett Gilson and Devin Mueller. The defensive coordinator is Dustin Holman.

Offensively, Heim blasted for touchdowns of three, 13 and one yard, and totaled 52 yards in 13 carries. Rayshaun Brakes gained 51 in eight carries and returned a kickoff 63 yards to set up a touch down.

Gavin Knutson threw only nine times but completed six for 142 yards. He connected for three long

gainers, the first of those a short toss to tight end Josh Doghor, who broke some tackles for 39-yard ad vance, setting up the first TD just before the half.

In the fourth quarter, Knutson went over the top to Travis Dom schot for a 48-yard gain to the one, leading to Heim’s last TD. After Jontay Vaulx recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, Knutson went long again. Vatel Henderson stretched his long arms and fin gers to make a spectacular catch tumbling over the goal line for a 31-yard touchdown.

Delaney had an apparent TD on an interception nullified due to pass interference by a teammate late in the game but he made two more pickoffs that counted in the time remaining, out-jumping re ceivers at around the 10-yard line, returning the second one 45 yards.

“I love making big plays for our team, so when it got called back, I knew I had to go earn another one. Getting two picks after that felt great,” said Delaney, adding that the front seven pressuring the QB makes downfield plays easier.

Zephyrs repel Pioneers for section title, eye another state crown

BY BRUCE STRAND, SPORTS CONTRIBUTER

Mahtomedi’s three-time defending state girls soccer champions earned another state berth — and the No. 1 seed — by defeating Hill-Murray 4-2 in the Section 4AA finals.

Katelyn Beulke drilled her 26th and 27th goals for the top-ranked Zephyrs while Lauren Coy and Cecelia Emery also found the net. Stella Grabow was in goal. The No. 4 ranked Pioneers pulled within a goal twice on shots by Elisabeth Thompson (a free kick lofted just under the bar) and Caylin Cantwell (penalty kick).

Mahtomedi was up 3-2 when H-M was called for tripping Beulke. After a teammate’s free kick struck the bar, Beulke buried a rebound shot.

Mahtomedi is 16-2 with14 consecutive wins and had blanked seven straight opponents, including Hill-Murray, before Pioneers (11-5-1) made things interesting in the finals.

In the Class 2A state tournament, the Zephyrs face Winona (12-5-2) on Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., at Farming ton. Other pairings are Benilde-St. Margaret’s (13-4-2) vs. Monticello (14-3-2), No. 2 Academy of Holy Angels (17-2) vs. Zimmerman (14-4-1), and No. 3 Mankato East (19-0) vs. Cloquet-Carleton (15-3-1).

After nabbing the school’s first conference vol leyball title, Mahtomedi will now pursue the first section title. The Zephyrs (22-5) are top-seeded among seven teams in Section 4AAA. They get a first-round bye and will join the action Tuesday, Nov. 1, hosting Chisago Lakes (8-20) or St. An thony Village (8-16). Other pairings are No. 2 St. Paul Como Park (14-7) vs. St. Paul Highland Park (15-9), and Hill-Murray (10-17) vs. St. Paul Johnson (7-14-1).

SWIMMING

Led by their sprinters, the Mahtomedi Zephyrs placed seventh of 11 teams in the state Class 1A true-team swimming meet. They qualified a week earlier, placing second among 10 in Section 4. Visitation was champion in both.

At the state meet, held at the University of Minnesota, eighth-grader Abigail Wright was second in the 50 (24.46) and 100 (53.22) sprints. She anchored two second-place relays, the 200 free with Hannah Drecktrah, Aleksa Atkinson, and Delaney Dumermuth (1:41.69), and the 400 free with Ella Matson, Buckley Emmerson and Sydney Armstrong (3:43.60).

Other top-12 finishes were by Matson, fourth in individual medley (2:15.69) and 10th in butterfly; Buckley, fifth in backstroke (1:02.30) and 11th in IM; Armstrong, seventh in 500 free and 12th in the 200; and Lindsey McAuley, ninth in diving.

In the sectional at Simley High School, Wright won the 50 (24.51) with Dumermuth fourth, Drecktrah seventh and Atkinson eighth. That group was second in the 200 free relay. Wright also won the 100 (53.52). Audrey Carlson took second in breaststroke (1:10.97), Matson third in the IM (2:16.63) and fifth butterfly (1:01.78), and Buckley third in backstroke (1:03.25).

GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY

Mahtomedi was a close runner-up in the Metro East meet and had three all-conference runners. Two Rivers edged the Zephyrs 47 to 50 for the title, followed by Hastings 64, Simley 94, Hill-Murray 136, South St. Paul 150, and Tartan 168. Zephyrs earning all-MEC status were senior Sarah Brings in fourth place (20:23), sophomore Gabby Fox sixth (20:34), and seventh-grader Vanessa Rogosheske ninth (20:48). Their top five also had senior Greta Liner in 16th (22:07) and seventh-grader Brooklyn Erickson 17th (22:23). Individual champion was Linnea Ronning of Hastings in 19:07. Next for the Zephyrs is Sec tion 4AAA on Oct. 26, at Highland National Golf Course in St. Paul.

BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY

Mahtomedi hosted and placed third in the Metro East meet and had three all-conference runners. They were senior John Gibbens in fifth place (16:57), junior William Lieberman ninth (17:23), and senior Wyatt Siess 12th (17:37). Their top five also had senior Ryan Pavlick 18th (17:59) and freshman Matt Studenski 23rd (18:17). Team scoring was St. Thomas Academy 38, Two Riv ers 52, Mahtomedi 67, Tartan 113, Hastings 137, Simley 137, South St. Paul 209, Hill-Murray 230, North St. Paul 233. Nicholas Holton of Tartan was champion with 16:42.

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED

White Bear Lake seniors were all smiles after their fourth consecutive victory, on Senior Night.

The semifinals will be Wednesday, Nov. 2, at U.S. Bank Stadium, at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., with finals Fri day, Nov. 4, at 12:30 p.m.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Katelyn Beulke (right) is bear-hugged by Lauren Coy after a Beulke rebound goal gave the Zephyrs a 4-2 lead over Hill-Murray.

Zephyr drub Packers, get top seed in section

Pinpoint pass ing by Charlie Brandt helped Mahtomedi win their confer ence finale over winless South St. Paul 42-6 at home.

The Zephyrs, ranked sixth in Class 5A, take a 7-1 record into Section 4. Top-seeded, they get a first-round bye Tuesday, and will host the winner of Tartan vs. Cre tin-Derham Hall on Saturday.

Brandt, a ju nior, completed all nine of his passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Re ceiver Michael Barry scored from 53 and 37 yards out, among his five catches for 142 yards.

Corey Bohmert had six- and 10-yard touchdown runs while gaining 109 yards in 19 carries. He finished the regular season with 1,490 yards and 21 touchdowns. Cole Saegner scored the first touchdown, from one yard, and Cole Potvin closed the scor ing with a 14-yard trek.

The Zephyrs gained 411 yards to 142 by the Packers, who got on the board with Elijah’s Bryand’s 15-yard TD pass to Keishion Jarmon.

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY

White Bear Lake placed fourth of nine teams in the Suburban East Con ference meet in Forest Lake. “We sur prised ourselves today in what we can do as a young team,” coach Dan Kovac ich said. “We are on teams’ radars now, especially Woodbury, who will be ready for us at sections.” Luke Williams, a junior, led the Bears, placing third in 15:29. Also all-conference was soph omore Vaughn Larson in 18th place (16:15). Following were sophomore Isaac Kolstad in 22nd (16:27), senior Dru Pingale in 29th (16:45), and senior Nate Tobeck in 32nd (17:01). Stillwater scored 43, Mounds View 46, Roseville 95, White Bear Lake 99, Woodbury 132,

Bears’ mountain bike team caps season at Chisholm

The White Bear Lake Moun tain Bike Team capped its 10th season of operation competing in the state’s All Team Finale at Redhead Mountain Bike Park in Chisholm. It was chilly -low 30’s- and the riders dealt with snow, sleet, and mud splatter ing on them.

Bear highlights at Chisholm were sophomore Isaac Lind holm placing second of 152 riders in the two-lap boys race; sophomore co-captain Gretchen Blankenship placing 13th of 51 in the two-lap girls race; and junior co-captain Damon Gray placing 76th of 165 in the threelap boys race.

White Bear Lake is one of 67 club teams in the Minnesota Cycling Association, which held nine events over seven weeks. The Bears raced at Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Park in Shakopee, Lake Rebecca in Rockford, White Tail Ridge in River Falls (WI), Detroit Mountain Ski Hill in Detroit Lakes, and Chisholm.

This year’s roster had 47 riders in grades 7-12 under head coach Andy Engen and assistant Kathy Hawks. In meets, Lindholm, Blanken ship, and freshman Angus Levins regularly placed in the top ten in two- and three-lap races. The top level is four-lap races, and the Bears don’t enter them.

The club competes in Division I, the larger of two, but has a relatively small roster and is always looking for new riders.

East Ridge 138, Forest Lake 220, Park 235 and Irondale 238. Mounds View’s Elliott McArthur placed first in 15:21.

GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY

White Bear Lake had two all-confer ence runners while placing sixth in the Suburban East Conference meet in Forest Lake. Bear senior Katelyn Porter placed eighth in 19:08 and junior Rosie Sommars was 17th in 19:33, mak ing all-SEC. Following were senior Lily Schneider in 34th (20:17), eighth-grader Clara Kolstad 35th (20:20) and junior Ally Mattson 37th (20:30) among 70 runners. Team scoring was Mounds View 46, Forest Lake 71, Woodbury 75, Stillwater 78, Roseville Area 98, White

“We are actively recruiting new riders, especially female riders, to build our team,” Hawks said in a press release. “All you need is a mountain bike, helmet, and an adventur ous attitude. There are no try-outs, no cuts. Everyone who wants to ride and race, can. No experience necessary.”

They have two or three practices per week at venues around the metro such as Carver Lake Park, Sunfish Lake Park, Battle Creek Region al Park, and River Falls, Wisconsin.

Bear Lake 126, East Ridge 233, and Iron dale 236. Forest Lake sophomore Norah Hushagen placed first in 17:36.

SWIMMING

Mounds View defeated White Bear Lake 118 to 65 at the local YMCA. Bears placing first were Ella Maas in breaststroke (1:15.74) and Lily Jenkins in the 100 free (58.07). Lucy Borofka had a close 50 freestyle race with Alana Schmitzer, placing second.

VOLLEYBALL

White Bear Lake lost its conference finale as Stillwater turned back the Bears 25-15, 22-25, 25-20, 25-15. The

Bears finished 1-8 in the Suburban East, but they are 14-14 overall heading into playoffs. Seeded sixth in Section 4, they will play at No. 3 Roseville on Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Correction

A note in last week’s sports briefs mentioned an upcoming pasta fund raiser, but the location was incorrect.

The Donatelli’s Pasta Fundraiser to support the White Bear Lake Wres tling Team will be held Monday, Nov. 14 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the cafete ria at WBLAHS South Campus, 3551 McKnight Road. The event, catered by Donatelli’s, is $8 per plate and dine in or carry-out options are available.

Tolu Oyekunele, White Bear Lake senior linebacker, has forced nine fumbles, a team record, and made 14 tackles for loss, including eight sacks (some shared). In three seasons, he’s logged 46 TFL’s, a team record, and 12 forced fumbles. He made all-SEC as a junior. “Tolu is one of the best, if not the best, players/leaders I’ve ever coached,” said Dustin Holman, defensive coordinator. “He is truly a weapon.” At 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Oyekunele is “a dynamic edge rusher,” has built up strength to win battles against linemen and tight ends, covers dangerous slot receivers well (seeing spot duty at safety) and knows the details of all coverages. Holman entrusts him with “what tweaks/calls need to be made, and he handles it with poise and consistency.”

CONTRIBUTED

Isaac Lindholm races on a muddy track at Chisholm.

CONTRIBUTED Gretchen Blankenship races in better weather at an earlier meet.

MARY ROLLINGER | CONTRIBUTED Charlie Brandt, rolling out here, passed 9-for-9 for 239 yards.

Tolu

CONDENSED

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2022

EDITOR’S NOTE: SEE FULL VERSION ONLINE AT PRESSPUBS.COM

SENATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 33 - ELECT 1

Karin Housley (R)

Nancy McLean (DFL)

SENATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 36 - ELECT 1

Roger Chamberlain (R)

Heather Gustafson (DFL)

MINNESOTA SENATE DISTRICT 41

Judy Seeberger (DFL)

Tom Dippel (R) Paul Babin (R)

MINNESOTA SENATE DISTRICT 44

Tou Xiong (DFL)

HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 33A - ELECT 1

Patti Anderson (R)

HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 36A - ELECT 1

Elliott Engen (R)

Susie Strom (DFL)

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 36B

Brion Curran (DFL) Mark Wiens (R)

Heidi Gunderson (R)

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 41A

Pat Driscoll (DFL)

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 44B

TJ Hawthorne (LP)

William Johnston (R)

Leon Lillie (DFL)

WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 2

Stan Karwoski

Julie Ohs

Ryan Hankins

BIRCHWOOD VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL - ELECT 2 DELLWOOD MAYOR

Michael (Mike) McGill

DELLWOOD CITY COUNCIL - ELECT 2

Greg Boosalis Leonard Cacioppo Jeff Giefer

James Nelson Katherine Weier Brady Ramsay James Lindner John Rog

GEM LAKE CITY COUNCIL - ELECT 2

BIRCHWOOD VILLAGE MAYOR Hanna Valento (DFL)

GRANT CITY COUNCIL - ELECT 2 PINE SPRINGS MAYOR

Randilynn Christensen

Patrick Kinney

V. Christopher Kardashian

PINE SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL - ELECT 2 PINE SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL AT LARGE - SPECIAL ELECTION

Conrad Adams

VADNAIS HEIGHTS MAYOR

Greg Urban

Joe Scrocca

Mike Krachmer Curt S. Cooper

VADNAIS HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL - ELECT 2

Katherine Doll Kanne

Kelly Jozwowski

Kelly Wheaton

Patricia Youker

Tim Kelvie Jerry Moynagh

Michael McKenzie

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2022

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP TOWN BOARD SEAT A

Steve Ruzek

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP TOWN BOARD SUPERVISOR SEAT B - ELECT 1

Ronald “Ron” Denn

WILLERNIE MAYOR

WILLERNIE CITY COUNCIL - ELECT 2

Scott McCune Katherine Siver Paul Donna Jenny Peterson

Tammy Soderlund Kevin Donovan Mark Pollard

Patrick Miller Ryan Domin Kevin Hiniker

Needed: Volunteers with passion Bear Boating is looking for volun teers, including two board-level volun teers. The non-prof it organization conducts compli mentary pontoon cruises from June through Aug. on White Bear Lake for seniors ages 60+, active duty military, veterans, and dis ables persons. The boat holds 12 passen gers and goes out 3 times a day, 5 days a week for sightseeing and fishing excur sions. One volunteer captain and two mates are needed to facilitate each trip, along with volunteers to fill many behind-the-scenes roles. Bear Boating is also looking to fill two board positions, includ ing a secretary and technology coordinator.

Volunteers should have a passion for boating and fishing, and training is provid ed. Those interested can contact Dave Ryan, Bear Boating Presi dent, at dave@bear boating.org by Nov. 10.

Repairs to lot, sidewalks downtown

Residents visiting businesses in down town White Bear Lake this week may have a couple of construction projects to navigate.

Concrete repairs will occur on Fifth Street near Banning Avenue will close the east entrance to the parking

lot. The other entrances and exits will remain open. On the west side of Banning Avenue north of Fourth Street, a couple of sidewalk panels will be replaced. The repairs are ex pected to be completed within a week.

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Author releases second book about sailing adventures

Local author Marlin Bree has released a new book that chronicles feats in boating. “Bold Sea Stories 2” is Bree's collection of 26 nonfiction tales of boating adven tures and survival encounters.

The second book in Bree's “Bold Sea Stories” series includes 52 photos, drawings and charts. Bree brings a mariner's insights into his accounts of sailing feats and record-breaking voyages, many with Minnesota ties.

Bree has been honored with numerous awards, in cluding two Grand Prize Writing Awards from Boating Writers International, and he is a frequent contributor to boating magazines.

“Bold Sea Stories 2” will be available in March 2023.

Local banker takes on new role

White Bear Lake resident Jerry Kwapick is the new vice president - commercial lending regional manager for Royal Credit Union. Kwapick is responsible for leading the team of commercial loan officers in the north metro to achieve Royal's objectives, strategic goals and initiatives.

A graduate of Hamline University, Kwapick has worked in the finance industry for the past 40 years. Most recently, he held the title of chief sales officer at Lake Area Bank.

Kwapick has served on the board of several local organizations, including the White Bear Lake YMCA, White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce, White Bear Lake Education Foundation and the White Bear Lake Economic Development Corporation, of which he is

currently board chair. He was also head coach of the White Bear Lake High School girls hockey team for 10 years.

LPT announces interim director

Lakeshore Players Theatre announced today the ap pointment of Darby Lunceford, of Stillwater, as interim executive director. Lunceford was most recently the executive director of The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, Wisconsin, and has served in positions with other theater and arts organizations. Lunceford will start on Nov. 7.

Do you have

you checked your plan recently? This is a GREAT year to do so.

us a call or stop in at one of our seminars:

November 2nd Woodbury Central Park 10AM, noon* 8595 Central Park Pl, Woodbury, MN 55125

November 2nd Jimmy’s Food and Drink 6PM 1132 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110

November 3rd Walk-ins at Anchor Coffee 10AM – 1PM 4742 Washington Square, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Kirk for

612-747-2726

Frank Watson

Barbara Parent

ONLINE AT

MAHTOMEDI SCHOOL BOARD SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE - ELECT 3

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

CONTRIBUTED

Winner

and

Halloween fun and not dangerous for your

Nail Trims & Baths

provide them with

room where they can be removed from the energy and excitement of the holiday.

• As trick-or-treaters come to your door, there will be many opportunities for your pets to slip out unnoticed. Make sure that your pets always wear current identification tags.

For The Love of Dogs

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

FROM

PAID LETTER

Privileged to serve with can didate

Have you seen the billboards lately by a group called Citizens For Sani ty, a group presenting preposterous messages to highlight the absurdity of left-wing ideology? The billboards say, "Open the jails. Open the borders. Close the schools. Vote Progressive this November!", “Help Charlie become Charlotte. Puberty blockers are a civil right,” or “To the radical left — thank you for showing violent criminals the compassion and respect they deserve. This fall, stand strong for progressive values.”

Some will like it while others will hate it. It’s because the statements, and there are many others by the group, state the obvious. You know that crime is on the rise, there are growing reports of theft, shoplifting, carjackings and worse. Who in their right mind wants to be a police officer right now, not to mention stories I can relate within our public school system? There is a vast difference of philosophies, and I want to believe integrity still means something. Most of us just want to be left alone after a long day’s work, put food on the table, save for retirement as best we can and enjoy our community.

As a previous Vadnais Heights City Council member, I was privileged to serve with Heidi Gunderson for two years. I read with interest the letter to the editor describing a divisive and accusatory agenda entitled “Voters should be forewarned” by J. Bowman and another entitled “Voters Beware” by N. Johnson on Sept 28. If you haven’t read these letters yet, you should look them up, because they are 100% spot on. I lived them as an independent serv ing this community. I observed Heidi through these multiple bully tactics. She worked through it with thoughtful, steadfast professionalism.

Heidi cares more than you know for this community, and her voting record stands for itself. She will continue to fight injustice with common sense, vote to restore law and order and fight for family survival to stop the divisiveness of the woke mob. As candidate for Min nesota House, what matters to Heidi Gunderson is God, Family and Coun try, in that order.

Bob Morse Vadnais Heights

the position of direct knowl edge of what our children need. Far beyond the “three priorities” of Sen. Chamberlain, Heather Gus tafson understands the long game of education, the many facets of learning and the importance of the community’s support in sustaining the kind of care, compassion and collaboration that will launch not only our children, but all of us, into a hopeful future. The days of the three R’s are over. Our children face a world of exciting opportunities and important challenges. Today’s educa tors advocate for children every day as they celebrate progress and recognize areas of concern.

We are fortunate to have the exper tise and commitment to families that Heather Gustafson has shown. We will all benefit when she becomes our senator.

Kathryn Lien Birchwood

spending, compromising with staff, leading council meetings and being open-minded to citizens’ concerns are just a few of the skills Heidi has.

Heidi’s opponent does not have the leadership or economic experience necessary to represent the constitu ents of SD36B. Her website states she is a “social justice advocate” running “as your neighbor…”. Yet when she spoke before the Vadnais Heights City Council on July 20, 2021, she said she feared neighbors would vandalize her home if she hung up a rainbow flag. How can this woman represent all people of SD36B when she doesn’t trust those unlike herself. and is singularly focused on her woke ideology? Her lack of experience, I feel, will lead her to vote for every bad policy supported by the Democratic Party that led us to the cliff we are standing on.

Vote Heidi Gunderson for your House representative in HD 36B. She will serve all the people equally and fairly.

simplistic, partisan rhetoric and con sider voting for a candidate who will best represent our community. Heather Gustafson in the right candidate for us.

Kaari Rodriguez White Bear Township

PAID LETTER

Candidate will step up sus tainability

Mayoral candidate Mike Krachmer has been a resident of Vadnais Heights for more than 20 years. He wants to help make the city a place where all residents have a sense of belonging, continue to feel safe and step up the city’s sustainability initiatives.

PAID LETTER

Vote for continued excellence

In previous Mahtomedi school board elections, there has been little question of my support for Kevin Donovan’s candidacy. This year, however, with a number of candidates vying for seats on the board, I feel it is important to remind others of Mahtomedi’s long history of excellence. Perennially, ISD 832 is in the top 10% of schools national ly, and within the top 10 districts in the state. This is possible over time only with the sustained quality of leadership in its school board. Kevin has been cru cial to this leadership during the past 17 years. His experience and the breadth of his network within community orga nizations has helped bring successful solutions to the district’s challenges, program development ideas for our youth and excellence to the quality and delivery of education in Mahtomedi. This excellence has been recognized in Kevin’s appointment to the National School Boards Association, as president of the Minnesota School Boards Asso ciation, and the announcement of his selection to the All-State School Board in 2022. Don’t change horses. Support continued excellence for Mahtomedi Schools with your vote for Kevin Don ovan.

Dan Parnell Mahtomedi

PAID LETTER

Patty Bradway Vadnais Heights

Candidate will bring exper tise to council

I have known Jerry Moynagh per sonally and professionally for over 40 years, and believe Jerry’s work and volunteer experience make him an excellent candidate to serve on the Vad nais Heights City Council.

With his long career in the financial services industry, Jerry knows that being fiscally responsible is vitally im portant to the success of any organiza tion. As councilperson, Jerry will bring this expertise to benefit the citizens of the city of Vadnais Heights.

Jerry is hardworking and dedicated, and brings an open mind and a listen ing ear to all organizations in which he provides his support. Jerry will bring his sense of fairness and sound judg ment to the Vadnais Heights City Coun cil, helping to make Vadnais Heights a great city in which to live well into the future.

Tony Mailhot Hastings

Planning, budgeting, development and redevelopment are critical to the standard of services and the tax base. Mike is committed to questioning the planning and budgeting practices that have been short-sighted. This lack of vision has put the city in a difficult fiscal position. All of our residents will feel the pain of a steep tax increase this year. Development that maintains the important culture of our city is a major challenge, and the city must use an ap proach that is transparent and creative to meet this challenge.

Mike wants to make our city greener by taking advantage of existing Ram sey County and state policies to invest in renewable energy and more efficient building. Local government has a lot of power to support new green technolo gies. This goes well with his advocacy for the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program, which provides resources to cities with 29 best-practice areas such as land use, enhancing a city’s green in frastructure, stormwater management, local foods and supporting a more resilient green business sector.

Our citizens are assets and stakehold ers in Vadnais Heights. Mike wants to develop policies and practices that will ensure residents are seen, heard and re spected, including those who have been underrepresented in city government. He wants to represent all members of our community equally, regardless of their income level, race, homeown ership status, sexual orientation or gender.

PAID LETTER

Candidate listens to all per spectives

I endorse Mike Krachmer for mayor of Vadnais Heights and I encourage you to vote for him by Nov. 8!

Jocelyn Lee Vadnais Heights

PAID LETTER

Don't believe election lies

Six Republican candidates running for offices in the Minnesota midterm elections question or deny the results of the 2020 election despite the over whelming evidence in every U.S. court that the 2020 election was legitimate.

Our Democracy rests on the principle that voters decide elections and candi dates accept results.

I urge you to vote in the upcoming election for those candidates who do not believe in lies!

Rev. Beverly Deak Grant

PAID LETTER

Comparison of candidates

For the election on Nov. 8, voters in House District 36B have two new candi dates to choose from: Heidi Gunderson and Brion Curran. My recommenda tion is to vote for Heidi Gunderson as your state representative. Here’s why: Heidi is a small-business owner. She has experienced the same tough budget choices families and businesses are having to make under the Biden/Walz crumbling economy. Heidi will vote for sensible tax cuts so residents of HD 36B can keep more of their hard-earned money.

As a parent, seeing historic low test scores for reading and math in our schools is very concerning to Heidi. Educators, parents and school boards must work together for the benefit of our children’s education.

As I sort through the many flyers for the upcoming elections, I have to balance the strong, often misleading rhetoric with my real experiences as a resident of District 36. I have met both Roger Chamberlain and Heather Gustafson. In my conversations, in watching their recent debate and in reading their respective positions, I am convinced that Heather Gustafson will best represent the complex, diverse needs of our community.

As a public school teacher, Heather Gustafson has experience listening to and supporting every student who walks in the door. She is interested in listening to all perspectives, rather than pushing a partisan agenda and dismissing experiences and opinions that don’t fit a narrow mindset. Al though she is running as a Democrat, she is committed to representing all of us. She has the support of a broad coa lition of local residents and groups. In fact, she is married to a Republican.

PAID LETTER

Candidate understands edu cation needs

In the door-knocking and conver sations I’ve had with neighbors this election season, the topic of education most often rises to the top. In Heather Gustafson, we have an opportunity to support our children and families in a way that has been absent for the past 10 years. Heather’s experience as an edu cator in the classroom has placed her in

Safety is one of Heidi’s top priori ties. As mayor of Vadnais Heights, Heidi has worked with Ramsey County sheriff’s deputies for years to help pro tect her neighbors. She is endorsed by the MN Police & Peace Officers Associ ation and the Ramsey County Deputies Federation.

Heidi has the experience of being a servant leader. She was elected to the Vadnais Heights City Council, then be came our mayor. Administrative skills, knowledge of budgets and balanced

Heather listens to and is ready to respond to the complexity of easing the burden of inflation on average families while finding ways to provide essential services like public safety and quality schools. Chamberlain seems to value tax cuts over all, even at the expense of basic public services. He was dismissive when I asked how we can support schools as they struggle to find teachers, bus drivers and support staff without the ability to offer competitive salaries. I encourage you to look beyond

PAID LETTER

Candidate brings thoughtful leadership

As a father of three boys in the Mahtomedi school district, I am endors ing Paul Donna for reelection to the Mahtomedi School Board.

Paul Donna currently serves on the board and has shown an unwavering commitment to the students and staff of the district. Over the years, Paul has committed numerous volunteer hours to Mahtomedi schools, includ ing serving on the Mahtomedi Area Educational Fund (MAEF) board and as a volunteer coach. Paul brings a wealth of experience as the treasurer of the school board with his working knowledge of school finance and credit analysis.

Additionally, in Paul's time on the board he has prioritized maximizing the learning opportunities for each student to be prepared for life after graduation. His commitment to ensur ing exceptional learning opportunities is seen in his thoughtful leadership.

Paul Donna is knowledgeable, reason able and supports public education, and I wholeheartedly endorse his reelection to the Mahtomedi school board.

Adam Sokoll Stillwater

PAID LETTER

Candidates support Green Step Cities program

I am supporting Mike Krachmer for Vadnais Heights mayor and Kelly Jozwowski and Katherine Doll Kanne for City Council. These candidates support smart development in our city with increased community engage ment.

These candidates also support adding Vadnais Heights to the list of 142 Minnesota cities in the Green Step Cities program. This program has been helping cities such as White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi and Shoreview reduce en ergy costs, gain access to clean energy funding and improve green spaces and overall quality of life. With the new Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) comes a huge opportunity for cities to access funding for cost-saving efficiency upgrades and clean energy infrastruc ture, but we first need to have a plan. Green Step helps cities gain free access to experts and interns to help make a plan. A city with a plan is more com petitive for funding from the IRA and other sources. Twice in the past three years the Vadnais Heights City Council has said “no” to Minnesota Green Step Cities. We need a council that is inter ested in pursuing the same opportu nities and resources that benefit our neighboring cities.

If you think Vadnais Heights should say “yes” to Minnesota Green Step Cities and seek grants to invest in our future, please join me in voting for Mike Krachmer, Kelly Jozwowski and Katherine Doll Kanne.

Steve Jorissen Vadnais Heights

overturned if the Minnesota Supreme Court changes its initial ruling, or both houses of the state Legislature approves a constitutional amendment. The gov ernor cannot simply undo, overrule or change this.

And yet, these ads are continually pushed at every turn, most of the time without even mentioning any of their candidates as an alternative. See, the truth is, they don’t care about who you vote for as much as who you don’t vote for — anyone with an “R” behind their name. This just proves that for them, it is all about party and not about the individual persons who are running, what they care about or where they personally stand on issues.

Our votes are worth more than that. To try and sway our votes to their side by presenting blatant falsehoods around an issue that isn’t even in ques tion is insulting. My children matter. My family. And my community, which is being divided by these manipulative tactics. Aren’t we tired of this? Of these hollow narratives? Of being made to feel that if you’re not with us, you’re against us?

This November, know the individu als you’re voting for. Know where they stand on multiple issues and make sure they align with your values. Prove that this right matters.

Tim Klecker White Bear Lake

PAID LETTER

Candidate supports mental health

I am an educator writing this letter in support of the students in White Bear Lake and their families. Since before the onset of COVID, there have been increases in mental health issues, which impact students’ relationships and their ability to learn. One of the few positive outcomes of the pandemic is our greater awareness of mental health and wellness issues.

The well-being of our families and young people is our collective respon sibility. Too often, families do not have the resources to access the mental health support they need. We need to elect legislators who understand the complexities and nuance of mental health needs in our classrooms and communities, and that’s why I support Heather Gustafson for the Minnesota Senate.

Kelly DeSmet White Bear Township

sonally go to Kevin with comments and concerns on how to better our schools and that he will work with other board members.

That’s why Kevin Hiniker will get my vote.

Kelsey LaValle Grant

PAID LETTER

Candidate will make community better place

We have lived in Vadnais Heights for over 25 years, and love everything about our community and neighbor hood. We’ve known Kelly Jozwowski and her family for 14 years and are endorsing her for Vadnais Heights City Council.

PAID LETTER

Sheriff endorses mayoral candidate

As the former mayor of Vadnais Heights, I had the opportunity to serve with Council Member Greg Urban. During that time, Greg Urban advocat ed for commonsense policies promoting a high quality of life. He worked to keep taxes low and recognized the impor tance of strong public safety services.

Since being elected sheriff, I have found Greg an effective community partner in combating crime in Ramsey County. Our common vision on poli cies to promote public safety has made Vadnais Heights one of the safest places to live in the metropolitan area, despite surging crime rates in other areas.

For these reasons, I believe that Greg Urban stands out as the most qualified candidate to be the next mayor of Vad nais Heights.

Bob Fletcher Ramsey County Sheriff Former mayor, Vadnais Heights

PAID LETTER

Ruling won't be overturned

From a political standpoint, the Su preme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade was perhaps the worst thing that could have happened to Republi cans during an election year. Now, I know to read that may get some people fired up, but hear me out.

Before Roe was overturned, the num ber one issue on the ticket for the mid term elections was education (with the economy coming in at a close second).

With that at the forefront, Republicans had the election in the bag. And yet, the Dems continue to run ad after ad focus ing on how Republican candidates, if voted into office, will “ban abortion.”

This is simply not true.

Here's what the Democratic-Left doesn’t want you to know: Doe vs. Go mez. Doe vs. Gomez solidified a wom an’s right to choose in the Minnesota state Constitution, which can only be

PAID LETTER

Candidates engaged with parents, community

I'm looking forward to Nov. 8 and the opportunity to add more members to the Mahtomedi School Board who acknowledge their responsibility to the parents of the community who elected them and don’t shy away from discus sions about returning to a focus on academics.

After listening to the League of Wom en Voters debate and having opportuni ties to meet the candidates, I am excited that I can vote to reelect Paul Donna for another term. What an asset to have someone incredibly knowledgeable about public finance, yet also actively engaged in the community and loaded with the wisdom obtained through the varied experiences of his children within each of the Mahtomedi schools in recent years. He actually hears the frustrations of parents and isn’t afraid to acknowledge that our schools can do better.

Jenny Peterson is like a ray of sunshine, is so relatable as a parent of young children, and also has been a teacher for more than 20 years. She can help the board relate to what is current ly being seen in the classroom and what teachers are currently dealing with trying to reestablish best practices in learning coming out of the pandemic, but also how young parents are han dling these issues at home and what the district can do to support them. Add to that, she is a Mahtomedi alum; it is such a gift to the community to have alumni that value their own education here such that they bring their own families back to continue the tradition.

Ryan Domin is doing this with his own children that are fourth-genera tion Zephyrs and he, too, is listening to those community members who yearn for academic proficiencies that we can be proud of and acknowledging we need to do more. When our family first moved to the district 11 years ago, it was for the schools. I quickly realized the academic success was because of way more than the Fab Lab and smart boards; it was because of the commu nity, and Ryan, Jenny and Paul all respect and value that. My ballot feels like an A+ on the fantasy draft.

Kim Schwieters Grant

PAID LETTER

Comparison of party platforms

As I read the Minnesota platforms for the GOP and DFL, I was struck by the stark differences in several areas.

Social Security: GOP “Support phas ing out Social Security” vs. DFL “full funding and protection”

Women’s rights and reproductive freedom: GOP “Minnesota Constitution should be amended” and “overturn the Doe v Gomez decision” giving women the right to an abortion. DFL “Oppose any government interference in all matters related to the control of one’s own body, including protections of the rights of women to bear children, prac tice birth control and obtain safe and legal abortions.”

Education: GOP “Oppose universal preschool programs.” DFL “A strong system of public education at all levels, with stable funding and equal educa tional opportunities.”

Gun safety: GOP “possess firearms, free from any gun registration system and without needing a government-is sued permit.” DFL “Reasonable firearm policies that promote public safety and crime prevention without infringing on the rights of hunters and other sports enthusiasts.”

I urge you to support a candidate who believes in maintaining our strong Social Security program, believes in a woman’s right to choose, believes in a strong, well-funded public education serving the needs of all students and supports reasonable gun safety.

Based upon these facts, I heartily endorse Heather Gustafson for state Senate.

Dr. Don Sonsalla White Bear Lake

She is involved with everything en vironmental, human rights issues and had started a neighborhood food share for the most in need. Her skill sets include listening carefully to Vadnais Heights citizens’ concerns and acting on them appropriately. She is very transparent, honest and hardworking. She has the knowledge and strengths needed to become a quality City Coun cil member.

Vote for Kelly and make ALL of Vadnais Heights a much better and progressive place to live.

She truly is the “WOW” factor!

Tom and Joni Falk Vadnais Heights

PAID LETTER

‘Old-school’ approach not working

Most of us are concerned about the increase in crime. I hear people lament, “it’s those liberal judges, we need to toughen up the sentences and lock those criminals up.” Study after study show that the U.S. criminal justice system is broken. We spend billions on our criminal justice system, yet have the highest crime rate and mass incarceration rate among developed countries. What can we learn from those other countries’ approaches to criminal justice? I read a recent article in the Star Tribune that cited a Har vard study, “One nation, underpoliced, with injustice for all.”

I found their conclusions interesting and insightful. One conclusion was, “Put many more police on the street so there is a higher probability of apprehension but have more reason able sentences.” This is considered a preventive solution. In the U.S. we do the opposite — we have one-ninth the number of police on the streets as do other developed countries. As a result, fewer criminals are apprehended. They know that, and they know that the U.S. dishes out harsher sentences, so they flee when confronted, leading to more police killings than in other countries.

PAID LETTER

Candidate has 1 agenda — children

I am both a parent of children in our schools and a para at Wildwood Ele mentary. I know firsthand that Mahto medi schools are growing as we put the pandemic behind us. Unfortunately, some of the candidates for Mahtome di School Board are trying to tell us otherwise. What we need on our school board are individuals like Kevin Hini ker to support our schools’ continuing successes, listen to divergent views and stay focused on one agenda, and one agenda only — our children. Kevin’s commonsense approach to our schools is in stark contrast to those who wish to politicize this important role. A school board candidate should stand on their own, of their own merits, and keep politics out of it. I know that I can per

I know I am simplifying a complex topic, but my point is that sticking with old-school approaches and rhetoric is not working. I just got a mailer for Sen. Chamberlain and I was so disappointed to see that he is still sticking with what is not working. The first two sentences from his mailer are “hold criminals accountable with tougher sentencing ... “ and “increase penalties for criminals ...”

I am looking to vote for someone who understands that we need a preventa tive approach to safer communities.

Heather Gustafson’s policies are just that: reevaluate our current efforts and allocate funding to put more police on the street to disrupt criminal activity and stop violence.

Debra Beck Vadnais Heights

OBITUARY

Roger Carl Wiese

Age 95 of St. Paul

Beloved father and papa Passed away peacefully on October 19th, 2022. Survived by children, Steve (Sherry), David (Jim) West-Wiese, Faye (Conrad) Buhr; grand children; great-grandchil dren. Preceded in death by wife, Marilyn and three sisters.

There will be a night-time visitation on Thursday, Oc tober 27th at Bradshaw (4600 Greenhaven Drive in White Bear) from 5pm to 8pm. A Funeral service will be held at Bradshaw on Saturday, October 29th at 11am with a morning visitation beginning 1 hour prior. Interment at Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials to family preferred.

PAID LETTER

Keep an eye on endorse ments

When looking for a candidate who is mainstream and mod erate, I suggest you check out exactly which organizations have given their endorsement to the candidate.

The websites of these organi zations describe their agendas — and their endorsements reveal

their issues. I looked at the organizations endorsing Heather Gustafson and came up with these notables: Ed ucation Minnesota teachers’ union, which is pushing new woke rules for teacher licensing, politics ahead of academics and opposition to parental involve ment; FairVote Minnesota, which is working for ranked-choice vot ing, a manipulation of traditional voting methods; Stonewall DFL, the LBGTQ Caucus of the DFL; NOW (National Organization for Women), and Emily’s List etc.

Based on these endorsements, do you really believe Heather Gustafson will be nonpartisan and moderate? Look at the goals of these organizations. Expect their legislative agendas, and hers, to be radical/progressive. With everything going on in Minnesota, can we really afford to continue and promote more radical ideology?

Therese Cho Lino Lakes

& Crafters

Vendors and concessions Honey, soaps, jewelry pet items, clothing, holiday items and SO MUCH MORE!

a headstart on your holiday shopping!

Middle School

Elm St

Waters

Sale

SEE MORE LETTERS,

CLASSIFIEDS

DIRECTV STREAM

THE GENERAC PWRCELL a solar plus battery storage system Save money reduce your reliance on the grid prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation serv ices available. $0 Down financing option. Re quest a free, no obligation quote today Ca ll 888/913-5 895

DONATE YOUR CAR Truck or Boat to Heritage For The Blind. Free 3-day vacation, tax deductible, free towing, all paper work taken care of 844/2209501

DISH NETWORK

$64.99 fo r 190 Channe ls! Blazing fast in ternet $19.99 /mo. (where available.)

Switch & ge t a FREE $100 Visa gift card

FREE voice remote FREE HD DVR. FREE streaming on ALL de vices. Call today! 855/562-4309

SAFE STEP North Amer ica's #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower pa ckage and $1600 off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Ca ll Safe Step 855/440-8982

CASH

612-40 0-2825

WANTED: ALL 19 70 S MOTORCYCLES

Ru nn ing or not Titled or no t. Cash in ex change. Sell now wh ile prices are high! Ca ll Dan at 612/7202142

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any prefer en ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such prefer en ce limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly ac cept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law.

Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimi nation call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

PARTS RUNNER - SHOP HELPER

PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A MULTIMEDIA REPRES EN TA TIVE

Now Hiring

Accounting Assistant

Part Time, 20-25 Hrs/wk.

Collections, Deposits, Billing

Please send resume to: AR@presspubs.com

IMMEDIATE - Full-Time employment opportunity with great benefits for a parts runner / shop helper at our Lino Lakes facility.DAYTIME HOURSIMMEDIATE OPENINGS Emergency Apparatus Maintenance, Inc provides full service and repair of fire apparatus, ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Due to our rapid growth and expansion we are looking for professional, reliable parts runner and shop helper to join our team.

Job Requirements: Pre-employment physical and drug screen required. Good driving record. Must have a Class B CDL license.

Excellent Benefits: medical/dental/life insurance, Holiday/Vacation pay and a HUGE retirement plan. Also, uniforms provided.

Go to our website to apply, www.eamservice.com or call (651) 786-4463

Are you an inspired writer looking for an opportunity to generate creative issue-based and feature-based articles for a Twin Cities area newspaper, as well as looking for additional income.

Press Publications is looking for a part-time independent contractor to research for and produce monthly articles along with arts and entertainment features for our news-magazine hybrid publication. Candidate should have photography and/or graphics skills.

Please contact Patty Steele at Press Publications, 651-407-1213, or marketing@presspubs.com

Nexen

and

Vadnais

Customer Support Representative

Responds to

Provides product and pricing information and resolves product and service issues. Develops sales leads and sends them to the appropriate parties. Manages orders in company ERP system. Expedites customer orders. Issues and maintains special quotes under the direction of the

about

Support Manager. Answers

Helps

interact with our website cart, encouraging use and

Grove Parkway Vadnais Heights,

PAID LETTER

Candidate a proven steward of resources

Our city needs more stewards of our beautiful resources in Vadnais Heights like Katherine Doll Kanne. I’m so happy that she is running for City Council, and she has my vote. Kather ine’s passion for our natural resources is more than just talk; she has put her passion into action. She is a trained Minnesota Water Steward and has used this training to help other Vadnais Heights residents with projects in their own backyards, helping to improve landscape resiliency, attract more wildlife and help deal with stormwater management. For example, she has helped install rain barrels in neigh bors’ yards. She has helped install and maintain pollinator and rain gardens at our schools and in our parks. These projects help all of us in our communi ty by increasing our property values and enhancing the natural beauty of our yards and our neighborhoods, which is one of the primary reasons most of us live in Vadnais Heights. Katherine’s volunteer activities earned her the award of Volunteer of the Year in 2021 by the Vadnais Lakes Area Wa ter Management Organization. Join me in voting for Katherine Doll Kanne for Vadnais Heights City Council.

Carolyn Messbarger Vadnais Heights

ty is not political party or the wealthy. Vote for GUS, who is excited to repre sent US in the Minnesota Senate!

Valerie Hanson White Bear Lake

PAID LETTER

Support ranked-choice voting

Ranked-choice voting (RCV) pro motes political moderation and compro mise. Indeed, according to Prof. Larry Diamond of the Hoover Institution at Stanford, while some other reforms would be helpful (e.g., multiseat legis lative districts), RCV is the single best Archimedean lever to overcome our nation’s current dysfunctional and polarized politics.

Minnesota should follow the lead of its fellow northern states, Maine and Alaska, by adopting RCV.

Candidates Nancy McLean for the state Senate (District 33) and Hanna Valento and Josiah Hill for the State House (Districts 33A and 33B) all sup port the adoption of RCV in Minnesota.

For that reason, if they are elected, they will help make our state and our nation a better place for our children and grandchildren.

Because ranked-choice voting will help restore strength and resiliency to our democracy, please vote for Nancy McLean for state Senate and either Hanna Valento or Josiah Hill for state House.

Jim Dorsey Grant

Senate, which blocked use of the nearly $10 billion surplus to patch up the holes in the special education cross-subsidy and other necessary funding fixes. That money could have been spent in multiple ways to shore up education funding and help our districts retain teachers. It could have been spent to train new teachers and new staff to stave off the teacher shortage. It could have been used to attract mental health professionals and guidance counselors to our schools. Instead, that money sits unspent as inflation eats up its value.

It is time for fresh leadership from someone who knows how difficult the job of educating our kids really is. We need someone who understands the challenges facing our children, fami lies, teachers, administrators and staff who are doing their level best to build the world’s best workforce. If we neglect training our youngsters to be that workforce, we all fail. If we continue to divide our efforts, we will fail. Heather Gustafson is that person. She is ready to lead for the good of all Minnesotans. She is focused on people, not corpora tions. She has my vote, and deserves yours too.

Kathryn Timm Lino Lakes

tional “small-town city” experience. I believe that with new leaders like Ryan Domin on the Mahtomedi School Board, we can maintain the highest expectations for our district, teachers and students now and for many years to come.

Kristin Myhre Mahtomedi

PAID LETTER Knowledgeable, experienced, visionary, insightful

Please join me in supporting Kevin Donovan for reelection to the Mahtome di School Board. I have known Kevin for many years. I have had the honor of working for 25 years as a special education staff member in Mahtomedi and am a parent of two graduates from Mahtomedi Public Schools.

PAID LETTER

Impressed by honesty

When I first met Heather Gustafson, I was impressed with her honesty and straightforwardness, and we immedi ately clicked on current issues.

Heather is a teacher and has first hand experience as to what our public education system needs to improve and recover from the COVID pandemic. She relates to teachers, kids and parents from her experience as a teacher, work ing in our public schools. Heather is passionate about environmental issues and will protect our natural resources. She is a mother to four daughters and is passionate about equality and women’s rights, including keeping abortion safe and legal. Heather is a leader, and will reach across the aisle to work on the tough issues of taxes, inflation, public safety and better gun control.

Heather will represent all of us, the people of Senate District 36. Her priori

PAID LETTER

Candidate focuses on people, not corporations

As the 2022 election season closes, I have been contacted privately by friends asking who to vote for. Many of my friends know that I follow the races closely, and they know that I will share what I hear and know. So, here is my take on the SD 36 race between Heather Gustafson and Roger Chamberlain. After examining both their records, I am supporting Heather.

Roger has held this seat for three terms now, and has shown himself to be a partisan actor through and through. He says he supports education, but then proposes to use state tax dollars to fund private schools. Thankfully, that foolish bill didn’t pass in 2021. In 2022, he was a leader in the Republican-controlled

PAID LETTER

Candidate will deliver ‘smalltown’ experience

In Mahtomedi, strong schools are at the heart of what makes our “smalltown city” one of the best places in Min nesota to live and raise a family. That Zephyr legacy of academic excellence was built over time by committed lead ers who shared a focused vision and commitment to academic excellence.

On Nov. 8, our community will vote to elect three new school board leaders to carry that legacy forward and strength en the district for our students, teachers and community. I am proud to support Ryan Domin for Mahtomedi School Board. Ryan stands apart as the can didate dedicated to advancing a more focused vision for the district. Ryan also promises to work on strategies that strengthen academic excellence in core subjects like literacy and math.

Our school board needs a balanced perspective of both our legacy and the experiences of current families in the district. Ryan delivers that perspective as a current parent and as a third-gen eration resident of Mahtomedi.

Many families are wondering if Mahtomedi can still deliver that excep

Kevin has been approachable when I wore either my parent or staff hat. He listens to those who seek to discuss issues. Kevin aims to make things right. He has been a tireless advocate for all students who attend Mahtomedi. Kevin recognizes the diverse talents of students and what is required to balance that in a school district. Kevin has a keen fiscal eye. He advances pol icies that create lifelong learning and critical thinking skills for all students while considering the fiscal health of the district. Kevin has demonstrated the broad perspective needed to do the job and has excelled in his role on the Mahtomedi School Board. In fact, this year he was named to the Minnesota School Boards Association all-state school board. Only seven school board members receive this award each year out of a possible 2,000 board members. Yes, only seven. A good school board member doesn’t just show up to meet ings or bring a limiting agenda. Kevin comes prepared. He takes full advan tage of training opportunities. His 17 years experience representing our schools gives him a great perspective, too. Mahtomedi Public Schools is fortu nate to have someone so committed to education and community service on their school board. Please reelect Kevin Donovan to the Mahtomedi School Board.

Barb Connelly Arden Hills

SEE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PAID LETTER

Things to consider before you vote

The candidates for the Democrat ic party keep telling us that if the Republican candidates are elected it will spell the end of our democ racy, all while they continue their attempts to take away our constitu tional rights little by little, starting with First and Second Amend ments. The Department of Justice has been weaponized against parents, accusing them of being “domestic terrorists” for speaking out toward the school boards for a terribly questionable curriculum being forced on our children. This comes with threats that the FBI will one day knock on their doors and arrest them. Seems to me that is the beginning of a Leninist, Marxist socialist regime.

Before I retired, most of my colleagues were immigrants and refugees, many of whom came here seeking asylum from well-known socialist countries. From their own mouths, I have heard them share how the feel of this country is becoming what they risked their lives to escape. They fear they will soon be living in the same awful socialist prison they left.

Remember, when you vote you are hiring someone to work for you, to do your bidding and be your voice, and to pass legislation the majority of the people want. The people we elect have no right to dictate how we are to live.

I believe the time has come to impose term limits for all federal elected senators and House mem bers. People such as Chuck Schum er and Nancy Pelosi and others have usurped power beyond what was ever intended for them as our representatives in Washington, D.C.

Patrick Kenny White Bear Lake

during and since the pandemic has gone way too far, and it’s time for it to stop.

Have you been pressured to put a certain sign in your yard? Or, more importantly, have you been pres sured to take a certain one down? Is leadership that would infringe on individual rights best for Birch wood?

Better yet, ask yourself, do you think Birchwood is a better place than it was six years ago? We have an opportunity in front of us to calm the environment and select a representative who does not have their own agenda except to be a humble servant to the individuals who live here, which is what the people of Birchwood deserve.

On Nov. 8, select James Nelson for mayor. Let’s choose to do better for ourselves and for Birchwood.

Andrew Kronschnabel Mendota Heights

PAID LETTER

Vote for levy renewal

PAID LETTER

Get to know candidate for mayor

This letter is in support of James Nelson for mayor of Birchwood.

In the current climate of bitter political divide, James is the calm collaborator that Birchwood can count on to bring a rational voice of reason to local government. James is a thoughtful communicator and takes the time to listen and consider various viewpoints. He is approachable and not one to unduly pressure anyone to see his side.

Before voting day, take a few min utes to chat with James to see for yourself; it won’t be time wasted.

James wants for Birchwood what are certainly common themes among residents — a local govern ment that ensures safety and the individual rights for all that live here.

In contrast to recent leader ship, James does not intend to “rule" over the residents of Birch wood. Township residents have been through that, and do not deserve elected representatives that silence views with which they don’t agree or unilaterally make arbi trary and capricious decisions that impact the residents of Birchwood, such as traffic and permitting deci sions, to mention just a few.

It’s time to change the current course, not elect what is essentially no better or different than “more of the same.” No longer should residents endure power-hungry, elitist-behaving influence in our local government. The overreach

Strong schools are the heart of thriving communities. That’s why I will be voting yes on the capital projects levy renewal on the ballot for voters who live in the White Bear Lake Area School District. This levy is a renewal of the current levy that is expiring, so voting “yes” will keep this part of the property tax rate the same as it has been for the last 10 years. The money from this levy is used for curriculum and to buy tech nology, musical instruments and new buses. Our students depend on these things to be fully prepared and successful when they graduate from White Bear Lake Area High School. The young people in our community grow into adults who are our neighbors, co-workers, fel low community members and lead ers. Investing in them invests in the strength of our community for years to come. Strong community support for our schools and educa tors is one of the reasons I’m proud to live in White Bear Lake and send my three children to school in the district. Please join me in voting yes on the levy renewal on or before Nov. 8.

Amy Frane-Gower White Bear Lake

PAID LETTER Candidate will strive for improvement

A letter last week was titled “Say no to negative candidates” and referenced negative talk about Mahtomedi schools from some school board candidates. Do we really want school board members who do not see room for improve ment in our schools? I love Mahto medi schools. I adore every teacher my children have had the honor of learning from so far. I still would like to see our school board and administration strive for improve ment in areas that need it.

Jenny Peterson is a mother with three young children in the district. She also loves Mahto medi schools, is an alumnus and has been an educator for over 20 years. Jenny will work hard for our schools and our kids, and has the experience and determination needed to be a great school board member and representative for our community. Jenny’s consistent dedication to volunteering through out our district and city is another indicator of her commitment to making our community the best it can be.

Nathalie Carrigan Dellwood

PAID LETTER Candidates endorsed by police association

Minnesota’s largest police asso ciation, representing over 10,000 rank-and-file law enforcement officers, enthusiastically supports Sen. Roger Chamberlain and House candidate Heidi Gunderson. They will make sure our public safety of ficials have the support, resources and policies that provide for a safer, stronger community for everyone.

Rising crime is a statewide problem, and we MUST restore public safety in our communities. That starts with respecting police as partners and holding violent criminals accountable.

That’s why the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association sup ports and endorses Sen. Chamber lain and Heidi Gunderson. We hope you will join us in voting for them.

Brian Peters Executive Director Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association

PAID LETTER

At last summer's Marketfest, in chatting with a DFL activist, his parting words were, "We're going to take Roger Chamberlain down." I didn't take the sentence as a threat, nor did I respond (Solomon stated that even a fool, when he keeps his mouth shut, is considered wise). Nor do I believe that one (perhaps) stray comment by one activist nec essarily characterizes the entire group. But it does make for some interesting analytical fodder.

First, there does appear to be a prescience to it. The federal regime's war on energy and the economy are indeed taking Mr. Chamberlain down, as well as quite a few others. This most likely was not within the activist's intent, but is certainly an aspect (and cost) of very suspect (if not worse) govern ing principles.

Second, our household has received numerous pieces of dark and foreboding campaign litera ture labeling Mr. Chamberlain as extremist. Is this the take-down? Would anyone questioning the leadership of those publishing such pieces be treated similarly? Isn't healthy governance something that elevates, that is respectful of all? Take-down leadership is not the stuff of an open society.

Third, why would Mr. Cham berlain need to be brought down? Unless, of course, the seat were seen as an avenue to power, pres tige or outsized influence. Mr. Chamberlain's view (shared by many I know) is that the position is a public service, akin to street sweeper or snowplow driver. There is a stewardship, a public trust, to be met with character, competence and collegiality. Mr. Chamberlain has conducted himself in a manner consistent with these governing principles.

Sen. Chamberlain has consistent ly shown that he has the character and principles of an open society, whether in education or environ ment, fiscal or physical health, or a just and free societal order, and should be returned to office.

Jim Nash White Bear Lake

UPCOMING CLASSES - REGISTRATION REQUIRED

55+ Defensive Driving Classes

4-Hour Refresher, $35: 11/8, 12-4pm | 11/8 5:30-9:30 pm online | 11/11 9am-12pm

8-Hour Full Class $45: 11/15 & 22, 9am-1pm online | 12/7 & 8 5:30-9:30pm inperon & online

Travel Show: Where to Go? 10/28, 10am-12pm, Free

Floral Watercolor 10/28, 10am-12pm, $35

Retire Fearlessly 11/1, 6-7:30pm, Free Cardio Drumming Tues, 11/1- 2/2, 6:30-7:15pm, $80

Easy Partner Dancing Wed, 11/9-12/7, 7-8:30pm, $60

Growing Microgreens 11/9, 6:30-8pm, $20

• Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 9:30-11am, free.

• Diabetic Show & Mobility Show on Tue, Nov 15 from 9am3:30pm, free.

Are you needing help with meals? Meals on Wheels offers Mon-Fri hot & frozen meal delivery. If you are interested, know of someone who may need meals, or have questions, please call

For more information or to receive “The Voice” newsletter, call us

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

Mahtomedi Evening Star Quilters - FREE Meeting: November 22; 5:30-8:30 PM

Bingo: FREE! November 28, 1:30-3:00 PM. Please bring itemsto donate to the prize table!

American Legion Kramer - Berg Annual Veterans Day Ceremony - FREE November 11, 5:00 PM at Veteran’s Memorial Park, Mahtomedi

REQUIRES REGISTRATION: MAHTOMEDI.CE.ELEYO.COM

• Four Truths of Long-Term Care - $15 November 2, 6:30-8:00 PM

• Kathy Simmer’s History Class - “The King of Humbug” - $18

November 2 OR November 9, 10:00 AM-Noon

• Alzheimer’s Association: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances - FREE November 9, 7:00-8:00 PM

• Easy Partner Dancing - $60 Wednesdays, November 9-December 7. 7:00-8:30 PM at White Bear Lake HS South Campus.

We help you get back to living.

2ND HALF WITH LYNGBLOMSTEN: ENRICHING LIVES AFTER 50 The beginning of November marks the start of National Family Caregivers Month. As we take this time to recognize and honor all caregivers, know that 2nd Half with Lyngblomsten is here to support you on your journey.

Every step of the way.

The Gathering respite program is held Thursdays at St. John in the Wilderness Church in White Bear Lake. The Gathering provides brain-stimulating activities for adults living with memory loss and four hours of respite for their family caregiver. Contact us at 651-632-5320 or caregiving@ lyngblomsten.org to learn more.

We’re looking for volunteers to help out with The Gathering! If you are looking to volunteer in your community, contact Melanie Jagolino at 651-632-5499 or mjagolino@ lyngblomsten.org.

Group eRespite is held on Friday mornings online via Zoom. Group eRespite provides one hour of engaging, creative activities for those experiencing early- to mid-stage memory loss. For more information, contact Caregiver Services at 651-632-5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org.

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

back to

MAHTOMEDI COMMUNITY EDUCATION ADULT ACTIVITIES AT THE MAHTOMEDI DISTRICT EDUCATION CENTER (DEC)

1520 Mahtomedi Ave. - All activities are held at the DEC unless otherwise noted.

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

step of the way.

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

WEDNESDAYS: Bridge, 1-4:00 PM

THURSDAYS: 500 Cards, 12:30-3 PM

services at Cerenity White Bear Lake help you return to what you do best. Our combination of highly trained compassionate staff and the most innovative care in the area make

• Everything You Want to Know About Medicare - $10 November 28, 6:30-8:00 PM

If you have any questions, please call 651-407-2024.

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

community your best choice for professional therapy services.

Therapy

Therapy

Therapy

Pathology

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

today to schedule a tour:

• Aquatic Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Physical Therapy

• Speech Pathology

NEW! PEARLS: Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives. In a series of one-on-one meetings with a trained PEARLS coach, you will learn skills and use tools to maintain your health, happiness, and independence by reducing your symptoms of depression or low mood. This program is for adults 55+ and is built to fit your schedule with sessions offered via telephone, online, or in person. To learn more or register, call 651-204-0904.

Visit www.lyngblomsten.org/2ndHalf or call 651-632-5330 to learn more about our programs and supportive services.

today to schedule a tour: 651-232-1847

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

Alzheimer’s disease

• Based on the methods of Maria Montessori and adapted by Dr. Cameron Camp, founder of the Center for Applied Research in Dementia

Allows residents to focus on their individual strengths and engage in meaningful activities

1900 Webber Street White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CerenitySeniorCare.org