White Bear Press

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Page 4A WHITE BEAR PRESS

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Opinion Fishing opener Fishing is a state sport PUBLISHER’S in Minnesota. With more VIEW than 1.5 million licensed anglers and more than 11,800 lakes in the state, the fishing industry makes up more than $2.3 billion of our economy and provides thousands of jobs. For years CARTER JOHNSON I watched as my father loaded up the rods and tackle boxes to fish with a group of newspaper buddies. I have had experiences going on fishing trips with friends to Canada, where you’re wiped out by the end of each day from catching one walleye after another. Recently my dad has taken the boys in our family, my 8 year-old son and father-in-law included, on a fishing trip to Lake of the Woods in June. We spend three days trying to catch walleye, making bets on who can catch the first fish, first walleye, biggest fish and biggest walleye. The real treat is getting back to the rustic cabin each evening to recount our fishing stories of the day and enjoy a gourmet walleye dinner prepared by my brother, Cameron. While opening weekend has a focus on catching walleye, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports the real sought-after fish in the state is panfish like crappies, sunfish and bluegills. These fish are plentiful in our local lakes and easier to catch from a dock or along the shoreline. With thousands of lakes to choose from within a days drive, plan a Sunday afternoon or a week-long fishing trip of your own. Start a fishing tradition with your children or grandchildren and you will likely have a great bonding experience and make lifelong memories, as well.

Mother’s Day Anna Jarvis came up with the idea of Mother’s Day in 1914, only to become disappointed in the commercialism it spurred. She died in 1948, reportedly exhausted from trying to undo what she helped create. While I don’t really embrace the “Hallmark holidays” either, Mother’s Day is a good excuse to honor the women who brought us into the world and those who enrich our lives as the mothers of our children. As our family gathered at my parent’s house for brunch on Sunday, it was fun to see how the dynamics are changing.

My oldest sister, Julie, was there with three of her five little grandkids. My nephew, Blake, introduced us to his new girlfriend. My own superhero mom, who has entertained hundreds of guests over the years at the dining table, now delegates much of the meal preparation to the rest of us, because having that many people over has become overwhelming. With Grandma no longer around, my mom is now the matriarch of the family. Looking around at the new and aging faces in my family was a realization that life goes on and families are constantly changing. It’s a good thing we have people like moms to hold us all together. And you don’t have to wait until next Mother’s Day rolls around to make a big deal about your mother – it’s never too late to send your mom a note or a card, invite her over for brunch or send flowers.

— Carter Johnson is the publisher of Press Publications

Top 5 at PressPubs.com: Week of May 3 – 9 Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories

1. Running Aces honors historic Trout Air with new restaurant - Running Aces Casino & Racetrack gives a nod to its past by opening the Trout Air Tavern.

Lowdown (FL) > News + Mobile 2. City of Hugo ending ambulance partnership A seven-year agreement with White Bear Lake terminates in 90 days. Citizen > News + Mobile 3. Jumping Jim recalls celebrity mentor Verne Gagne - Former professional wrestler recalls his experiences with local sports icon. White Bear Press > News + Mobile 4. White Bear softball team goes to bat for Cassie - Bear third base player and captain Cassie Maurstad was declared cancer free after chemotherapy treatments. White Bear Press > News + Mobile 5. Construction of½cially underway for new Cub Foods in White Bear Lake - Company bigwigs and city of½cials were on hand for the White Bear Marketplace groundbreaking. White Bear Press > News + Mobil See Press Publications’ website www.presspubs.com for stories from the White Bear Press, The Citizen, Vadnais Heights Press, Shoreview Press, Quad Community Press, The Lowdown-Forest Lake Area and The Lowdown- St. Croix Valley Area.

At the Capitol, focus on conference committees The legislature is close to our constitutionally set adjournment date of Monday, May 18th. The session began with enthusiasm on both sides of the aisle about what we could accomplish, even with divided government. We discussed education investments in our kids and college students, finally addressing our transportation and transit needs, promoting business growth, and generally making it easier for middle class families to get ahead. All of these things were possible because Minnesota has a projected budget surplus of nearly $2 billion dollars.

Fast forward a few months and here we are today, the House Republican Majority has passed their major budget bills and their tax bill. While I’ve voted for some of those bills, I’ve been frustrated at times with how little we’re really doing for you.

The results from the survey I sent out showed overwhelming support for a budget that’s balanced between tax cuts and strategic investments.

That’s why I’m in favor of an approach that has tax cuts for the hard working people of our district, including those who are raising kids and our friends who own small busi-

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

PETER FISCHER nesses, coupled with strategic investments in education, transportation, raising wages for people taking care of our loved ones in nursing homes, and putting money in Minnesota’s rainy day fund to help in the next downturn.

Unfortunately I’m not seeing an approach that’s fairly balanced between those priorities. There are so many good things we can do with such a large surplus, but we aren’t.

The tax cut package passed by the Majority contains more tax cuts than we have money in the projected surplus. Those cuts are projected to grow by billions more over the coming years, which will undoubtedly return Minnesota to deficits.

What’s worse, the much touted “middle class” tax cut in that bill is temporary and only amounts to $70 for a single

filer earning $70,000, while the tax cuts they chose to make permanent were the ones that would benefit big business and the people who own skyscrapers in Minneapolis, not hard working families in our district.

Ensuring that the next generation of Minnesotans is well educated is a core function of government. For every $1 dollar invested in the Majority’s education bill, $29 dollars are going to tax cuts largely for big business. That increase, which is less than 0.6%, doesn’t keep up with inflation.

School superintendents across Minnesota have said that that will lead to hard choices such as reducing programs, increasing class sizes and even laying off teachers.

When it comes to the higher education bill, we see the same lack of balance. The tuition freeze isn’t completely continued at either of Minnesota’s public university systems, including increased tuition at Century College. It doesn’t contain tuition assistance for students in the University of Minnesota system, and raids more than $50 million from the State Grant program. That’s simply going to lead higher tuition and more crippling debt for families and students.

In the area of health care, the House budget included cuts of more than $1.1 billion from the health and human services budget. Those cuts include eliminating MinnesotaCare, which helps hard working Minnesotans who make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but cannot afford health care premiums on the exchange. That will lead to approximately 100,000 people on more than 7 health plans losing their existing coverage.

The good news is that the bills passed by the House Republican Majority need to go to conference committee where differences between the House and Senate are worked out. As they’re worked out, I’m hopeful things will move toward the balanced approach I outlined earlier.

Minnesota has gone to special sessions and shutdowns before, especially when we were dealing with budget cuts in hard times, but with nearly a $2 billion surplus it would be truly frustrating if we couldn’t come to a balanced agreement this time.

— Peter Ficher (DFL) represents District 43A in the Minnesota House of Representatives

With $2 billion surplus, greater investment in education needed Distributed weekly to 13,800 homes in:

The Minnesota School Boards Association represents the state’s 333 public school boards.

Today we stand with our allies in education in supporting Gov. Mark Dayton’s $695 million budget target for education. Gov. Dayton has wisely chosen to devote nearly 40 percent of the budget surplus to E-12 funding.

The governor’s budget target gives school board members their best chance to maintain and enhance student learning opportunities.

Minnesota’s competitive edge has been, and needs to be, a highly educated workforce. Without adequate funding we run the real risk of losing that edge for generations to come.

With a nearly $2 billion budget surplus projected for the next biennium, school board members had hoped the state Legislature would provide adequate and equitable funding for every public school student.

That hope was dashed by the inadequate funding targets proposed by the House and the Senate.

Minnesota’s school board members bear the ultimate responsibility for school districts’ budgets and providing the educational foundation for our state’s 850,000 public school students.

Public school boards need predictable and stable funding in order to close achievement gaps, maintain smaller class sizes, keep student programs, and prepare our stu-

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

KEVIN DONOVAN dents for college and a career.

If the Legislature does not provide adequate funding, there will be adverse consequences for public schools and their communities. The vision and goals sets by our school boards will go unfulfilled.

Many school districts are already experiencing budget cuts based on low state-funding projections for the next biennium.

The Anoka-Hennepin School District educates 40,000 students and is already bracing for budget deficits as high as $8 million in 2016 and $17 million in 2017. AnokaHennepin’s board chair said that a $1 million cut is equivalent to roughly 20 teaching positions.

A Minnesota School Boards Association survey asked local districts what would be the effect of a projected 1 percent increase in the funding formula. White Bear Lake Area Schools would see budget reductions/adjustments of approximately $750,000. This would also result in cutting seven to 10 teachers and would lead to

larger class sizes. For the Forest Lake area, this would result in $2.5 million in budget reductions and cutting 15 to 20 teachers. This would lead to the elimination of some student programs, increased class sizes and salary freezes.

These stories are repeated in districts all across our state.

It is the Legislature’s constitutional obligation to provide adequate and uniform funding for our public school students.

The Legislature expects school boards to meet the goals in the World’s Best Workforce, to integrate technology into learning, and have all of our students reading by the third-grade — but the House and Senate education budget targets would undermine our ability to carry out these goals.

Closing the achievement gap and giving all Minnesota students a first-class education requires sustainable investments.

Now is the time to set a new funding target for public education. We have a great opportunity with a $2 billion surplus. Today parents, students, superintendents and school board members stand united asking the Legislature to adopt a higher budget target for public education.

I ask you — if not now, when?

— Kevin Donovan is president of the Minnesota School Boards Association and a Mahtomedi School Board member

• White Bear Lake • White Bear Township • Mahtomedi • Birchwood • Dellwood • Willernie • Gem Lake • Pine Springs • Portions of Grant Carter C. Johnson .............Publisher cjohnson@presspubs.com Gene Johnson ..... Publisher Emeritus ppinfo@presspubs.com Wade Weber ......................... CEO wweber@moraminn.com Kristine Goodrich ................. Editor whitebearnews@presspubs.com Debra Neutkens ....... Regional Editor citizen@presspubs.com Neil West ..........Production Manager ppcomp@presspubs.com Greg Workman .. Circulation Manager ppcirc@presspubs.com COPYRIGHT© 2015 BY PRESS PUBLICATIONS, INC. Material may not be reproduced in whole or part in any form whatsoever.

News .........................651-407-1233 Advertising ................651-407-1213 Circulation .................651-407-1234 Classified ..................651-407-1250 Production ................651-407-1239 FAX ...........................651-429-1242 Published Wednesdays by Press Publications, Inc. 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110 www.presspubs.com Office Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday Mailed Subscription Rate: $52.00 per year.

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Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Page 6A WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

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Calendar EVENTS

BearPower Family Breakaway Bike Ride

WHITE BEAR’S RESORT ERA When: 2-3 p.m.

Wednesday, May 13 Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 Second St. Details: The arrival of the railroad also meant the beginning of White Bear’s Golden Resort era. Learn more about the grandest of the resorts and recreation sites around the lake through this illustrated program.

Contact: 651-407-5327 or whitebearhistory.org

LAURIE HERTZEL AUTHOR VISIT When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 Where: Wildwood Library, 763 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi Details: Laurie Herzel, senior editor for books at the Star Tribune, discusses her memoir, “News to Me: Adventures of an Accidental Journalist,” a coming-of-age story that looks at newsrooms back in the days of fedoras and typewriters and the experiences of a woman in a man’s world. Free and open to the public.

Contact: 651-426-2042

WHEN: 9:30-11 a.m.

Saturday, May 16

THEATER

WHERE: Otter Lake Elementary, 1401 County Road H2

‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’ When: 7 p.m. May 14, 15 and 16 Where: White Bear Lake Area High School-North Campus Theatre Details: Admission to the student production is $10 for most adults and $7 for students and senior citizens. The May 14 show is free for senior citizens.

DETAILS: Free bike ride for families and community members of all ages includes 3 routes: Baby Bear ride on school grounds; Bear Cub ride, a 3.5 mile ride through Tamarack Nature Center and Polar Lakes Park; and Bear Family ride, an 8.25 mile ride around Bald Eagle Lake.

‘OLE’S LAST BOW’

CONTACT: whitebearregistration. org

disabled the label and are speaking up for the R-word anti-bullying campaign by wearing either a red, teal or charcoal shirt and posing for a photo. Shirts available for purchase.

Contact: 612-747-0840 or lsieleni@comcast.net

– Submitted photo

Cameron Tree Service.

Donation can be sent to US Bank-Richard Kuschel Benefit.

BARK FOR LIFE

When: 8:30 a.m.-noon, Saturday, May 16 Where: Barkers Alps, Fifth Avenue, Bayport (west COMMUNITY of library) MAINTENANCE FOR CONVERSATION ON RAINGARDENS AND Details: American MENTAL HEALTH SHORELINE RESTORATION Cancer Society event is a When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

When: 6-7:30 p.m. noncompetitive, 1 mile walk Wednesday, May 13 Wednesday, May 13 for dogs and their owners.

Where: St. Odilia Where: Vadnais Heights Includes contests, games, Catholic Community Fire Station Training Room, demonstrations, vendors courtyard, 3495 Victoria St. 3595 Arcade St. and opportunities to pay N., Shoreview Details: Learn how to tribute to four-legged family Details: NAMI maintain a raingarden members. $25/dog.

Minnesota hosted event once it has been installed Contact: relayforlife.org/ is free and features a or a shoreline once t has barkstillwatermn guest speaker followed by been restored. Cost is $10; group discussion. Topics registration required.

JEWELRY MAKING: discussed encourage SPARKLING CHARM VLAWMO offers funding people to talk about mental NECKLACE for approved projects and health and mental illness, When: 3:30-5 p.m. toward the purchase of challenge myths and Saturday, May 16 rainbarrels. misinformation, increase Where: Wildwood Contact: vlawmo. knowledge and support, Library, 763 Stillwater org/events/ make communities more Road, Mahtomedi raingarden-workshop inclusive and promote Details: Children ages prevention and early 10-17 can pick out a design HUGO PRESCHOOL intervention.

STORYTIME and learn how to emboss Contact: NAMI – 651-645When: 10:30-11 a.m. a necklace with a faux 2948 or namimn.org Thursday, May 14 enameled look and charm.

Where: Hugo Leave with a completed LUNCH AND TABLE GAMES Elementary Media Center, necklace. Taught by a local When: Noon, 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N. jewelry designer. PreWednesdays, May 13 and Details: Children registration required.

May 27 preschool through Contact: 651-426-2042 or Where: Christ the kindergarten and co.washington.mn.us Servant Lutheran Church, caregivers experience 3676 Centerville Road, RAMSEY COUNTY MASTER stories, songs, fingerplays Vadnais Heights GARDENERS PLANT SALE and more to develop early Details: Seniors bring a When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. literacy skills. bag lunch and play games Saturday, May 16 Contact: 651-275-7300 with friends. Coffee and Where: The Barn, dessert provided 2020 White Bear Ave., UCARE FOR SENIORS Contact: 651-204-6000 or Maplewood When: 2 p.m. Thursday, cityvadnaisheights.com Details: Find a wide May 14 & 5:30 p.m. selection of perennials, Thursday, May 28 ‘FILL THE HEART’ annuals, vines, herbs, Where: Maplewood When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, vegetable seedlings and Community Center, 2100 May 13 native plants grown by White Bear Ave. Where: Vadnais Sports Master Gardeners.

Details: Informational Center, 1490 County Road E, Contact: co.ramsey. meeting about Medicare Vadnais Heights mn.us/mastergardener/ health plan options.

Details: Join others in PlantSales Contact: 877-523-1518 the community who have

Calendar • Thank you for sending us news of your upcoming event.

The calendar is reserved for secular-themed community events that are likely to appeal to readers throughout our coverage area, which includes: White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Mahtomedi, Hugo, Grant, Birchwood, Dellwood, Willernie, Gem Lake, Pine Springs, Forest Lake, Wyoming, Wyoming Township, Columbus Township, Centerville, Circle Pines, Lexington, Lino Lakes, Stillwater, Lake Elmo, Oak Park Heights, Stillwater Township, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights and North Oaks.

• Deadline for event submissions is the Wednesday prior to the following weeks publication.

• Due to space limitations, there is NO GUARANTEE whether, when, or for how long submissions will be published.

Send submissions: Press Publications, Inc. 4779 Bloom Ave. White Bear Lake, MN 55110 FAX: 651-429-1242 E-MAIL: calendar@presspubs.com

Post your own Go to www.presspubs.com and click on “Calendar.“ Follow the “Submit an Event“ link. Postings are subject to approval and do not constitute submittal for print editions.

FAMILY FITNESS NIGHT When: 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 15 Where: Lincoln Elementary, 1961 Sixth St. Details: Night of games and activities, open to all.

Parents must supervise children.

Contact: bearpower.org

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD DISTRIBUTION When: 9 a.m. Saturday, May 16 Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F Details: Food distribution for lowerincome Vadnais Heights residents. Proof of residency is required. No RSVP required.

Contact: Paul Schirer, 612-245-9259

A RALLY FOR RICHARD When: Noon-4 p.m.

Saturday, May 16 Where: Macaluso’s Roadhouse, 3857 Labore Road, Vadnais Heights Details: Cancer benefit for Richard Kuschel and family includes food, drawings and a silent auction. Sponsored by

pieces. Many have won local and international competitions and have performed in the Wildwood Artist Series.

Contact: drreidsmith. com

NORTHERN HORTICULTURE CLUB ANNUAL PLANT SALE When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 16 Where: Corpus Christie Church, 2131 Fairview Ave. N., Roseville Details: Hostas, perennials, wild flowers, native plants, specialty annuals and vegetables available for purchase.

Master Gardener’s present to answer questions.

Contact: 651-246-1259

KAYAKING ON BALD EAGLE LAKE When: 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 17 Where: Bald Eagle Park Boat Launch Details: Family-friendly kayaking lesson includes all gear. Children ages 6-16 must be accompanied by an adult and bring a life vest.

Contact: whitebearregistration.org

WHITE BEAR TOWN HALL When: 6-7 p.m. Monday, May 18 Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 Second St. Details: Learn the story of White Bear’s oldest municipal building through this illustrated

program highlighting how the structure has evolved to meet the needs of a changing community and what the future has in store. Free, but donations welcome.

Contact: 651-407-5327 or whitebearhistory.org

Details: Free class tells about public access and how you can be involved as a viewer, volunteer or producer.

Contact: 651-747-3830 or rwcable.com

55+ DRIVER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

When: 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 27 Where: Mahtomedi FABLab, 8000 75th Street N Details: Community is invited to the debut of the final projects of Mahtomedi High School students who took the Engineering Capstone Class and the Toy Engineering Class.

Contact: Mahtomedi.k12. mn.us

When: 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Monday, May 18 & Tuesday, May 19 Where: Polar Chevrolet, 1801 E. County Road F, White Bear Lake Details: 8 hour, firsttime course covers latest information with regard to driver safety, new laws and vehicle technology.

Completion of course qualifies participants for 10% discount on auto insurance. Must pre-register.

Contact: 888-234-1294 or mnsafetycenter.org

REGIONS HOSPITAL CAR SEAT CLINIC When: 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 Where: Mahtomedi Fire Department, 800 Stillwater Road Details: Parents of young children can learn proper car seat installation and safety. Call for appointment.

Contact: 651-3572798 or carseatinfo@ healthpartners.com

HILL LEGACY AWARD RECEPTION When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 Where: Century College, East Campus library fireplace area Details: Reception honoring Dale Johnson of Mahtomedi, the 2015 recipient of the J. Stanley and Doris Hill Legacy Award. RSVP requested.

Contact: 651-779-3356 or Melissa.brown@century. edu

MOMS CLUB OF WHITE BEAR AREA When: 10 a.m.

Wednesday, May 20 Where: First Presbyterian Church, 4821 Bloom Ave. Details: Learn more about Mom’s Club at the annual membership meeting.

Contact: momsclubof whitebearlakearea@yahoo. com

NEW NEIGHBOR’S COFFEE HOUR When: 10 a.m. Thursday, May 21 Where: Member’s home on Lino Lakes Details: New Neighbor’s offers friendship and activities to women in the north suburbs. All prospective members welcome.

Contact: Brenda, hostess, 651-426-1183

SCC ORIENTATION SESSION When: 7-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 21 Where: Suburban Community Channels, 2460 East County Road F

ENGINEERING CAPSTONE EVENT

‘NORTHEAST RESIDENCE GOES HOLLYWOOD’ ANNUAL DINNER When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, May 29 Where: Lake Elmo Inn Event Center, Details: Support the Little Canada-based non-profit that serves children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Silent and live auctions, photo booth, wine pull, and full dinner with dessert.

Contact: 651-303-7982 or nerinc.org

MUSIC GREAT NORTHERN UNION CHORUS When: 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 16 Where: Benson Great Hall, Bethel University Details: Award-winning local barbershop chorus will perform ‘Favorites Old & New’, featuring a broad selection of beloved numbers from the chorus’ 29-year history – from the Doobie Brothers to Disney.

Show also features The Crush quartet and emcee Patrick Albanese, comedian with ‘Triple Espresso’.

Contact: gnusings.com/ events/2015-annual-concert

METROPOLITAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA When: 4 p.m. Sunday, May 17 Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi Details: Celebrate Norwegian Independence Day with a concert titled ‘Syttende Mai!’, written

by Minnesota composers and directed by MSO’s founding conductor Steven Amundson.

Contact: msomn.org

‘CELEBRATION SHOWCASE OF TALENTED YOUNG PIANISTS’ When: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 17 Where: White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Maple St., Mahtomedi Details: The general public is invited to hear piano students of Dr. Reid Smith, ages 5-17, perform duets, classical and jazz

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 15 Where: Chautauqua Fine Arts Center, Mahtomedi High School Details: Musical comedy about a Scandinavian vaudeville troupe teetering on the brink of disaster.

Tickets $18.

Contact: oleslastbow. com

ARTS HISTORY OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE THROUGH ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY When: 10 a.m.-noon, Thursdays, May 14-June 4 Where: Gladstone Community Ed Center, 1945 Manton St., Maplewood Details: Trace the history of the human experience through artistic expression. 4 session series features the Greek and Roman empires.

Contact: whitebearregistration.org

TAMARACK NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB When: 10 a.m.-noon the third Saturday of every month (including May 16) Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd. Details: Learn about photography techniques, equipment and projects in this free joint activity with the 3M Camera Club.

Contact: parks. co.ramsey.mn.us/tamarack

ARTSY SMARTSY When: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 20 Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 Second St. Details: Make Andy Warhol pop art on a ceramic tile.

Contact: rclreads.org

NORTHSTAR ARTISTS’ MARKET 13TH ANNUAL ART SHOW AND SALE When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Friday, May 29 & 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, May 30 Where: Fine Arts Building, Minnesota State Fairgrounds Details: Over 90 artists, including those from the White Bear Lake area, display over 4,500 pieces of original Watermedia paintings, available for sale.

Contact: northstarwatermedia.com

ONGOING EVENTS FAMILY STORY TIME When: 10:30-11 a.m.

Fridays Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd St. Details: Librarysponsored story time for kids ages 2-5 with stories, songs and finger plays.

Contact: rclreads.org

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME When: 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. Mondays Where: Wildwood Library, Mahtomedi Details: Stories, songs and finger plays; at 10:30 a.m. for preschoolers and 11:15 a.m. for babies.

Contact: 651-426-2042

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Page 7A WWW.PRESSPUBS.COM

WHITE BEAR PRESS

Mahtomedi City Council notes The Mahtomedi City Council took the following actions at its May 5 meeting: • Instituted a new requirement that fire department candidates complete a psychological assessment, and hired a company to conduct the assessments. The personnel policy was amended to mandate the assessment for firefighter and EMS applicants who have received a conditional employment offer. The assessment will include an interview and testing. An Illinois-based company was hired to conduct the assessments at a cost of $415 each.

The city's personnel committee recommended the assessment requirement be instituted. It was prompted by the murder charge filed against a former Mahtomedi firefighter accused of shooting a Willernie bar owner. The suspect reportedly went to the fire station to obtain a tool to cut off the lock on the gun allegedly used in the shooting death.

• Hired a contractor to complete the summer road improvement project. The following streets will be repaved: Hallam Avenue South, Hallam Curve, Frankland Street, 72nd Street North, 72nd Court North, Homewood Avenue, 71st Street North, Hyde Avenue North, 70th Street North, 70th Court North and 69th Street North. The low construction bid of $963,000 was nearly $137,000 less than was estimated.

• Approved a $73,000 change order in the first phase of the Historic District improvements. The order funds unanticipated needs, including replacement of a private staircase and driveways. It increases the total project cost by nearly 3 percent.

• Approved the original landscaping plan for the Neville Pond area and hired a contractor to install the landscaping. The cost is approximately $36,000. Nonnative plants have been removed; and native plants and berms will be installed.

A recreation open space was proposed by a resident at the last meeting. But City Engineer Chris LaBounty and Public Works Director Bruce Thielen recommended the city move forward as planned. They suggested it be replanted at least temporarily to give adequate time for the Park Commis-

sion to discuss the recreation area proposal and to gather resident input. If city leaders decide an open recreation space is desired, some landscaping could be removed at a nominal financial loss, they said.

• Hired a contractor to install a stormwater infiltration system at Wedgewood Park at a cost of $84,000. The system will pump water from the park pond to an infiltration area underneath the park field. The system was required as part of the 2013 street improvement project.

• Two residents spoke during the public comment period: Dwinnell Avenue resident Jason Burak spoke in opposition to the proposal to install costly municipal water service in the Briarwood neighborhood. The project would require a citywide tax increase and the assessments and connection costs for the neighborhood's residents would be “a substantial hardship,” he said. He noted that a citizen task force and the Environmental Commission recommended against the water lines. “I'm pleading with you now to please consider the [residents’] overwhelming desire not to do this project,” he said.

Park Avenue resident Steve Schultz spoke in opposition to the proposal to install play equipment or create an open play space near Neville Pond. He prefers the original native landscaping plan, he said.

• Scheduled a 6 p.m. June 2 joint City Council and Environmental Commission work session. Water conservation initiatives proposed by the commission will be discussed.

• Accepted the feasibility report and scheduled a June 2 public hearing on phase 2 of the Historic District improvements.

The proposed 2016 project includes utility and/or road improvements on Arbor Avenue, Dahlia Street, Elm Street, Fir Street, Grove Street, Hickory Street, Iris Street, Park Avenue, Park Place, Summit Avenue and the alley between Elm and Mahtomedi Avenue. Cost is estimated at $3.8 million, nearly $501,000 of which will be assessed to property owners on the improved streets.

— Kristine Goodrich

A bi-weekly section where readers will be informed on subjects of seasonal interest, upcoming events and other timely topics.

OUTSIDE WATERING RESTRICTIONS – Water restrictions are in place year around for White Bear Township residents, residents living at even numbered house addresses may water on even calendar days only between the hours of 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., & 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., and at odd numbered addresses on odd calendar days during the same hours. Call the Township Office for exemptions for new seed or sod.

WHENS SPRINKLING PLEASE CONSERVE – More water is used sprinkling than for any other purpose. A 5 head, 4 zone automatic underground sprinkler system if set for 20 minutes every other day could consume 54,000 gallons or more in one quarter (3 months). Please visit our website at www.ci.white-beartownship.mn.us for more water conservation tips.

BLOCK PARTIES / GRADUATION PARTIES ARE NEARING – If you are planning a block party or graduation party or any get-together, please be considerate of your neighbors, and if special arrangements are needed please call the Township Offices at 651-747-2750.

BURNING REGULATIONS – Recreational fires are permitted in White Bear Township.

They are limited to 3’ x 3’ in size. No yard waste (leaves, grass clippngs, small brush); no refuse, oil, rubber or similar smoke producing materials. Fire must be extinguished immediately if generating smoke that becomes a nuisance to nearby properties. Wondering if there is a burning ban on, of if you wish to have a controlled burn larger than what fits into a fire pit, call the White Bear Lake Fire Department at 651-429-8568 to inquire if a ban is on or if a permit is needed.

MAKE YOUR NEXT EVENT A GREEN EVENT – White Bear Township loans recycling containers for your special events. The containers are portable, collapsible and come with custom signage and bags. Call 651-747-2750 to learn more & make a reservation.

Annual Township Clean-Up Day – June 20th 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Otter Lake Elementary School

Visit www.ci.white-bear-township.mn.us or call 651.747.2750 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, Minnesota 55110

Prescriptions Continued from page 1A "Families will receive an opportunity for three months to have a 75 percent discount on a family membership," he said. "After three months, the family will either need to take the membership at full price or, if they qualify, they could receive a reduced rate through our personal pricing."

A full-price monthly family membership costs $122, which means that any family receiving a prescription through the YMCA-HealthPartners agreement — which is funded through BearPower, a communitywide movement helping White Bear Lake families eat well and be active — will have to pay just $30.50 a month.

Even that could still prove a challenge for some families, Keeler admits.

"I think cost is a barrier [to gym membership] and I will also acknowledge that even though it's a fairly marked

reduction in the cost, for some families, $30 a month will still be a barrier," she said. Although BearPower has not yet settled on the way it will measure the success of the prescriptions initiative, the pediatrician thinks that a combination of factors could be reviewed, including the number of prescriptions written by doctors, the number of cut-price memberships taken up by families and the number still active at the end of the three-month trial.

After all the prescriptions have been issued: "I would hope to be telling you that of the families that were referred, there was either an attitude change or a behavior change that came out of the conversation and the prescription," said Keeler. "Being physically active is probably the single most important piece of life that keeps us healthy."

Voters’ League Continued from page 1A League publicity chairwoman Joan Sullivan of Shoreview said she was most surprised to learn that the open meeting law doesn't require government boards to hear public comments during meetings. All of the 30 communities surveyed by the city do, nevertheless, hold a public comment period. Comments are typically accepted at or soon after the start of the meeting so that citizens need not wait long to be heard.

Most councils/boards place a time limit on the speakers.

Study committee member Gretchen Davidson, a May Township resident, said she was surprised to discover that cities and townships do not have to compile meeting minutes. Only a record of the votes taken is required. All of the 30 communities do complete and archive a more comprehensive summary of each meeting. Some communities post the meetings online; all at least make copies available upon request.

Additional observations noted in the White Bear Lake Area League of Women Voters study included: • Meetings of all but two communities — West Lakeland and May Township — are recorded and can be watched online and/ or on cable access. There is no requirement that meetings be recorded.

• League visitors had difficulty hearing the proceedings at Gem Lake, Mahtomedi, North Oaks and Stillwater Township. Either there was no public address system or some of the council/board members did not speak into their microphones, the observers noted.

• League visitors were asked to judge whether the presiding officer controlled the meeting well. The answers were affir-

mative in all but one community: Grant, where the observers noted that council members interrupted each other and audience members made interjections.

• According to the survey of city/town administrators, 24 of the municipalities held at least one non-regular meeting (such as a special meeting or a closed meeting) during the preceding 12 months. The city of Shoreview held an emergency meeting, without much advance public notice, to establish a no-wake restriction on a lake.

The area League of Women Voters conducts a study of a regional topic every year or two. Most recently the group examined the causes and implications of the drop in the level of White Bear Lake.

Study committee chairwoman Mary Santi of White Bear Township said the open meeting law study was inspired by a visitor from the Minnesota Department of Administration who spoke about the law at a league meeting a few years ago.

With the recent expansion of the league's boundaries, a study about the law also was thought a good way to get introduced to the new communities that they now represent, Santi added.

The goal of the study isn't to catch communities committing infractions, Santi said. Rather, the objectives are to identify weaknesses in the law, recognize communities that are going above and beyond the requirements to engage their citizens, and share ideas with other communities.

After receiving input from the four units of the White Bear area league this month, the study committee will decide whether to expand its study. The Mahtomedi unit, which met last week, suggested looking at

Water Continued from page 1A Conversion cost estimates range from $155 to $230 million, with at least most of the startup funds coming from the state coffers.

Vadnais Heights is the third of the 13 affected communities to formally protest the idea. The Hugo and North St. Paul city councils passed resolutions of opposition this winter. The Vadnais Heights City Council unanimously approved its resolution without any discussion at its May 6 regular meeting.

The restoration association and others theorize increased groundwater pumping is the cause of the low water level of White Bear Lake.

The Vadnais Heights council members are not convinced.

“There does not appear to be scientific

evidence to confirm the theory that groundwater pumping is the primary cause of low water levels on White Bear Lake, nor guarantees that [surface water conversion] will restore and maintain lake levels,” the resolution states.

Another theory is that the low water level is part of natural fluctuation, the resolution notes. It adds: “It remains unsubstantiated that the city’s wells and approved pumping activity has had any direct impact on White Bear Lake levels, particularly since lake levels have fluctuated through cycles of high and low water levels.”

The city already has invested “substantial money in groundwaterbased water supply infrastructure,” the reso-

lution contends.

The city has four wells that serve 13,000 residents and businesses and draw less water annually than the DNR has appropriated to the city. With the city nearly fully developed, there is no foreseen need for any additional wells.

The city’s water use has declined due to conservation initiatives, including tiered water rates that charge more to heavy consumers, according to the resolution. It pledges the city will continue to support conservation programs.

The resolution asks the DNR to “work toward a compromise solution that does not drastically affect Vadnais Heights and other communities at the expense of White Bear Lake levels.”

Additional meetings The other League of Women Voters units will discuss the open meeting law study at their upcoming meetings. Visitors are welcome. The North Oaks unit meets at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 at Incarnation Lutheran Church, 4880 Hodgson Road, North Oaks. The White Bear unit meets at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at White Bear Lake City Hall, 4701 Highway 61. The St. Croix Valley group meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday May 20 at Boutwells Landing, in the main building, 5600 Norwich Parkway, Oak Park Heights. how much training elected officials receive about the open meeting law.

The local league also will be deciding whether it should make recommendations to the area municipal boards about best practices they should implement. The lo-

Matoska Memories

cal group also might suggest that the Minnesota League of Women Voters lobby for changes in the open meeting law, such as mandating that minutes be taken and public comments be taken.

LOOKINGBACK

May 10 – May 16, 2015

1915 The annual meeting of the White Bear Woman’s Club was held Tuesday afternoon at the rooms of the Black Cats, the officers acting as hostesses. Reports were given by the various officers. The club realizing that there are many other ladies of the village who desire to join the organization, and facilities for holding meetings in the homes for a larger club than they now have making it impractical, have accepted the offer of the Black Cat club of their rooms in the Auditorium and will meet there this coming year…Around the lake – Mr. and Mrs. Honery, St. Paul, spent Sunday at their lake home at Birchwood….

1940 Police radio – The radio has been re-instated in the White Bear police car. Some time ago the St. Paul police system was changed, which required a change-over in the White Bear radio. Officer Long now gets all calls as before, which is a great convenience for prompt and efficient service….The annual Spring luncheon for the White Bear Woman’s Club will be held Monday, May 13, at the White Bear Yacht Club at one o’clock. This social event is the closing of the Club’s season and it is expected there will be a good representation at the luncheon. A musical program will be given by Mrs. C. H. Christenson and Mrs. Elizabeth Turner, vocalist, accompanied by Miss Helen Fillebrown…..

– Photo courtesy of the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society

Presentation of the new police squad car for White Bear Lake, 1937.

1965 The Mahtomedi Community Church, the newest church in the area, held its first Sunday service May 2nd before a congregation of 43 persons.

The church is independent and not affiliated with any denomination.

The members are, according to Jeff Christenson, church board chairman, “not bound to any synod or church constitutional belief.” They do belong to the National Association of Evangelicals…White Bear Lake officially went on daylight savings time (DST) Thursday, at 2:00 a.m. as the result of three of two vote of the city council, at their regular meeting last Tuesday evening. Canvases of the Northwest Suburban area indicates that most individuals are basing their activities on daylight time, probably due to the proximately to the City of St. Paul which is on daylight savings time…

1990 White Bear Township resident May Wright has spent much of her 84 years cultivating and growing woodland wildflowers native to Minnesota.

That in itself might not sound so impressive but when you consider she had more than 200 varieties and they are all growing in her backyard most

from seeds she cultivated herself, that is impressive. Wright is considered one of the foremost wildflower experts in the state and was honored at a wildflower symposium held at the Minnesota Arboretum last month. The entire symposium was decided to her and work she has done with wildflowers in the state….North Star State Bank – 8.25% annual percentage rate – 18 month – no penalty….

2005 At least once a month for the last 14 years dentist Scott Lingle has volunteered his services at the Union Gospel Mission in St. Paul. He helps staff a free dental clinic for adults and children. Lingle also helped found the Give Kids a Smile program three years ago.

The program has since provided about 10,000 children with free dental care….Just one thought went through the mind of Officer Tim Bohn when he discovered a memo on his desk notifying him he was a finalist for the St. Paul “Officer of the Year” award – that it was a practical joke by his partner Frank Judge. But it wasn’t and on March 31st he was named St. Paul Officer of the Year…..

– Compiled by Gloria Tessier, Meg Todd and Sara Markoe Hanson at the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, 651-407-5327

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Ramsey County Sheriff Reports WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP • A handgun r eportedly was stolen from a v ehicle in a g arage on Oak Ridge Court overnight April 28-29. The back door to the g arage had been left unlocked.

• A man in the 1400 block of Whisperwood Trail reported his open g arage was burglarized the early morning of April 29. He said he and his wife heard noise in the g arage and then the b urglar tried to enter the house thr ough the garage service door. He yelled and the burglar, whom the homeowner said appeared to be a young man, ran. A K-9 search was conducted b ut no suspect was located. A screen tent canvas (but not the poles) was r eportedly taken. A bow and case w ere recovered nearby; an investigator had emailed the complainant to check if it belonged to him, but hadn't heard back yet. A tent was reported pawned at a R oseville pawn shop; an investigator planned to check if it was the stolen screen tent.

• Parents on La tta Street reported April 30 that their 21-year-old son was a heroin addict and had f orged checks and stolen cash on multiple occasions.

The thefts reportedly totaled $2,200 to date in 2015. T he son was ar rested for check forgery.

• A woman was booked for third-degree DWI-refusal after she was stopped for erratic driving May 3 on Center ville Road near County R oad H2. T he St. Paul woman, 24, tested 0.30 on an initial breathalyzer then failed to take the official test. The passenger wanted to drive the vehicle home but wasn’t allowed to do so after she tested 0.23 on a breathalyzer.

• A r esident on Bald Ea gle Lake reported concern for a man w ho was swimming in the lak e and yelling just after midnight Ma y 4. T he man was gone before a deputy arrived.

• Pellet guns, an inoperable shotgun,

HP laptop and green canvas bag reportedly were stolen from a g arage in the 4100 block of Lakewood Avenue May 5.

The garage service door was unlocked.

The complainant suspected a y oung man who lived across the street. That man's father reported that his son and a friend have a history of stealing and pawning items and using the pr oceeds to buy drugs. Investigators were waiting to see if the missing items tur ned up at a pawn shop.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS • A St. P aul man, 25, was ar rested for DWI and hit-and-r un May 1 after he reportedly struck a tree and a stone retaining wall at a residence in the 400 block of Vadnais Lake Drive. He tried to drive away but didn't g et very far due to damage to his vehicle. He admitted he had been drinking and tested 0.17 and 0.15 on breathalyzers.

• A w oman was pulled o ver for texting while at a stop light a t County Road E and Centerville R oad May 1.

The Vadnais Heights w oman, 38, was arrested after it was disco vered that she had a canceled license due to a prior DWI arrest. She said she was en route to the DMV to obtain a restricted license.

• A business in the 3300 b lock of Labore Road reportedly was broken into sometime between the evening of May 1 and the mor ning of May 4. A door from the exterior to the office area was pried open, as was the door from the office to the warehouse. Locks also were broken off cabinets. The complainant wasn't sure if anything was missing.

• Deputies responded to a dispute a t Shadowlawn Estates the ear ly morning of May 3. A man reportedly argued with his gir lfriend and then f ought with his girlfriend's friends when they came to pick her up. A report was referred to the city attorney.

Student News White Bear Lak e Area High School senior Estefany Crispin received a Gates Millennium Sc holarship for undergraduate and g raduate studies.

The scholarship covers housing, books and all tuition that isn't covered by grants and other sc holarships.

The following area natives graduated from colleges or uni versities this spring with bac helor degrees.

Southwest Minnesota State University: Rachel

Groff, accounting and mathematics, magna cum laude Minnesota State University, Mankato: Amy Heimkes, social w ork, magna cum laude; Michael Janssen, construction management; Adam King, sport management; Breanna Morrissette, mathematics; Loc Ngo, automotive engineering technician; Adam Sinn, management; Scott Murphy, recreation, parks and leisure services; Ellen Ahlness, international relations,

Names in News Minnesota State Patrol Col. Matt Langer is the Century College 2015 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. He was recently selected by the Century College Alumni Association board of directors.

Langer received an associa tes degree in law enforcement from Century College in 1997. As an adjunct instructor, he has taught criminal justice courses a t Century for the past nine y ears. He has worked for the Sta te Patrol since 1999 and was appointed as its c hief in January. He will speak at the Century graduation ceremony on May 15.

Ashleigh Ballard, Alex Heyne, Tess Mathson, Deepta Jasthi, Hailey Koster, Thomas Wong and Matthew Wong are winners in the Minnesota Music T eachers Association

State Piano Contest. They are students of Elizabeth Richter in White Bear Township. More than 700 winners , selected out of 3,900 applicants, will perform a concert on June 6.

White Bear Lake native Kimberley Forseth Woodyard recently was a ppointed a supervisory administra tive law judge with the Offi ce of Medicare Hearings and Appeals in Kansas City, Missouri. She holds hearings and issues decisions r elated to Medicar e coverage determinations that reach Level 3 of the Medicare claims appeal process. The 1978 Mariner High School grad moved from Arkansas, where she most recently was an a ttorney in private practice.

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