White Bear Press by Press Publications

McNeely Music Center charts opening

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Music for the people— this is the vision Manitou Fund representatives Greg McNeely and Oliver Din had when building the McNeely Music Center in the White Bear

Lake Arts District.

“We’re going to try to do everything we can to pass on our love of music to other people,” said McNeely. “Any time music touches you, something good happens.”

The McNeely Music

Center, or MMC for short, provides private and group music lessons, both vocal and instrumental, from elementary through adulthood.

The center will also host masterclasses, clinics and workshops. Additionally, MMC

offers studio recording sessions with state-ofthe-art audio engineering equipment. Manitou Fund representative Heather Din stated that, though MMC is in White Bear Lake, it aims to

SEE CENTER, PAGE 8

City’s Code Red system gets test

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The discussion at the recent Mahtomedi City Council meeting about the city’s Code Red system just days before an emergency event occurred in Mahtomedi was timely.

Following a discussion about whether the city had fulfilled its duty in notifying the public about a predatory offender moving into Dellwood, Mayor Richard Brainerd wondered what resources the city had available to quickly raise awareness throughout the city in the event of an emergency.

“What are the best ways for us to let our residents know about a gas leak, for example? We need to sort that out as a council, so that we’re all aware of what we have available to us,” he said. Brainerd also suggested the city could collaborate with the school district to get the word out should a citywide emergency, such as terrorist attack or another catastrophe, be imminent.

As heavy rains fell and loud lightning strikes startled residents during the evening of Sept. 19, a test of the city’s emergency communication system was underway in real time. Residents throughout the city received a Code Red voice message on their land

SEE CODE RED, PAGE 7

White Bear Lake classmates reconnect in remarkable act of kindness

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Lucy Peltier, 70, has never had an alcoholic beverage or smoked a cigarette. She was a dancer for many years and has made it a point to stay extremely fit throughout her life.

“In a million years, I never thought it would be me,” she said.

Peltier, who just so happens to be Miss White Bear Lake of 1973, found out her kidneys were failing — quite by accident. She had gone in for an ultrasound for a possible blood clot. Subsequent testing revealed that her adrenal gland was not

working, and a benign tumor was found between her adrenal gland and her kidney.

After the tumor was removed, her kidney function started to improve, but only temporarily.

“We thought that my kidney would kick into gear (after that), but that wasn’t the case. The damage was already done,” Peltier’s kidney function was at 16%, which is 1 percentage point above end-stage renal disease. She was given two choices: dialysis or a transplant.

Peltier knew she didn’t want to undergo dialysis, because she watched her mother go through it. Her mother passed away just shy of 60 years old due to diabetes and kidney issues. “I watched her deteriorate,

and I was afraid of that,” she explained.

Peltier decided she wanted to go the transplant route and doctors warned her it could be a lengthy process. Twenty-two people applied to go through testing to see if they were a match to give her a kidney. Person after person was ruled out.

In August 2023, the White Bear Lake High School Class of 1973 celebrated their 50th reunion, but Peltier wasn’t able to go. She wrote to her classmates on the class website that she wouldn’t be able to attend and shared an update on her health.

One of her classmates, who wishes not to be named,

Manitou Fund representatives say the McNeely Music Center is finally ready for its public debut.

Lucy Peltier

Fall Fest returns to downtown White Bear Lake with music, pumpkins and scarecrows

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

People who are looking for something to do as September changes to October may want to check out Fall Fest in Downtown White Bear Lake Thursday, Sept. 25, through Saturday, Sept. 27.

The annual event, organized by Main Street, has been around since 2018. White Bear Lake Main Street Inc. is a nonprofit organization run by board members who have businesses directly in downtown White Bear Lake. Main Street serves the members that are located in the White Bear Lake special service tax district.

“We wanted to have a fall event that could encompass families and children,” said Main Street Treasurer Patty Steele. “It's a fun fall get together downtown. Then, while they are down there, they can stop in and see what the new fall fashions are, stop in at the restaurants, check out the new businesses.”

This year Steele said the event has more business participation than ever before.

The event will kick off Thursday with Ladies Night from 5 to 8 p.m. Ladies can shop, eat and socialize at participating businesses.

In Railroad Park (Highway 61 and Fourth Street) from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, attendees of all ages can listen and dance to polka music and paint a pumpkin. The pumpkins are donated by Pine Tree Apple Orchard.

“I look forward to it every year, just watching the kids and seeing what they create. They are so excited to pick their pumpkins,” Steele said.

Emily Blake, co-owner of Oldies & Goodies, described the event as multigenerational. “It is really fun to see all the different ages come together to participate. The older adults get to get out and watch the younger kids painting pumpkins while they are dancing and enjoying the music.”

Blake said the business always enjoys creating a scarecrow for the Scarecrow Stroll. From Thursday through Saturday, downtown visitors can check out all the scarecrows and vote for their favorite.

IF YOU GO

Fall Fest

When: Ladies Night Out, 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25; Polka & Pumpkin Painting, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; Scarecrow Stroll, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 thru Saturday, Sept. 27.

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake Details: Vote for your favorite scarecrow, listen and dance to polka music and paint a pumpkin. Check out fall promotions while shopping and enjoy a bite to eat. Event is for all ages.

Contact: www.downtownwhitebearlake.com

The business whose scarecrow receives the most votes will be recognized. Scarecrow voters also have a chance to win a bear basket.

“The bear basket represents a little something from everyone downtown,” Steele said. “We will do a random drawing with everyone who votes.”

“It is always fun to try to think of a different theme for a scarecrow and incorporate some of the vintage clothing of our store. Since we are a clothing store, it is advertising at the same time,” she explained. One year their scarecrow was a Golden Girl; last year’s scarecrow was inspired by Beetlejuice.

For more information about the event or Main Street, visit www.downtownwhitebearlake.com.

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

White Bear Lake

THURSDAY, SEPT 25 5-8 PM (Store hours may vary)

4 Deuces Saloon The Alchemist The Art Preserve Affinity for Quilts

THURSDAY

Bad Little Women Vintage By the Lake

David Edwins Casual Times Fashions

Goodthings Gift & Style

Graham Jewelers

Mainstream Boutique

Manitou Bar & Kitchen

The Minnesotan Naptime Gift Shop

Nothing But Hemp

The Old Blue Door

Oldies & Goodies

Olive Branch Oil & Spice

Onyx & Co.

Rudy’s Redeye Grill Salon 4862 The Women Collective

SATURDAY, SEPT 27 | 12-3 PM

RAILROAD PARK (4TH & HWY 61)

Pumpkin painting for the kids (free while supplies last)

THURSDAY SEPT 25SATURDAY SEPT 27 9 AM - 8 PM

Contest — Ballot

When: 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26

Where: The parade will start on 2nd Street and travel down Banning Avenue and end on 4th Street.

Details: Community parade and see local storefronts decorated by students. Home football game follows at 7 p.m. Contact: www.isd624.org

WHAT’S HAPPENING

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE AT CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

When: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24

Where: Central Middle School, Details: Students, families and community members are invited to check out the completed construction projects, including the gymnasium, cafeteria and learning commons. Contact: isd624.org

STORYTIME IN HUGO

When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24

Where: Hugo Lions Volunteer Park, 5524 Upper 146th St. N

Details: Storytime will include stories, songs, movement and more. The event is designed for children and caregivers of all ages. Registration is not required.

Contact: WashinCoLib.org

CONCERT IN THE PARK

When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24

Where: Hugo Lions Volunteer Park, 5524 Upper 146th St. N; Concert will be held on the north side of the pavilion. Details: M.T. Pockets & Loose Change will perform. The band includes multiple lead vocalists and a five-piece horn section. Dance-worthy music will span the decades and bring a wall of sound to Mowtown, R & B, soul, new-swing and pop classics. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

Contact: www.ci.hugo.mn.us or 651762-6342

AUTHOR VISIT

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26

Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square

Details: Patrick Wirkus will sign copies of his memoir “Kicked Around and Now Amp'd Up”; also Anika Fajardo will sign copues of her new

adult novel “The Many Mothers of Delores Moore”.

Contact: 651-426-0918

FALL TRASH TO TREASURES

When: Saturday, September 27

Where: Residences throughout the city and township

Details: Residents can place unwanted free items at the curb for others to claim as treasures.

Contact: whitebearlakemn.gov/ee/ page/fall-trash-treasure-day

‘RED’

When: Sept. 26-Oct. 12

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

Details: Limited run play is a provocative clash of art, ego and legacy. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

AFTON ART IN THE PARK

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28

Where: Afton Town Square Park, 3418

St. Croix Trail S.

Details: Outdoor fine arts and maker's market includes 90+ artists and vendors, food, beer garden, live music, and business expo.

Contact: exploreafton.com

TACKLING CARBON EMISSIONS: EMBRACING THE POWER OF CHANGE

When: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30

Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd St, White Bear Lake

Details: Dr. Jorissen is an adjunct professor of Chemistry at the University of St Thomas. He is the co-leader of Northeast Metro Climate

Action, serves on the Vadnais Heights Planning Commission and Green Team and serves on the board of Resilient Cities and Communities. Dr. Jorissen will be discussing the sources of carbon emissions, their potential alternatives and what we can do to accelerate this transition. Can attend in person or via zoom.

Contact: 612-718-6412

olingers25@msn.com

VFW BOOYA

When: Noon Saturday, Oct 4

Where: Keep-Zimmer Post 1782 at 4496 Lake Ave, White Bear Lake Details: Booya will be made with oxtail, a cut of meat from a cattle's tail, known for its rich, flavorful and gelatinous quality.

Contact: 651-426-4944

ONGOING:

MAHTOMEDI AREA FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays, starting June 28

Where: Veterans Memorial Park

Details: Local vendors offer fresh produce, honey, artisan breads, handmade crafts and much more. Contact: mahtomedifarmersmarket@ gmail.com

WHITE BEAR LAKE FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Fridays

Where: Clark Ave., between Second Street and Third Street

Details: A tradition since the 1970s, the farmers' market features more than 50 vendors.

Contact: whitebearlake.org or 651-4298526

AI: The fast food approach to photography

You don’t need me to say that artificial intelligence is a hot topic of conversation these days. While there are many things I could say about it that I don’t plan to here (lest readers want a 10,000-word article that’ll put them to sleep by page four), I will say this: yes, there are many good things it can do. Yet when it comes to photography, it is more than just a slim risk. It is a hazard to those who enjoy our work as a reflection of the grind we put into it, myself included.

Suchy’s Scoop

Erik Suchy

To grasp how we ought to appreciate the work behind how we take photos, think back to when photography was first introduced to the world. French scientist Louis Daguerre developed one of the earliest styles of photography in the late 1830s. His method, called the daguerreotype, involved coating a copper plate with silver nitrate, which was then sensitized with iodine fumes.

The plate was exposed to light in a camera, developed with mercury fumes and fixed with hyposulphite of soda. Each photo was a unique image and not reproducible. However, a downside to this process was that the exposure time lasted anywhere from five minutes to half an hour, which could make sitting for a portrait a painful and often unsuccessful process. While numerous technical advances have made picture-taking a smoother and more efficient process, the fact remains: it is an art that requires practice, skill and luck. With AI, those three powerhouse requirements are all but erased in favor of creating an intriguing but hollow image. Sure, it looks nice. But the effort behind making it pop is nearly nonexistent. There are no bragging rights for the creator to think, “Holy moly! Did I get lucky or what?”

Let’s try this scenario: Imagine you’re a nature photographer, camping in a remote igloo somewhere in Alaska. You’ve been here for almost four days. Your objective: capture a once-in-a-lifetime shot of a polar bear walking by. In that time, you’ve been freezing and are nervous that your equipment is on the verge of electronic failure due to plummeting temperatures. Then, just as you’re about to give up, it happens. That same majestic, beautiful creature finally trudges by, unaware of your presence. Without hesitating, you start snapping away. When you check your shots, you realize you got it—the photo you were craving to capture, guaranteed to win prizes at several local and international festivals and a potential candidate for a future National Geographic magazine cover.

With AI, creating an image like this is like making your own homemade cheeseburger from scratch compared to ordering a sad, lumpy excuse for the same product at McDonald’s—two similar products, made in vastly different ways. Yet only one allows you to talk about the process behind it and how you can turn that into an interesting story for the average listener.

If we as photographers are to embrace AI, it should be as a stepping stone to generate ideas, not a means to an end. If we let even the slightest bit of laziness seep into our creative process, we are doomed to lose the very reason we wanted to take pictures in the first place: to show what we’ve learned through trial and error.

Staff Writer Erik Suchy can be reached at 651-4071229 or vadnaisheightsnews@presspubs.com

The Real Dogs of White Bear Lake

RICKA MCNAUGHTON

SPECIAL TO THE WHITE BEAR PRESS

A recurring column featuring glimpses into the everyday lives of random dogs I meet on walks around White Bear Lake and environs.

Not long ago, Matthew Waldoch took Ivy, his new husky puppy, to the vet for a round of vaccinations. Before administering the first shot, the vet produced a scrumptious cheesy treat. Ivy took it happily. Then came the sharp poke. Hey! And then, before the second shot, another cheesy treat appeared. Ivy refused to bite. Fool her twice? Not this girl. Matthew felt a little bit proud. But he also knew how much dog he had bitten off. While they can absolutely make playful, mcfluffy-pants pets, huskies typically also come with some independent-minded, wolf-adjacent characteristics. They may love you, but they don’t love taking orders. They’re epic runners and keen for intel on what’s happening in their world which, as far as they’re concerned, is as far as they can smell. It’s been claimed that, in optimal conditions, some huskies can catch an interesting scent up to 12 miles away. Luckily, before getting Ivy, Matthew did his

• 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 $50 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.”

homework. He had plans in place to make this partnership work for both of them. They enjoy long, exploratory walks together. Matthew also plans to take Ivy jogging with him when their vet says her body’s ready for it. Meanwhile, young Ivy took matters in hand and invented indoor ice hockey. Using ice cubes. It began when the first cube accidentally hit the kitchen floor. Ivy cradled and cuffed it around like an NHL-

• 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.

• Letters are meant to express opinions. If letter-writers include facts, they must attribute those facts to a reputable source.

• 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

er angling for a pass, but with timeouts for chewing on the puck.

When Matthew first brought Ivy home (he lives with his dad), he kept her constantly by his side to get a good bond going and to establish himself as the provider of her needs and maker of the rules. He’s teaching Ivy how to conduct herself around other people and animals and in all sorts of environments so they can be in each other’s lives to the fullest extent possible.

At 4 months of age, Ivy’s personality seems a tad less intense than the typical shotout-of-a-cannon young husky. At times, she can be a chill, lay-about girl. This will serve her well as Matthew returns to the University of Minnesota for his senior year. He and Ivy will live in a dog-friendly house with some roommates. Matthew plans to see that she gets her needed daily exercise and also weekend goof-around time back home. Mathew’s dad’s Lab, Monty, will be waiting to help with that. Whatever the next turn in the road is after Matthew graduates next year, it’s pretty certain he’ll have a plan ready for how he and Ivy can make it work together.

Ricka McNaughton is a writer living in White Bear Lake.

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. 4 election will be printed in the Oct. 22 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.15.

• To submit a letter, email news@ presspubs.com or mail/deliver it to Press Publications.

RICKA MCNAUGHTON | CONTRIBUTED An armload of awesomeness: Matthew Waldoch and 4-month-old Ivy.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PAID LETTER

Campaign finance review facts

I too care about our local city and have lived here since 1996. I reviewed the MN Statute 211A.02 that Don Sonsalla mentioned in an earlier letter to the editor.

Mr, Stephen Laliberte filled his initial Campaign Financial Report on 7/16/25 Mr. Sonsalla makes it sound like he didn't file a report. It's available for review to the public, I found it. Mr. Sonsalla also mentioned that he didn't want leaders to be influenced by outside forces and large donors. The maximum contribution per person or company is $600.00. Is that a large donor?

As for transparency I reviewed Mary Nicklawske's 211A financial report. As of 7/30/25 (no other updated reports have been filed) Her report has 3 contributions from out of the state of MN, and also by a labor union. 15 contributions were made for over $100.00. Her campaign report included an expense of $200.00 with the Minnesota DFL party, and $5,571.62. of other additional expenses. Labor Unions and the Minnesota DFL party seem like large outside forces to me.

I fail to see the facts from the public records where Mr Sonsalla can substantiate his claims of Mr. Laliberte being influenced by outside forces and large donors or filing a campaign report. I trust what I can see rather than conclusions and assumptions.

PAID LETTER

Candidate supports seniors

We all want elected officials who prioritize the needs of their constituents and who work with people of competing interests to find solutions that will make our city a community. Mary Nicklawske will be the kind of elected official we are looking for. Her 30 plus career serving others with disabilities ranges across age, race, faith, and place. Her experience as a volunteer fundraiser, high school coach, and fosterer of service dogs shows how deep her stake is in the well-being of the residents of White Bear Lake. Through these real world experiences she has developed the skills needed to listen to and understand the variety of perspectives on an issue and bring people together.

As a member of our city’s ever growing population of senior citizens I am excited about

White Bear Lake Area Church Directory

Mary’s proposal to establish a senior task force to develop solutions to address the challenges we face as we age in this community. On Nov. 4 I will be voting for Mary Nicklawske for Mayor of White Bear Lake and I encourage you to do likewise.

Joseph Crowe White Bear Lake

Post office anchors downtown

I am writing to express my deep concern about the potential closure of the U.S. Post Office located at 2223 Fifth Street in Downtown White Bear Lake. This post office is not merely a place for mail transactions; it is a cornerstone of our community, and its loss would be felt profoundly by residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

White Bear Lake is a unique and vibrant community within the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. One of the few cities in the region listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it draws people from across the seven-county, 33-city metro area. Our city’s picturesque location on the shores of White Bear Lake, coupled with our thriving downtown, makes it a popular destination year-round for its natural beauty, recreational activities, and historic charm. We are a community that attracts people seeking a rare, authentic experience in an increasingly impersonal world.

The post office at 2223 Fifth Street has long been an anchor of our downtown district. For generations, it has provided reliable service in a central location, making it an indispensable resource for our community. It serves not only residents but over 213 businesses that rely on its accessibility for efficiency and time savings. This post office is a gathering point that holds deep memories for many of us, a place where neighbors cross paths, and where the pulse of the town can be felt.

Given the presence of two of Minnesota’s most affluent zip codes—Dellwood and North Oaks—our area is home to a diverse population, including professionals, families, and retirees. Additionally, there are three care centers for seniors within walking distance of the post office, many of whom depend on its close proximity and efficient service.

As a resident and business owner in Downtown White Bear Lake, I see firsthand how essential this post office is to the daily life of our community. Its closure would disrupt the heart of our downtown, causing unnecessary hardship for those who depend on it. I urge you to reconsider this decision and protect the post office that plays such a vital role in the life of White Bear Lake.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Appreciate improvements

I'm writing to say how much I appreciate the improvements along Koehler Road between Centerville Road and Edgerton Street. The addition of a paved path has greatly improved safety for pedestrians. I can remember the time before this change was made, when I'd see kids walking along the shoulder with cars whizzing by. I understand that the city plans to do something similar along Greenhaven Drive. I used to live in that area before moving several blocks south, and still bike through it. I think it would be a great improvement for the area, making it much more comfortable and safe to walk. Traffic in Vadnais Heights has gotten heavier with the expanding population, and with the large number of kids and seniors in the area, it makes sense for comfort and safety to separate walkers from drivers. I like to see my property taxes pay for improvements like this that increase safety and make this a more walkable city.

Who to Call in Government

Minnesota

Charlie Kuhl White Bear Lake

James Sanchez White Bear Lake

Peter Helgeson Vadnais Heights

The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 3300 block of Glen Oaks Avenue Sept. 10.

• Officers responded to a report of a domestic incident in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Sept. 10.

• Officers responded to a domestic assault in the 1500 block of Highway 96 Sept. 10.

• A robbery was reported in the 1000 block of Highway 96 Sept. 10 and a suspect was taken into custody.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Sept. 11.

• Officers responded to a report of a disorderly person in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue Sept. 11.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI following a driving complaint in the 4700 block of Highway 61 Sept. 11.

• Fraud was reported in the 3700 block of Sun Terrace Sept. 11. An Oakdale woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near Interstate 694 and Century Avenue Sept. 12.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2400 block of Elm Drive Sept. 12.

• A White Bear Lake woman was arrested for domestic assault in the 1700 block of Fourth Street Sept. 11, and a White Bear Lake man was arrested at the same address for a felony warrant and providing a name of another.

• Identity theft was reported in the 2400 block of County Road F East Sept. 12.

• Officers responded to disorderly conduct in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Sept. 12.

• Officers responded to a report of ding dong ditchers in the 4800 block of Debra Street Sept. 12.

• A Forest Lake woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the area of Interstate 694 and Highway 61

COPS&COURTS

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

Sept. 13.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the area of Interstate 694 and Highway 61 Sept. 13.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI in the 3900 block of Linden Street Sept. 13.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Sept. 14.

• A 31-year-old New Brighton resident was found to be spray painting a rail car in the 1700 block of Ninth Street Sept. 14. The subject was released pending a damage estimate and notification of the owner/ victim.

• Officers responded to a dispute Sept. 14 in the 2400 block of Floral Drive.

• An Amazon package was stolen in the 1500 block of Park Street Sept. 15.

• Officers responded to a juvenile incident in the 2300 block of Oak Lane Sept. 15. A report of a hit and run accident in the 4300 block of Lake Avenue S. Sept. 15 turned out not to be an accident.

• Officers responded to a juvenile complaint in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue Sept. 15.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 3600 block of Bellaire Avenue Sept. 15.

• Harassment was reported in the 1800 block of Birch Street Sept. 15.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 1800 block of Fourth Street Sept. 16.

• A robbery was reported in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Sept. 16. Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1600 block of Ninth Street Sept. 16.

• Harassment was reported in the 4900 block of Birch Lake Circle Sept. 16.

• A woman was trespassed from Festival Foods Sept. 16 following a report of disorderly conduct.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:

Birchwood Village

Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies took multiple calls for service July 27-28 about downed power lines arcing and starting small fires on Lake Avenue and Wildwood Avenue due to back-to-back storms. Public Works and Xcel Energy were notified.

Dellwood

• The severe thunderstorms also reached Dellwood on July 27-28, as deputies took calls about trees down and power lines down sparking and causing small fires on Dellwood Avenue and Apple Orchard Road. Xcel Energy and the White Bear Lake Fire Department were called.

• A raccoon was reported for acting strangely on Aug. 1 on Eldorado Avenue. The caller was advised to just leave the raccoon alone.

Grant

• The severe storms of July 27-28 continued their inexorable march eastward, leading to more than a dozen reports that read like a school closings list of mayhem. Multiple trees and power lines were reported down on Dellwood Road, Jocelyn Road, Joliet Avenue, Julianne Avenue, Keats Avenue, Kelvin Avenue, Keswick Avenue, Kimbro Avenue, Kismet Avenue, Lake Elmo Avenue, Lansing Avenue, Manning Avenue and 110th Street N. A transformer blew; sparking power lines were dangerously low on the roadway; power lines were on the roadway; trees partially blocked roadways; trees completely blocked

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

• A resident in the 3400 block of Valento Circle on Aug. 7 reported his personal debit card fraudulently used to make two purchases worth nearly $100 at the Walmart store.

• A St. Paul man, 21, was cited Aug. 7 in the 100 block of Vadnais Blvd. for driving recklessly, after he was reported using his motor vehicle to chase wild animals. He had created a dangerous condition by driving through a flock of geese.

• A Minneapolis man, 31, was arrested for fifth-degree assault and domestic assault following a report at 12:36 a.m. Aug. 8 in the 1000 block of County Road D. Investigation revealed that he had slapped his girlfriend during an argument.

A St. Paul woman, 48, was arrested for DWI and for driving after cancellation in the 600 block of Willow Grove Lane on Aug. 8. Deputies were dispatched out to the scene after receiving a report of a suspicious Volvo parked in the middle of the street. On contact with the driver, deputies located several empty alcohol and beer bottles in the center console of the vehicle. Before being taken to jail, the subject was transported by ambulance to a hospital, where blood draws were completed.

• A St. Paul woman, 24, was cited Aug. 8 in the 1100 block of County Road D for theft and for receiving stolen property after she brought a PlayStation 5 into a pawn shop and sold it. The owner of the gaming device had reported it stolen and that someone she knew was trying to sell it.

Loss prevention employees at Walmart in the 800 block of County Road E reported that a female presented two counterfeit $20 bills while trying to make a purchase on Aug. 9. During their investigation, deputies spoke with a Buffalo woman who told them she had sold her ice fishing shack for $500 and was paid in cash. She didn’t realize the bills were fake.

• A Maplewood woman, 41, was reported for assaulting another Maplewood woman at 7:13 a.m. Aug. 10 at a birthday party for teenagers held at the Holiday Inn in the 1100 block of County Road E. The incident occurred after the teenagers became loud and disrespectful. The complainant had

roadways; traffic lights were not functioning; and a resident was stranded in his driveway due to sparking power lines. Deputies advised the caller not to drive over the power lines, because Xcel workers were on their way. It took busy Xcel crews more than an hour to arrive on scene to free the stranded homeowner.

• After the traffic light on Highway 36 at Lake Elmo Avenue N. lost power due to the storm, deputies were called out to the scene of a multivehicle accident during the morning of July 29 at the dangerous intersection at Lake Elmo Avenue and 60th Street N. amidst chaos and confusion.

• Residents in the 9000 block of Lansing Avenue N. reported $2,000 worth of climbing gear stolen overnight July 28-29.

• In the Case of the Illuminated Insect, residents in the 10000 block of 67th Lane N. reported seeing lights on near Indian Hills Golf Course Aug 2 and believed a drone to be surveilling their residence. A quick check of video surveillance footage provided by the golf course showed a large bug flying around. Deputies offered to provide extra patrols in the area until after midnight for the suspicious bug or other activity.

Mahtomedi

A missing child reported in the 1000 block of Park Avenue July 27 turned out to have been participating in the school district triathlon and had taken a wrong turn during the run portion of the race.

• The same storm that hit other nearby municipalities with a vengeance also struck Mahtomedi as deputies fielded more than 11 reports of storm damage July 27-28, with similar hazards. The addition of a tree struck by lightning was reported from Glenmar Avenue as well as trees falling on top of cars parked on the grass in Heidi Lane and Hallam Avenue. An

marks on her neck where she said the other woman grabbed her after she was called to the hotel by her daughter.

A Little Canada man, 23, was cited for shoplifting and trespassed from the Walmart store Aug. 11 after he was found to be trying to steal more than $25 worth of merchandise from the store while working as a third-party shopping service.

• A Minneapolis man, 35, was mailed a citation Aug. 11 after deputies responded to a report of order for protection (OFP) violation in the 3500 block of Vadnais Center Drive. The suspect had violated the order by texting and calling his significant other, who held the order against him.

• A bicycle was reported stolen Aug. 11 from a rack in the back of a residence in the 3500 block of Rice Street.

• A Vadnais Heights woman, 61, was cited Aug. 11 at the Walmart store after she was identified by employees as being involved in stealing nearly $200 worth of merchandise over nine separate occasions within the past few months. Her illegal booty included cat litter, cat food, aluminum foil, toilet paper and other items.

White Bear Township Deputies assisted Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Aug. 6 in monitoring a St. Paul man, 45, suspected of violating an OFP in the 5100 block of Mead Road.

• A resident in the 4400 block of Otter Lake Road on Aug. 11 reported his Ford EcoSport struck, dented and scraped while it was parked outside his home by a motorist, who then drove away.

• A resident in the 4500 block of Margaret Street reported an attempt to break into her home on Aug. 12. The unsuccessful burglar left pry marks on and around the doors of her house.

• A White Bear Township man, 22, was arrested at 12:36 a.m. Aug. 13 in the 2200 block of Buffalo Street for violating an OFP, after he called in for a welfare check on a woman who had an active OFP against him.

• Deputies assisted other agencies Aug. 13 in the 1100 block of County Road E in transporting to the hospital a St. Paul man, 38, who had been stabbed at a Minneapolis bar.

Loretta Harding

oak tree was reported down on Oak Lane, a tree down on Arbor Lane and an arcing power line on Arcwood Road. Reports of damage also came from Maple Street, Quail Road, Kenwood Street, Tamarack Street and Birchwood Road.

• Neptune Street residents on July 28 reported solicitors at their door who cursed and displayed offensive gestures when their services were declined. Two hours later, Grove Street residents reported suspicious behavior by solicitors who left the area in a black SUV driven by another party. Two hours after that, residents near Mina Court and Wedgewood Drive reported solicitors in the area and told deputies that White Bear Lake police officers had encountered the solicitors in their city.

• A suspicious person napping behind the wheel of a vehicle July 29 on Mahtomedi Avenue was a Grubhub driver taking a break.

Deputies spoke to a vehicle owner in the Liquor Barrel parking lot in the 3000 block of Century Avenue at 1:34 a.m. July 30 whose vehicle was displaying the incorrect license plate. The person said he was working in the area and had just purchased the vehicle that day. The plate was removed, and the person was advised to obtain the correct plates before driving on the road.

• A sprinkler on Woodland Court on Aug. 1 was reported for spraying straight into the air. Deputies on scene punted after observing the sprinkler head on private property and advised the caller to notify the homeowner’s association.

• Upstairs/downstairs neighbors of a Wildwood Road apartment complex reported each other Aug. 2 for purposefully creating noise to annoy the other.

Loretta Harding

CODE RED: Issued

lines or a text on their cell phones at 6:58 p.m. and again at 8:29 p.m. about a shelter-in-place advisory while law enforcement personnel searched the immediate area for two dangerous suspects.

At around 5 p.m. two males, thought to be armed, had encountered the Mahtomedi High School homecoming parade as they transported their zip-tied kidnapping victim back to his home. On seeing WCSO deputies, the suspects fled and eventually left the vehicle they were driving and escaped on foot. The homecoming football game was then canceled to allow law enforcement personnel to search for the suspects. (Mahtomedi was to play against Bloomington’s Kennedy High School Eagles that evening. The game was rescheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, at Mahtomedi High Stadium, after press time.)

CONTRIBUTED

A second alert for shelter in place is given to Mahtomedi residents.

The reason given for the kidnapping was to rob residents who lived near Inwood Way N. and 75th Street N. of millions in cryptocurrency.

When the suspects fled the vehicle they were driving, the kidnapping victim slid over to the driver’s seat and drove home.

Residents throughout the city were notified to shelter in place during the manhunt, and neighbors advised neighbors that a lockdown was underway.

At the council meeting a few days prior to the incident, Council Member Jane Schneeweis said that she had discussed the current Code Red system with Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Chief Deputy Doug Anschutz. “Residents have to sign up to receive a Code Red alert,” she said.

To sign up for Code Red, visit https://www. washingtoncountymn.gov and search for Code Red.

CONTRIBUTED

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office posted this release on social media. Kyle Schenck of the WCSO said this was not a random act and the investigation is ongoing.

Want to keep child passengers safe?

If you drive with child passengers, job one is making certain they are properly buckled in. It’s not only Minnesota law — used correctly every time, every ride, car seats save children’s lives. From Sept. 21-27, as part of 2025 National Child Passenger Safety Week, parents, grandparents and others who transport kids have special opportunities to ensure they are installing and using car seats correctly.

“During Child Passenger Safety Week, we want to make sure all Minnesotans who transport children have the information they need to correctly restrain their young passengers every trip,” said Tara Helm, community programs and occupant protection manager for the Minnesota Safety Council.

During Child Passenger Safety Week, certified child passenger safety technicians (CPSTs) across Minnesota will conduct special car seat check clinics to teach proper car seat and booster seat installation and ensure that those currently in use are installed correctly. Links to these events, the year-around clinic schedule and a tool for locating a CPST by geography are also available online at https://

buckleupmn.org.

“In passenger cars, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers 1 to 4 years old,” Helm says. “We not only have statistics, we have real-life experiences. In June 2024, a young mother died in a crash near Lamberton, Minnesota. Her three young daughters survived uninjured, thanks to their mother’s unwavering commitment to properly buckling them in every ride.”

From Sept. 21 through 27, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will also be coordinating a statewide seat belt and child passenger safety enforcement campaign. The campaign seeks to influence people to follow the law, buckle up and secure their children in the correct car or booster seats. Law enforcement will cite drivers for not wearing a seat belt or using a proper car seat.

“This year, we’ve seen record compliance in seat belt usage in Minnesota, and that leads to fewer traffic deaths on our roads,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “Imagine if everyone made that choice to buckle up, how many more lives would be saved and how many more families would be whole. That’s why our law enforcement will

be conducting stops to get drivers to do the right thing.” Minnesota law requires that all children are secured in an appropriate child restraint system (car seat or booster seat), until at least age 9 or until they've outgrown the booster seat AND can pass the 5-step test, which helps caregivers determine if a child is ready to ride with the lap and shoulder belt on the vehicle seat. Additionally, all children under the age of 13 must sit in the back seat of the vehicle, if possible.

Helm notes that despite laws in Minnesota and most other states, crashes remain a leading cause of death for children. In Minnesota, between 2016 and 2024, onethird of the children who were killed or seriously injured in a crash were not properly restrained. In 2024, 11 children age 12 or under died in Minnesota motor vehicle crashes. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study found that while most parents and caregivers believe they know how to correctly install their car seats, about half (46%) have installed their child’s car seat incorrectly.

Minnesota Safety Council

Department of Revenue warns of text message scam

The Minnesota Department of Revenue is warning Minnesotans of scam text messages claiming to be from the department and asking recipients to click a suspicious hyperlink to update their banking information and claim a refund. These scam texts are coming from a source outside of the department.

Example of text message

Your refund request has been processed and approved. Please provide accurate payment information by [DATE]. Funds will be deposited into your bank account or mailed to you via paper check within 1 to 2 business days.

[LINK]

Failure to submit the required payment information by [DATE] will result in permeant forfeiture of this refund under Minnesota Statute 5747.11. reply "Y" then close and reopen this message to activate the link. If the issue persists, copy the link and enter it directly into your browser.

Minnesotans receiving these scam texts should:

• Refrain from clicking the hyperlink in the text

• Report the text as junk/spam on their phone and delete it

• Contact their banking institution if they clicked the link and input their information

The Minnesota Department of Revenue will never send you unsolicited communications asking you to update your personal or financial information.

CENTER: ‘Ode to music ’

serve the northeast quadrant of the Twin Cities.

“Music speaks to all and we want to provide the opportunity for all to have the best possible musical instruction, recording experiences and education,” she said.

“What we’re really trying to do is create opportunities to become lifelong music lovers and, hopefully, professionals,” said Oliver, though both he and McNeely clarified that attending students do not necessarily need to have a career in music as their end goal. “Someone could come in and take a lesson … and if it brings them meaning and joy, and they have their life more fulfilled, we’ve done it. That’s it,” added McNeely.

MMC is also providing its attendees with innovative tools that combine traditional methods with cutting-edge technology. Some of the pianos, for example, have acoustic beds and feel just like playing the regular instrument. Instead of the keys’ hammers hitting strings, however, they strike tone sensors, which play a sample of the pitch. Not only will these pianos never need to be tuned, but they will also instantly produce a recording of the piece, providing instant feedback to the pianist. Additionally, the sound can be altered, mimicking any setting an electronic keyboard can produce.

Students can take what they have learned at MMC home with them too. After a student takes a lesson they can open the Lydian Studio app, where their teacher will have posted highlights to help with retention. “It’s basically a digital notepad with audio/video clips,” Oliver summarized.

“It’s interactive,” Heather added. “When the student goes home, they’re pulling up that clip and working on their own, they’re able to upload a video back, communicating with the teacher, going, ‘Is this what you meant? Is this how I should do it?’”

McNeely and Oliver realized, however, that the building and its abilities would mean nothing if it was not filled with the right teachers and the right atmosphere. Therefore, while the building’s construction was complete, MMC was not ready to open until now. “It’s not like a light switch,” McNeely explained. “It takes time to create a culture. It takes time to evolve where you get a teaching vibe … It takes time for things to start fleshing out.”

Far from being picky or vain, Oliver and McNeely’s aim is for MMC to best serve both its art and its community. “The McNeely Music Center is an ode to music and music education and a game changer for our region,” Oliver said. “The power of music is transformational.”

“We want to give back to music what music gave to us,” said McNeely. “The thought of having a facility that could accommodate young people and advance their music education and their music careers is inspiring.”

For information on MMC’s upcoming events or to book a music lesson, visit mmcwbl.org.

Longtime White Bear resident Ignacio ‘Nachito’ Herrera to play McNeely Music Center’s opening

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The McNeely Music Center in the Downtown White Bear Lake Arts District will have its first public event on Saturday, Sept. 27. Grammy-andEmmy-winning, worldrenowned Steinway piano player and White Bear Lake resident of nearly 25 years Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera will perform Cuban and Latin Jazz melodies live in concert. Since performing Rachmaninoff with the Havana Symphony Orchestra at age 12, Herrera has brought his gift to countless audiences in dozens of countries across the globe.

The MMC’s public opening, however, will be the first time Herrera performs professionally in the

Please submit your favorite photo of your pet for a

October 15,

town he calls home. Regardless of the significance, he plans to approach the concert just as he would any other.

“My mentor always told me, ‘Play every venue the same, no matter where in the world, no matter if it’s two people, 2,000 people or 200,000 people,’” Herrera recalled. “So I will play for White Bear as if 200,000 people are there.”

Herrera’s concert is titled “Hot Cuban Jazz.” The program will explore the impact of Cuban culture on jazz as well as the nature of Latin melodies in the genre. “Cuban music is about syncopation,” Herrera stated. “It’s in our blood, our body, our music, so we incorporate that syncopation into the jazz.” While one may traditionally associate “jazz” with “cool,” Herrera explained that his music becomes “hot” during improvisation.

“The climax of the piece is all of the improvisational ideas. You are using all of

your techniques,” the pianist said before laughing, “I usually break a string or two.”

That same morning, Herrera will host a masterclass for high school students from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

“I try to do a masterclass wherever I go,” Herrera said, “to keep students motivated about music.” During the class, Herrera traces the lineage of jazz music back to New Orleans, to Geroge Gershwin and to classical music, stressing the importance of traditional technique.

“You may not think of Johann Sebastian Bach as a jazz artist,” Herrera described, “but, without him, we would not have the history that leads to jazz.”

Herrera expressed gratitude to Manitou Fund President Oliver Din, the McNeely family and the people at the MMC for the opportunity. “From the bottom of my heart, I am so excited to perform for my community,”

Din requests that, in lieu of ticket sales, attendees of Herrera’s concert donate to the Manitou Fund Arts Fund at the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation. The foundation supports teaching and visiting artists in the community by increasing payment for artists and acting as a vehicle of assistance for community arts organizations. Din explained, “The fund will support area arts organizations including WBCA, Lakeshore Players and CPA along with area schools through the White Bear Lake Area Education Foundation and Mahtomedi Area Education Foundation.” Steinway piano player Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera performs at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the McNeely Music Center, 4910 Highway 61, White Bear Lake. For both events, advanced registration online is required. For registration and more information, visit mmcwbl.org/events.

Frank Watson

STEVE PETERSON | CONTRIBUTED

Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the McNeely Music Center, located at 4910 Highway 61, White Bear Lake.

HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATES:

replied. Peltier hadn’t seen the response, but a couple of her friends alerted her to check it out. Her classmate ended the message with “what’s your blood type?”

The two exchanged contact information and, out of the blue, one day he texted her asking her how she was feeling.

“I didn’t recognize the number. I thought it was junk, so I replied ‘stop,’” Peltier recalled laughing. Her classmate then called her to clear up any confusion and the two agreed to reconnect when she was back in town for the holidays.

Peltier waited three years from the time she was told she had kidney disease to when she received the transplant.

“She was somebody I knew, and I thought to myself, if she did die and I could have stopped it, I would feel pretty foolish and pretty self-centered if I didn’t do something about it,” her donor said.

Right before the transplant, Peltier moved from California back to her hometown. Peltier was one of the first few to receive a robotic kidney transplant at Mayo in July 2024. A robotic kidney transplant surgery is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon uses robotic arms controlled from a console to implant a donor kidney through smaller incisions. Benefits can include a faster recovery, less pain and reduced scarring compared to a traditional kidney replacement surgery.

“I read the article about the first lady to ever have one and I thought, ‘I want to do that,” she recalled. She was intrigued by the fact that her procedure might be helpful to others in the future since it was still so new.

Immediately before her surgery, she met the robot who would perform her surgery. Its name was Oscar. “It was huge … It looked like a spaceship and had six arms,” she said. “That’s the last thing I remember.”

Peltier’s donor spent a couple of days in the hospital, but Peltier had to stay in the hospital an extra week because they were worried that Peltier’s body might reject her donor’s kidney. “Robot fingers aren’t as sensitive as human fingers, and it kind of twisted one of the tubes from my donor’s kidney. They were watching it very closely,” she recalled.

Thankfully, her body accepted the kidney. Within three weeks of the transplant, Peltier’s own kidneys started dying. “I was very lucky,” Peltier said.

Her recovery has not been easy and has had its full share of complications. It’s been constant experimentation with various medications and their dosages, she said.

“At one point I was taking 32 medications twice a day. I was a walking pharmacy,” she said. All those medications come with side effects: she lost weight, muscle mass and hair and

White Bear Smiles adds Little Library

White Bear Smiles has a colorful pollinator garden on the north end of its parking lot. The clinic began the garden in 2022 to help the local bees and butterflies and has successfully hatched monarchs annually since. It is registered on the White Bear Lake interactive pollinator map, which lists all the local pollinatorfriendly plant habitats.

White Bear Smiles also recently installed a Little Library in front of the business, so feel free to check that out for a new book or to donate some gently used favorites. Encouraging childhood literacy has always been important to Dr. Anderson and Dr. Swift, who have run reading contests in the past for their pediatric patients.

Gem Lake Hills Golf Course opens ‘Mini Gem’

The Mini Gem Putting Course at Gem Lake Hills Golf Course is now open. The 19-hole modern version of miniature golf is designed to be entertaining for all

experienced shaking, dizzy spells and vomiting.

In what she described as her “worst nightmare,” one of the medications she is on has caused her to become diabetic. She’s confident that the prolonged throwing up spells caused her to develop two hernias, one near the incision and one on the incision from her surgery. She now will likely need one or two more surgeries to repair those.

What used to be Peltier’s passion, dance, has now transformed into a passion to stay alive.

“I'm so grateful to be alive. You look at things differently when you have a second chance,” she said. Peltier does all she can to stay healthy, from walking 10 miles a day to doing hundreds of crunches, to being conscious of what food she consumes, to sanitizing everything she touches and wearing a mask when she feels it’s necessary.

In addition to developing a friendship with a former classmate, she found a caregiver. Her donor acts as her primary caregiver, bringing her to and from her appointments. Peltier added many of her classmates have stepped up, whether it is transporting her to her appointments or even helping her check her blood sugar.

“(My donor) brought me back to my faith that I was raised in,” Peltier said, noting that while she grew up, she attended St. Mary of the Lake. “In

the 1980s. The Mini Gem’s logo honors Ken with some shared characteristics. Ken is often seen sporting a sweatband and has always fully embraced the USA's patriotic color scheme of red, white and blue.

For more information about the course, visit www. gemlakehillsgolf.com/The-Mini-Gem-Putting-Course.

The Women Collective celebrates 1st anniversary

Amelia Reigstad, founder of The Women Collective in downtown White Bear Lake, recently celebrated one year in business.

La Vie Est Belle moves in downtown

La Vie Est Belle acquired the former Leona Rose space in downtown White Bear Lake Sept. 1. Now the work begins to transform the space before the store’s October opening. Owner Kristin Rohman Rehkamp said the work started with cleaning and papering the windows to keep an “element of surprise.”

The renovation includes a fresh coat of paint as well as a new workroom,

addition to getting this new kidney, I believe the power of prayer brought me through it. “He has such a big piece of my heart, and I have his kidney.”

and store

The target open date is Oct. 4. La Vie Est Belle is located at 2175 Fourth St. For more information, visit shoplavie.co.

Beartown could see new ownership

Beartown Bar and Grill, located at 4875 Highway 61 in White Bear Lake, could see new ownership later this fall. The family-owned business has been around for over two decades.

Patrick Conroy, president of Muddy Cow, said the closing date is scheduled for Oct. 28. Conroy didn’t want to comment further on the acquisition until later this fall, after the closing date.

Muddy Cow currently has locations in Coon Rapids, Cottage Grove, Hutchinson, Litchfield, North Branch, Oak Park Heights and Shakopee.

accent wall, a front awning

signage. The gift boutique also has

location in Lake Elmo. Customers will notice common threads from the Lake Elmo store as well as new additions.

The Mini Gem is open at Gem Lake Hills Golf Course.

White Bear Smiles is now home to a Little Library.

Kristin Rohman Rehkamp with Debbie Staedt.

Starring In A Musical Tribute To Barry Manilow & Billy Joel

October 15, 2025 ~ 6:30pm Dugout Bar - Mahtomedi

For info and tickets go to: https://GaryLaRue.ticketbud.com www.GaryLaRue.com

WB SENIOR CENTERREGISTRATION REQUIRED - 651-653-3121

The Senior Center have moved to: District Service Center @ Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Avenue, WBL, on the corner of Cranbrook & Roth. Call to register for classes 651-653-3121. All classes held at Sr Center unless indicated.

Fall Prevention: Mon, Sep 29, 2-3pm. $5 Selling Your House As Is & Not Get Scammed: Mon, Sep 29, 1-2:30pm, $5

All About Arthritis: Tue, Sep 30, 11-12pm, $5 Medicare Seminar on Blue Cross Blue Shield: Thu, Oct 2, 9-10am, Free Bingo: Thu, Oct 2, 10-11:30am, $5

History w/K.Simmer: Daily Lives of Civil War Soldiers: Fri, Oct 3, 10am-12pm, $18 Lunch & Learn at a Funeral Home: Mon, Oct 6, 11:30am-1pm, $5, Mueller Memorial Funeral Home, WBL Wed, Oct 22, 10Consumer Road Show on Scams: Tue Oct 7, Senior Housing: Should I Stay or Should I Go?: 30-minute appointment, $55, Call Hot or Frozen meals delivered Monday-Friday. If you are interested, know of someone who may need meals, or have questions,

Upscale Steakhouse, Pan Fried Walleye, Drunk ‘N Dirty Pork Chops, Bull Bites and Martinis

MAHTOMEDI COMMUNITY EDUCATION

All activities are held at the DEC unless otherwise noted.

Mondays: Mahjong - FREE 1-3 pm BingoFREE.

Monday, October 27th 1:30-3 pm

Tuesdays: Cribbage - FREE 1-3 pm

Wednesdays: Bridge - FREE 1-3 pm

Thursdays: 500 Cards - FREE 12:30-3 pm

Fridays: Games - FREE 12:30-3 pm; BridgeFREE 1-3 pm; Book Club - FREE 2nd Friday, 10-11:30 am

ADULT ACTIVITIES AT THE MAHTOMEDI DISTRICT EDUCATION CENTER (DEC) 1520 MAHTOMEDI AVENUE

The following requires registration: mahtomedi. ce.eleyo.com or call 651-407-2018

Harmony Adventure for Women - $35.

Mondays, October 6th-December 1st, 7-8:30 pm. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. How to Play Bridge - $65. Mondays, October 6th-November 24th, 9-11 am or 5-7 pm. Consumer Road Show on Scams - FREE. Tuesday, October 7th, 1-2:30 pm. Sunrise District Center.

Country Line Dance - $20. Tuesday, October 14th, 6-7 pm. Matoska International School. Learn to Tango - $35 per couple. Tuesday, October 14th, 7-9 pm. Matoska International School.

55+ Defensive Driving Class - $35. Wednesday, October 15th, 1-5 pm.

Dog Massage - $25 per dog. Thursday, October 16th, 6:30-8 pm

History with Kathy Simmer: Twelve Years a President: FDR - $18. Monday, October 20th or Tuesday, October 21st, 10 am12 pm.

Family and Friends CPR and First Aid - $49. Tuesday, October 21st, 3-6:30 pm Basics of Estate Planning - $10. Thursday, October 23rd, 5-6 pm

Strength and Balance - $149. Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 28th-December 18th, 1:152 pm. Free for SilverSneakers, RenewActive, OnePass, or Silver&Fit. Dr. Mark Seeley: Minnesota’s Most Historic and Impactful Blizzards - $25. Wednesday, October 29th, 6:30-7:30 pm

LYNGBLOMSTEN COMMUNITY SERVICES:

Meet with a Caregiver Social Worker for personalized support. Are you caring for an older adult and feeling stressed or overwhelmed? You don’t have to do it alone. Schedule an in-person meeting with Lisa Brown, MSW, LISW, Caregiver Social Worker who can offer personalized support and resources to help you navigate caregiving challenges. Topics you could discuss with her include dementia communication strategies, navigating family dynamics, respite care options, and self-care. In-person appointments are available on Tuesdays, 8:30 AM–1:30 PM, at Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes (6070 Blanchard Blvd., Lino Lakes). Lisa also meets virtually, by phone, or in person at Lyngblomsten’ s

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

Como Park campus on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. To schedule a time, call (651) 632-5320 or email caregiving@lyngblomsten.org

In-Person Memory Loss Caregiver Support

Group (new time): Family and friends caring for someone experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia are welcome. The group meets at 10:30 AM the 4th Tuesday of each month at Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes (6070 Blanchard Blvd., Lino Lakes) and is facilitated by Lisa Brown, MSW, LISW. Registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To register, contact Lisa 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.

FindingPeaceintheCaregivingJourney-A

• Aquatic Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

Conversation with Minnesota Author Linda Knebel Pruden. Saturday, November 8, from 10–11:30 AM at Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes (6070 Blanchard Blvd., Lino Lakes). Linda’s recently released book, From FeartoPeace, shares her journey caring for her husband who has dementia, exploring the struggles, the triumphs, and the profound impact of love and faith in the face of adversity. Through her story, Linda offers messages of hope and peace for caregivers and those who support them. Limited on-site respite care is available (pre-registration is required for respite). The first 25 registrations will receive a free copy of Linda’s book. To learn more or register, visit www. lyngblomsten.org/FindingPeace or contact Lisa at (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org. Lyngblomsten Community Services is supported in part by gifts made to the Lyngblomsten Foundation and is funded under an award with Trellis as part of the Older Americans Act.

Borgen, Gominsky, 1982 gymnasts enter MHS Hall of Fame

Mahtomedi’s Sports Hall of Fame introduced its 2025 inductees — Brent Borgen, Justin Gominsky, and a gymnastics team — at the football opener Aug. 29.

Borgen was a 2003 Mr. Hockey finalist, three times all-conference and twice all-metro. His 109 goals and 208 points are still program records. He skated for a WCHA champion Gophers team in 2005 and finished at St. Cloud State. He’s president of the local youth association.

Gominsky, Class of 2008, was all-state in baseball twice and all-conference three teams, and earned the same honors in football. As an outfielder with

Visiting Loons, in varying states of molt and size, continue to drop in, as they prepare for migration. The A Scows finally had a picture perfect day for sailing, wrapping up their 2025 racing season. Fall is now underway. Enjoy!

the Gophers, he earned Big Ten and All-American freshman honors. He played three pro seasons in the Houston Astros chain. He founded the Minnesota Icemen club team that won a national title in 2021.

The 1982 gymnasts were the first of Mahtomedi’s ten state champions. Present were Heidi Wahlstrom Brown, Mary Mitchell Cromer, Bridget Conroy Johnson (state beam champion, second all-around), Annette Tessier Albrecht, Shelley Mitchell, Laura Gervais Johnsrud, Laura Davis Kendall, and Amy Paulson Lorentz, with Beth DeLaHunt represented by her sister Cindy.

Loon Chronicles X: The Molting Maestro

Another busy two weeks on WBL. Sub-adult and juvenile Loons continue to drop in, as they prepare for their upcoming migration, and can be seen all around the lake fishing and preening together. We are happy to report that Scruffy, who is always fun to spot, is still in the mix, alternating his time between Ordway Bay and the middle of the lake. This morning, we came across a large molting Loon, whose enormous wingspan became immediately apparent during an extended wing flap. From behind, he looked like a maestro conducting his own orchestra, comprised of a few gulls and a pair of juveniles.

The Coot covers continue to expand and can be found rafting in and around the bulrushes by Lake Avenue. It does not take much to set off the ever-skittish Coots, as they try to stay clear of the Eagles. Unlike most waterfowl, Coots do not have webbed feet. Instead, Coots have toes with large flaps of skin, called lobes, which act like flippers to propel the Coot through the water. The lobes can be yellow, green, or blue depending on the season and lighting. Right now, their feet are lime green and easy to spot when attempting to get airborne. Last weekend, we watched the A Scows put on quite a show in two

back-to-back races. Somehow, the skippers, and their crew, managed to successfully navigate around all the nonstop wake boat chop and racing jet skis. I could barely hold on to my camera through it all. Sunrise remains our preferred time to be out in the boat. Fall colors are starting to emerge around the lake. According to the almanac, conditions are optimal for stunning fall colors this year. Enjoy!

Ellen Maas

THE MOLTING MAESTRO

TODD VOIT | CONTRIBUTED

Brent Borgen (left), the 1982 gymnastics team, and Justin Gominsky (right), new hall of famers.

12 WHITE BEAR PRESS

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT, COURT SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT

COURT FILE NUMBER: 62-CV-24-4115

CASE TYPE: CHANGE OF NAME

In the Matter of the Application of Kayla Wieck OBO Minor for a Change of Name

NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION (NAM209) MINN. STAT. § 259.10

Name of parent to be notified: Jerry Alexander

Last known address: Unknown, White Bear Lake, Minnesota

An Application for Name Change has been filed by Kayla Wieck for a change of name for the minor child Lillie Rose Wieck-Alexander to Lillie Rose Wieck. A hearing on this Application will be held Remotely via Zoom on November 5, 2025, at Zoomgov.com. Meeting ID: 161 026 9548 ; Passcode: 192182

You may obtain a copy of the Application for Name Change from 5 West Kellogg Boulevard, Court Records - Room 72, St. Paul, MN 55102.

If you do not appear at the scheduled hearing, the Petitioner’s Application for a Name Change for the minor child may be granted.

Date: September 2, 2025 Amanda Boomgaarden, Court Administrator/Deputy

2ndcasesscheduling@courts.state.mn.us

Published three times in the White Bear Press on September 17, 24 and October 1, 2025.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:

Team Short

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:

1457 MARSHALL AVE SAINT PAUL MN 55104

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

TALL Ventures, LLC

1457 MARSHALL AVE SAINT PAUL MN 55104

I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: September 12, 2025

Signed: Jeffrey Short

Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 24 and October 1, 2025

CITY OF GEM LAKE

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of Gem Lake, Ramsey County, Minnesota shall consider an application from Jeff and Nikki Foley for a Conditional Use Permit to establish a Home Occupation, providing financial services, occupying more than 50% of the residence and a Variance for the number of off-street parking spaces and number of non-residential employees allowed. The hearing will take place at the Planning Commission meeting on October 7, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m. at the Gem Lake City Hall (4200 Otter Lake Road). A copy of the application and staff report will be available from the City Clerk approximately one week prior to the hearing.

Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor

Published one time in the White Bear Press on September 24, 2025.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

NOTICE OF HEARING ON ASSESSMENTS FOR PORTLAND WOODS IMPROVEMENT 2024-2

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Town Board of the Town of White Bear, Minnesota, will meet at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road, in the Town of White Bear, Minnesota, at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, to hear and pass upon objections, if any, to the proposed assessment in respect of Portland Woods Improvement 2024-2. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessments will be available at the hearing.

The proposed assessment roll is now on file and open to public inspection by all interested persons in the office of the Town Clerk. Each of these assessments will be payable, unless prepaid, in ten equal, annual consecutive installments, the first such installment will be payable with the general taxes payable in the year 2026, collectable with such taxes during the year 2026. The first installment will be payable with interest at the rate of 6.3% per annum on the entire assessment from October 20, 2025 to December 31, 2025, and each subsequent installment will be payable with one year’s interest at said rate on all unpaid installments.

The general nature of the improvement is set forth as follows: construction of bituminous paving, concrete curb and gutter, storm drainage and other appurtenances thereto within the following area of the Township including: Portland Woods from Portland Avenue to Dead-End, Ramsey County, Minnesota.

The proposed area to be assessed for such improvement is every lot, piece or parcel of land benefitted within the area of the improvement, to-wit: Portland Woods from Portland Avenue to Dead-End, Ramsey County, Minnesota.

The total amount to be assessed is $102,000.

An owner may appeal an assessment to the District Court pursuant to Section 429.081 of Minnesota Statutes, by serving Notice of the appeal upon the Chair of the Town Board or the Clerk of the Town within thirty (30) days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such Notice with the Clerk of the District Court within ten (10) days after service upon the Town Board Chair or Town Clerk providing a written objection signed by the affected property owner is filed with the municipal clerk prior to the assessment hearing or presented to the presiding officer at the hearing. Sections 435.193 to 435.195 provide that a Town making a special assessment may, at its discretion, defer the payment of that special assessment for any homestead property owner by a person 65 years of age or older from whom it would be a hardship to make the payments.

The Town of White Bear has elected to defer some special assessments and has adopted Ordinance No. 53 establishing the standards and guidelines. Dated: September 15, 2025. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer

Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 24 and October 8, 2025.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

NOTICE OF HEARING ON ASSESSMENTS FOR ANDERSON LANE IMPROVEMENT 2024-3

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Town Board of the Town of White Bear, Minnesota, will meet at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road, in the Town of White Bear, Minnesota, at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, to hear and pass upon objections, if any, to the proposed assessment in respect of Anderson Lane Improvement 2024-3. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessments will be available at the hearing.

The proposed area to be assessed for such improvement is every lot, piece or parcel of land benefitted within the area of the improvement, to-wit: Anderson Lane, Ramsey County, Minnesota.

The total amount to be assessed is $234,000.

The Town of White Bear has elected to defer some special assessments and has adopted Ordinance No. 53 establishing the standards and guidelines.

Dated: September 15, 2025.

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer

Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 24 and October 8, 2025.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

NOTICE OF HEARING ON ASSESSMENTS FOR JENNI LANE F/K/A SILVER FOX IMPROVEMENT 2024-4

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Town Board of the Town of White Bear, Minnesota, will meet at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road, in the Town of White Bear, Minnesota, at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, to hear and pass upon objections, if any, to the proposed assessment in respect of Jenni Lane Improvement 2024-4. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessments will be available at the hearing.

The general nature of the improvement is set forth as follows: construction of bituminous paving, storm drainage and other appurtenances thereto within the following area of the Township including: Jenni Lane, Richard Drive, Cristine Court, Katie Lane, Paul Place, Suzanne Circle, Westergren Court, Ridge Court, Franklin Avenue, Buffalo Street, Taylor Avenue, Grand Avenue, Cantwell Avenue, 8th Street, and Jefferson Court, Ramsey County, Minnesota.

The proposed area to be assessed for such improvement is every lot, piece or parcel of land benefitted within the area of the improvement, to-wit: Jenni Lane, Richard Drive, Cristine Court, Katie Lane, Paul Place, Suzanne Circle, Westergren Court, Ridge Court, Franklin Avenue, Buffalo Street, Taylor Avenue, Grand Avenue, Cantwell Avenue, 8th Street, and Jefferson Court, Ramsey County, Minnesota.

The total amount to be assessed is $877,500.

The Town of White Bear has elected to defer some special assessments and has adopted Ordinance No. 53 establishing the standards and guidelines.

Dated: September 15, 2025.

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer

Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 24 and October 8, 2025.

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 624

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Bids close at 2:00 P.M. (local time) on Thursday, October 9, 2025

By order of the School Board of the White Bear Lake Area Schools, sealed bids for construction of the Birch Lake Boiler Replacement Project at Birch Lake Elementary School in White Bear Lake, Minnesota will be received at The District Office of the White Bear Lake Area Schools at 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, Attention: Kevin Fernandez, until 2:00 PM (local time) on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in accordance with the specifications set forth herein and the “other” terms, conditions and instructions to the specifications. At that time all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. All bids received after the time stated will not be considered. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail or on the handling of mail by employees of the school district. Whether the bid is sent by mail or by means of personal delivery, the bidder assumes responsibility for having their bid clocked in on time at the place specified. Fax or telephone amendments will not be accepted at any time. Bidders shall submit bids in duplicate on the forms provided in the Project Manual. No oral, facsimile or telephone bids or modifications of bids will be accepted. All sealed bids are to be labeled with the project name

The Project consists of the Mechanical/Electrical and General Construction work required to replace the existing steam boiler plant and all steam and condensate piping with a new hot water boiler plant and all new hot water heating piping with HVAC equipment either being replaced or steam heating coils being replaced with hot water heating coils as identified in the documents at the Birch Lake Elementary School. You may view and order bid documents by going to the Franz Reprographics web site at www.franzrepro.com , and selecting the Franz Public Plan Room Please login with your email address and password or Register if this is your first time in the Plan Room. Select the project from the list of public projects. Once you have selected the project, please review the Bid Details for information on ordering documents.

Each bidder shall submit with the bid, a cashier’s check or bid bond, made payable to White Bear Lake Area Schools, in the amount of five percent (5%) of the maximum amount of its bid. All vendors entering into a contract with the District for $10,000 or more are to provide a Labor and Material Payment and Performance Bonds for 100% of the contract. Bonds must be furnished within 10 days of notice of award of the Contract. Contract is subject to compliance with the applicable Schedule of Prevailing Wage issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry. Provide all State required Responsible Contractor Forms with your bid.

There will be a pre-bid meeting and walk through on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 3:30 PM at Birch Lake Elementary School. Bids may not be withdrawn for thirty (30) days after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of bids without the consent of the White Bear Lake Area Schools. The School Board reserves the right to accept any bid, to reject any or all bids, to waive irregularities and informalities in the bidding procedures, and to act in its best interest.

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS

2399 CEDAR AVENUE, WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA 55110

Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 17 and 24, 2025.

WHITE BEAR LAKE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (WBLCD) ORDINANCE 5, PART IV

MULTIPLE USER DOCKS OR MOORING AREAS ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

SUMMARY PUBLICATION: The following summary is approved by the White Bear Lake Conservation District Board of Directors and shall be published in lieu of publishing the entire ordinance: On July 15, 2025, the WBLCD Board adopted amendments to Ordinance 5, Part IV-Multiple User Docks or Mooring Areas.

The terms ‘license’ was changed to ‘permit’ and ‘Secretary’ to ‘Administrator.’ Proof of in-force liability insurance is required of structures that are used by members of the public.

Copies of the amendment as adopted are on file with the Administrator for inspection and general distribution during regular office hours or by mail or email. Current WBLCD Ordinances are available to view at www.wblcd.com. Approved September 16, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE WBLCD BOARD

Cheri Howe, Administrator

Published one time in the White Bear Press on September 24, 2025. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-703 CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (WITHOUT A WILL)

In re the Estate of Brenda Mae Minkin Hoven, a/k/a Brenda Mae Hoven, Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:

Notice is hereby given that an Amended Application filed on September 11, 2025 for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Court. No will has been presented for probate. The Amended Application has been granted. Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: Eric Hoven 9354 Howard Lake Drive Northeast Columbus, MN 55025 as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as Personal Representative or may object to the appointment of the Personal Representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3607, and the court otherwise orders, the Personal Representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate. Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the Personal Representative or to the Court Administrator within

Laura J. Stevens, Probate Registrar

Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator

Date: September 12, 2025

Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 24 and October 1, 2025.

Submitting Public Notices

Including Foreclosures, Certificates of Assumed Name, Liens, Probates and all other Public Notice Requirements Deadlines: Quad Community Press, Shoreview Press and The Citizen by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday prior to publication date. Early deadlines apply on most holidays Counties of Ramsey, Anoka and Washington White Bear Press and Vadnais Heights Press, by 5:00 p.m. Thursday prior to publication date.

Myrna or Evelyn Legals@presspubs.com 651-407-1200

White Bear Schools enrollment up for K-8, extended day; down for 9-12

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Opening week enrollment numbers for ISD 624 revealed a 22-student increase for grades K-5, a 22-student increase for grades 6-8 and a 90-student decrease for grades 9-12. Enrollment in the district’s extended day programs increased by 130 students and cut its waitlist by 81%.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Tim Wald explained that fluctuations in birth rates account for the secondary school results. “People are having less children,” Wald said, “and that’s a statewide trend … We knew we were graduating a much larger senior class than we were transferring and moving up.” Wald holds that the same principle is true for grades 6-8; the incoming sixth grade class is much larger than last year’s eighth-grade class.

Wald credited increased K-5 enrollment to multiple factors. First, increasing population on the north end of the district boosted nearby schools. Oneka Elementary, for example, increased by nearly 24 students. Second, the Spanish dual immersion program stabilized Matoska’s numbers

• Town Clerk Patrick Christopherson and Town Supervisor Chair Ed Prudhon are planning to meet with the mayor of North Oaks, Krista Wolter, this week and give her an extension agreement document regarding water and sewer usage. Currently, the township has the legal right to shut off water and sewer utilities to over 430 homes in North Oaks at any time because the joint powers agreement (JPA), the contract under which the township provided service to North Oaks, expired earlier this year.

“The board and our township attorney notified the city of North Oaks in May 2022 that we were giving them official notice of two years to terminate the existing JPA that had been in place since 1999,”

OBITUARIES

after a small kindergarten class last year and increased Otter Lake’s numbers by 10. Third, more families are returning to White Bear’s schools after the pandemic. “The numbers aren’t finalized yet, but we think we’ll see a bit of a downtick in homeschool numbers,” Wald stated. “Some of those families are sending their kids back to school.”

More families are also keeping their kids after school. Director of Community Services Tim Mauer reported that White Bear’s extended day and community education and recreation programs increased from 750 in fall 2023 to 1,010 in fall 2025. Simultaneously, the waitlist for the programs shrank from 390 to 33 in the same time period. Mauer stated that he appreciated the work the department has done to build partnerships across buildings and to fill staffing needs.

Board Member Dan Skaar said, “That’s a reduction in the waitlist of 90%. That’s impressive … Investments that we made in the facilities translated into real benefits.”

Logan Gion is a contributing writer for Press Publications. He can be reached at savoureditor@

Christopherson said. “We worked with them for a good two years on coming up with the language for a JPA. There were some open-ended issues that needed to be worked through. The board, in its good graces, extended an additional six months … None of this has been sprung on anybody.” Prudhon explained that, because the township is continuing to provide water to North Oaks past the JPA’s expiration date, the board is concerned that the city of North Oaks could argue that the municipalities have an implied contract. The renewable extension agreement, then, would protect the township from such a situation.

• The township’s preliminary tax levy for 2026 is being reduced from $7,307,500 to just over $6,990,000.

that if construction on the north

Janice Goodwin Rupert

Born October 22, 1941 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Passed away on September 19, 2025.

Preceded in death by parents, Bill and Francis Goodwin and survived by her brother, Gary.

She loved sailing and raced scows almost her entire life.

She was also a wonderful skier, raced slalom in college, and taught professionally at Trollhaugen.

She was first married to Jim Wengler and they had two daughters Lisa (Bruns) and Christine Wengler.

She subsequently married John Rupert whom she met sailing scows at age 15 and they lived a life of wonderful adventures around the world for forty years and Jan was blessed with 4 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of the Way on Saturday, December 20, 2025

Obituaries celebrate and honor unique lives.

To Submit an obit Email obits@presspubs.com Call 651-407-1250

Visit us at 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN

Paulette Theresa (Bluth) Chlebeck

Mark S. Grundhofer

age 77, of White Bear Lake, peacefully passed away on September 1, 2025, after bravely facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in Minneapolis on April 19, 1947, Paulette was a proud graduate of Harding High School. For many years, Paulette was a valued member of the First Addition Estate Sales team. In her free time, Paulette volunteered at St. Peter’s Catholic grade school; Paulette had a special connection with children. She also led a local Jazzercise group, bringing some fun into fitness. Those who knew Paulette will remember her with a book always in hand. She had a love of travel which took her to fascinating corners of the world, deepening her appreciation for different cultures. Gifted in the kitchen, she had a knack for cooking and baking. She was also an animal lover and had a respect for nature and all its beauty. Paulette embraced life with a spirit that brought joy to so many, always finding humor in everything, and inspiring those around her to do the same. Preceded in death by her father, Paul Bluth and her mother, Bev Phelps. Paulette will be missed by her ex-husband, Don Chlebeck; children, Drew of Bozeman, MT, Joe of Chicago, IL, and Nick of Austin, TX; siblings, Colleen (Bill) Fitzpatrick of Summerville, SC, Joe (Annie) Bluth of Mankato, MN, Jim (Mary) Bluth of White Bear Lake, MN, Shelly (Ton) of Raleigh, NC; and many nieces & nephews, and their offspring. The family will be holding a private Celebration of Life at a later date. Memorials preferred to Alzheimer’s Disease Research. Mueller MemorialWhite Bear Lake, www.muellermemorial.com, 651-429-4944

Age 63 of White Bear Lake. Survived by his mother, Mary Ann Grundhofer of WBL; siblings, Sharon Grundhofer of Oakdale, Dale (Lori) of WBL, Dan (Sherri) of Hugo & Marlys (Mark) Andersen of Hugo; and many nieces & nephews. Memorial Service on Tuesday, Sep. 30th at 5pm at MUELLER

MEMORIAL - 4738 Bald Eagle Ave. at 3rd St., White Bear Lake with a visitation 1 hour prior to service.

Mary Judith “Judy” Purcell Love

(1939-2025) Judy passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025 at her beloved cabin on Big Mantrap Lake in Park Rapids, MN. Judy loved to spend time there with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her wonderful friends. While there, she shared her love of the lake and her passion for cards & games with all.

Judy is survived by her five children; Lisa Love, Thomas “Kip” Love (Kim), James Dwight Love, Cynthia Helm (Eric) and Zachary Love as well as her eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Memorials may be made to:

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP NOTES

1. Libby, who was previously highlighted as a “Lake Dog” in The Laker, is soaking up the last of traditional lake season on Bald Eagle. Ben Williams, Contributed

2. Lee Johansen is the lucky winner of the Heartbeat for Hunger Walser Polar Mazda car raffle. Pictured (from left) are Perry Peterson, executive director of White Bear Area Food Shelf; Johansen; and Bret Juedes, general manager of Walser Polar Mazda. — Contributed

3. This sunset was captured on Bald Eagle Lake Sept. 19. — Beth Artner, Contributed

Lilly Melander

City of residence: Mahtomedi

Occupation: Biotech Lobbyist

List 3 most recent civic involvement

roles:

• Participated in the Mahtomedi Environment Commission Meeting, focusing on sustainability and environmental priorities for the city.

• Served on the Minnesota State Suicide Prevention Taskforce, contributing to statewide discussions on mental health and community wellbeing.

• Collaborated with City Council colleagues and community members on the turnback of Highway 244 to the city of Mahtomedi, engaging residents in shaping the future design of our city’s streets.

Luke Schlegel

City of residence: Mahtomedi

Occupation: Co-President of Collective Measures |Media & Analytics

List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:

• Mahtomedi City Council, 2022-Present

• Mahtomedi Finance Commission 20172022

• Mahtomedi School District Community Education Advisory Council 2022-Present

Ellen Gurrola

City of residence: White Bear Lake

Occupation: Higher Education

Sustainability Coordinator and Former Educator

List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:

• White Bear Lake Environmental Advisory Commission (2024-Present)

• Ramsey County Waste Reduction Advisory Committee (2024)

• White Bear Lake Welcoming and Inclusive Community Task Force (2021-2022)

Q. Why do you want to serve on the City Council?

A. I want to serve on the City Council because I believe all voices deserve to be heard. My family's background and experiences will allow me to bring a different perspective to decisions being made for our city. I want to ensure White Bear Lake continues to be a thriving community for current and future generations. My spouse, Ramon, our two children, and I have lived in various parts of White Bear Lake, which includes apartments and townhomes before purchasing our current home. These

Kevin L. Edberg

City of residence: White Bear Lake

Occupation: Nonprofit executive working in community economic development

List 3 most recent civic involvement

roles:

• White Bear Lake City Council member: 2010-present (16 years)

• White Bear Lake Area School Board: 1979-1988, 1991-2001 (19.5 years)

• Volunteer and lay leader in my congregation, Redeemer Lutheran Church

Q. Why do you want to serve on the City Council?

A. White Bear Lake is my hometown, having lived here 55 years

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2025

MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL (ELECT 2)

Q. Why do you want to serve on the City Council?

A. I want to serve because I care deeply about Mahtomedi and the people who call it home. This is a town where you know your neighbor, and where we look out for each other. I believe in preserving that small-town feel while making thoughtful, responsible decisions to keep our community safe, strong, and welcoming. Serving on the City Council gives me the opportunity to listen, to lead, and to ensure that Mahtomedi remains the kind of place we are all proud to live.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the city?

• Public Safety & Infrastructure – We’re in need of a new fire station to provide our first responders with a safe, modern, and workable space to serve residents.

• Fiscal Responsibility – Using taxpayer dollars wisely, ensuring city investments reflect community needs without losing sight of long-term sustainability.

Q. Why do you want to serve on the City Council?

A. I want to continue my work on the City Council to ensure that the city continues on its current path as the city is in a healthy financial state and residents are satisfied (based on our recentlycompleted survey). There are a number of major infrastructure projects facing the city in the coming years (Mahtomedi Avenue turnback/ reconstruction and the Highway 120 turnback) and I want to see those projects through to completion.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the city? A.

• Effective and efficient use of resources; only raising taxes when necessary to provide the services residents desire

WHITE BEAR LAKE CITY COUNCIL (WARD 1)

experiences have given me a deep understanding of the diverse needs of our residents. As a former public school teacher of ten years, and with a spouse who is both a firefighter and Marine veteran, my family and I understand the value of service and the importance of supporting the public good. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and support our community.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the city?

A. My priorities are improving sustainability efforts, supporting first responders, and helping improve access to mutual aid. I support sustainability initiatives that are both practical and cost-effective. It is important to me that future generations have access to clean air and water so they can also experience the beautiful nature and outdoor opportunities our city provides. As a fire family, I understand the importance of first responders in our community. I would continue to support educational and community-building events. I am committed to ensuring our first responders have what they need to best serve our community, including continued access to mental health support.

Regarding mutual aid, my family has firsthand experience living paycheck to paycheck, and I’ve seen the generosity of White Bear Lake neighbors. If elected, I will work to

WHITE BEAR LAKE CITY COUNCIL (WARD 4)

and graduating from Mariner High School (Class of ’76). This community provided me with an exceptional education and has been a wonderful place to live. Contributing my skills for listening and policy making is a way to serve the community that has given so much to me.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the city?

• Seek sustainable financing solutions to maintain city buildings and physical assets while continuing to exercise frugality in public expenditures.

• Foster relationships with the White Bear Lake Area School District, White Bear Township and other cities, and use cooperative approaches to issues in our region such as groundwater management, affordable housing and public safety.

• Community Character – Protecting Mahtomedi’s smalltown feel by supporting our neighborhoods, parks, and local businesses while carefully planning for the future.

Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. Transparency, communication and trust are essential. I would involve the public by encouraging participation at council meetings and using surveys or other tools to gather input before major decisions are made. I want neighbors to feel heard, respected, and confident that their voices are part of the process. Decisions should reflect the values and priorities of our community—not just the council.

• Continue planning for infrastructure investments and long term maintenance

• Continue to protect and expand our park and trail system

Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. Mahtomedi has a great history of encouraging the public to participate in our regular city council meetings. I would like to see this continue. I regularly attend community events and communicate with residents and other stakeholders via in person conversations, email and phone calls. I also make it a priority to attend any public open houses or information sessions for major projects to be informed about the project and to hear residents’ feedback firsthand.

expand opportunities and improve communications to better support the mutual aid efforts of nonprofits and grassroots organizations in our community.

Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. As a White Bear Lake resident, I have actively participated in public input opportunities—whether speaking at council meetings, joining task forces, or serving on a commission. I think our city provides many opportunities for engagement. However, I recently completed a 16-week cohort with the National Recreation and Park Association, which focused on ways cities and community members can collaborate to improve our shared environment. One key lesson emphasized was the importance of not only asking for public input but also showing that we listen and respond to it.

I also understand that formal settings aren’t always comfortable for everyone, which is why I hope to create more informal opportunities—whether over coffee, during playdates at parks, or at community events. My goal is for people to find me relatable and approachable in all settings.

• Address the decline of our urban forest through a plan to remove dead trees (especially ash) and invasive species (buckthorn), and support replanting of diverse tree species on both public and private lands.

Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I have spoken publicly about the need for the council to change its practices regarding the scheduling, publication and hosting of public hearings on important city issues such as adoption of new ordinances and other major policies. We should facilitate more public input on these issues prior to discussion and adoption. I am also the only council member who periodically has held town hall meetings for discussion of city issues; I intend to continue that practice.

Where to vote on Election Day

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2025

Mary Nicklawske

City of residence: White Bear Lake

Occupation: Retired business owner/ Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the Blind and Visually Impaired. List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:

• Believet Canine Service Partners - I serve as a weekend foster to dogs that are in training to become service partners for our Veterans with PTSD.

• The Catholic Athletic Association - I served as an active Board Member, partnering with fellow members to collaborate, manage budgets strategically, and secure financial support- leading key initiatives including the planning and execution of large-scale fundraising events.

• White Bear Lake Boy Scout Troop 402 - Serving as secretary, I ensured accurate record-keeping and maintained respectful, efficient meetings.

Q. Why do you want to serve on the City Council?

A. I have a deep appreciation for our city. After dedicating years of my career and personal life to public service, I want to use my skills to serve our community as the mayor. When I am out talking with people in the community, I hear

Stephen Laliberte

City of residence: White Bear Lake

Occupation: Business Administration

List 3 most recent civic involvement

roles:

• I am the Board Chairman of the Birch Lake Improvement District. Our mission is to protect and improve the quality of Birch Lake. I helped found the district in 2007. I have served on this board for 12 years.

• I am a member of the Shoreview Lions Club. My wife Jodi is the President of the club. We own a small business in Shoreview. I have been a member for four years.

• I am a member of the White Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Quick Links:

View the elections home at mnvotes.gov

How to vote early

By mail

To vote by mail, apply to have an absentee ballot mailed to you. You do not need to be registered to apply.

For your ballot to count, remember this important information:

• Read the instructions that come with your ballot carefully.

WHITE BEAR LAKE MAYOR (ELECT 1)

a longing for leaders who are honest, transparent and will work hard for the people of White Bear Lake. As someone who founded a successful business for the visually impaired, served on nonprofit boards, led fundraisers for St. Mary of the Lake School/Frassati, and coached varsity basketball, I understand what it means to “work for the people.” Through my work creating budget strategies for nonprofits, guiding visually impaired clients through challenging times, or motivating athletes to succeed, I understand how to connect, organize and inspire people. I am passionate about our city and want to devote my time to serving our community.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the city? A.

• Public safety: As a mom, and human service provider, I understand the importance of public safety. I will fully support full staffing, high-quality training, and mental health services for police, fire and EMS. In addition, I am committed to repairing sidewalks and implementing safer street-crossing solutions downtown.

• Fiscal responsibility: When budgeting for family, my business, or a nonprofit, I am careful about how money is spent. As mayor, I will use the same thought and care with your tax dollars. I will ask the hard questions to minimize property tax increases and encourage residents to raise their own questions.

Q. Why do you want to serve on the City Council?

A. I have the experience and time to help our City Council govern. I have worked with the City Council for 12 years submitting budgets for the Birch Lake Improvement District. For the past 20 years I have run companies with budgets and staff similar to the city. I am skilled at running meetings and ensuring that the public is fairly represented.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the city?

• Protect - Control city spending to minimize property tax Increases - Support funding for the Police and Fire Departments

• Preserve

- Preserve our small town feel by limiting high density housing

• Seniors and families: I will use my experience as a collaborator to create a Senior Task Force. This group will identify unmet needs and develop ideas for more attainable housing options for seniors. By supporting our seniors, we can free up housing opportunities for young families, strengthening our community across generations.

Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. My experience as a business owner, service provider and volunteer has taught me the importance of timely, transparent communications and quick responsiveness to needs and concerns. Our community should have more opportunities to learn about and respond to what is happening at City Hall and in our city. My goal as mayor is to create a more accessible communication system for our multi-generational community, such as sharing updates of important events in the newspaper, via social media, email and perhaps even text message. Improving and updating channels of communication will help people have a better understanding of important changes and have more say in the process. I will be an available and engaged mayor. I look forward to opportunities to connect with community members from all our great neighborhoods. Let’s work together to create a shared vision to honor our past and shape the future for the next generation.

- Bring boat building back to White Bear Lake

- Limit any proposed bus lines

• Promote

- Improve the city’s ability to use digital communications to promote city events and action to the residents

- Promote our civic organizations

- Promote civic engagement to our students

- Promote local businesses

Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I would hold more town halls. The practice of holding one public forum on an issue is far too limiting and under promoted. Most residents are unaware of the decisions the City Council makes that significantly impact the town and taxes.

• You will need a witness when you vote and complete your ballot. The witness can be either a registered Minnesota voter or a notary.

• Return the ballot and forms right away after you finish. Your ballot will not count if it is received after Election Day.

Request an absentee ballot at mnvotes.gov/ absentee

View a sample ballot at mnvotes.gov/ myballot

Find your polling place at mnvotes.gov/ pollfinder

In person

All voters have at least one location where they can vote early in person with an absentee ballot. Depending on where you live, there may be additional locations.

• You can vote in person at your county election office.

• In addition, you may be able to vote at your city office. Contact the clerk for more information.

For most elections, absentee voting locations must be open during their normal business hours starting 46 days before the election. In addition, locations offering absentee ballots for federal, state or county elections must be open:

• The last Saturday before Election Day (10 a.m. — 3 p.m.)

• The day before Election Day until 5 p.m.

• Some local jurisdictions may provide additional absentee voting days or hours beyond the above required days and times. Call your jurisdiction for more information.

Meet Stephen Laliberte, Candidate for Mayor of White Bear Lake

E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

Join Redeemer Lutheran and St. Stephen Lutheran churches for fellowship, theology and refreshments from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, at the Dugout Bar, located at 96 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi. Those who wish to order dinner should plan to arrive at 6 p.m.

‘Fireflies’

shows at Sidekick Theatre

On Thursday, Oct. 16, a bus will depart from Redeemer Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake at 10:15 a.m. and head to Sidekick Theatre in Bloomington for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a play at 1 p.m.

Retired schoolteacher Eleanor Bannister lives a quiet life alone in tiny Groverdell, Texas, and is set in her routines and secure in her position as the town’s most respected woman — until a hole in her roof draws the attention of Abel Brown, a smooth-talking drifter intent on renovating Eleanor’s house, and possibly her life. Can the unexpected sparks of late-life romance be trusted, or is there truth in the gossip that Abel isn’t all that he seems to be?

IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT SU RGERY and suffered an infection between 2022 an d the present time you ma y be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Ch ar les H. Johnson 800/535-5727

Age 55+ WORK ERS needed for part-time custodial work at rest areas and state parks in Minnesota. Ap ply online a greenviewmn.com or call 651/63919 13

ATTENTION FARMER S Seeing white mold in your fields? Noticing SDS? Sh ar e your lo cation and enter to win FR EE soybean se eds for 2026. Ca ll Nolan 21 8/68963 67

GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to a ssist the blind and visually impaired. Ar range a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Herita ge for the Blin d Today at 844/220-9501 today!

GET BOOST IN FINITE! Unlimited talk, text and data for just $25/mo! The power of 3 5G networ ks, one low price! Call today and get the latest iPhone every year on us! 855/849-66 21

Those who want to attend should sign up by Sept. 28 at the church’s welcome desk or by calling the church at 651-429-5411.

Fall family fun night set

Community of Grace Lutheran Church will host Fall Family Fun Night from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. The event will include BBQ, yard games, inflatables, games, face painting, food, fellowship and live music. Community of Grace Lutheran Church is located at 4000 Linden St., White Bear Lake. For more information, visit https://gracepeople.churchcenter.com/ calendar.

Learn about St. Andrew’s

Enjoy a free brunch and learn about St. Andrew's Lutheran Church at an upcoming Connect at St. Andrew’s event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. New and potential members will hear from pastors Mike Carlson and Sarah Breckenridge about St. Andrew’s mission, vision, and ministries. Learn more at saintandrews.org.

GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERN ET! Free in stall, free HDDVR upgrade, 80,000 on-demand movies plus limited time up to $600 in gift cards. Call today! 855/562-4309

SAFE STEP NORTH Amer icas #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and se rvice. Now featuring our FR EE shower pa ckage and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call to day! Financing available. Call Safe Step 833/96638 82

DON'T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for an yone who struggles on the stairs, is co ncerned about a fall or wa nts to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 866/852-5506

WE BUY HOUSES for cash AS IS! No repairs No fuss Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys H ouses: 844/978-06 83

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 preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion

Moving Sale Quality HH items, decorative décor, and jewelry, 9/26-9/27, 9-4 4431 Snail Lake Blvd, Shoreview

WANTED: ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES Running or not Titled or not Will pick up. Cash in exchange. Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612/720-2142

On duty and in the halls: A Q&A with local school resource officers

School resource officers, often referred to as SROs, are trained, sworn law enforcement officers assigned to work collaboratively with schools to provide safety and security. In addition to keeping schools safe, they work to provide a positive and visible law enforcement presence in students’ lives. Now that school is back in session, Press set out to learn more about the individuals filling these roles in our local school districts.

NICK ‘SULLY’ SULLIVAN, SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER, MAHTOMEDI PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Q. At what school are you an SRO and how long have you been there?

A. I am the school resource officer (SRO) at Mahtomedi Public Schools. I’ve worked 21 years in law enforcement, and my career has included corrections, patrol and investigations. I began my work as an SRO at Mahtomedi during the 2024-25 school year. I grew up in Iowa and moved to Minnesota at the age of 4, when my father became a police chief for Oakdale. I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a cop, never doubting that was my intended path in life.

Q. What does your typical day look like?

A. Every school day, I arrive before students and leave when students leave campus. My typical day involves interacting with students across the school. Social interaction is crucial to my job. Understanding students, their groups and their interests fosters a rapport that should be a key focus of an SRO position. I discuss issues with students that they are facing both inside and outside of school. I support them in making good choices because of the positive impact it has on their learning experience.

Q. What is something you think people might not know about the job?

A. When people think about an SRO, they tend to focus on protection and behavior, and it is that and more. I am a regular speaker in classes, and my guest speaking has included government, workplace communications and health classes. I also visit Mahtomedi Middle School weekly and I help with presentations like protecting yourself online and stopping cyberbullying. I ensure that my role is also part of the students’ academic experience and that they can learn from me, which is one of my favorite parts of the job.

Q. How do you ensure that students remain safe throughout the school day?

A. I work in partnership with the district to ensure that both safety protocols and security measures are

in place. Conducting training and drills with staff and students is very important to the safety work we do. Being physically present throughout the school is also very important; you can’t do this job effectively by sitting in the office. I see good in these kids, all of these kids, and I care about them and their ability to thrive in this life, to do great things in this world. Whatever I can do to help provide a safe and positive experience for the students and staff in the Mahtomedi School District, I will do it. I am grateful for such an opportunity.

Q. What do you enjoy about your job?

A. I’m proud of the authentic relationships I’ve built with students and staff, as well as the awareness and reputation my role holds within the Mahtomedi school community. Even in one year, there is so much enjoyment in seeing how students have grown and being a part of their lives. I love coming to work every day.

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE OFFICER SAM MORIARTY, SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER, WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS

Q. At what school are you an SRO and how long have you been there?

A. White Bear Lake High School — this is my second year.

Q. What does your typical day look like?

A. Welcoming students into school in the morning, being present during passing times, lunch and other events throughout the school day, a lot of walkins to consult with students, teachers and parents, and monitoring traffic before and after school.

Q. What is something you think people might not know about the job?

A. Our job is a lot less about policing while we are in the school and primarily focused on building relationships, offering advice/support and helping our youth navigate various situations that they are facing in life today. Of course, we do police work too, but a majority of our day is spent in a less formal setting, getting to know the students and being someone that they can trust with issues that they are having in and out of school.

Q. How do you ensure that students remain safe throughout the school day?

A. We focus on guiding the school in best practices for security measures and being present and aware of what is going on in the halls, classrooms, online (social media) and in our community.

Q. What do you enjoy about your job?

A. I love getting to know the kids and making sure they get at least one smile, one hello, one door held open or one piece of advice that they can carry on through life with them while they are here at the school. Being here gives me the unique opportunity to have conversations and connect with students in a meaningful way, which we don’t always get to do on patrol.

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE OFFICER NATE HOOK, SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER, WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS

Q. At what school are you an SRO and how long have you been there?

A. The high school.

Q. What does your typical day look like?

A. It depends. Most days are spent with a mixture of office work, as we are also juvenile investigators as well as SROs. All child abuse and other cases are farmed out to the SROs to investigate and follow up on. When we’re not doing that, we are a presence within the school, particularly between passing periods and lunchtimes. A large portion of our job is consultation, and we spend a lot of time talking to counselors, psych and administrators helping them make decisions about students. Not all of it is criminal, there are times when we help students resolve conflicts with peers and conflicts with parents, and also navigate negative relationships which morph into stalking and harassment.

Q. What is something you think people might not know about the job?

A. I think the consultation components: there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work and many students are managing quite difficult lives. We seldom have to arrest students; these events are few and far between.

Q. How do you ensure that students remain safe throughout the school day?

A. Being present is a huge part of that, and visible. Our squad cars are parked visibly in the lots, and we maintain an active presence where we can. Additionally, it’s about our relationships with staff and the students. Issues or concerns are usually quickly raised, and we can react to those thanks to open lines of communication to determine if the issue is an immediate threat or one that can be navigated without police involvement.

Q. What do you enjoy about your job?

A. Making connections with students is really enjoyable, and helping those with complex things going on in their lives manage them. There’s a great deal of barrier breaking that goes on, in that while we are there to help mitigate the worst-case scenario in schools today, it’s not our only role. You don’t realize how much life experience and knowledge you bring having been a police officer for a long time, that can help staff and

students resolve issues. I’ve had a lot of feedback from parents thanking me for having serious conversations about life issues and conflict resolution that they swear they’ve had with their child, but it had more impact coming from someone who’s walked into dark places to deal with crises people are having.

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE OFFICER JONAH SHERMER, SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER, WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS

Q. At what school are you an SRO and how long have you been there?

A. Mariner Middle School, White Bear Lake Area Learning Center and Central Middle School. I have been an SRO for 5 years.

Q. What does your typical day look like?

A. I arrive shortly before the students and try to welcome them somewhere in the halls as they start their day. I spend time talking with staff members — usually administrators about what has been happening at the school — and they let me know if there is anything they feel I should be aware of. I work on my juvenile investigation cases most days in an office at the school or do other followup if need be. I’m present during passing time and lunches so students can speak with me. I respond to any needs that arise throughout the day with concerns to school safety or criminal concerns. I sometimes speak to classes about safety or law enforcement-related topics.

Q. What is something you think people might not know about the job?

A. Mainly that the SROs in WBLPD also handle the investigations or all juvenile cases including CPS and all cases that occur outside the schools as well.

Q. How do you ensure that students remain safe throughout the school day?

A. I try to not have the same routine every day so it isn’t predictable when/ where I park, where I am throughout the day and how I move throughout the building. I make sure staff knows to communicate with me any safety concerns and I consult with certain staff members about classroom layout for safety. I walk throughout the building daily to look for any safety concerns and monitor for anything that seems out of the ordinary.

Q. What do you enjoy about your job?

A. I enjoy the relationships with the students and staff. It affords so many opportunities to be a positive impact in the students’ lives and gives them access to a police officer who wants them to thrive and succeed, hopefully erasing any negative stereotypes they might hold.

Compiled by Shannon Granholm

CONTRIBUTED

Nick “Sully” Sullivan, school resource officer at Mahtomedi Public Schools, is pictured center with the Mahtomedi High School girls flag football team. In addition to the team winning the inaugural state championship in 2025, Sullivan was named Coach of the Year.

CONTRIBUTED

Three SROs serve White Bear Lake Area Schools. They are (from left): Jonah Shermer, Nate Hook and Sam Moriarty.

White Bear Township Day Celebration

andArts Culture

A CONVERSATION WITH: BRAYLON LANE

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Children’s Performing Arts’ newest staff member is Education and Programming Coordinator

Braylon Lane, who, this past January, took White Bear Lake Area High School to state for the Competitive One Act Play for the first time in 13 years. While Lane is at CPA full-time, he is also continuing as advisor to the high school’s newly established Theatre Guild along with Wendy Suoja and Anna Haselmann.

“The Theatre Guild is basically a club name for the program,” Lane explained. “Everybody else in our section operates as a theater club. (White Bear) has been very separate up until this point.” Now, high schoolers who participate in multiple productions can letter in theater and will have their accomplishments and participation recorded like any other activity or sport.

Lane believes that his roles at the high school and at CPA will synergize student

opportunities. High school students, for instance, can take curiosity garnered from the school’s fall musical and learn introductory directing and stage management during a class offered at CPA this October. In turn, those same students can apply that knowledge with Odelis Garcia Anderson during her

AAssistant Directing Program for grades 9-12 in tandem with the middle school spring musical. In years to come, Lane hopes that high school level classes offered at CPA could earn college credit.

Of course, Lane also has plenty in store at CPA for elementary and middle schoolers. Grades 4-7 have an opportunity this October to take Beginner Acting Techniques, a class geared towards children interested in auditioning for TV or stage roles. Teaching Specialist Laura Paulson is also running Saturday Morning Drop-In classes for grades K-2. “Lauren will have a storybook picked out, and then it’s page to stage,” Lane described, elaborating that the class becomes exploratory for the children. “‘How can we, as kids, take this storybook create something physically on stage?’”

Even with all of these classes, programs and obligations, Lane reported feeling calm and comfortable.

“I’m very happy where I’m at. I’m very happy that I’m here,” Lane said.

LAKESHORE PLAYERS HAS AUDIENCES SEEING ‘RED’

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

rt usually requires the artist to be vulnerable—then subjects that vulnerability to public criticism, which determines its value. Such is the premise of “Red,” a play being staged in Lakeshore Players’ black box theater now through Oct. 12.

Unlike a traditional stage, a black box theater has black floors and curtained walls as well as flexible seating, which gives audience members an stripped-down, intimate viewing experience. In the case of “Red,” the entire 90-minute play takes place in artist Mark Rothko’s studio as he takes on a new assistant to help him paint murals for a famous restaurant. Director Jess Yates believes the black box staging will make the audience feel as close to the main character’s art as the artist himself does.

“We got very lucky in that Justin Hooper, who is playing Rothko, is a professional painter,” revealed Yates. “They don’t only paint on stage, they build canvases from scratch… You get to watch the process from step one.”

The scenes that make up “Red” then happen further and deeper into Rothko’s artistic process, with his new assistant getting under his skin along the way. “You’re getting right as these people meet each other, then months later, then a year later,” lists Yates. “It’s really cool to see how we develop their

relationship over time.”

Though the characters’ relationship becomes fraught, Yates believes her primary responsibility as director is to create a safe and creative playground for her cast. “I truly believe I will never understand an individual character better than the actor playing them,” Yates stated. “The structure I add— staging, timing, design choices—is all built to support that story without putting my commentary into these characters.”

This approach has allowed Yates to chart a directorial career at Lakeshore Players free of genre constrictions. In 2024, Yates directed the political biography “What the Constitution Means to Me.” Earlier this year, she helmed The Office-esque comedy “The Book Club Play.” “Red” marks another swerve, veering into psychological drama. Instead of a specific genre, Yates finds herself attracted to material with clashing viewpoints. “No matter what I'm doing, I like to look for stories where you're getting different perspectives, rubbing up against each other in surprising ways,” Yates explained.

With “Red” specifically, Yates is grateful to work with a script that is a love letter to the artistic process. “I think this has been such a gift. How often do a room full of artists get to come together and work on the art they love, that honors the love of art?”

“Red” runs from Sept. 26-Oct. 12 at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center Black Box Theater. For more information, visit lakeshoreplayers.org.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY UNEARTHS GRAVE MATTERS WITH ‘STORIES FROM THE STONES’

BY LOGAN GION

WRITER

CONTRIBUTING

This time of year, residents usually ask Executive Director Sara Hanson if White Bear Lake Area Historical Society is doing anything spooky. While Hanson would not describe the society’s upcoming library program “Stories from the Stones” as frightening, it uses Halloween as an opportunity to explore local cemeteries and the notable figures who reside in them.

“(The program is) a sampler, if you will.” Hanson described. “There are four main cemeteries around White Bear— St. Mary’s, the Catholic one; St. John’s,

the Episcopal one; Union, the public one; and Lakeview, which is in Mahtomedi.”

“Stories from the Stones” promises to cover tales both new and old. “Over at Lakeview Cemetery, we tell the story of Tom and Winnie Stick, who were the proprietors of the Picadilly restaurant in Mahtomedi for decades,” Hanson shared. “They passed away in this century.” Stretching back, the program will also cover the earliest burials in town, including Civil War veterans. Hanson will also discuss the Native American burial mounds discovered in the late 1800s, relocated to Union in 1889, and properly marked a century later.

Markings in general will be a running theme throughout the program. “In addition to the people, I like to talk

about cemetery symbolism, the art on the stones and the customs,” Hanson added. “You’ve probably seen lambs for children, but there are other things. Sometimes they’ll have logs on there, symbolic of the tree of life cut short… Cemeteries have a culture all of their own.”

Hanson’s aim, then, is not to stoke fear, but appreciation with “Stories from the Stones.” “There’s history all around us,” she said. “You just might not know you’re looking at it.”

“Stories from the Stones” will be from 6-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at the White Bear Lake Library, 2150 Second St. The event is free to attend, put on with support from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR FALL THEATER CLASSES

All classes take place at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. To register, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org/classes-workshops

BEGINNER ACTING TECHNIQUES

Grades: 4-7

Dates: 5-6:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays, Oct. 1-31

INTRODUCTION TO DIRECTING AND STAGE MANAGEMENT

Grades: 8-12

Dates: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Oct. 2-30

PIZZA PERFORMANCE POP UPS

Grades: 6-12

Dates: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 11 and Nov. 22

SATURDAY MORNING DROP-IN

Grades: K-2

Dates: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays Oct. 18, Nov. 1 and Dec. 13

OCTOBER EVENTS

LAURA E. MIGLIORINO: RETROSPECTIVE AND REFLECTION

Location: Century College West Campus, 3401 Century Ave. N.

Dates: Exhibit open now-Dec. 11; Artist Talk 12-1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14

Details: Laura Migliorino has been an exhibiting artist for over 30 years, mainly in photography and collage. Her works are in the collections of the Walker Art Center and The Warehouse in Atlanta. Her work has been featured in national newspapers and exhibited in New York City, London and Rome. View her storied career in the Niche Gallery at Century College.

IGNACIO ‘NACHITO’ HERRERA IN CONCERT

Location: McNeely Music Center, 4910 Hwy 61 N.

Date: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27

Details: The McNeely Music Center will have its first public event. Grammy-and-Emmywinning, world-renowned piano virtuoso and White Bear Lake resident of 20 years Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera will perform Cuban and Latin Jazz melodies live in concert. Register online at mmcwbl.org/events

GANGSTER BUS TOUR

Location: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St.

Dates: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25

Details: Everyone's favorite tour is back. Come along for an adventurous outing to explore the hideouts and haunts of the 1930s-era gangsters who laid low in the cottages around White Bear and Bald Eagle Lakes. Sights include a Mahtomedi speakeasy and the location of a notorious dance.

‘THE CON’

Location: Chautauqua Fine Arts Center, 8000 75th St. N., Mahtomedi

Dates: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26

Details: Mahtomedi Middle School performs this hilarious heist whodunit, in which a rare first-issue comic is up for grabs. Through a series of vignettes set at a comic convention, audience members will spy the underlying main scheme as it progresses in the background. This clever Comic-Con caper will have you laughing and guessing throughout.

LAURA LONG | CONTRIBUTED

Braylon Lane

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

White Bear Lake placed fourth of 29 teams in the second-highest of four divisions at the Roy Griak Invitational on Saturday, led by senior Max Popp, who placed seventh in 17:11 among 203 runners. Coach Dan Kovacich assessed that this “young team in both varsity experience and age” was competing much stronger than the previous week. The Bears also had Joe Rogers in 38th place (18:35), Logan Schaefer 40th (18:35), Alex Cantwell 60th (18:58) and Cooper Hoel 64th (19:00) at the golf course in Falcon Heights. Harrisburg was team champion and Lev Dougherty of Heritage Christian placed first in 16:32.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

White Bear Lake placed 37th of 43 teams in the third-highest of four divisions in the Roy Griak Invitational on Saturday. Mabel Nethercut placed 89th in 20:55 and Logan Bailey 101st in 21:05, among 386 runners, to lead the Bears.

BOYS SOCCER

The Bears are 1-8-2 after a pair of losses last week, to Park of Cottage Grove 4-1 and Minnetonka 3-0. A game against East Ridge was rained out.

GIRLS SOCCER

White Bear Lake blanked Park 2-0 last Tuesday, and their game against East Ridge was rained out Thursday. Scoring for the Bears (6-3-1 overall, 2-2 conference) were Ellyse Oelker (assist by Piper Heinsohn) and Grace Weierke (assist by Oelker). They permitted just two shots on goal.

VOLLEYBALL

The Bears won three of four matches at a Duluth tournament Saturday, beating Sebeka, Hermantown and Cloquet while losing to Duluth East. The Bears, 7-4 overall and 1-2 in conference, lost to Anoka on Monday and beat Park on Tuesday in SEC matches. At Duluth, Kailey Geiske made 46 digs in the tournament. Maddie Pearson made 24 and Reagan Farmer 20. Martina Callegari knocked down 28 kills and Pearl Niemioja 22. Abby Meyer put up 44 assists. Leila Otto made 38 assists, 15 kills and eight blocks. Addison Lee made 12 blocks. In the Anoka match, the Bears were up 25-17, 2514, but lost the last three 25-13, 25-15, 16-14. The Bears swept Park 25-7, 25-16, 25-17.

TENNIS

Playing four straight days last week, White Bear Lake beat Irondale 6-1 and Hill-Murray 6-1, then lost to Mounds View 7-0 (which has 69 straight conference wins) and Roseville Area 4-3. Roseville swept singles and the Bears swept doubles. The Bears are 5-5 overall and 4-2 in the SEC. Josie Guidinger/Sophie Menier, Chloe Theissen/Mallory Peltier and Whitney Breen/Matilda Moore were all 3-1 for the week. Lisa Gritzmacher, Lucy Wolfe and Sophie Sargent were 2-2. Hadley Farrell, seventhgrader in the No. 2 slot, was 0-4.

SWIMMING

Roseville Area defeated White Bear Lake 10282 on Thursday. Winning for the Bears were Anna Miller in the 500 (5:58.42), with Sophie Collins second, and Eva Hoefer in backstroke (1:09.15). Audrey Borofka was second in the 50 and 100. Addie Johnson was second in breaststroke.

Bruce Strand

SPORTS

Raptors nip Bears 21-14 despite Smith’s 244-yard game

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

East Ridge overcame a monster game by a White Bear Lake running back to defeat the Bears 2114 on Friday evening in Woodbury.

Brian White III gained 244 yards in 25 carries for the Bears (2-2). The 5-foot-9, junior opened the scoring with a one-yard run in the first quarter, and busted 48 yards in the fourth quarter to tie the score 14-14.

East Ridge (3-1) took the lead with 3:39 left on a seven-yard run by Henry Bern. Their earlier touchdowns were Leo Stalsberg’s

ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS

FOOTBALL

Mahtomedi’s home game against Bloomington Kennedy on Friday night was postponed as law enforcement searched for two men who may have been armed. The game was rescheduled for Monday evening. After a report of kidnapping and robbery in Grant, less than a mile from the football field, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office advised the school that two suspects might be in the area. The school announced on its website that the game was called off “out of an abundance of caution to protect the safety of the community.”

TENNIS

Mahtomedi, defending Metro East champion, lost to Two Rivers 4-3 last week while beating Tartan 7-0 and TotinoGrace 5-2. The Zephyrs are 3-1 in conference and 10-4 overall. Two Rivers (10-3 and 3-0) won three of four singles matches and handed the Zephyrs’ 1-doubles team a rare loss. Going 3-0 were Lily Carlson (2-singles) and Brooke Berg/Alexia Tempelis (2-doubles).

BOYS SOCCER

Mahtomedi lost to a pair of strong teams last week, 4-1 against Simley (9-1-1) with Max Pollock scoring, and 1-0 against Benilde-St. Margaret’s (7-2-1). The Zephyrs are 4-4 overall and 2-1 in the Metro East.

39-yard pass to Akeed Ali and Ben Knaup’s eight-yard run. Stalsberg was 5-for-5 for 161 yards, all to Ali. The Raptors had 184 yards rushing, led by Bern with 71 in 10 carries.

The Bears totaled 297 ground yards with Easton Miles adding 29 yards and Tomi Animasaun 23, both in six carries. Their air game was off as Animasaun was 3-for14 for 53 yards. Antonio Brown caught two for 45 yards. The Bears suffered no turnovers and just two penalties for seven yards.

“Our O line had a great game. They (East Ridge) were giving us some inside run, and he ran really

GIRLS SOCCER

Mahtomedi has a six-game win streak after blanking Simley 3-0 and Benilde-St. Margaret’s 1-0 last week. Against Simley, Oona Lienke notched a goal and two assists while Kayla Poirier and Rose Prescott also scored. Sophie Boberg made five saves. The Zephyrs are 7-1-2 overall and 2-0 in conference.

CROSS COUNTRY

The Mahtomedi boys placed seventh of 14 teams, and the girls fourth of seven teams, in the Chisago Lakes Invitational on Sept. 16. Leading the Zephyr girls were Vanessa Rogosheske in 19th place, Emily Alexander 20th and Julie Clayton 21st. Leading

well,” said Coach Ryan Bartlett about White, who had 40 yards in 20 carries previously. “He got (yardage) inside the tackles, as they played wide to take away Tomi running the ball.”

Defensively, Aaden Mahmood recovered a fumble that was shaken loose by Logan Olson. Making tackles for loss were Evan Rancour (two), Christian Humphrey and Alex Brown.

The Bears will host Forest Lake (4-0) on Friday.

the Zephyr boys were Liam MacChesney in 25th place and Nolan Dock in 41st.

VOLLEYBALL

Mahtomedi won 25-6, 25-14, 25-15 at Hastings on Thursday, improving to 3-0 in the Metro East and 6-5 overall. Louisa Tarnowski delivered eight kills and five aces, Anna Hynes seven kills and four aces, Sahar Ramaley seven kills and 10 digs, Katie Hergenrader 24 assists, Claire Crotheers 15 digs and McKenna Feustel three blocks.

Bruce Strand

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

White Bear Lake Cross Country September 24, 2025

Max Popp, a returning all-state cross country runner, is off to a strong senior season for White Bear Lake. Popp finished seventh Saturday in a 29-team, multi-state meet hosted by the University of Minnesota. He has also placed third in a Rochester Mayo meet and second in a Rosemount meet. Popp was 23rd at the state meet last year (top 25 are all-state) with a career-best 16:12 at the U of M course. “Max combines natural ability with dedication,” Coach Dan Kovacich said. “His consistent training, mental toughness, and willingness to work hard allow his talent to shine through in competition. He thrives in competitive moments.”

Brian White III sprinted 48 yards to tie the score in the fourth quarter.

BRUCE STRAND | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Martina Callegari leads the Bears in kills.

CITY BRIEF

Council grants permit for cannabis testing facility

Analytica Inc. is requesting a conditional use permit to allow a cannabis testing facility at 4459 White Bear Pkwy. The applicant obtained preliminary approval from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) in early May and needs city approvals before moving on in the licensing process.

Both the Planning Commission and city staff found that the standards for a conditional use permit have been satisfied and recommended approval of the request.

The testing facility would operate in an approximately 5,000-square-foot space within the building on the second story and would be open during normal business hours during the week. According to City Planner Ashton Miller and Community Development Director Jason Lindahl, the facility would receive samples of cannabis products from licensees, test them for several compounds to ensure they meet safety standards and provide results to its clients. The samples are then destroyed or disposed of through hazardous waste disposal companies.

The City Council ultimately granted the conditional

use permit, which imposes seven conditions. Per the permit, outdoor storage of cannabis products will not be allowed, and the applicant is required to obtain/ maintain all necessary permits from the OCM, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Metropolitan Council. The applicant will also have to provide the city with updated security and waste management plans at the time of licensure from OCM.

Have confidence in your financial strategy

planning based on your goals and values • Investment management strategies (Roth IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, IRAs) • Retirement income planning

CONTRIBUTED

The White Bear Lake City Council has granted Analytica Inc. a conditional use permit for a cannabis testing facility on White Bear Parkway.