White Bear Press by Press Publications

White Bear Lake honors one of its own this Memorial Day

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

American Legion 168 is pulling out all the stops to honor one of its own this Memorial Day.

Each year, the VFW Post 1782 and American Legion alternate on which organization plans the Memorial Day events. In 2025, it’s the American Legion’s turn.

About a year ago, Legion members received a phone call from White Bear Lake Area Schools. As district staff were going through items during construction of the unified high school campus, they stumbled upon a plaque, flag and photo that were given to the district in honor of Major Curtis Donald Feistner — a 1986 grad who died at the age of 34 in a helicopter crash in the Philippines in 2002.

“We both looked at each other and said, ‘We’ve got to do something,’” said Gary Carlberg, American Legion 2nd Vice Commander.

Curt was raised in Birchwood Village. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was a three-sport athlete in cross-country skiing, tennis and soccer.

John Doherty, a 1988 White Bear High School grad, was on the cross-country ski team with Curt. “I was a terrible skier … I was the worst skier on the team.

There was a group of skiers that would bring (the younger) skiers on the weekends when they went to state parks to go ski. And he was one of those people,” he recalled. “Looking back now, that tells you even more about his character for someone who was willing to do that.”

Doherty says Curt was an inspiration to the younger skiers on the team. Curt’s senior year, he won regions and sectionals. After he graduated, Curt decided to follow his brother, Alan Feistner, to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. His freshman year, he wrote a letter to the White Bear ski team back home.

“(The coach) read that letter to us as inspiration,” Doherty said. “He was a great skier. He was a great athlete.”

Scott Storkamp, a 1985 White Bear Lake grad, got to know Curt really well while they attended West Point and skied on the ski team. (Their paths continued to cross, as they were both stationed in Hawaii at the same time years later.)

“He was a great dude. He was as all-American as you can get,” Storkamp recalled. “He was a great guy and extremely good at what he did.”

City moves forward with acquisition of Hammer property

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

WHITE BEAR LAKE

—

The city is one step closer to acquiring property located at the southeast corner of Bellaire Avenue and Spruce Place.

The Planning Commission has found that the acquisition of property is consistent with the goals and policies of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The requirement for the Planning Commission to review the acquisition is detailed in Minnesota Statute 462.356, Subd. 2, and is one of the last “due diligence” steps necessary before following through with a purchase agreement for the property.

Last September, the City Council approved entering into a purchase agreement with Hammer Northeast Residence Inc. Hammer expressed a willingness to sell to the city because it has no need for that part of its parking lot, which is not utilized and is not required for the site to comply with the city’s off-street parking requirements. The parcel is adjacent to the city-owned property at 2511 County Road E.

The subject site is zoned B-2 (limited business) and is guided commercial in the city’s 2040 Comp Plan. The city-owned lot at 2511 County Road E, which was purchased in 2016, is located directly to the south of the subject site and is zoned B-3 (auto-oriented business). The parcel is

guided as neighborhood mixed use, which “is intended to be for commercial retail or service businesses and offices serving the local community, and medium- to highdensity housing. This district should lean towards residential …” That property is also identified as a redevelopment opportunity

CONTRIBUTED

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, the city of White Bear Lake will honor one of its own, Major Curtis Donald Feistner — a 1986 White Bear Lake grad who died at the age of 34 in a helicopter crash in the Philippines in 2002. This collage was made by a member of Task Force 160th to honor Curt.

NAMES IN THE NEWS

The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation presented its 2025 Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator Award to Leigh Anderson, intervention teacher at Willow Lane Elementary. Leigh was nominated by the group of Reading Buddies that works with students for 30 minutes each week: Brian and Linda Adams, Lael and Bryan Belisle, Gene and Shirley Ruehle, Pat and Wayne Wise and Sue and Gary Eddy.

As stated in the nomination letter: “Leigh is the coordinator of the Reading Buddies program that matches students with a caring adult for reading and relationship each week... Leigh is an innovator, great communicator, relationship builder and high-level leader! She's not just focused on

Leigh Anderson and her family (from left, Jake, Mark and Josh Anderson) after she was surprised at a staff meeting with the Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator Award.

academic success; she genuinely cares about helping each student grow as a person. Her compassion shines through in everything she does.”

Monday, May 26, 2025

We salute all the women and men who have fought for the freedom of every American citizen in this

At 9:30 a.m. in their honor, we invite you to the White Bear Lake Memorial Day parade on Monday May 26. The parade will start at City Hall.

At 10 a.m. at Union Cemetery a short program honoring those who gave their lives for freedom will be held.

After the parade, join us for snacks at the Legion Club at 2210 Third Street.

At 2 p.m. there will be a ceremony honoring those who died at sea at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to the VFW located at 4496 Lake Ave. S.

White Bear American Legion Post 168 And Ladies Auxiliary

White Bear VFW Post 1782 And Ladies Auxiliary

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“Everyone at White Bear Smiles is fantastic! Both dentists really know their stuff, so you can’t go wrong seeing Dr. Swift or Dr. Anderson. They also have an excellent membership program available for people that don’t have dental insurance, so it’s easy to get your teeth taken care of without breaking the bank!” L.R PAIN

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HUGO

Cemetery Tour

When: Monday, May 26

Where: Hugo American Legion Post 620, 5383 140th St. N.

Details: For the 79th year, American Legion Post 620 will visit the following cemeteries to conduct Memorial Day Services. Meet at the Hugo American Legion at 6:45 a.m. Walker Cemetery will be at 7:30 a.m.; return to Legion Clubroom for coffee at 8:30 a.m.; Gethsemane Methodist Cemetery at 9 a.m.; Incarnation Lutheran Cemetery at 9:25 a.m.; St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery at 10 a.m.; Twitchell Cemetery at 10:30 a.m.; Lino Lakes Legion at 10:45 a.m.; St. Genevieve’s Catholic Cemetery at 11:25 a.m. The last cemetery on the tour will be St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery at 11:55 a.m.

Contact: 651-255-1432

50th annual Memorial Day Car Show

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, May 26

Where: Blacksmith Lounge, 17205 Forest Blvd. N

Details: Annual Memorial Day Car Show presented by the North Star Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club. There will be a flag raising ceremony at noon. Dash plaques will be given to the first 250 cars, and 50 awards will be given out in addition to the Best in Show. Registration is

Memorial Day Events

required for cars; spectators are free. Contact: northstarstudebakers.com or 612-839-2490

WHITE BEAR LAKE

Memorial Day Parade

When: Form at 9 a.m.; parade at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 26

Where: Meet at White Bear Lake City Hall.

Details: The parade will continue to Union Cemetery for the Memorial Day ceremony. Contact: 651-429-5770

Community picnic

When: May 26, following ceremony at Union Cemetery

Where: American Legion Post 168, 2210 Third St.

Details: The community is invited to the Legion for camaraderie, singing of service songs and a free hot dog lunch.

Contact: 651-429-5770

Comrades Lost at Sea ceremony

When: 2 p.m. Monday, May 26

Where: On the lake at VFW Post 1782, 4496 Lake Ave S., White Bear Lake Details: Ceremony to honor veterans who lost their lives at sea Contact: 651-426-4944

MAHTOMEDI

Legion 39 flag placing

When: 5 p.m. Thursday, May 22

Where: Lakeview Cemetery and Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Mahtomedi

Details: Members of the Post, Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders gather to place flags on the graves of over 1,000 veterans who are buried in the two adjacent cemeteries.

Contact: Ken Giannini 651-354-0064 or kenng5822@hotmail.com

MAHTOMEDI & NORTH ST. PAUL

Memorial Day Ceremony

When: Monday, May 26

Where: St. Mary’s Cemetery, North St. Paul; 10 a.m. – Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Mahtomedi; 11 a.m.Lakeview Cemetery, Mahtomedi; and noon – Veterans Memorial Park, North St. Paul.

Details: Legion Post 39 Honor Guard will join with the VFW Post 1350 Rifle Squad for ceremonies honoring deceased veterans. Following the event at Veterans Park, the Post 39 Honor Guard will head back to the Legion, where they will raise the Post’s flag and play “Taps.” At 3:00 p.m., they will appear at the Fleet Farm in Oakdale for the final ceremony of the day.

Contact: Ken Giannini 651-354-0064 or kenng5822@hotmail.com

COLUMBUS

Memorial Day Weekend Race Night

When: Noon Sunday, May 25; first race at 6 p.m.

Where: Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack, 15201 Running Aces Blvd., Columbus

Details: Join for a night of live racing, remembering and honoring those who have served. Special visit from Herps Alive, an interactive and educational experience where you can get up close with snakes, lizards and more.

Contact: 651-925-4600

STILLWATER

Stillwater Veterans Memorial Day

Ceremony

When: 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Monday, May 26

Where: Veterans Memorial of Stillwater, 138 Pine St. W. Details: Honor the St. Croix Valley area casualties of war. The ceremony will include music by the Croix Chordsmen and Stillwater Area High School band. A flag raising and flyover by the T-6 Thunder Flight Team is planned for noon. Feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. There will be limited seating available. Contact: 651-439-4350

See regular calendar events online at presspubs.com.

Unforgettable story

Acouple of weeks ago I sat down with Gary Carlberg and Bill Milashius from American Legion Post 168 in White Bear Lake to learn about what is planned for this year’s Memorial Day events. During our conversation, they told me about White Bear Lake’s own Major Curtis Donald Feistner, who was killed in 2002, and I knew this was going to be a big story.

As the news team was preparing for this week’s Memorial Day issue, I couldn’t help but feel immense pressure that my story was just as special as Curt was to truly honor him the way he deserves.

Shannon’s Shenanigans

Shannon Granholm

I wanted to learn everything I could about him. Where he grew up, why he went into the military, where he went to school, what sports he played, what hobbies he enjoyed, what was important to him, what his military career looked like and what ultimately led to his untimely death on Feb. 21, 2002, in a helicopter crash in the Philippines. I was lucky enough to talk to one of Curt’s brothers, Alan Feistner, who now lives in Walla Walla, Washington. Alan also served in the military as an engineer for the Army for 20 years. Alan told me all about his younger brother and reminisced about the day he will never forget, the day he was given the news that his brother was “missing in action” and wouldn’t be coming home.

During my research on Curt, I stumbled upon a piece written by Scott Storkamp on the West Point website and knew I needed to talk to him too. Turns out, Scott attended high school with Curt and their paths continued to cross after graduation, both at West Point and later when they were both stationed in Hawaii.

I also connected with John Doherty who knew Curt from high school sports. Curt became John’s inspiration, and around the 10th anniversary of his death, John was in Kabul, Afghanistan, and flew a flag in Curt’s honor at the International Security Assistance Board Headquarters. He then returned that flag to Curt’s hometown, which will now be displayed at the Legion for all to see and remember Curt’s sacrifice.

Curt’s story was tough to write on so many levels. I wanted to make sure I got across how inspirational he was to so many. But I also don’t have much experience with the military, because the only relative I know of that served was my mother’s father, Leo Slavotinek. He died in 1970 when my mom was only 8 years old. I’m told Leo was drafted into the Air Force (1952-1956) and stationed in both Japan and Korea.

I’m so thankful my sources took the time to explain how truly incredible it was that Curt was accepted to and graduated from West Point and went on to serve as the commander of Special Operations Air Regiment-Task Force 160th (the Night Stalkers).

This Memorial Day, I hope everyone can take a moment out of their boat ride or picnic to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is a day to remember all the American servicemen and women who died while serving their country. That’s the least we can do for their families who are forever changed because of a tragedy.

Shannon Granholm is the managing editor at Press Publications.

LRex Begonia relationship advice

ike many gardeners, I’m always falling for new plants, and I fell head-over-heels three years ago when I met “Escargot.”

With curled green and silver leaves swirling in snail-like spiral patterns, I was instantly enamored by this fun and unusual Begonia rex! I didn’t know then that Rex Begonias can be temperamental, but they are definitely worth the extra effort. You’re sure to find a new love with Rex Begonias, but you’ll have a healthier, happier relationship if you understand their needs.

With more than 2,000 species and thousands more hybrids and cultivars, Begonias fall into four main types: cane, wax, tuberous and rhizomatous. Rex Begonias are grown from rhizomes; they are native to subtropical regions of Southeast Asia.

Minnesota, but Rex Begonias also prosper as houseplants. Take heed that all Begonias are toxic to pets and humans if ingested.

Rex Begonias have a reputation for being the divas of Begonias, and I encountered some challenges while getting to know Escargot. I eventually learned that Rex Begonias are good communicators if you’re paying attention – if their leaves are wilting, crispy, brown, or leggy, it’s time for intervention.

Here’s the advice I wish I’d gotten before I brought my rex home:

Moisture: Rex Begonias can be easily overwatered. They have very fragile root systems that will quickly succumb to rot if left soggy. They prefer evenly-moist soil, but wait until the top inch of soil is dry, and then water sparingly.

Drainage: They need pots with good drainage and should never sit in water. They also need light and airy potting soil, and some gardeners amend their soil with peat moss, perlite, or orchid bark.

pebbles (but always keep the roots dry). Leaf misting is generally not recommended, as wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing: Apply fertilizer every two to four weeks during spring and summer months. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Temperature: Rex Begonias prefer stable temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees, and they dislike drafts. Outdoors, a patio or entrance will provide some wind protection.

Pests: Be vigilant about checking for pests such as mealybug, spider mites, aphids, and scale, and if detected, take immediate action. I recently lost my beautiful ‘Escargot’ to a massive aphid infestation, and I was devastated. Still, Rex Begonias have a special place in my heart, and with some hands-on experience and knowledge, I’m ready to give them another try. If you’re a plant enthusiast looking for a new love, you should get to know Rex Begonias.

Holly Berger is an University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Gardener’s

Popular for their show-stopping foliage, Rex Begonias have thick, asymmetrical leaves that feature an astounding assortment of colors, patterns and sizes. They are sometimes sold as annuals in

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Light: Whether indoors or out, Rex Begonias require bright, indirect light to flourish. Direct sun will scorch them.

Humidity: Rex Begonias do best with humid conditions. Indoors, use a humidifier, group plants together, or set them on trays of moistened

To learn more about Rex Begonia care, visit: https://www.thespruce. com/grow-rex-Begonia-1902492

BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

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

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

• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.

• All letters are subject to editing.

• Deadline is 5 p. m., Thursday of the week prior to publication.

• To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Picking and choosing

It seems this administration is treating Supreme Court rulings like a game of “eenie meenie miney mo” by choosing which ones to follow based on their agenda, and not law.

Take the April 10 Supreme Court ruling 9-0 ordering the government to help facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man they wrongly deported to a torture prison in El Salvador. The administration has admitted its mistake but shows no intention of following the court’s ruling.

Yet when the court ruled 5-4 to limit federal oversight of wetlands under the Clean Water Act, the administration jumped to comply. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin even said, “There is nothing to debate anymore, we’re going to follow the Supreme Court, it’s going to be simple.” That ruling fits their agenda to roll back environmental protections, so it gets full compliance. Zeldin states, “the federal governments doesn’t need to be regulating every puddle on every property everywhere in America.”

This is not how our government is supposed to work.

The concept of checks and balances is an integral part of the United States’ democracy. The executive branch cannot pick and choose which Supreme Court decisions to follow. The court is the highest court in the land and has the final authority on interpreting the law. Ignoring its rulings threatens the balance of power that keeps our democracy safe and strong.

So, what happens when the executive branch defies a Supreme Court order?

Apparently, nothing, based on the lack of response from Congress. Next on their “to do” list, as proposed by the administration, is the suspension of habeas corpus, a basic constitutional protection of due process for all people. They are also going after the Constitution. When asked if he is obligated to uphold the Constitution, President

Trump answered, “I don’t know.” That answer should alarm all of us.

The president swears an oath to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” The silence from GOP leaders is deafening and makes it more dangerous. We expect more courage from our leaders to help defend our democracy.

Dr. Don Sonsalla

White Bear Lake

Graduates underperforming

Oh, the irony. Two months ago, in a letter to the editor, Scott Smith presented in a non-biased, objective manner grade level proficiencies in White Bear Lake and surrounding districts as well as school attendance.

White Bear Lake had glaring deficiencies in all primary subjects, math, reading and science. It is an embarrassment to acknowledge the abysmal scores of 50% or less in these core classes. Yet, in a May 7, 2025, posting on the District 624 website, the school boasts of a 96.5% graduation rate. Huh?

Now, I hate to brag, but I am a high school graduate (circa 1970). At that time, we were required to be able to fill out a job application, read, write (cursive) and understand math and science at grade level as a requirement of graduation.

Seems ironic that 96.5% of our students are graduating, but according to the Minnesota Department of Education, White Bear Lake students are reading at 50.7% proficiency, performing math at 47.5% and science at 38.1%.

I’m not a math genius, but these scores, along with our attendance — which is below the state average —tells me someone might need to go back to school.

Jodi Laliberte White Bear Lake

DEI supports students with special needs

On Monday, May 5, White Bear Lake Area High School, in partnership with Light in the Well, presented A Day of Hope, an orchestra performance that highlighted the talents and stories of four students with special needs accompanied by members of the school orchestra conducted by Shannon Anderson.

The mission of a Light in the Well is to build bridges between people with and without disabilities to provide hope, enrich lives and influence culture through creative music experiences, storytelling and education. This organization seeks to promote a world in which people embrace diversity and celebrate the inclusion of people with and without disabilities at school, work and community.

The event was covered in the April 30 White Bear Press edition. In the same edition was a letter to the editor by Jessica Fitzsimmons with the heading, Vilification of DEI, expressing a concern with the growing momentum to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

As I listened to the story of each student and watched their performance, I realized that without a commitment to a policy of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), this event would most likely not have taken place.

DEI policies acknowledge that students have different abilities and backgrounds. Educational equity means that every student has access to opportunities and resources they need at that moment in their education and appropriate support ensuring that every child has an equal chance for success and feels that they are accepted and belong.

Thank you to the White Bear Lake Area School district staff for their commitment to the full participation of each student.

Ellen Fahey

White Bear Lake

St. Stephen Lutheran Church welcomes new pastor

This month, Rev. James Muske and his wife Mary will move to White Bear Lake. Last fall, St. Stephen Lutheran Church welcomed Muske as its new pastor. The congregation had an interim pastor following the retirement of Rev. James A. Woodruff after 30 years of ministry.

“We feel honored and blessed to have Pastor James join our congregation,” said Church Council

President Kathy Stickler. "His sermons are deeply meaningful and relevant to today. His ability to infuse humor and draw upon his personal experiences enhances the engagement and levity of his teachings. Pastor James will be instrumental in our outreach efforts.”

A graduate of Luther Seminary in St. Paul and Cornell University, Muske's 13 years of experience includes ministerial roles in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Isle, Minnesota. He especially has a passion for cross-cultural education and dialogue. St. Stephen is located on County Road E near White Bear Avenue. For more information, visit www. ststephenwbl.org.

White Bear Lake Area Church Directory

CONITRIBUTED James Muske

COPS&COURTS

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

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

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 2200 block of Orchard Road May 7.

• Theft was reported in the 4900 block of Long Avenue May 7.

• Two dogs were found in the 4600 block of Lake Avenue and brought to the police department and reunited with their owner May 7.

• A phone was reported stolen May 7 in the 3500 block of McKnight Road.

• Officers mediated a verbal dispute in the 2100 block of Roth Place May 7.

• Officers responded to an assault in the 1000 block of Highway 96 May 7.

• Theft was reported in the 3700 block of Little Linden Curve May 8.

• Attempted check forgery was reported in the 1400 block of Highway 96 May 8.

A White Bear Lake man was arrested for a warrant in the 1900 block of Third Street May 8.

• Officers responded to a narcotics complaint in the 3100 block of Karth Road May 8.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 4500 block of Bald Eagle Avenue May 8.

• A noise complaint was reported in the 1800 block of Fifth Street May 8. Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue S May 9.

• A Vadnais Heights man was arrested for third-degree DWI and refusal following a traffic stop at Interstate 694 and Edgerton Street May 9.

• Officers responded to a noise disturbance May 9 in the 3100 block of Karth Road.

• Disorderly conduct was reported May 9 in the 2100 block of Orchard Lane and the 4900 block of Lake Avenue.

• Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 4600 block of White Bear Parkway May 9.

• Officers responded to disorderly conduct in the 2800 block of Riviera Drive May 9.

GIRLS GOLF

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop at the intersection of White Bear Avenue and Cedar Avenue May 10.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 1700 block of Fourth Street and the 1500 block of Park Street May 10.

• Theft was reported in the 4900 block of Long Avenue May 10.

• Tools were stolen in the burglary of a storage unit on Rolling View Drive May 10.

• Officers responded to a complaint of fireworks in the 1700 block of Ninth Street May 10.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3700 block of Kenny Lane May 10.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 1700 block of County Road E May 11.

• A vehicle's ignition was damaged in the 4700 block of Centerville Road May 11.

• Harassment was reported in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue May 11.

• A vehicle was stolen in the 3800 block of Highway 61. It was later recovered near County Road E and Highway 61.

• Officers responded to a disorderly conduct incident between two drivers at the intersection of White Bear Avenue and County Road E May 12.

• A woman was arrested for multiple felony warrants and a new charge for driving after revocation May 12 in the 4400 block of Otter Lake Road.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 4900 block of Division Avenue May 12. Officers mediated a dispute in the 2600 block of Hoffman Road May 13.

• A Maplewood man was arrested for driving after his license was canceled and for a felony violation of controlled substance following a traffic stop in the 3600 block of Bellaire Avenue May 13.

Editors Note: Press Publications did not receive media reports from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.

Mahtomedi placed fourth of 23 teams in the Andover Invitational at Bunker Hills, shooting 332. Minnetonka won with 293. The Zephyrs had nobody in the top dozen but featured four solid, tightly-grouped scores: Lexie McGrane 81, Regan Juhl 82, Lily Carlson 84, and Audrey Carlson 85. The Zephyrs won a Metro East match over South St. Paul 191 to 219 at Oak Glen. Carlson and Indra Ramaley each shot 47, Juhl 48 and Alayna Bartylla 49.

SOFTBALL

Mahtomedi (6-13) lost last week to Two Rivers 13-9 and Holy Angels 8-7, finishing the regular season 6-13 overall and 3-11 in the Metro East. They opened sections Monday against St. Anthony. Malia Erickson pitched both games. In the pitchers duel against Holy Angels, she gave up eight hits and two unearned runs. Autumn Johnson limited the Zephyrs to six hits and no walks. Against Two Rivers, Ava Sheppeck was 2-for-5, Erickson 2-for3 (RBI), and Julia Ruzynski 1-for-2 with three walks, two runs, one RBI. Against Holy Angels (12-5), Sheppeck

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Grant

• Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies on April 3 cited a driver on Manning Avenue N. and 60th Street N. for improper change of course.

• A suspicious vehicle parked on the shoulder of July Avenue N. with its driver asleep at the wheel at 7:06 a.m. April 4 turned out not to be a DWI, but the Pioneer Press newspaper delivery driver.

• A driver involved in a two-vehicle accident April 5 at 60th Street N. and Lake Elmo Avenue N. was cited for failure to provide proof of insurance and for failure to possess a driver's license.

• Mahtomedi

Deputies transported an unwanted female at the Holiday gas station on Stillwater Road to Maplewood Mall on March 31.

• The driver of a construction truck working at the former Lakeside Club site in the 1000 block of Lincolntown Avenue on March 31 reported striking the fire hydrant. The owner of a vehicle parked on Hickory Street and Mahtomedi Avenue April 1 received a citation in the mail for displaying tabs that expired in October. Another motorist was cited on Stillwater Road and East Avenue that same day for undisclosed violations.

• Elm Street residents on April 1 reported themselves on April 1 for being about to mail a package containing a lithium battery. Deputies advised them to contact the post office during business hours to “address” the issue.

• Forced entry to the Mahtomedi School District offices in the 1000 block of Mahtomedi Avenue was reported at 7:15 a.m. April 2 after employees reported a suspicious blood trail on the property. Deputies confirmed the substance as human blood.

• Hardwood Lane residents reported multiple juveniles conducting aggressive Nerf wars in the area on April 2. That same day, Park Avenue residents reported multiple parties tampering with their fence, until they realized several juveniles were using their fence as cover during a crosstown Nerf war. Deputies caught up with the warring youths and informed them their activities were the source of multiple complaints. Deputies also advised the combatants about the dangers of going

singled home Sammy Prahl, who had singled, for the lone run.

BOYS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi beat Duluth 9-3 at home and lost at White Bear Lake 9-2. Against Duluth, Ned Whitney notched four goals, Mason Peterson two, and Sam Knapp, Gunnar Sellman, and Lucas Vander Louw one each, while goalie Jack Stepan stopped 12 of 15 shots. The Zephyrs, 8-3 overall, finished 4-1 in the Metro East for second behind HillMurray. They have two non-conference games left.

BASEBALL

Mahtomedi beat St. Thomas Academy 5-3 and lost to Tartan 9-4, leaving them 12-7 overall and 10-5 in the Metro East with one game left. Against the Cadets, Connor Finn pitched five innings (two runs, eight strikeouts) with Andrew Sokoll and Ethan Felling finishing. The Zephyrs had only four hits, but seven walks helped. Isaac Iten was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Tartan took an early 9-2 lead against Nate Stooksbury and Peyton Erickson. Matthew Mizinski threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings (six strikeouts). Nick

onto other people's property, especially at night when their fun could be perceived as malicious activity. The youths agreed, and everyone, including deputies, cleared the scene. However, at 11:35 p.m. April 5, deputies made contact with a suspicious vehicle in Wildwood Park on Lincolntown Avenue after hours and discovered the nocturnal Nerf wars brigades were still at it, having stopped at the park to debrief after that night's battle. Deputies warned the group to decamp somewhere else, because the park was closed.

• A suspicious vehicle reported by an Eastgate Parkway homeowner on April 2 parked outside the residence facing backward turned out to belong to a driver trying to get help after the vehicle broke down. On the other hand, it could easily have belonged to juveniles driving backward down the road, as was reported on April 3 at Hallam Avenue S. and 72nd Street N.

• A Barrington Place resident reported her garage door opening by itself at 3:00 a.m. April 3, without her knowing why. Fortunately, none of the items inside her garage took it upon themselves to also walk away all by themselves. Meanwhile, residents in the 1000 block of Mahtomedi Avenue on April 4 reported that items from their garage did walk away while they were out of town, either by themselves, or with the aid of thieves.

• A Briarwood Avenue resident on April 4 reported breaking up with his rich, porn star girlfriend, who threatened to get some hefty thugs to come and kill him. Deputies advised the complainant to lock his door and consider taking out a harassment Restraining Order.

A suspicious vehicle occupied by a lone person reported at 9:27 p.m. April 4 on Warner Avenue S. turned out to be a person enjoying the peace and eating ice cream.

• Now, without further ado, this week's slate of traffic reports around town, starting with a citation April 5 of a driver for phone use while operating a vehicle along Century Avenue and Long Lake Road.

Pine Springs

• A Minnesota motorist was cited March 30 on westbound Highway 36 for speeding 77 mph in a 60 mph zone.

• A hit-and run-motorist was cited March 30 on westbound Highway 36 for causing and fleeing from an accident.

Loretta Harding

Pietig was 2-for-3 and Laken Decker and Mizinski had RBI hits.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi (7-4) beat Robbinsdale Cooper 13-3, led by Annie Tanner with four goals and Lizzy Churchill with three; lost to Roseville Area 9-6, with Tanner netting four goals again; and won 9-3 at Hermantown/Proctor, as Tanner, Churchill, Reese Saenger and Alexia Tempelis found the net twice each and Brooklyn Kragness once.

GIRLS TRACK

Mahtomedi placed second of nine teams in a St. Francis meet. Event winners were Xiaobao Liang (200 dash, 26.08), Kaili Malvey (high jump, 5-0), Natalie Jackson (shot put, 32-11), and Ella Frazier, Liang, Allie Rippentrop and Olivia Thiele in the 4x100 (51.48). Thiele was third in the 100 (13.21). Placing fourth were Greta Siess (discus, 94-7), Eloise Taylor (triple jump, 30-9 1/2) and Molly Driscoll (high jump, 4-8). Harlow Berger, who placed third at state in shot put last year, is sidelined with an injury.

BOYS TRACK

Mahtomedi placed fourth of nine teams in a St. Francis meet. Andrew Russell won high jump (6-4) with Eliah McCormick second (6-2) and Alexander Hotovec fourth (5-8). Ericdarren Daafour won long jump (20-8), Evan Miller was second in pole vault (10-6), Evan Carion third in the 800 (2:02.46), Matt Johnson fourth in the 1699 (4:49) and Anders Nelson fourth in 300 hurdles (46.72).

TENNIS

Mahtomedi beat Como Park 5-2 and Roseville Area 4-3 in Section 4AA last week. The Zephyrs (10-6) faced topseeded Mounds View on the finals Tuesday. Winning against Como Park were Brandon Pham, Tyler Chesak, Zach Burge/Ethan Stout, Luke Roettger/ Max Milbrandt, and Eli Hendrickson/ Kento Kedrowski. Winning against Roseville were Pham, Chesak, Burge/ Stout and Roettger/Milbrandt. The Zephyrs finished 5-2 in the Metro East Conference.

Bruce Strand

MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE: From White Bear Eagle Scout to ‘Night Stalker’

Curt graduated from West Point in 1990 and went on to serve as an Army aviator in a variety of leadership positions for numerous worldwide operations. Those who knew him described him as a “talented athlete and outdoorsman.” He was an avid parachutist who competed in sporting events, including Hawaii’s Iron Man triathlon.

Curt was a member of the Special Operations Air Regiment-Task Force 160th, known as the “Night Stalkers” for eight years. Task Force 160th is based out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and consists of some of the Army’s most-qualified aviators, crew chiefs and soldiers who provide helicopter support for special operations forces. Their missions are usually conducted at night, at high speeds, at low altitudes and on short notice.

His brother Alan, who served in the Army for 20 years as an engineer, explained, “In the Army, generally, they rotate people around every two or three years. You don’t stay in a job very long, but in Task Force 160th they are so specialized that when they find somebody they like, they generally don’t let them leave.”

Curt, the unit commander, was tasked with building out the unit. In August 2001, Task Force 160th was deployed to the Philippines to support the Philippine Army in rescuing two American missionaries who had been held hostage for a year.

On the afternoon of Feb. 21, 2002, Alan had just completed a data analysis course in Virginia when he saw a headline, “BREAKING NEWS: MH-47E crashes in the Philippines.” He knew there was only one Army unity flying that type of helicopter, but he wasn’t certain that’s where his brother was. All he knew was that Curt’s unit was deploying from

Union Cemetery event highlights

• Program at Union Cemetery at 10 a.m. Keynote speaker will be White Bear Lake’s own General Pau Nakasone, a retired four-star general in the United States Army. Nakasone will talk about the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

• The memorialization of Major Curtis Donald Feistner. A helicopter is planned to fly over in his honor at 10:15 a.m.

• Renowned trumpeter Manny Laureano will play “Taps” and “Danny Boy.” “Danny Boy” was written by English lawyer Frederic Weatherly in 1919 and is set to the traditional Irish melody of “Londonderry Air.” Some interpret the song to be a message from a parent to a son, wishing for their return from war.

*Editor’s note: See Memorial Day calendar of events for other events

Weather Tidbits

Curt Feistner was recognized in the White Bear Press in November 1983 for his Eagle Scout project. He made wooden lily pads for the Department of Natural Resources Fishery display at the Minnesota State Fair.

White Bear Lake 1988 grad John Doherty flew this flag in honor of Curt at ISAF in Kabul, Afghanistan around the 10th anniversary of

Korea to support the war on terror.

“I immediately hoped and convinced myself Curt was not on that specific helicopter …but I was worried, knowing his company only had four helicopters,” Alan said. “I knew Curt. Curt always led from the front; he wouldn’t be in an office when his men were on a mission. It was Curt’s ‘lead from the front’ mindset that drove him to join Task Force 160th.”

Alan, their brother Bruce and their mother Arlene were all worried. Alan was awakened at 4 a.m. by a phone call from Bruce, who called to say the Army had visited their mom in the middle of the night to notify her that Curt was on the helicopter that crashed at sea off the coast of the Philippines. The family was told Curt was “missing in action,” but was not given any more information. Four days later while attending a memorial service at Fort Campbell, they learned Curt’s body had been recovered and was on its way to Minnesota.

Alan explained that the Task Force did three days of daylight missions and then switched back to nighttime missions.

“They were flying over the ocean and the 160th flies at nap-of-the-earth, so they’re about 150 feet off the ground. When you are over the ocean, you have no depth perception,” Alan explained. “It was spatial disorientation that got them. They were in a storm … they were in darkness, and they were exhausted, all that contributed to the crash.” (Nap-of-

Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com

We had our first mini-taste of severe weather last week, Thursday, May 15, when a fast moving storm produced small hail (pea size), brief heavy rain and gusty winds. The most notable event was the tornado in western Wisconsin that ripped through a farm field and dairy farm. We cooled off significantly, going from highs near 90º to highs in the low 50’s this last period. Neighbors used the cooler temperatures to mow for the first time as the mower did a pretty good job mulching up the dandelions that were seeding. This week’s very wet start should keep the need to water at and raise lake levels. White Bear Lake stands at 922 feet and 7 inches, up 4 inches over 1 year ago. Great weather ahead for this weekend and Memorial Day!

the-earth flying is a helicopter maneuver where the aircraft flies at or below treetop height, utilizing natural features for concealment.)

Doherty, who served in the Navy (active and reserve) for 31 years, was in grad school at the time of the crash. He read an article about a helicopter crash that described one of the victims as a three-sport athlete from White Bear Lake. “I couldn’t believe it …. It was very shocking, knowing who he was. He was a very invincible character.”

Curt became an inspiration to Doherty. “I would wear a bracelet with his name on it to remember him.”

Around the 10th anniversary of Curt’s death, Doherty was in Kabul, Afghanistan, and flew a flag in Curt’s honor at the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters. “I thought it would be appropriate to get it signed by the Senior Special Operations person in Kabul at the time,” he recalled. “Turns out … he was a member of the 160th and knew Curt really well.”

When Doherty returned to Minnesota to visit his family, he dropped off that flag at the school.

“His compassion for people; the level of effort he put into everything he did was … he was a very inspirational human being,” he said. “I can only imagine all the things he could have accomplished.”

Now, over two decades after Curt’s death, he will be honored this Memorial Day and that flag will be placed in a prominent place in the

Legion for all to see and remember Curt’s sacrifice.

“As time passes, your worry is that nobody will remember Curt and so for us, we are very appreciative that people remember Curt’s service, that he was a part of the White Bear Lake community,” Alan said.

“He was out serving the community while he was overseas, and he was taken from us. He didn’t want to leave in that capacity. All of us wanted him to come back to White Bear Lake … He is truly missed.”

Bella Najarian is a quirky, fun, caring, intelligent, and passionate individual. She goes well above and beyond just grades in school. She dives into her subjects and learns all she can about them. She reads books for fun throughout the busy year, and she spends extra time in the mornings before school in a bible study with a classmate. She gets to know her teachers on a personal level, and makes sure to ask deeper questions. She is on the Varsity Track and Field Team, tutors a lower school student in math after school, and is constantly displaying a service attitude.

Upcoming events

The Sidekicks:

Music of the '80s

Saturday, June 7 at 7:30 PM

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center

From Madonna to Queen, from a-ha to Bowie, from Whitney to Huey Lewis, and everything in between, the '80s music & dance energy in this concert is totally tubular!

Rat Pack Revue

Sunday, June 8 at 2:00 PM

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center

Swing back in time with the acclaimed Minnesota Jazz Chamber Orchestra performing Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.'s Rat Pack favorites, such as "Mambo Italiano,” "New York, New York,” and "Luck Be a Lady.”

“A Culture of Pots 2025” Opening Reception

White Bear Center for the Arts

June 12, 6:00-8:00 PM

“A Culture of Pots 2025” brings the ceramic works of the St. Croix Valley Pottery tour to White Bear Center for the Arts’ Ford Family Gallery. The show features pottery collections from the 33rd Annual St. Croix Pottery Tour artists. Visitors to WBCA’s “A Culture of Pots 2025” will experience that magic in an immersive and ambient gallery setting. Works will be for sale and available for pickup after the exhibition closes.

Poetic Landscapes

Plein air location TBD

Thursday, June 26-Saturday, June 28, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM

In this plein air workshop, visiting artist Farley Lewis will teach you how to create art that catches a viewer's eye from across the room. Learn the painting basics and poetic creative approaches to brushwork. Start the day with teaching and demos, and work on paintings with help from Farley.

Print and Play: Slip Transfer Surfaces

White Bear Center for the Arts

Saturday, June 28, 9:00 AM-4:30 PM

Join visiting artist Catie Miller in this immersive monoprinting-on-clay workshop. Discover how to glaze your ceramic pieces with colorful prints using Catie’s signature transfer techniques. Learn simple printing methods, including how to make custom transfers, and get creative using slabs and colored slips to enhance your clay pieces.

You can find a full list of classes in WBCA’s quarterly printed catalog and online at WhiteBearArts.org/ classes.

Giant art takes shape in WBCA’s clay studio

with natural dye,” per his instructions. it’s not just the space — it’s the talented teaching artists

Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places” list, it’s no longer an exaggeration—especially when talking about a special corner in Detroit Lakes.

Tucked but not hidden away in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, are five giant

Join the fun at Midsummer Art Fest

Art, music, community. What more could you ask for on a warm summer's day? Fortunately, all these things are coming together at the outdoor campus of White Bear Center for the Arts for

Shop from local artists, students, and WBCA teaching artists at the art sale. Roll up your sleeves to create something new at interactive art stations. Or, if you’re competing in WBCA’s Into Nature Plein Air Competition, pick up your lanyard, bring your paints, and capture

The art doesn’t stop there; there’s more

to be had indoors. Stop inside to explore WBCA’s inspiring exhibitions. Grab a cool drink or treat as you stroll through a replica of the St. Croix Valley Pottery

which brings the works of artists featured in the 33rd Annual St. Croix Pottery Tour to WBCA’s Ford Family Gallery. Get to know our talented teaching artists and see their professional works in the WBCA Instructor Showcase, displayed in the Exhibition Hall and Atrium. Or, shop more local art inside the Ann Tousley Luther Art Shop. The Midsummer Art Fest, happening Friday, July 18 from 12:00-6:00 PM, is a perfect way to wrap up your summer afternoon by celebrating creativity and the joy of making art in community.

Jeni O’Brien | Contributed

Project 412 | Contributed

WBCA | Contributed

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF AMENDED ASSUMED NAME

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

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

Perennial Financial Services

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

757 Cleveland Ave S St. Paul, MN 55116

3. The name and address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name. (Only one signature is required by law.)

Note: if the business owner is a corporation, you must list the legal corporate name and the legal Registered Office of the corporation.

AJB Wealth Management LLC

757 Cleveland Ave S St. Paul, MN 55116

4. This certificate is an amendment of Certificate of Assumed Name number 1513329400022 filed with the Secretary of State on 11/15/2024.

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: May 6, 2025

Signed: Julian Locke, Owner

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 14 and 21, 2025.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110 MINUTES APRIL 14, 2025

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

A meeting of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in Boardroom 200 at the Sunrise Park District Service Center, 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1) Chair Arcand called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2) Roll Call - Present: Ellison, Skaar, Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Beloyed, Daniels. Absent: none. Ex-Officio: Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak. 3) Pledge of Allegiance. 4) Ellison moved and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Skaar moved that the public forum portion of the meeting be live streamed. There was no second. Skaar moved that the public forum portion of the meeting be changed from thirty minutes to forty-five minutes. There was no second. Skaar moved that an agenda item be added to the discussion portion of the meeting in regards to Executive Order 14201. There was no second. Skaar began to make a comment. Ellison made a point of order that the motion failed for lack of a second and the board is required to move on to the next approved agenda item. 5) Daniels moved and Thompson seconded to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. PUBLIC FORUM - Teresa Schwankl, Tiffany Dittrich, Tim Klecker, Lori Humble. INFORMATION ITEMS 1) Student Recognition - Students who participated in state and national competitions in One Act Play, Boys Swim and Dive, Boys Hockey, and Girls Basketball were recognized and congratulated. 2) Superintendent’s Report - Dr. Kazmierczak highlighted several recent achievements and upcoming events in the White Bear Lake Area School District; the Middle School Musical, Beetlejuice Jr., the Willow Lane Donatelli’s Takeover, Coffee with Dr. K, the Exemplary Secondary Program of the Year award received by WBLAHS Automotive Career Pathway and Derek Doescher, and Erika Florczak’s National Board Certification. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1) First Reading of School Board Policies: a) 413; b) 512; c) 706; d) 710; e) 711; and f) 712. OPERATIONAL ITEMS 1) Ellison moved and Beloyed seconded to approve the action on Bid for White Bear Lake Area High School Roof Replacement Project in the amount of $353,400. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 2) Ellison moved and Daniels seconded to approve the action on Resolution Proposing Placement of Continuing Contract Teacher on Unrequested Leave of Absence. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3) Skaar moved and Beloyed seconded to approve the action on Resolution for Acceptance of Glasrud Grants in the amount of $28,184.67. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4) Thompson moved and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the action on School Board Policies: a) 420; b) 427; c) 508; d) 533; e) 701; and f) 704. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. BOARD FORUM. LABOR NEGOTIATIONS *This portion of the meeting may be closed to consider strategy for labor negotiations, including negotiation strategies or developments or discussion and review of labor negotiation proposals, conducted pursuant to Minn. Stat. 179A.01 to 179A.25. Thompson moved and Beloyed seconded to go into closed session at 6:26 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Ellison moved and Beloyed seconded to go into open session at 7:01 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT Ellison moved and Daniels seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:03 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Kathleen Daniels, clerk. Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 21, 2025.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624 WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110 MINUTES APRIL 28, 2025

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

A work session of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in Boardroom 200 at the District Service Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1) Call to Order - Chair Arcand called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. 2) Roll Call - Present: Skaar, Thompson, Arcand, Beloyed, Daniels, Ellison. Absent: Streiff Oji. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1) Otter Lake Elementary Update 2) Vadnais Heights Elementary Update 3) Career Pathways Update ADJOURNMENT - Ellison moved and Thompson seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:18 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Kathleen Daniels, clerk. Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 21, 2025.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 832

MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115

MINUTES APRIL 25, 2025

A Study Session of the Board of Education of Mahtomedi Public Schools was held April 25, 2025, beginning at 5:0 0 PM.- CALL TO ORDER- Meeting was called to order by Chair Stacey Stout at 5:01 p.m. ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE- Present: Ryan Domin, Paul Donna, Jenny Peterson, Kelly Reagan, Stacey Stout and Drew Whitson. Also present: Barb Duffrin, Superintendent; Alice Seuffert, Director of Communications; Leslie Lovas, Executive Assistant to Superintendent & School Board. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA- Donna motioned, Domin seconded, Approval of Agenda. Carried 6-0 DISCUSSION/INFORMATION ITEMS – A.) Consideration of Operating and Facilities Referenda- Barb Duffin, Superintendent, asked the School Board to clarify what is needed in the Operating and Facilities Referenda to proceed with a vote on April 28, 2025, to move forward with the Facilities Scope. The School Board discussed the updates and the needs. Duffrin shifted to Operation Levy, where the School Board agreed on a $ 2M Operating Levy and that Duffrin would look into a parameters cap of 2-3%, which would not be tied to inflation. The discussion then moved to the Facilities projects, where Duffrin reminded the School Board of the Community Survey Results from Morris Leatherman, the Feasibility Study, and the guiding change document created to help with the big-picture priorities, which included the Phase I and Phase II needs. Duffrin then provided the School Board with

additional information from the April 14, 2025, Study Session, which included more context on the remodels. Duffrin stated that all buildings will have Safety and Security updates. At Mahtomedi Middle School, the lobby refresh, which included some new furniture, would be removed. At Mahtomedi High School, the fitness room remodel was removed, but it could be a future fundraiser. Duffrin also gave the School Board an optional plan on the east side of the High School, adding an additional hallway near the weight room. This hallway idea was to replace the safety circulation addition and remodel of the toilet bathrooms. Duffrin stated that it is not an idea they plan to move forward due to lack of supervision and the need for the toilet remodel for safety. Duffrin stated the proposed revised package would be around $ 27.5 M. The School Board also discussed what the tax impact would be on a medianpriced home. Director Paul Donna expressed support for a 30M Operating and Facility Referenda since it represents what is needed, such as safety and security, and what is wanted, as in athletics. Donna stated it is a catalyst for the project’s Phase II part; Stout agreed it was a good starting point. The school board concluded they were satisfied with the updates moving towards the April 28. 2025, vote.

ADJOURNMENT - Donna motioned, Domin seconded, Adjournment. Carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Submitted by Kelly Reagan, Clerk. A full version of the minutes are available at www.mahtomedi.k12. mn.us. Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 21, 2025.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 832

MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115

MINUTES APRIL 28, 2025

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Mahtomedi Public Schools was held April 28, 2025, beginning at 7:00 PM.- CALL TO ORDER- Meeting was called to order by Chair Stacey Stout at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE- Present: Ryan Domin, Paul Donna, Jenny Peterson, Kelly Reagan, Stacey Stout and Drew Whitson. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDAReagan motioned, Domin seconded, Approval of Agenda. Carried 6-0. ACTION ITEMS- A.) Approval of Donations/Grants from March 2025 Totaling $9528.79. Domin motioned, Donna seconded, Approval of Donations/Grants from March 2025 Totaling $9528.79. Carried 6-0. B.) Approval of Facilities Project Scope-Superintendent Barb Duffrin asked the School Board to Approve the Facilities Project Scope. Duffrin reviewed the process over the past few years that started in 2021, with a comprehensive facilities audit, engaged facilities task force study with high users of Mahtomedi facilities, district surveys to understand the community tax tolerance and a recent feasibility study to provide feedback on community interest in philanthropy and a public/private partnership in these projects. The proposed bond amount will have safety and security, academics, performing arts and athletics upgrades at an approximate total 28M and honors the work of all groups. Duffrin also highlighted Phase II, that will include partnerships with local municipalities and private donors. Phase II will include an O.H. Anderson remodel, and possible improvements for athletics, Chautauqua Fine arts center and mixed activity center that are based on priorities and partnerships. If approved, Duffrin would submit the proposal to the Minnesota Department of Education for review and prepare a special election in November 2025. The school board discussed the project, which led to a vote. Donna motioned, Whitson seconded, Approval of the Facilities Project Scope. Carried 6-0. ADJOURNMENT - Reagan motioned, Stout seconded, Adjournment. Carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 a.m. Submitted by Clerk: Kelly Reagan. A full version of the minutes are available at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us

Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 21, 2025.

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

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-389

NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of: Carol Marie Sommers, a/k/a Carol Sommers, Decedent.

NOTICE is given that on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 10:45 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. a hearing using remote technology will be held by this Court for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s last will dated June 2, 2024 (“Will”), and for the appointment of Alison M. SommersSayre, whose address is 51 Mill Rd., Lambertville, NJ 08530, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration.

Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.

Any objections to the Petition or Will must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real estate and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.

Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 501B.41, Subdivision 5.

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 four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

BY THE COURT:

Michael Upton, Court Administrator

BY: Elizabeth Girling, Deputy Court Administrator

Date: May 1, 2025

Attorney for Petitioner

Thomas K. Russell, Provision Law Firm PLLC 101 W Burnsville Pkwy, Suite 204, Burnsville, MN, 55337

Attorney License No: 0313361 Telephone: (952) 563-0152; Email: keith@provisionlawfirm.com

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 14 and 21, 2025.

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

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-223

NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of: Rodney DeSean Thompson, Decedent.

NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 3:45

p.m. a hearing will be held using remote technology by this Court on the petition for formal adjudication of intestacy, determination of heirship, and for the appointment of Macie Love, whose address is 2021 Upper 55th Street East, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration. Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145. Any objections to the petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes

and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the Estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.

BY THE COURT:

Michael F. Upton, District Court Administrator

BY: Benjamin Linker, Deputy Court Administrator

Date: April 23, 2025

Petitioner is a Self-Represented Litigant: Macie Love

2021 Upper 55th Street East

Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 14 and 21, 2025.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-306

NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of:

Dennis M. Dietsch,

Decedent.

NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 1:30 p.m until 1:45 p.m. a hearing using remote technology will be held by this Court for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s last will dated January 24, 2022 (“Will”), and for the appointment of Gregory P. Dietsch, whose address is 502 Birchwood Avenue, Amery, WI 54001 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an  unsupervised administration.

Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.

Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 501B.41, Subdivision 5.

NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN by publishing this Notice as provided by law and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice. 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 four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

BY THE COURT: Date: May 2, 2025 Michael Upton, Court Administrator BY: Benjamin Linker Deputy Court Administrator Petitioner is a Self-Represented Litigant:

P. Dietsch

Birchwood Ave., Amery, WI 54001 Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 14 and 21, 2025. WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the Town of

Bear will receive sealed Bids for the construction of the Polar Lakes Park North Parking Lot Rehabilitation consisting of the following: 6,600 SQ YD Pavement Removal

2,600 CU YD Common Excavation

1,450 TONS Class 5 Aggregate Base

1,500 SQ YD 3” Bituminous Trail

LIN FT B612 Curb & Gutter 1,100 TONS Bituminous Paving

SQ YD 6” Concrete Walk & Ramp

Bid forms, contract documents, drawings and specifications as prepared by TKDA, are on file for inspection in the office of the Town Clerk and in the office of the Engineers, whose address is 3311 E Old Shakopee Rd, Suite 300, Bloomington, MN 55425.

Complete digital Proposal Forms, Plans, and Specifications for use by Contractors submitting a bid are available at www.questcdn.com. You may download the digital plan documents for a non-refundable fee of $25 by inputting Quest Project No. 9687349 on the website’s Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information.

Contractors desiring drawings, specifications, and related documents for the purpose of submitting a bid may secure them from the Engineers upon a non-refundable payment of $50 for each set. Mail orders for Drawings and Specifications, and orders for Drawings and Specifications will not be taken by the Town. Every bidder must apply to the Town Clerk at 1281 Hammond Road, Town of White Bear, for a Permit before conducting any subsurface investigation and such bidder shall be responsible to check with the utility companies concerning the location of any buried utility services.

Bids will be received by the Town of White Bear until 10:00 am, Wednesday June 11, 2025. For this solicitation, bids will ONLY be received and accepted via the online electronic bid service through QuestCDN.com for an additional bidding fee of $30. Download the bid documents and click the online bidding button at the top of the advertisement to access the electronic bid qualifications and bid worksheet. Bids will be electronically opened and publicly read aloud by representatives of the Town of White Bear. Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or cashier’s check payable to White Bear Township in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total bid as a guarantee that the bidder, if successful, will enter into a contract with the Owner for the work described in the proposal. This deposit will be subject to forfeiture as provided by law. The deposits for the three lowest bidders will be retained by the Owner until the contract has been awarded and executed but not longer than sixty (60) days. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days following the bid opening.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive informalities or to award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, in the best interest of the Owner.

The Town Board will consider award of contracts at a regular meeting to be held on Monday June 16, 2025, beginning at 7:00pm.

Patrick Christopherson, Town Clerk

Dated: May 19, 2025

Published to Questcdn.com on May 21, 2025

Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 21 and 28, 2025.

White Bear Lake Area Historical Society unveils latest treasure: ‘X Marks the Spot’

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“People say that historians hate change. If it wasn’t for change, we wouldn’t have jobs,” said White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Executive Director Sara Hanson. “When I drive around, I don’t always see what’s there today. I can look and go, ‘That used to be a grocery store. The Domino’s Pizza used

about, the more fun it is.”

That sentiment is imbued into “X Marks the Spot,” White Bear Lake Area Historical Society’s first semipermanent exhibit, now open to the public at the White Bear Lake Armory.

Per the historical society’s website: “Together, we’ll look across our communities at 10 moments that changed history for our Lake Area and even the world.” The exhibit’s name, then, comes from the Roman numeral

Hanson explained that the historical society classified “X Marks the Spot” as semipermanent because many more than 10 historical events happened in the area. Therefore, the exhibit will occasionally refresh, with new events and information filling the 10 slots.

Hanson described that White Bear Lake Area Historical Society serves every community that touches the lake—

• The public works and engineering departments remain busy in 2025. Public Works Director/Engineer Paul Kauppi recently presented the biannual report for both departments to the City Council. Here are some of the highlights:

• Infrastructure statistics: The city has 89 miles of street; 106 cul-de-sacs; 42 miles of sidewalk; 122 miles of water main, 2,123 water valves, 1,164 fire hydrants, five deep water wells, three water towers, 97 miles of sanitary main; 2,616 sanitary sewer manholes, 12 sanitary lift stations, 68 miles of storm sewer pipe, 4,077 storm sewer structures, 12 stormwater ponds, 24 parks, 466 streetlights, over 150 vehicles/equipment and 10 facilities.

• Streets division: In 2024, staff had 18 snow events and applied 399 tons of salt. Staff put in 185 man-hours into tree trimming.

• Parks and facilities: In 2024, staff spent over 300 hours decorating and installing over 50 miles of lights and 600 feet of garland.

• Water division: The city pumped 275 million gallons of water from November through March, the exact same number of gallons as 2023. There were 20 water main breaks in 2024, compared to 11 in 2023. Kauppi noted 20 to 25 water main breaks in a year is typical.

• Sewer division: City staff cleaned and jetted 7 miles of sewer; staff responded to one sewer main backup call and eight customer service backup calls.

• Fleet maintenance: Staff performed preventative maintenance 59 times, made 142 major repairs, underwent five Department of Transportation inspections and outsourced 15 repairs.

• Engineering division: Staff stayed busy with the 2025 street rehabilitation project design along with the downtown parking lot project, WBLAHS parking restrictions and renovations at City Hall.

• The City Council previously authorized the sale of

Birchwood, Dellwood, Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake and White Bear Township. The inaugural 10 spots, then, touch upon each community. Additionally, the exhibit covers multiple time periods. “We have everything from the Native American burial mounds along the lake to the invention of Smarte Carte,” said Hanson.

To help kick off the exhibit, each of the 10 pieces will be the focus of a weekly deep-dive lecture on Tuesdays now through July 15. The armory will also host extended hours during Manitou Days, so area residents will have extra opportunities to view “X Marks the Spot.”

“The deeper, underlying theme for me is that history is everywhere,” said Hanson. “It’s all around us.”

White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Community Engagement

Director Allison Lincoln stressed that history often happens in small ways and more recently than some might think. “To Sara’s point, history is

$2.43 million in general obligation bonds, Series 2025A, to fund the 2025 pavement rehabilitation project and purchase a fire engine. On May 7, S&P Global Ratings assigned its AA+ rating to Series 2025A and affirmed the AA+ long-term rating on the city’s outstanding GO debt.

The city, through its municipal adviser, Ehlers and Associates, received bids from seven investment firms on the bond issue. “The bids were very competitive, with the difference between the five lowest bids under a tenth of a percent for the bond issue,” said Finance Director Kerri Kindsvater.

The bid from Raymond James & Associates Inc. at 3.6129% is just lower than the estimated 3.6643% used

everywhere. … How are you making history right now?” Lincoln asked. Because this year’s Manitou Days theme is “Bears Making History,” the historical society also plans to display a special collage next to the “X Marks the Spot” exhibit and is currently requesting submissions from White Bear Lake Area residents. Send a photo and a small blurb—two to three sentences—explaining how you have made history via email to office@ whitebearhistory.org or mail to P.O. Box 10543, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. There is no age requirement. Later this year, the historical society will craft these submissions into a bear-shaped collage to be displayed next to the “X Marks the Spot” exhibit. For more information about “X Marks the Spot” or its weekly companion lecture series, visit whitebearhistory.org.

Logan Gion is a contributing writer for Press Publications. He can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651-319-1110.

by Ehlers and Associates in its original projections. Kindsvater explained the lower interest rate reduces the principal and interest over the life of the bond by $17,620. The annual tax levy for the bond’s life will be in the range of $101,758 to $232,850, with an average annual decrease of approximately $1,178.

Kindsvater noted the bid from Raymond James & Associates included a $170,000 premium component; the city chose to use the premium to reduce the bond issue amount from $2.43 million to $2.27 million as has been done with similar historical issues.

• The city will receive an additional $10,000 for a total of $36,428 for its participation in the Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) program for 2024-2025. The Ramsey County Traffic Safety Initiative annually submits a grant application to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety for grant funding to conduct a highly visible, well-publicized TZD traffic safety enforcement program. The grant funding is shared among Ramsey County law enforcement agencies and is used for overtime enforcement to address traffic safety issues with an emphasis on impaired driving, occupant protection, speed and distracted driving.

The Ramsey County Traffic Safety Initiative was awarded $969,900 in grant funding for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Saint Paul Police Department serves as the grant coordinator, and each participating agency, including the White Bear Lake Police Department, receives quarterly reimbursement for overtime from the grant.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at City Hall.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-390 CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS In re the Estate of Conrad E. Schneider, a/k/a Conrad Elliot Schneider, Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:

Notice is hereby given that an application for informal probate of the abovenamed Decedent’s Last Will dated August 1, 2006 and Separate Writing dated August 1, 2006 (“Will”) have been filed with the Probate Registrar, and the application has been granted.

Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: Denise J. Nelson, 3301 West 88th Street, Bloomington MN 55431 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. § 524.3-607, 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.

Any objections to the probate of the Will, or to the appointment of the personal representative, must be filed with this court, and will be heard by the court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing.

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 four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred.

Laura J. Stevens, Probate Registrar

Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator

Date: May 9, 2025

Attorney for Personal Representative

Margaret A. Suddendorf Attorney License No.: 317226

Suddendorf Legal Services LLC

15600 36th Avenue North, Suite 200, Plymouth MN 55446

Telephone: 763-412-3885 / E-Mail: peggys@suddendorflegal.com

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 21 and 28, 2025.

NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT LIEN FORECLOSURE SALE

YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT:

1. Default has occurred in the terms and conditions of the Amended and Restated Declaration for Silver Lake Woods Condominium Association, Inc. recorded in the Registrar of Titles for Ramsey County, Minnesota on March 28, 2011 as Document No. 2138790, as amended and supplemented (hereinafter the “Declaration), covering the following property:

Legal Description: Units 30 and G-29, Condominium Number 215, Silver Lake Woods Condominium. Subject to a reservation by the State of Minnesota of all minerals and mineral rights. Subject to encumbrances, liens, and interests noted on CICCT No. 584114

Street Address: 2638 Lake Court Dr, Unit 30, Mounds View, MN 55112

Tax Parcel Identification Number: 07-30-23-14-0577

2. Pursuant to said Declaration, there is claimed to be due and owing as of April 15, 2025 from Neil D. Remme, title holder, to Silver Lake Woods Condominium Association, Inc., a Minnesota non-profit corporation, the amount of $9,645.18 for unpaid association assessments, late fees, attorneys’ fees and costs of collection, plus any other such amounts that will accrue after April 15, 2025 including additional assessments and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of collection and foreclosure which will be added to the amount claimed due and owing at the time of the sale herein.

3. No action is now pending at law or otherwise to recover said debt or any part thereof.

4. All preforeclosure requirements have been met.

5. The owners have not been released from the owners’ financial obligation to pay said amount.

6. The Declaration, referenced above, provides for a continuing lien against the property.

7. Pursuant to the power of sale contained in the same Declaration and granted by the owners in taking title to the premises subject to said

Declaration, said Lien will be foreclosed by the sale of said property by the Sheriff of Ramsey County at the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Civil Process, 360 Wabasha Street N., Ste. 111, St. Paul, MN 55102, on the 20th day of June, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at public auction to the highest bidder, to pay the amount then due for said assessments, together with the costs of foreclosure, including attorneys’ fees as allowed by law.

8. The time allowed by law for redemption by the unit owners, the unit owners’ personal representatives or assigns is six (6) months from the date of sale.

9. The date and time to vacate the property is 11:59 p.m. on December 20, 2025, if the account is not reinstated or the owners do not redeem from the foreclosure sale.

REDEMPTION NOTICE THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.

10. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.

Shannon Granholm

WHITE BEAR LAKE CITY COUNCIL NOTES

CONTRIBUTED

Members of the White Bear Lake Rotary Club present a plaque to the city’s public works staff in honor of National Public Works Week May 18-24.

Above: Todd Lofquist cleans up around grave sites at St. Mary’s of the Lake cemetery during a recent VFW Post 1782 and American Legion Post 168 Day of Service event in preparation for next weekend’s Memorial Day activities.

At right:

Above:

Frogner

At left: VFW and American Legion representative Gary Carlberg carries a collection of American flags to be placed on military graves at Union Cemetery in White Bear Lake.

POLITICAL BRIEF

Senator Gustafson supports pension reforms

The Minnesota Senate has passed a Pension bill that will make improvements to retirement benefits for public employees including teachers,

paramedics and State Patrol officers. The bill includes the establishment of a new career rule for Minnesota teachers, a provision that Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights) had been fighting for since introducing her pension reform bill in late February.

Thanks to the new “career rule” established in the bill, public school teachers will be eligible to retire sooner with lower early retirement penalties at age 60 if they have 30 years of service.

After passing the Senate in a bipartisan vote of 55-12, the bill now awaits action in the House.

Chisago Co unty now hiring Engineering Technician Senior Duties: Reviewing construction plans, conducting engineering inspections and investigat ions, and reviewing the work of co ntractors for conformance to approved specifications $38.07 to $50.13 DOQ. Appl y onlin e at www.chisagocountymn.gov

Chisago County is hiring!

Corrections Officer

Provides care and supervision of inmates housed in the jail facility, transports inmates, juveniles, and mentally ill; performs all intake procedures for incoming prisoners; supervises the daily housing area and periodically must subdue prisoners. Must be willing and able to work a variety of assigned shifts. Must be able to perform CPR and emergency first aid. $26.83 to $35.34 DOQ. Apply online at www. chisagocountymn.gov. Open until filled.

Sales Representative

Base + Commission

GreenGuard Construction | Full-Time or Part-Time | Multiple Locations Are you motivated, personable, and ready to earn what you’re worth?

GreenGuard Construction is hiring Sales Representatives to help homeowners with roofing and siding solutions—no experience required.

What We Offer:

• Base pay + commission for every closed job

• Paid one-on-one training—no experience needed

• Flexible full-time or part-time schedules

• A supportive, locally owned team (not a corporate maze)

• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

What You’ll Need:

• Reliable transportation + valid driver’s license

• Positive attitude and strong work ethic

• Drive to learn and close sales

We keep it simple: clear communication, consistent support, and top-quality service. You’ll be seen, heard, and rewarded for your efforts. Apply now at greenguardconstruction.com/ careers Or find us on Indeed and ZipRecruiter

Chisago Co unty now hiring Corre ctions Officer Duties: Provide care super vision, and transportion of inmates, juveniles, and mentally ill; perform intake procedures supervise daily ho using area and periodica lly su bdue prisoners if necessary Variety of assigned shifts. Must be able to perform CPR & emergency first aid. $26.83 to $35.34 DOQ. Appl y online www.chisagocountymn.gov

3-5 days/wk No experience needed, will train

We are looking for a Yard/Lot Person.

Duties

Load and unload tables, chairs, trailers and rental equipment. Some cleaning involved. Also a Counter Person.

Duties

Answer phone, write up contracts for customers, and some cleaning. Looking for a great attitude and a willingness to grow and learn. Flexible hours. Part time 10-30 hours per week. Immediate openings. Apply in person at 21380 Forest Blvd Forest Lake. Across from Forest Lake High School. No evenings and

Chisago County is hiring!

Engineering Technician

Senior

Reviewing construction plans, conducting engineering inspections and investigations, and reviewing the work of contractors for conformance to approved specifications. Independently monitors and inspects the progress and construction methods to ensure construction projects meet approved specifications. $38.07 to $50.13 DOQ. Apply online at www.chisagocountymn.gov.

Open until filled.

160

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WANTED:

it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept and advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

Bear softballers enter playoffs

White Bear Lake is seeded No. 2 in Section 4AAAA with a 14-6 record after three wins at home last week. The first two rounds were Monday and Tuesday, with semifinals Friday and final May 28. Stillwater is top seed. The Bears opened against Tartan.

The Bears beat Mounds View 5-2 last Monday as Lily Martin struck out 12 batters while hitting a single and double herself. They finished 12-6 in the Suburban East for third place behind Forest Lake (171) and Stillwater (15-3). The Bears beat Northwest

BOYS TENNIS

White Bear Lake won its section opener against Columbia Heights 7-0, then lost to Stillwater 4-3. The Bears had a final 9-8 record. Winning against Irondale were Will Fleming, Andrew Kolenich, Colton Knutson and Brooks Peltier in singles, and Mason Voeller/Asher Ludwig, Joseph Carls/ Chris Herr, and Jack Fleming/Keenan Griffin in doubles. Against Stillwater, Kolenich won 6-4, 2-6, 6-3, Knutson won 6-3, 2-6, 10-8, and Peltier won 7-5, 4-1 (retired). In the No. 1 slots, West Dell beat Fleming 6-3, 6-2, and Ben Most/Jack Myers beat Voeller/Ludwig 1-6, 6-4, 6-0. The Bears still have section singles and doubles to play starting

Suburban champion Centennial 6-2 on Tuesday. Martin had a four-hitter with 11 strikeouts. Kendal Roeser and Lauren Elias were both 2-for-4 with an RBI. Martin and Teagan Kotzmacher had RBI hits. Maddy Belisle and Aubrey Parker each hit a two-run single to spark the Bears over Tartan 6-1 in the regular season finale Thursday. Martin had a fivehitter with 14 strikeouts and one walk. The Bears have won 11 of their last 12.

Bruce Strand

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS 651-644-6659 | saintsbaseball.com

Zephyr golfers win back-to-back tourneys

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Mahtomedi boys golf came up with big wins on successive days last week — a Metro East meet Monday with 277 at Oak Marsh, and their own Dick Zgonc Memorial Invitational Tuesday with 308 at White Bear Yacht Club. The Zephyrs and St. Thomas Academy are tied for the lead going into the conference finale at Loggers Trail this Wednesday. Next will be Section 4AAA on May 27 and 29 at Bunker Hills.

Thomas Meader shot sixunder 33-31-64, with Jacob Wilson second with 35-32-67, in the conference meet. Tony

Wednesday.

BASEBALL

White Bear Lake is 12-6 after losing three of four games last week. The Bears will close conference play Wednesday at Target Field against first-place Mounds View, after a noon Twins game. The Bears lost to Stillwater 5-4. Blake Eckerle threw 6 2/3 innings and Jackson Kolb and Evan Newlander finished. Two errors in the ninth helped Stillwater score twice. Tyler Allshouse had three hits. The Bears defeated Park 8-4 with Newlander and Miles Oklobzija pitching. Rapping two hits each were Isaiah Weber (two RBI’s), Tyler Allshouse (two runs) and Owen

Upcoming Games

May 20 - 25 Norfolk Tides May 27 - June 1 Omaha Storm Chasers

Farrington (RBI, two runs). Cretin-Derham Hall beat the Bears 13-7 with Zander Coy hitting a bases-loaded home run and Blake Bullis a threerun double. Farrington delivered a two-run single and sac fly. Eckerle was 2-for-3 (two runs). Owen Mortimer, Kolb and Oklobzija pitched. The Bears lost to Centennial 8-7 Saturday. Oklobzija belted a threerun homer. Weber was 2-for-3 (two RBI’s) and Newlander 2-for-4 (RBI). Centennial got their runs against Weber (six) and Matt Anderson (two).

BOYS GOLF

White Bear Lake senior Jack Stanius was a medalist with a par 72 while the Bears placed fifth of 10 teams in a Suburban East Conference meet at Bunker Hills. CretinDerham Hall won with 304. The Bears totaled 313. Easton Fiddle tied for fourth place with 74. Magnus Benz shot 82 and Thomas Pederson 85.

Kurn and Brooks Ashfield shot 73, Leo Miller 75 and Malik Washington 78. The 277 was “a school record, as far as I know,” said Coach Jeff Poeschl. Five teams broke 300 as Hill-Murray had 292, St. Thomas Academy 296, Hasting 297 and Two Rivers 298.

Meader, who started with a par and birdie, said he felt comfortable and confident and able to “play the game I know how to play.” His eight iron drive on the 198-yard No. 16 was tucked front left the pin. “Hitting it high to that pin downwind, and getting it to stop, was a highlight,” he said. So were long putts on 17 and 18. He totaled 31 putts.

Wilson, ranked No. 3 in the state for all classes, had an eagle on a 330-yard, par four hole as he drove to the green and drained an 18-foot putt. In their invitational, the Zephyrs, with 278, were three strokes ahead of New Prague and Orono, who tied for second among 11 teams. Wilson was medalist, shooting a two-under-par 70, with one stretch of six straight birdies. Zephyr freshman Leo Miller, playing for the JV, shot 73 for fourth place, leading his unit to sixth place with 315. Meader had 75 for seventh place, Kurn 81 and Washington 82.

GIRLS GOLF

White Bear Lake hosted and won a sixteam invitational at Oak Glen in Stillwater.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Thomas Meader Mahtomedi Golf May 21, 2025

Thomas Meader, Mahtomedi senior golfer, shot a career-best 64, six under par, to place first at a Metro East Conference meet May 13 at Oak Marsh. He placed fourth in the Blaine Invitational with 72-81-153 on May 3. The University of North Dakota recruit has made all-conference twice so far and placed 20th in the state as a sophomore. Meader shot 64 in Arizona in the winter and 68 last summer to win a qualifier for the U.S. Junior Amateur. “Thomas has all the shots,” coach Jeff Poeschl said. “He is long off the tee and has a confident short game. His greatest quality is his competitiveness.”

The Bears totaled 302, Forest Lake 310, Park 315, Eastview 316, Duluth East 318 and Hopkins 319. Maddy Vang, Bear junior, was one-underpar at 71 for second place. Bailey Eddicus shot 76, Audrey Reigstad 77, and Sydney Pfeil 78, placing fourth, seventh and ninth, respectively. The Bears placed fifth of nine teams in two Suburban East meets, at Midland Hills with 188 led by Vang with 43 and Elaine Eddicus 46, and at Gross in Minneapolis with 174 as Vang and Pfeil shot 42’s, Elaine Eddicus 47 and Reigstad and Adelle Blasing each shot 47s.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

White Bear Lake finished the regular season with a 3-11 overall record and 2-8 in the Suburban East. The Bears wins were against Stillwater, Woodbury and Centennial. Last week, the Bears lost to Park 3-0 and Hmong Academy 3-0.

GIRLS LACROSSE Park (11-0) edged White Bear Lake 7-5. Olivia Simpkins and Cayla Helmberger had two goals each and Olivia Halvig one for the Bears (4-7). Hayden Laden in goal stopped six of 13 shots.

BOYS LACROSSE White Bear Lake won 21-1 over Park in Cottage Grove and 9-2 over Mahtomedi at home, improving to 7-4. Nine players scored against Park, led by Ben Lockwood with four and Eli Lalonde, Wyatt Raleigh, Charlie Woodcock and Gavin Huot with three each. Against Mahtomedi, Raleigh, Lockwood and Huot netted two goals each, and Lalonde, Finn Karni and Liam Maloy one each. Karni made three assists. Goalie Reid Vickstrom stopped nine of 11 shots.

Bruce Strand

JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED

Andrew Kolenich won at 2-singles against Columbia Heights and Stillwater.

Jane Plager Jones

Age 90, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, born in Austin, Minnesota, she passed away May 15, 2025 from a three year battle with dementia.

Preceded in death by her husband John Richard Jones, Jr., and her sister Janice Strasma. Jane is survived by her children Barbara Jones (Kelly Egelhoff), Cady Lindeberg (Greg) and Dan Jones (Sallie); grandchildren: Justin Knowlton (Devan), Mitchell Egelhoff, Sam Lindahl (Mike), Kayla Jones and Emma Jones; great-grandchildren: Knox Knowlton and Ridge Knowlton; sisters Sue Nelson and Sally Ponce and many loving nieces and nephews. Visitation Wednesday, June 4, 6-8 p.m. at PARKVIEW UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 3737 Bellaire Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. Funeral service Thursday, June 5, 11:30 AM at PARKVIEW UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, with a light luncheon served following the service. If desired, memorials to Parkview United Church of Christ. Honsa Family Funeral Home www.honsafamilyfuneral.com

Lona J. Rauma

Age 87, of Vadnais Heights.

Betty Jane Frohrib (nee Eserhut)

Age 95

Kimberly Marie Tratar

Kim was born July 25, 1963.She was married to Tom Tratar then divorced after 17 yrs. They had two boys Tommy, Jr., and Tadd. She will be missed. RIP my friend. Celebration of Life at a later date.

Passed away May 14, 2025. Preceded in death by husband Bruce Lee Rauma. Survived by children Candyce (Charles decd.) Daniels, Leslie (Daniel) Westrick, Shelli (Jim) DeBilzan, Kimberly (Gary) Delaney, Pamela (David) Brausen, Bruce (Diane) Rauma; 26 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild. She was devoted to both her family and career; working as a security officer at Sears. Lona was proud of her accomplishments including graduating with a BA in Home Economics from the University of Minnesota. On a nice day you could find her in her garden or enjoying nature. Lona was a master at anything she did; including baking, decorating cakes, and arts and crafts. She also loved music. She was an amazing wife, mom, and grandma; and will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Funeral service Thursday, May 29th at 11 AM at HONSA FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2460 East County Road E, White Bear Lake, with a visitation one hour prior to service. Luncheon to follow.

Honsa Family Funeral Home Honsafamilyfuneral.com, 651-429-6172

Born on February 13, 1930 she passed to her Lord on May 13, 2025. Formerly of St. Paul and Oshkosh, WI, she was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Darrell A. Frohrib. Survived by children Ellen Wingfield (Jeff), Sandra Wills (Lorance) and Paul Frohrib (Mary); 4 grandchildren Corey Wills (Martha), Phil Wills (Mia) Danielle Munns (Aaron) and Max Wingfield; 7 great-grandchildren and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends. A Service of Christian Burial will be held at South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church at 2480 South Shore Blvd, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 at 11:00 am on May 22, 2025; with visitation one hour prior at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The American Heart Association.

Carol T. Hisdahl passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by family at Parmly Assisted Care in Chisago City, Minnesota.

Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Donald Leevon Hisdahl. Together, they built a life rich with love, creativity, and dedication to their family and community.

A true entrepreneur and creative spirit, Carol founded Viking Lettering Services and Hisdahl Trophy, now known as Hisdahls. Her talents extended far beyond business: she was a gifted artist, cake designer, dressmaker, hat creator, and monogramming expert. Carol brought beauty into the world with every stitch, brushstroke, and decoration.

She was one of the original organizers of the Winter Carnival World’s Softball Tournament on Ice and a tireless advocate for veterans, serving as Auxiliary President of the Keep-Zimmer Post 1782 in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

Carol spent 20 joyful years in retirement in Arizona before returning to White Bear Lake to live above the family business and later moved to independent senior living in Wyoming, Minnesota.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Mark Hisdahl (Stephanie), Dee Hisdahl Nelson (Dean), Carolyn Cagle (Gary), Keith Hisdahl (Cheryl); grandchildren, Dustin, Alan, Jessica, Grant, and Rachel; great-grandchildren Gracelynne, Evelynne, Astrid, Autumn, Karter Kay (“KK”), and Jay; many other family and friends.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held on at 2:00 p.m., June 13, 2025, at Mattson Funeral Home in Forest Lake, Minnesota. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Immediately following the service there will be a barbecue and gathering at Gary and Carolyn’s home, 4460 Echo Lane, Stacy, MN 55079.

Carol’s life was marked by creativity, service, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

& WILLERNIE

The roundabout journey comes full circle

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In a few weeks, annual street improvement work will begin in Mahtomedi. Since 2017, Mahtomedi City Engineer John Sachi has served as project manager for the street improvement project each year. However, the 2025 street improvement project will be overseen by Mahtomedi Project Engineer Amanda Sachi.

Any relation to John Sachi?

Yes, Amanda Sachi is the daughter of longtime city engineer John Sachi. Both father and daughter work for Mahtomedi’s contracted engineering firm, WSB.

In fact, the city plans to execute the Sachi Succession when John retires this fall and Amanda takes over his duties in seamless fashion.

John Sachi began working at WSB in October 2016 and took over Mahtomedi’s engineering work in May 2017. Prior to starting with Mahtomedi, Sachi retired after 25 years as city engineer for the City of South St. Paul.

Amanda Sachi started at WSB in May 2023. Her first 15 years in the civil engineering field were spent at a consulting firm, where she worked on many unique private industry civil engineering projects, but never for a city

until recently.

A city engineer is contracted out to review plans for new developments to make sure they conform to city code and city standards. The engineer recommends public improvement projects, such as new or upgraded roadways, watermain projects, sanitary and storm sewer projects and trail projects. Then, the engineer continues by designing and inspecting those projects, if authorized to do so by the city.

Drainage issues between property owners are reviewed by the city engineer, and so is city compliance with other government agencies and regulations. The city engineer attends City Council and Planning Commission meetings.

The father-daughter collaboration started when Amanda was put in charge of Mahtomedi’s 2025 street improvement project earlier this year and will last until John retires in September.

This brief overlap of nine months is consistent with the different but often intersecting paths John and Amanda have taken.

John grew up on St. Paul’s east side, but Amanda grew up in White Bear Lake. John graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering,

• And the results are in. The Mahtomedi City Council recently heard a presentation from Peter Leatherman, owner of the Morris Leatherman survey company. Following telephone interviews of 400 residents earlier this year, Leatherman and his firm compiled the 2025 results and compared them with 2017 and 2021 survey results. Survey questions included citywide issues such as quality of life; things that need fixing around the city; what people like most about living in Mahtomedi; what people would like to see more of in Mahtomedi; property taxes; city services, deer management; public safety issues; budget and tax increases; park usage; offleash dog area; the environment; city government communication; and other related issues. Coming out of the pandemic, the city enterprise is being viewed positively, Leatherman said. “It's pleasing to see the survey acknowledge the work of the city,” said Mayor Richard Brainerd. For details, see the city website at www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us.

• The city's financial team will receive an unmodified, or clean, opinion, the highest level of opinion the city can receive, said Chris Knopik of CliftonLarsonAllen as he presented the 2024 audit. The audit didn't find any inefficiencies, nor did the audit team find any compliance exceptions, Knopik said.

• The city took a second look at its ordinance pertaining to woodland preservation that was approved in 2023 and made substantial changes to fine-tune the ordinance. The revised ordinance amends several existing definitions related to trees and amends the city's zoning ordinance to add more tree preservation requirements for developers and property owners when trees are removed during grading or construction activities. Following a public hearing, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval.

• The property owners at 200 Juniper Street will be able to subdivide their property, after council approved the subdivision and variance by a vote of 4-1 (Council Member Jane Schneeweis opposed), subject to nine conditions.

• Every summer, the city contracts with the YMCA for lifeguards at Mahtomedi Beach. This year, the YMCA will provide lifeguarding services from June 7 until Aug. 17, from noon to 8 p.m. In addition, it will provide additional coverage on the weekends of Aug. 23 to Sept. 1. This year, the fees will increase by 2% from 2024 to $34,608.

• Mahtomedi Fire Department Fire Chief Joel Schmidt recommended the hiring of paid-on-call firefighter/EMT Evan Young, contingent on the

and Amanda started as a chemical engineering student at Iowa State and later changed to civil engineering.

“Although my dad would have loved it if I had gone to the University of Minnesota, as he did, he fully supported my blazing my own trail,” Amanda said. “Ironically, my trail has come full circle, and now I work with him.”

It may have been their shared love of science, math and problem-solving that led the father and daughter career paths to connect.

There was never a “Take Your Kid to Work Day” in their history, just the examples John set.

“I did visit him at work occasionally,” Amanda said. “He would often drive me around and show me all the improvements that were made. At that age, I’m not sure I was super impressed with the new road. But it always stuck with me how proud he was of the results of his work.”

And it was John who took all those soul-searching phone calls from Ames,

successful completion of the physical exam and background checks.

• Council approved construction pay voucher No. 5 (final) in the amount of $86,265 to Northdale Construction for Warner Avenue Improvements pertaining to the Safe Routes to School project, which included the new sidewalks near O. H. Anderson Elementary School.

• The city has a three-year cycle to inspect and clean its sanitary sewer system and has awarded the contract to low bidder Pipe Services in the amount of $90,525 after receiving three bids to clean and televise approximately 55,198 linear feet of sewer. The sewer utility fund has adequate funds for contracted sewer cleaning and televising.

• About once a month, Washington County Sheriff's Office deputy Henry Gibney attends a council meeting to provide a public safety update about what's been happening in the city. As the weather heats up, so does activity, he said. During the month of April, with the arrival of warmer weather, deputies have been responding to complaints about high school students engaging in Nerf wars. When Schneeweis said she noticed a lot of speeding tickets, Gibney added that,

Iowa, when Amanda realized that chemical engineering wasn’t for her and eventually found her passion in civil engineering. “I wanted to do something that would have a more tangible impact on my community, so I decided to switch to municipal engineering,” she said. “So far, it has been a great fit and it feels like this is where I am meant to be.”

“Passing on my experiences and knowledge to whoever is next in line after I retire is very rewarding,” John said. “The fact that it will be my daughter is even more rewarding.”

John said he doesn’t get the least bit nervous when Amanda presents at city meetings. “I have the ultimate confidence in her, and she isn’t afraid to ask for my advice, if needed,” he said.

“Amanda will serve the city well now and into the future,” John said. “I am very proud of both my children. My son, Tom, is a successful civil engineer working for another firm in the metro area, and I am very proud of him as well.”

according to anonymous surveys, speeding is the number one public safety concern from citizens. He said a new safety concern this summer will be small children on motorized minibikes and asked that citizens report any motorized children under the age of 15. As always, keep an eye out for criminal or suspicious activity, Gibney added. “Be vigilant. If you see anything weird, call us,” he said.

• It is now fawn season, and the number of deer you've seen over the winter will likely be doubled very soon, Public Works Director Bob Goebel said in his deer count update. On April 10-11, a drone survey counted 190 deer in the city. The drone contains better technology than a helicopter to count deer, so the 60 deer increase from last year may have been due to either better counting, or the more nutritious diet of hostas and geraniums. The city will use a drone to count next year's deer to come up with a more accurate conclusion about the deer population, Goebel said.

• In more Fire Department news, the city honored Scott Winter for his 15 years as a member of the department.

Loretta Harding

John Sachi

Amanda Sachi

• Four-year graduation rate data for the 2023-2024 school year is now available. Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Allison Gillespie reported that 96.5% of students at the high school graduated within four years. This number is second only to Mahtomedi High School in the northeast metro. Gillespie also shared 2023-2024 fouryear graduation rates for Area Learning Center (ALC)—77.5%. This number is up from 50% in 2021. Many students attend ALC for credit recovery or for an alternative learning environment. Information regarding the 52 students, the 3.5%, who did not graduate last year is also available. Gillespie explained that Minnesota Department of Education’s deadline for 2024 graduation was Sept. 15. Since then, seven of the 52 students have graduated, 21 are currently enrolled, seven were dropped from enrollment for missing 15 consecutive days of school, two transferred school districts and 15 did not graduate for unknown reasons.

Gillespie and her team are also looking into secondary education data regarding MCA testing scores. “We’re wondering how seriously students take those tests, and we have quite a few students and families who choose to opt out,” she said. Gillespie will formally report on the matter later this year.

• Beginning Aug. 1, ISD 624 is re-entering a partnership with First Student Inc. for Class-C and Class-D school buses, the largest type of school bus. This agreement will last until July 2030. Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Tim Wald recommended First Student Inc. as it was the low bidder, has historically met performance and safety expectations and has a garage nearby. First Student Inc., however, will no longer help cover the district’s Type III transportation routes, which service students with special education needs or who are experiencing homelessness. A combination of six transportation vendors will now cover these routes, including Universal Student

Transportation, which will provide 10 specialized safety vehicles.

• The board will hold a second reading next month of numerous policies, including those concerning accounting, vending machines and credit card usage. All changes are being made for grammatical or clerical reasons. Similarly, the board approved numerous policies, including those dealing with harassment or violence, acceptance of gifts, video recording on school buses and schoolsponsored student publications and activities. All school district policies may be viewed at www.isd624. org/about/districtpolicies.

• The school board continues to recognize students for club achievements. Most recently, the district recognized speech team members’ participation in the National Independent Events Tournament of Champions, the state tournament and Section 4AA meet. The board also called out senior Praise Oyekunle for her Section 4AA Champion title in the Serious Prose Interpretation

category. The board also congratulated participants of the National History Day program, specifically Mariner Middle School students Riley Hopkins and Sydney Larson, state champions and national qualifiers in the Junior Group Exhibit category.

• Senior Lydia Kleinhans and Junior Thomas Reese are finishing up their roles as 2024-2025 student representatives for the school board.

• The board moved up its monthly work session to May 19 (after press deadline) due to Memorial Day. The board is expected to receive an update from the ALC, hear a presentation on the fiscal year 2025-2026 preliminary budget overview and review the transportation unit’s union contract for 2025-2027.

The White Bear Lake Area School Board will next meet for its monthly regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 9, at the new District Service Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Ave., White Bear Lake.

Logan Gion

site in the 2040 Comp Plan.

The city received a grant from Ramsey County to work with a consultant to conduct soil tests and an environmental review of the property prior to closing.

Community Development Director Jason Lindahl explained, “Generally that site is clean, but there will likely be additional environmental review that needs to be done should there be a redevelopment on the site that combines the two sites because the site at 2511 did have contamination on it associated with the gas station that was located there.”

“I don’t think we should be in the business of acquiring property just

we should be in the business of acquiring property just to sit on it. I do want us to aggressively go out there and market it and hopefully we get some developers that will want to come in sooner rather than later, relieve us of this investment we have made in it and really put some money into that corner, just like they have across the street.”

to sit on it.”

Dan Louismet Mayor of White Bear Lake

The next step in the process will be for the city to work with its attorney to schedule a closing date with the seller. Once the city closes on the property, Lindahl says the city will control about 1 acre of that property at that intersection.

Mayor Dan Louismet said he has supported the acquisition of the property all along. “I think it makes sense.”

He noted, “I don’t think

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or whitebearnews@ presspubs.com.