White Bear Press

Rite of Spring event turns 20

agreement

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After a few minor tweaks, White Bear Township has approved a joint powers agreement (JPA) between the township, city of North Oaks, and city of Lino Lakes. The agreement states that the township will provide sewer and water services from its existing infrastructure through a water system owned by North Oaks to support the construction of the Wilkinson Waters development at the corner of County Road J and Centerville Road. The development falls within the boundary of Lino Lakes, which currently has no existing water infrastructure in that area.

Lino Lakes Community Development Director Mike Grochala attended the latest White Bear Township meeting to provide a recap of the agreement and proposed development and answer questions from the township board.

The plan is for Lino Lakes to eventually connect the development to its own water and SEE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT, PAGE 13

Musician behind ‘Song A Day Project’ now calls White Bear Lake home

Singer-songwriter Zachary Scot Johnson is new to White Bear Lake, but hardly new to music. A lifelong musician who began studying violin and piano in first grade, Johnson later pursued violin in college before teaching himself guitar and a host of other stringed instruments.

Inspired by the songwriting of Joni Mitchell, he has built a career performing roughly 100 shows a year and sharing music online through his long-running “Song A Day Project.” The project, which began in 2010 as an experiment, has since grown into a daily YouTube series featuring hundreds of collaborations with artists ranging from local musicians to Grammy winners and actors. His YouTube channel is coming up on its 5,000th consecutive day milestone.

Press Publications recently asked Johnson about his musical roots, the unexpected longevity of the project and what it’s been like to bring the routine of a daily song to his new home in White Bear Lake.

Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in music. How long have you lived in White Bear Lake?

A. I'm just moving into White Bear Lake! I've actually only been here for a couple of weeks. As for my background in music, I started taking violin and piano lessons when I was in first grade and eventually went to college as a violin major. I fell in love with the music of Joni Mitchell when I was in late middle school and somewhere around there started teaching myself guitar and eventually mandolin, banjo, dobro and other instruments. Seeing a few singer/ songwriters who were able to perform solo acoustic really changed my trajectory, and I was pretty convinced as early as high school that that's what I wanted to do. Somehow, I've made it a reality.

Q. What first inspired you to start The Song A Day Project and why do you think it has continued for so long?

SEE SONG A DAY, PAGE 21

CAMELA LONGENDORF | CONTRIBUTED

Zachary Scot Johnson, a new resident to White Bear Lake, is well known for his long-running “Song A Day Project.”

Midwest Ski Otters’ equipment stolen from storage

The Midwest Ski Otters recently discovered that its performance docks and stage as well as some bleachers were stolen over the winter. The estimated loss is $30,000.

“This equipment is essential to our show and replacing it was not part of our 2026 plans,” the Midwest Ski Otters wrote on social media. “We’ve been working hard to make 2026 an incredible season and to bring you amazing shows for your friends and family. But without a replacement stage and dock, the season is in jeopardy.”

Insurance should help recoup some of those costs, but likely not all. In the meantime, a GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/004fbeb41) has been set up to help fill the gap. As of press time, over $21,000 had been raised toward a goal of $22,000.

Education foundation establishes new fund in honor of Isaac Northwood

The Isaac Northwood Memorial Fund has been established with the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation by Isaac’s family to enhance and expand District 624’s middle and high school

We Love Seniors!

Complete Family Dentistry

ultimate frisbee programs. The fund is designed to build a strong, sustainable program by introducing students to the sport at earlier ages and encouraging continued participation through high school. Student scholarships will be awarded to individuals demonstrating financial need who may otherwise be unable to participate. Students may apply for scholarship funds through the middle school or high school athletic departments or community education programs.

Isaac, 20, passed away March 5. He was a graduate of White Bear Lake Area High School, Eagle Scout, Ultimate Frisbee Team Captain and Tomahawk Scout Camp Counselor. His obituary describes him as a lover of family, friends, nature and cats. Isaac’s Celebration of Life was held Saturday, April 11, at the White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church in Mahtomedi.

Donations to the Isaac Northwood Memorial Fund may be made by mailing checks to the foundation at WBLAEF, 2399 Cedar Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110, or by visiting wblaef.org.

White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation tees up ‘fore’ a cause

The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) will host its 26th annual golf tournament June 15 at Oak Glen Golf Course, 1599 McKusick Road N. in Stillwater. The event will bring together community members, business leaders and golf enthusiasts for a day on the greens. Also, the event will feature a preputting game, a display of drawing packages on-course games, cuisine and a program. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit students and educators, fulfilling the foundation’s mission. Last year's tournament raised over $55,000, contributing support to educators and nearly 9,000 students in the White Bear Lake Area School District. "We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors and participants," said Lori Arnold, executive director at WBLAEF. "This tournament is a perfect way to have fun and network with businesses, educators and the community while contributing to a meaningful mission.”

Spaces are limited. Register or become a sponsor at www.wblaef.org. Those who register before May 1 will be entered into an Early Birdie drawing.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

HOT TOPICS: WATTS, WATER AND SECRECY: THE HIDDEN COST OF DATA CENTERS

When: 6:15-7:45 p.m. Thursday, April 16

Where: Maplewood Library, 3025 Southlawn Dr.

Details: Learn about data centers, including the demand for power, water, land and metals. Hear from Kathryn Hoffman, CEO of Minnesota for Environmental Advocacy, and a resident who will share her lived experience of a data center proposal in her community, and what is being done to address these issues legally and legislatively. Register online.

Contact: lwv-wbla.org

PARENT'S NIGHT OUT

When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 17

Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake

Details: Child care for children ages 2 through 9.  Fun activities and meal.  Group size limited; preregistration required.

Contact: 651-777-1107 or office@ststephenwbl.org.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD SHELF DISTRIBUTION

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, April 18 and the third Saturday of the month

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F

Details: Distribution of food to families in need. May register day of event.

Contact: 651-246-3638 or cityvadnaisheights.com/ foodshelf

KIDZ N BIZ

When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 18

Where: Oneka Elementary

Details: Community event hosted by the Hugo Business Association connects local business and families through vendor booths and activities such

SPRING FLING

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 18

Where: Third Street, White Bear Mall, downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Family activities, shopping and dining specials, gardening activities, seed swap

Contact: downtownwhitebearlake.com

as games, inflatables, face painting, prize drawings, demos, food and more.

Contact: hugobusinesses.com

ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19

Where: Bellaire Beach parking lot, 2499 South Shore Blvd., White Bear Township

Details: Hike through Hidden Hollow Park and along the Mark Sather Trail.

Contact: stpaulhike.com

7 Elementary schools move to multi-age classrooms

Principals recently let their staff members and families of incoming grades four and five know about a change being made to elementary programming. Seven elementary schools within the White Bear district will move to multi-age programming in the fall. Matoska and Otter Lake will remain status quo at this time. The district says it will continue to share additional information as it becomes available, including a FAQ developed with input from teachers. An update will be provided at a future school board meeting.

SMART TRAVEL STRATEGIES FOR SENIORS

When: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, April 21

Where: Vadnais Heights City Hall, 800 County Road E

Details: Explore practical travel guidance, including how to make the most of AARP benefits, ways to navigate trips with mobility challenges, and safety tips. Free; regiater online.

Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com/671/SpeakerSeries

THANK GOODNESS ITS FOOD

When: 11:15 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 24

Where: White Bear Area Senior Center, 2399 Cedar Ave.

Details: Lunch catered by Red Luna. Register by April 15.

Contact: 651-653-3121

ST. CROIX BALLET: 'CINDERELLA'

When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 24; 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26

Where: Stillwater Area High School 5701 Stillwater Blvd.

Details: Performance by the dancers of St. Croix Ballet, to the music of Prokofiev, with beautiful set and costumes.

Contact: stcroixballet.com

GANGSTER BUS TOURS

When: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25

Where: White Bear Armory, 2224th St.

Details: Explore the hideouts and haunts of the 1930s era gangsters who laid low in the cottages around White Bear and Bald Eagle Lakes. Sights include a Mahtomedi speakeasy and the location of a notorious dance club.

Contact: whitebearhistory.org

Historical society receives grant

The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society has received a nearly $20,000 grant from the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS).

The MNHS recently announced 20 new recipients of Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants ($20,000 and less), totaling $276,946 in 17 counties. Small grants are awarded quarterly to help nonprofits, educational

organizations, government units and federally recognized Tribes to preserve and share Minnesota history. Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants are made possible by the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008. The Legacy Amendment supports efforts to preserve Minnesota land,

water, and legacy, including Minnesota history and cultural heritage.

The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society will use the funds to hire professionals to repair the porch on the Charles P. Noyes Cottage, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, visit www.mnhs.org/preservation/ legacy-grants.

OPINION

Eliminate hunger

As long as I’ve been alive I’ve been aware there is hunger in the world. As a child I was reminded at meal time to clean my plate because there were people in other parts of the world who were starving.

In the Christian community we hear a lot about missionaries working with people in countries where there is a food shortage.

About the Town Gene Johnson

In world news we hear of areas where there are food shortages, wars and climate conditions making it difficult to grow adequate crops to feed people. Some of the hardest hit areas during the COVID-19 pandemic have been in Africa and Asia.

There are a number of world organizations like World Vision, Compassion and ECHO that are showing great progress in the food crisis.

ECHO is an international Christian organization that strengthens farmers, pastors and development leaders as they serve communities facing hunger and poverty. It was established over 40 years ago with headquarters in North Fort Myers, Florida. It continues to expand its advanced global seed banking.

ECHO’s goals integrate the mission of linking churches with seed banks, agroecology and sustainable farming training. ECHO has 20,000 network members in 190 countries.

This means practical solutions spread faster, farmers gain confidence and resilience, families experience improved nutrition and income and communities move toward long-term stability.

Minnesota has provided strong leadership to ECHO’s programs. For example, Mark Carlson, who grew up in Cambridge, Minnesota is employed by the State Department as a lawyer and serves on the board of directors for ECHO. His cousin, Dr. Doug Carlson, resides in Stillwater and is the former chair of ECHO.

Kathy and I were guests at an outdoor dinner at ECHO in March. It provided an update of their expansions into new regions and reports from their impact centers.

Bethel University for several years sent journalism students to assist with communications at ECHO for a semester.

One of the more impressive things we learned is that ECHO will suggest to a farmer in one of these arid areas of the world to try ECHO’s method of farming. The farmer’s first response is “If it doesn’t work my children will starve.” ECHO comes alongside the farmer and assures him that ECHO will reimburse finances if their method comes up short.

At harvest time, ECHO comes along side to measure the results and to celebrate the new farming methods. These new methods are shared with neighboring farmers. It is like a one-onone learning process and the lasting change has impacted whole communities.

This helps farmers grow crops they can sell which enhances their income. ECHO has been feeding families for five generations, which provides encouragement and hope.

When farmers have access to the right knowledge and resources, land is restored, families are nourished, and communities become more resilient.

If you are in the Fort Myers area, you will find it worthwhile to visit ECHO Global Farms. They have tours for individuals and groups. They also accept volunteers.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

Influenza A and Influenza B: How Minnesota families can navigate the flu season

No doubt, someone you know or even you yourself have contracted influenza A. Patients have told our board-certified ER physicians that they feel completely fine one moment and incapacitated the next. We’ve also heard the phrase, “hit by a train” from patients describing the body aches, fever, chills and onset of incredibly significant physical symptoms of influenza A, the dominant strain here in Minnesota.

What is Influenza A?

It is a highly contagious respiratory virus that causes seasonal "flu" epidemics and even global pandemics. It is currently the dominant strain nationally, causing 94% of all flu cases. Influenza is spread through respiratory droplets that are inhaled or spread by touching a contaminated surface. because of its ability to mutate rapidly.

Symptoms of influenza A

• Sudden onset fever- at ranges above 100.4°F to 104°F influenza is known to cause especially high and longlasting fevers. High fevers such as 104°F. Often fevers include chills and shaking. Patients report “not being able to get warm.”

• Extreme fatigue that can last for up to two weeks. In fact, a slower-than-normal return to baseline energy levels has been widely reported this season.

• Severe body aches, including deep muscle pain, and this feeling of being “hit by a truck” or “run over by a bus.”

• Persistent dry cough, sore throat and nasal congestion

• Gastrointestinal symptomsIn addition to respiratory symptoms, some patients also have GI symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Any patient can have GI symptoms, but GI symptoms are more common in children.

What is Influenza B?

This strain typically appears later in the winter and peaks in the spring, and does not cause pandemics. It also tends to follow an influenza A spike. Similar to influenza A, Influenza B is a respiratory

Limited to 350 words. Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification. Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area. Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and 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

virus that causes fever, cough, congestion, fatigue, and body aches. Influenza B is often associated with more gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While generally considered "milder" than the dominant influenza A for most adults, influenza B is notorious for causing complications in children under 5 and schoolaged teens.

Symptoms of Influenza B are the same as those of influenza A, but may include more GI symptoms.

• Abrupt onset of fever of above 100°F and can exceed 103°F in children.

• Respiratory concerns like a persistent cough (dry or wet), sore throat and nasal congestion.

• Intense body pain, including severe muscle and body aches (myalgia) and sharp headaches that make movement difficult.

• Extreme fatigue

Red flags you need to be seen?

Generally, influenza A and influenza B symptoms can be managed at home with fever control, rest and hydration. Some patients are at higher risk for complications, such

Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published. 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. Press Publications publishes 99% of the letters to the editor that meet the guidelines.

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

INFLUENZA: Symptoms to watch for that require immediate medical attention

as adults over 65, children under 5, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes or weakened immune systems that benefit from assessment for antiviral treatment to prevent complications. Antiviral treatment given early in the illness, best within 48 hours of the start of the symptoms, can sometimes shorten the illness slightly but more importantly, can prevent more serious complications from influenza. These groups should see a doctor as soon as symptoms begin

for antiviral treatments that may prevent complications if treated within 48 hours.

For all patients, the following symptoms, especially in children, require immediate medical attention.

• Breathing problems like shortness of breath or working hard to breathe, increased effort to breathe or "retractions" when the ribs pull in deeply with each breath, trouble talking, wheezing or noisy breathing.

• Color changes of bluish or gray lips, face or nail beds.

• Severe dehydration, symptoms

School board needs Robert Rules

Taxpayers: I find it troubling that the school board would set aside Robert’s Rules to establish their own procedures, seemingly to silence another board member (White Bear Press, March 25.)

Mr. Skaar is merely seeking clarification on invoices up for board approval. During the 2025 financial audit, the auditor discovered that the school district had paid twice for technology subscriptions totaling $538,218—the same invoice was processed and paid two times.

Given that both the board and staff allowed this double payment, which was only flagged by the auditor, Mr. Skaar’s questions about spending are justified.

The school district has also received 15 similar infractions since 2019, most of which have been addressed -but a definite scar on the record. So when the board labels his inquiries as “random” or “not relevant,” it sends the message that they don’t take their responsibility over taxpayer funds seriously and are not wanting to improve transparency.

Robert’s Rules are designed to ensure accountability and prevent the board from becoming a mere rubber stamp when it comes to spending decisions.

Time to clean up

It’s time to clean up the rubbish that was under the snow. Trash has a way of working its way to

of dehydration include poor fluid intake, not urinating for several hours, dry mouth or severe weakness/unsteadiness. In children, signs include a significant decrease in the number of wet diapers, going more than six hours without urinating (shorter time in young children or infants), or more hours or no tears when crying.

• Feeling very weak or fainting

• Behavioral warnings- of extreme irritability (child does not want to be held), lethargy or not interacting when awake.

• Pain and fever causing an adult or child to refuse to get up or walk,

our storm drains and then our water system.

Things that do not belong in our water include salt, plastics, paper, wood, animal poop, oil, leaves, branches and grass. Leaves, grass and dirt contain phosphorus, which feeds the algae that turn lakes green.

The Vadnais Heights Green Team is sponsoring an Earth Day & Adopt-a Drain Event on Saturday, April 18. Meet at City Hall at 9 a.m. You can clean your neighborhood or work in some common grounds. The event usually takes about an hour and a half.

Kathy Pittelko Vadnais

Residents not being informed

I read a few weeks ago in the paper that the city of White Bear was in negotiations with White Bear Township on fire and rescue service. Then, the next week there was an angry letter from a Township supervisor that the discussion issue should not have been made public. Wrong! When the Township is discussing something as critical as our life and property, it is imperative that the residents know their fate.

When were we going to be told? What is the timeline for this period of negotiations? What is the deadline date? At what stage did the Township board plan on informing the residents? If the negotiations failed, what plan does the Township have for alternative services? Would the alternative services be compatible with the existing service in quality and response time? What do we tell our insurance carriers?

When there is road construction in an area the

White Bear Lake Area

or a fever above 104°F that does not respond to medication. Persistent Fever- fever that is not improving as the illness progresses may be a sign of a secondary bacterial infection such as pneumonia.

You can protect yourself and your family from influenza by getting vaccinated, wear a mask if in close contact with someone infected, and maintaining excellent handwashing habits at home, school and work.

Dr. Kristi Trussell is an ER physician and assistant medical director of The Urgency Room.

area residents are notified. There can be hearings, negotiations with residents, money discussions. The homeowners were allowed to vote on the issues. It the greater issue of fire and rescue service, where our lives and property are at stake, everything has been, and is being discussed in secrecy. I speak not only for myself, but I am on the board of our homeowner’s association, so I am asking for 44 homeowners. All the homeowners in our association are retired. Many have used the critical response-time service. Luckily, we have not had fires in our homes but we do want protection. We should have a say and vote on these important matters.

Response to letter

I'm sending a response to a letter written by Alice Smith. In her letter, she said that your paper's response on page 21 was “minimal at best” for a much-needed inspirational day of togetherness of No Kings Day. Apparently she thought it deserved an entire front page of this wonderful local paper. Is it not enough that people like her and like-minded others disrupt the daily activities of people trying to enjoy their day. Just how much attention is enough for her and others like her?

Jennifer Thayer White Bear Township

Heights

Pat Pickering White Bear Township

John Cundy White Bear Lake

COPS&COURTS

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

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

• Harassment was reported in the 4700 block of Krech Avenue April 1.

• A White Bear Township man was arrested for an outstanding warrant in the 4500 block of Centerville Road April 1.

• Identity theft was reported April 1 in the 2400 block of Orchard Lane.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 1400 block of Park Street April 2.

• Fraud was reported in the 4700 block of Bald Eagle Avenue and the 2000 block of Ronald Avenue April 2.

• Officers investigated an assault in the 2400 block of County Road F April 3.

• Fraud was reported April 3 in the 2500 block of Blomquist Avenue April 3.

• A civil dispute over a vehicle was reported in the 4300 block of Centerville Road April 3.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the area of Lake Avenue and Fifth Street April 3. Officers responded to a report of theft and subsequent financial transaction card fraud in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road April 3.

• No evidence of a shooting was found following a report in the 800 block of Wildwood Road April 3.

• A man was trespassed from a property on Hillary Farm Lane following a dispute over property April 3.

• Noise complaints were reported in the 2100 block of First Street and the 3600 block of Hoffman Road April 3.

• A St. Paul man was cited for careless driving after being pulled over at 12:55 a.m. April 4.

• Officers responded to a report of a disorderly male in the 2100 block of Fourth Street April 4. Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road April 5.

• A Fridley man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 1900 block of County Road D April 5.

• A vehicle window was smashed in the 3300 block of Bellaire Avenue April 5.

• Officers responded to a neighborhood dispute in the 4900 block of Division Avenue April 5.

• Officers responded to a juvenile incident in the 1700 block of Ninth Street April 5.

• A noise disturbance was reported in the 4600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue April 5.

• A St. Paul man was arrested for DWI after failing to yield to an emergency vehicle on White Bear Avenue April 6.

• Theft was reported in the 2600 block of Sumac Court April 6.

• Officers responded to a verbal dispute in the 3500 block of Century Avenue April 6.

• A license plate was stolen off a vehicle in the 1800 block of Birch Street April 6.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested on an active gross misdemeanor warrant in the 3700 block of Midland Avenue April 6.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 4900 block of Washington Avenue April 6.

• Criminal sexual conduct was investigated in the 3100 block of McKnight Road April 7.

• Officers responded to disturbances in the 3500 block of Century Avenue and the intersection of Century Avenue and Spruce Place April 7.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies took a suspicious 911 hang-up call at 9:27 a.m. March 15 in the 6000 block of Jarvis Avenue N. and saw only several people near the address blowing off snow and shoveling their driveways. They confirmed the pocket dial had originated with one of the people working outside.

Deputies were dispatched out to the scene of three youths walking on the roadway on 75th Street N. and Jamaca Avenue N. at 11:07 a.m. March 15 to check on their welfare. But all were dressed for the weather and just fine. Meanwhile, deputies also responded to a vehicle partially stuck in a ditch March 18 on 120th Street N. and Illies Avenue N. and ordered a private tow truck.

• A handgun was reported missing from the 11000 block of Dellwood Road on March 18. A National Crime Information Center form was completed. Deputies took an report of indecent exposure March 19 from the 8000 block of 75th Street N.

• An abandoned vehicle parked in the right turn lane on Manning Avenue N. and 62nd Street N. on March 19 was towed, and its registered owner later received a citation in the mail.

• A speeding motorist was issued a written warning March 20 for speeding in the 8000 block

of Jamaca Avenue N.

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

• A 24-year-old St. Paul man in the 500 block of Oak Grove Parkway reported March 8 that someone smashed the window out of his Toyota Camry and stole a bag containing credit cards, a driver’s license and other items. The incident is under investigation.

• Deputies arrested a 27-year-old man from Minneapolis March 10 in the 800 block of County Road E East with an open and active warrant after a traffic stop.

• Deputies responded March 11 to a two-vehicle crash near the intersection of Edgerton Street and Belland Avenue involving a Hyundai Palisade and a Honda Pilot. No injuries were reported.

• Deputies issued a theft citation March 11 to a 65-year-old St. Paul woman who was caught attempting to steal merchandise from a business in the 800 block of County Road E East.

• A 25-year-old man in the 300 block of Bankers Drive reported March 12 seeing someone attempting to steal his vehicle. Deputies responded, collected evidence and have launched an investigation.

• On March 13, a 23-year-old woman from St. Paul reported someone stole the license plate off their Lexus IS in the 1100 block of Willow Lake Boulevard. The incident is under investigation.

• Deputies attempted a traffic

• A complaint about vehicles blocking the road March 20 in the 9000 block of 71st Street N. turned out to belong to tree trimming workers at work.

• An alarm call coming from Mahtomedi High School at 12:19 p.m. March 21 turned out to be the robotics team, which accidentally set off the alarm.

Mahtomedi

• Deputies dispatched out to the scene of a trespassing in progress complaint in the 1000 block of Mahtomedi Avenue at 3:15 a.m. March 15 arrived to find a fight had broken out. Instead of trespass notices, deputies issued citations for fighting instead.

• The driver of a vehicle involved in a singlevehicle accident at Long Lake Road and Century Avenue at 3:54 a.m. March 15 was issued a citation for instruction permit violation. The Mahtomedi Public Works Department was then advised of a damaged light near the intersection.

• The Public Works Department received another infrastructure report March 15, this time about a missing stop sign at the intersection of Stillwater and Wildwood roads.

• Deputies were dispatched out to a report of children locked out of their house on Ridgeway Court at 2:48 a.m. March 16. When deputies arrived, the residents had already gained access. Deputies received a report at 3:06 a.m. March 16 from Ridgeway Court about people

stop March 13 near the area of Highway 96 East and McMenemy Street on an individual recklessly driving a motor bike. The 24-year-old man from Mora fled from deputies, who did not pursue for safety reasons but later caught up to him after he crashed into a Toyota Camry driven by a 25-year-old man from St. Paul. Both were transported to a hospital for treatment. The driver of the motor bike was later transported to jail.

• Deputies responded March 13 to a report of a suspicious Acura parked near a wooded area in the 1200 block of Willow Lake Boulevard that isn’t typically used at that time of day. Its driver, a 40 year-old woman from Shakopee, told deputies she was picking cattails.

• Deputies issued a theft citation March 13 to a 32-year-old woman from Roseville, who was caught attempting to steal merchandise from a business in the 900 block of County Road E East.

• A 39-year-old man from White Bear Lake was arrested for DWI on March 14 after deputies conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of County Road E East and Labore Road on his Honda CR-V for crossing the centerline and straddling curbs.

White Bear Township Deputies responded March 11 to a report of theft at a business in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive. Deputies interviewed witnesses, collected evidence and launched an investigation.

ringing their doorbell at an unusual time of night. Deputies advised the homeowner about the assistance call associated with their neighbors, who likely rang their doorbell for help.

• A person of undisclosed identity was cited for property damage and issued an arrest warrant after residents in the 1000 block of Mahtomedi Avenue reported property damage stemming from a civil matter on March 16.

• Items were reported stolen March 17 from a parking garage at an apartment complex on Wildwood Road.

• Deputies were dispatched out to Century College in the 3000 block of Century Avenue March 18 on a disturbance call. They stood by while the student was suspended for making threats and possibly carrying a firearm at school.

• A Wildwood Road resident reported two of his bicycles stolen March 18 while he was gone.

• Deputies took a report from an unknown address in the city about a March 18 scam attempt in which an anonymous person texted the complainants claiming that they needed to attend a court hearing regarding an unpaid parking ticket. Nothing of monetary value was transferred to the anonymous texter. The unpaid parking ticket scam is currently making its rounds throughout the civilized world.

• A motorist was cited March 18 for failing to stop at the stop sign on Stillwater Road and East Avenue and for failure to provide proof of insurance.

Man charged with forgery after enrolling at WBLAHS

Kevin Micaiah Luebke, 23, of Anoka, has been charged with three counts of felony forgery.

According to the criminal complaint, the White Bear Police Department received a report from a concerned citizen that a 22-yearold man was possibly enrolled at White Bear Lake Area High School for the 2025-26 school year, posing as a 17-year-old who identified himself as “Kelvin Ciatte Perry Jr.” He provided a foreign birth certificate that showed the birthday of May 28, 2007. (See “White Bear Schools, police investigating possible fraudulent enrollment,” White Bear Press, Oct. 1, 2025.)

However, on Sept. 29, 2025, publicly available booking information from a local jail included a photograph and biographical identifiers that led to the discovery that “Kelvin Ciatte Perry Jr.” was actually Kelvin Micaiah Luebke, with a birthday of May 30, 2003. Further investigation confirmed that Luebke had a Minnesota driver’s license, U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate and Minnesota birth certificate, all reflecting his date of birth to be May

30, 2003 — making him 22 years old in the fall of 2025. Authorities spoke to Luebke’s father, who told them Luebke was adopted from Liberia in 2009 at the age of 6. He was primarily homeschooled but did attend Forest Lake High School for a period; both Luebke and his father reported that he was expelled due to behavioral issues. His father stated that Luebke was 18 at the time and subsequently moved out to live with a couple in Lino Lakes that was willing to take him. Investigators interviewed the husband, who said Luebke had been living with him and his wife for approximately four years as of October 2025, and they were unaware that he had enrolled at White Bear Lake Area High School.

In an interview with investigators, Luebke stated that he possessed two birth certificates: one from the United States and one from Liberia. He acknowledged that he has lived in the United States for at least 10 years and that his U.S. date of birth is May 30, 2003. He claimed

that family members in Africa told him he is actually 18 years old and that his age at the time of adoption was uncertain. He said his biological father recently helped him obtain a Liberian birth certificate listing the name he “goes by in Africa,” Kelvin Ciatte Perry Jr., with a birthdate of May 28, 2007.

According to the complaint, Luebke admitted that he used the Liberian birth certificate to enroll at White Bear Lake High School. He also said he previously attended Forest Lake High School for what

COMMUNITY BRIEF

he described as his sophomore year before dropping out due to fighting. He claimed the couple he was living with did not know he had enrolled for the 2025–2026 school year and that he registered as an “unaccompanied minor.” Under the federal McKinney- Vento Act, 42 U.S.C. §11432(g)(3)(C), schools are required to immediately enroll youth who present as homeless, even if eligibility is in dispute.

As of press time, a court date had yet to be scheduled.

Many Faces hosts ‘Operation Metro Surge – Where Are We Now’

Many Faces will host “Operation Metro Surge: Where Are We Now” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi.

Kicking off in the fall of 2025, Many Faces hosted two Understanding Immigration public educational events to explore the complex issues surrounding immigration. The goal of the programs was to help community members better understand the challenges of the U.S. immigration system and the impact those challenges have on immigrant neighbors and friends.

The April 30 event is Part 3 of Many Faces’ Understanding Immigration Series. Attendees will reflect on experiences since the last event and learn about what is needed now. Local community leaders and others from across sectors will join the discussion.

To register, go to  bit.ly/48u9ufQ or visit the Many Faces website at manyfaceswblarea.org. Recordings are available on the Many Faces website from the previous two events.

Many Faces is a collaboration of 30 local organizations working to create a community where everyone feels they belong.

BUSINESS BRIEF

Naptime Faith & Life Gift Shop moves to larger location

Naptime Faith & Life Gift Shop and Faith & Life Christian Brands is moving to a larger space next door to its current location at 2183 Third Street in downtown White Bear Lake.

“We have been searching for a larger space for production and shipping our wholesale and online orders for three years. We also have always wanted to expand our gift shop offerings to include more books, Bibles and devotionals, and always joked that we needed a bigger store to hold all the great Christian resources out there,” said founder Michelle Stangl. “When the opportunity arose to take over the larger shop next door, I knew that was an answered prayer.”

The brand started out in 2015 and opened up as Naptime Aromatherapy in downtown White Bear Lake in 2018. The business rebranded to its current name in 2021.

Production and shipping has already begin in the new space. This week, the business will be closed for three to four days to move its brick and mortar over to the larger space. For more information about the business, visit www.naptimefaith. com.

has been anything but consistent. We’ve had streaks of days below normal followed by a few days much warmer than normal. This past weekend was a prime example of the temperature swings. Saturday was cloudy, dreary, wet and cool. Sunday was a complete turnaround with my station reaching the 80º

pan out. We enjoyed a warm week this week but temperatures are expected to cool significantly this weekend. Astro note: Venus sets with the moon this Saturday night. Earth Day is April 22. Pick up along the curb. Small things make a difference.

Frank Watson

CONTRIBUTED

Naptime Faith & Life Gift Shop will be closed for three to four days this week for the move.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Metrics to gauge your financial health

Effective money management can help people achieve their short- and long-term goals. Wise investment strategies and a commitment to saving for retirement are great ways to manage money over the long haul, but it’s important to seek ways to do so in the short-term as well. Monitoring financial health is a short-term strategy that can keep individuals on a path toward long-term security. While various metrics can be looked to as indicators of financial health, adults can keep these three variables in mind as they look to utilize shortterm strategies to ensure their long-term success.

1. Debt-to-income ratio: Debt-to-income ratio can be a good indicator of financial health. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau defines debt-to-income ratio (DTI) as all your monthly debt payments divided by your monthly gross income. Lenders utilize DTI to determine the creditworthiness of loan applicants, but individuals also can use it as a metric to gauge their financial health. Monthly debt payments include mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and other debt payments, including credit cards. Individuals whose debt payments total $2,000 per month and who earn

a gross monthly income of $6,000 have a 33% DTI. The credit experts at Experian suggest a DTI of 35% or less is indicative that debt is being handled well, so that’s a figure to keep in mind.

2. Savings balances: Savings accounts don’t generate as much interest as they did throughout the 1980s and 1990s. According to Nasdaq, savings interest rates climbed as high as 8% in the 1980s, but have fallen below 0.25% since the financial crisis of 2008. That’s led some to devalue savings, but savings balances can be a good indicator of financial health. A substantial savings account can help

individuals avoid taking on debt when costly emergencies and expenses arise unexpectedly, thus helping them keep their DTI in a financially advantageous range.

3. Credit score: Credit score is another strong, and easily accessible, indicator of personal financial health. Individuals can now access their credit scores for free each month through their banks and credit card providers. Experian notes that credit scores range from 300 to 850, and where a score falls in that range can indicate if a person is managing credit in a healthy or unhealthy way. Experian reports scores 740 and above are very good, while scores between 670 and 739 are considered good. Scores between 300 and 579 are considered poor, while a score between 580 and 669 is considered fair. Scores below 669 indicate there’s room to use credit more wisely, which involve reducing reliance on consumer credit, making payments on time and ensuring payments are more than the monthly minimum.

These three metrics and others can be utilized by individuals looking to gauge their financial health in an effort to realize their short- and long-term goals.

JC Peterson is one of 122 artists from 24 schools to be featured in the Emerging Young Artists (EYA) Juried Student Art Show at Saint Paul’s Landmark Center. His artwork titled “Northern Pulse” is on display. Peterson is a junior at Liberty Classical Academy in White Bear Lake.

Now in its fifth year, the EYA offers young artists the opportunity to see their work in a professionally curated public exhibition. The show runs through May 7.

White Bear Lake Area High School senior Graham Hennig, of Vadnais Heights, won first place in the 2026 Minnesota Music Teachers Association

The Loons have returned! Courtship and territorial behaviors will be on full display during the next two weeks. The new canopy-nests should keep the geese away and the Eagles at bay.

Senior Young Artist (SYA) competition, the highest MMTA contest level.

Henning is a full-time PSEO student at Bethel University.

Thousands of piano students annually compete statewide in seven age groups; regional winners advance to state finals at the University of Minnesota. State winners perform in an Honors Concert at the Minneapolis Convention Center Auditorium with 20 grand pianos on stage. Students play in ensembles of up to 40 players with a conductor for audiences of 2,500-3,000 people.

Hennig has competed since age 7, advancing at each age level, and reaching the “Senior B” level, typically for 18- to 19-year-olds, at age 11. Encouraged by Dr. Philip Low of Shoreview, his teacher for the past eight years, he later entered the more advanced Junior and Senior Young Artist competitions, where students in grades 7-9 and 9-12 compete for the opportunity to play a solo piece at the Honors Concert. He won JYA in 2022 as an eighth grader, performing Debussy’s “Ondine” as his solo.

Aiming for SYA gold, which requires students to play a 15-minute program of repertoire from two or more musical eras, he achieved third

place in 2024, and top 7 in 2025. In his final year of eligibility, he won with a program featuring Ravel’s challenging “Ondine,” along with works by Bach, Rachmaninoff and 20th century composer Lowell Liebermann. He learned of his win on March 29 while working at the Shoreview Dairy Queen. “Oh my gosh, I actually did it!” said Hennig, before texting the news to family, and his piano teachers — both Low and his current teacher, Dr. Tina Park of Bethel University. He will perform the Ravel “Ondine” as a soloist at this year’s Honors Concert on June 6. Hennig and his twin brother, Martin, a cellist, will give a senior music recital May 1 in Nazareth Hall at the University of Northwestern, where Graham will perform the contest repertoire and

additional solo works, and accompany Martin on several cello pieces.

2025 White Bear Lake Area High School graduate Andrew Klier recently earned second place in the college division of the Minnesota SkillsUSA Automotive competition. The contest assesses a wide range of automotive skills, including technical reading comprehension, diagnostic ability and hands-on application. Klier competed on behalf of White Bear Lake Area High School last year and built upon the skills he learned during his time in the Automotive Career Pathway.

RIGHT ON SCHEDULE

Loon Chronicles XI: Right on schedule

We begin the eleventh year of Loon Chronicles with anticipation and optimism. The DNR declared March 31, 2026, as White Bear Lake’s official ice-out date, which left us with less than a week to get everything prepared for the Loons’ return. Last Fall, Len’s contacts at Big Mantrap Lake, encouraged us to consider adding canopies to two of the Loon nests to protect against predators. Research has shown that Loons will adapt to canopy-nests, after spending a few years on open artificial nests, which has been the case with the Cove and Peninsula pairs. No one wants a repeat performance of last year’s disastrous experience with the Eagles. On March 31, we picked up two new canopy-nests at St. Cloud Technical & Community College. We spent the next few freezing days decorating the nests with spent grasses, getting the boat in the water, and launching the

nests. Thank you, Chris Wiberg and crew for getting our dock in, one day after ice-out. The Loons are back! We spotted the Loon in the center frame heading in the direction of the open nest on the Birchwood shore. Dave and Betsy have reported and photographed Loon activity in the area. When we launched the Cove nest, we spotted a pair of Loons swimming on the other side of the bulrushes. On each of our visits, we spotted Loons in the Cove or flying overhead. The geese have shown no interest in the canopy-nest. Len launched two nests on the west side of the Peninsula. Shannon Whitaker’s nest now has a canopy, and the open nest has been relocated several yards away in the bullrushes. Brad and Jody Savage spotted a pair of Muskrats checking out the canopy-nest, and will help manage, if needed. With the necessary infrastructure now in place, the next few

March 31April 12, 2026

ELLEN MAAS | CONTRIBUTED

weeks will be a busy time for the Loons. Courtship and territorial behaviors will be on display. We spent the last week of March on Lake Jocassee, South Carolina, with world-renowned Loon expert, Dr. James Paruk, helping with his field studies on spring migration. We observed hundreds of Loons, in various states of molt, waiting for their feathers and colors to return before heading north. The montage includes photos of one Loon taking off, and a few others that needed another week or two. Bob, the banded Loon from Minnesota, was spotted during the first week of March, but not during our week. We have every reason to believe that Bob survived his journey and is getting down to business up north. Welcome home to all our migratory friends!

Ellen Maas

JC Peterson’s artwork “Northern Pulse” is on display at the Landmark Center through May 7.

Graham Hennig

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Andrew Klier, a White Bear Lake Area High School grad, participated in the Automotive Career Pathway while in high school.

andArts Culture2026

EMERGING ARTIST: ELI MURPHY

WBY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

hite Bear Lake Area High School Theater’s production of “Dear Evan Hansen” holds the distinction of being the first in the area to stage the show’s teen version. It also marks the school’s first spring musical in over a decade. For the show’s star, Director Braylon Lane needed someone seasoned and dependable. Enter Eli Murphy, a White Bear senior and PSEO student at University of Northwestern St. Paul, who has participated in 24 shows since first grade. Murphy started acting in shows at Lincoln Elementary, then branched out to Children’s Performing Arts, playing Kristoff in “Frozen Jr.” and Buddy in “Elf The Musical.” In eighth grade, Murphy was SpongeBob SquarePants in White Bear’s middle school musical, a role he considers a turning point. “I guess that was my first big role, and I didn’t know too much,” Murphy said. “I just watched the proshot [professionally

“Nrecorded live musical] of Ethan Slater doing his performance and piggybacked off of what he was doing.” After that role, Murphy began putting more of himself into his roles.

Playing Evan Hansen, however, revealed to Murphy a new hurdle: Putting too much of oneself into a character. “Sometimes you’re super similar to this character, but there’s still a fine line you have to draw,” Murphy described. “You can incorporate yourself into this character, but you also have to make sure that it's separate.” To ensure this happens, Murphy focused on the differences between himself and his character. “We do have some similarities. Like, he has mental health issues, and I have ADHD and dyslexia. That’s a similarity that I have a connection to,” Murphy explained. “But I think that’s a good spot where I can draw a line. I don’t have to go to far into immersing myself with the character.”

Still, Murphy feels that inhabiting his

CENTURY COLLEGE BRINGS THE LAUGHS ON WITH ‘NOISES OFF’

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

oises Off,” a play which the New York Post once called “the funniest farce ever written,” is coming to Century College this weekend. Director Paul Aberasturi explained that Century’s theater program is staging the show for two reasons.

First, the show is funny. “Because of everything in our world … people sometimes don't want to have to think about social and moralistic issues when they go to the theater. They like to go to theater because people love to laugh,” Aberasturi commented. “That is something that has helped throughout time.” Just because a show is funny, though, doesn’t mean it is easy. “Noises Off” requires precise rhythm and slapstick so advanced Aberasturi brought in a stunt coordinator. “In this play, when I have characters flying over the couch backward or falling headfirst and rolling, I said, ‘Okay, let’s get this done right,’” Aberasturi said.

Performances are another area Aberasturi carefully calibrated. Today’s actors, who have been raised on television and movies, are not used to performing to the back row of a theater. For farce especially, cast members’ actions have to be even more larger than life. “We don’t want to be too big because the audiences are going to think we’re overacting,” Aberasturi explained. “You’ve got to be honest and sincere, but you’ve got

to be exaggerated times 10, and every single moment is that lifeor-death situation.”

The gravity with which the actors treat the situations in which they find themselves adds to the absurdity. “Noises Off” is simply a play about putting on a play. The three acts of the show are simply the same one-act play, “Nothing On,” repeated three times. In Act 1, the audience views the show-withinthe-show’s dress rehearsal. Then, in Act 2, the crew turns the set 180 degrees. “The set is reversed, and the audience gets to see what’s happening from behind the scenes,” Aberasturi revealed. “Act 2 is so physical and so funny. There’s so much going on because of madcap character relationships and mishaps.” Finally, in Act 3, the set is turned back, and the audience sees the show again near the end of its fictional run.

All of this technical craftsmanship is possible because of Century College’s newly remodeled theater, which held its grand opening last November.

The second reason, then, Century College is staging “Noises Off,” is to show the community at large the extent of its theater program’s capabilities. Just because a play is light does not mean its artisans should be taken lightly.

Century College presents “Noises Off,” April 17-26 at Century College Performing & Visual Arts Theatre West Campus, 3401 East County Line N., White Bear Lake. For tickets, visit century.edu/campus-life/fine-performing-arts/theatre.

CHILDREN’S PERFORMING ARTS ANNOUNCES NEW SEASON, NEW WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Twenty dollars buys an actor a costume at Children’s Performing Arts (CPA), but a young performer who participates in a well-made show learns confidence, socialization and teamwork—skills that last a lifetime and help young people become dependable members of the community. Illustrating this positive domino effect is the goal of “It Starts with You,” CPA’s spring giving campaign.

“We’re hoping to be able to raise sustaining funds for CPA. We’re hoping to get some recurring donors. We’re hoping to build more community,” stated CPA Production and Operations Manager Laura Long. The two-month campaign is set to kick off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, during CPA’s season

announcement. The event will also feature performances from members of CPA’s student leadership committee as well as details of a special event at the campaign’s close in June.

For Long, this campaign is about offering students accessibility and opportunity. Since COVID, CPA has steadily rebuilt its foundation and structure. Now, its looking to include children in its programs whose families cannot pay the full membership fee. “You can be a sustaining donor that helps provide everything for CPA, or you can just help us buy a costume or help us provide a teaching artist for a class,” Long described.

While students who take classes or participate in shows at CPA learn performance skills, Long reported that children often describe CPA as a place where they feel they belong. “It’s a place where you can build friendships and

where you can learn skills,” Long said. “But not only acting skills, but really life skills, social skills … when you are an actor in a show, it forces you to see a perspective of a totally different person when you’re playing a character.”

Finally, Long believes that sense of belonging and friendship allows CPA’s students to learn teamwork. “Some kids do multiple shows, so they’re working with multiple, different groups of people. It's helping them in their schools. It's helping them if they go to church. It's helping them if they are trying to get a job—how to cohesively create something.”

Children’s Performing Arts’ 2026-2027 Season Announcement Party is from 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. Visit childrensperformingartsmn.org for more details.

character has given him a different perspective. “This is the most serious show I’ve done,” he stated. “I can understand why [Evan’s] feeling this way … a lot more than I would have in the past.”

Going forward, Murphy plans to join a new theater community at University of Northwestern, St. Paul this autumn. “I’ve done two shows with them so far …” Murphy stated, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” that was just this December, and then I was just recently in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which was my first Shakespeare show.”

Even after 24 shows, Murphy keeps finding new and deeper experiences. By bringing a better understanding of his characters to his performances, Murphy believes he better understands himself. Murphy remarked, “I think theater helps me show people who I am more. Theater, to me, it’s a family, for sure. It’s such a welcoming community.”

CALENDAR

‘HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION’

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

Dates: 7 p.m. April 23-April 25; 1 p.m.

April 26

Details: The teen version of the 2019 Tony winner for Best Musical comes to the Mahtomedi High School stage. This retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice Greek myth is a jazzinflected folk opera that delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience.“Hadestown” invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.

‘MATILDA JR.’

Location: Central Middle School Community Auditorium, 4857 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake

Dates: 7 p.m. April 23-24; 1 p.m. April 25

Details: Rebellion is high in Matilda Jr. This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda Jr. is a joyous girl-power romp.

‘ONCE UPON A MATTRESS’

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

Dates: April 24- May 17

Details: The classic fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea” gets a hilarious twist in this raucous and romantic musical comedy. Packed with catchy tunes, laugh-out-loud moments, and a cast of colorful characters, ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ is a rockin’ musical adventure.

‘HEART 4 ART’

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Dates: 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7

Details: WBCA's annual fundraising event, “Heart 4 Art,” is an inspiring celebration designed to connect and empower our creative community.

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI, MN

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK SERVICES

MAHTOMEDI JOINT CITY HALL AND FIRE STATION

City of Mahtomedi, Minnesota, is presently soliciting Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) services for construction of a joint City Hall and Fire Station. The RFQ can be obtained on the City website, www.mahtomedimn.gov.

The total project budget for these projects is $22,000,000. The selection of an architectural team has been completed.

The response to the RFQ must be submitted by April 20, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. local time to Administration at Mahtomedi City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115. Detailed instructions on submittal requirements are contained in the RFQ.

A pre-RFQ tour of the facilities will be held on April 16, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mahtomedi Fire Station located at 800 Stillwater Road. Attendance is not mandatory for submitting qualifications.

Direct communications regarding this RFQ to the Owners Representative Don Theisen at dontconsult@gmail.com or 651-315-4860.

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 15, 2026.

CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS 2026 SANITARY SEWER LINING PROJECT CITY PROJECT 26-07

Notice is hereby given that The City of White Bear Lake will receive and accept bids ONLY through QuestCDN.com via their electronic VirtuBid online bid service until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 for the furnishing of all labor and materials to complete the following project.

Contract quantities include the following:

Furnish and install 1285 LF 8 Inch Sanitary Sewer Pipe Liner

Furnish and install 1506 LF 9 Inch Sanitary Sewer Pipe Liner 59 EA Service Connections

An exclusive electronic bidding process is being used for this project. Plans, specifications, bid forms and contract documents may be obtained through QUEST CDN at www.questcdn.com – Project No. 10150751 for a fee of $22.00. Bids must be submitted electronically using the QUEST CDN system, no paper bids will be considered.

The successful bidder must be a “responsible contractor.” The term “responsible contractor” means a contractor as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.285, subdivision 3. Any prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that does not meet the minimum criteria or fails to comply with the verification requirements is not a responsible contractor and is not eligible to be awarded a construction contract for the project or to perform work on the project. A prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that makes a false statement under oath verifying compliance with the minimum criteria will be ineligible to be awarded a construction contract on the project, and the submission of a false statement may result in termination of a contract awarded to a prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that submits the false statement. A prime contractor shall include in its verification of compliance a list of all of its first-tier subcontractors that it intends to retain for work on the project. Before execution of a construction contract, a prime contractor shall submit a supplemental verification under oath confirming that all subcontractors and motor carriers that the prime contractor intends to use to perform project work have verified to the prime contractor, through a signed statement under oath by an owner or officer, that they meet the minimum criteria for a responsible contractor.

The City Council reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein, and to award the contract in the best interest of the City. Bids arriving after the designated time will be returned unopened. No bidder may withdraw his bid within sixty (60) days after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of bids.

The City Council will consider such bids in the Council Chambers at its regular scheduled City Council meeting held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

PAUL KAUPPI, P.E.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 15, 2026.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE NO. 30

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A COMMISSION TO PLAN FOR THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWN OF WHITE BEAR, MINNESOTA, AND TO RECOMMEND A ZONING PLAN

THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF WHITE BEAR ORDAINS:

SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION. A Town Planning Commission for the Town of White Bear, Minnesota, is hereby established. The Commission shall be the Town Planning agency, and shall be advisory directly to the Town Board.

SECTION 2. COMPOSITION.

2-1. Planning Commission. Such Planning Commission shall consist of seven members to be appointed by the Town Board. Of the members of the Commission first appointed, two shall be appointed for the term of one year, two for the term of two years, and three for the term of three years. Their successors shall be appointed for terms of three years. Both original and successive appointees shall hold their offices until their successors are appointed and qualified. Vacancies during the terms shall be filled by the Board for the unexpired portion of the term. Every appointed member shall, before entering upon the discharge of his/her duties, take an oath that he/she will faithfully discharge the duties of his/her office. All members shall serve without compensation. The Town Board, having the power to appoint the commission members, shall also have the authority to remove any appointed member when, in its judgment, the public welfare will be promoted by the removal. The Town Board shall appoint the chair of the commission.

2.-2. REPEALED. By amendment to Ordinance 30.

SECTION 3. ORGANIZATION, MEETINGS, ETC.

3-1. The Commission shall elect a chairman and a secretary from its appointed members for the term of one year, which election shall be approved by the Town Board.

3-2. The Commission shall hold at least one regular meeting each month. It shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, and findings, which record shall be a public record.

SECTION 4. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION. The Planning Commission shall be the planning agency and shall have the powers and duties given such agencies generally by Laws of Minnesota 1965, Chapter 670, as amended. It shall also exercise the duties conferred upon it by this Ordinance, which duties include:

1. The preparation of a comprehensive land use, thoroughfare and community facilities plan for the future development of the Town.

2. Advising the Town Board on the maintenance and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance.

3. Advising the Town Board on subdivision platting.

4. Advising on projects and proposals with planning implications such as street naming, proposed street vacations, highway relocations, and similar matters.

5. Adopting bylaws and rules for the organization and functioning of

the Planning Commission.

SECTION 5. ZONING ORDINANCES: PUBLIC HEARINGS. No zoning ordinance or amendment thereto shall be adopted by the Town Board until a public hearing has been held thereon by the Town Board upon notice as provided in Laws of Minnesota 1965, Chapter 670, Section 7, Subdivision 3.

SECTION 6. PLATS: APPROVAL.

6-1. Any plat of land, subdivision, request for variance, or request for special use permit submitted to the Town Board for approval shall, prior to final approval, be referred to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation. Any plat, subdivision, request for variance or request for special use permit so referred shall be returned to the Town Board by the Commission within 60 days, and failure of the Commission to report within such period is deemed to have satisfied the requirements of this subdivision.

6-2. Any person who violates this provision or who sells land or offers for sale or contracts for the sale of land by reference to or by other use of any plat or proposed subdivision before such plat or subdivision has been approved by the Town Board in accordance with the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished in accordance with the law.

SECTION 7. PENALTIES. Every person convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of the Ordinance shall be punished by a fine of not more than Seven Hundred Dollars ($700.00) or by imprisonment for a period of not more than ninety (90) days, or both, but in either case the costs of prosecution may be added. Any owner or agent of the owner of land who conveys a lot or parcel in violation of Section 6, shall forfeit and pay to the municipality a penalty of not less than $100.00 for each lot or parcel so conveyed.

SECTION 8. SEVERABILITY. Should any section, subdivision, clause or other provision of this Ordinance be held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole, or of any part thereof, other than the part held to be invalid.

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and publication.

Passed by the Town Board of Supervisors of the Town of White Bear, Ramsey County, Minnesota, this 6th day of April, 2026.

APPROVED: ED M. PRUDHON, Chair

ATTEST: PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer

Board of Supervisors:

ED M. PRUDHON, Chair

STEVEN A. RUZEK, Supervisor

BETH ARTNER, Supervisor

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 15, 2026. INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 832

MAHTOMEDI PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Mahtomedi Public Schools, Independent School District 832, is soliciting bids for the Mahtomedi Public Schools Phase 1A Projects. Bids for all trade packages will be received from pre-qualified bidders on April 28th, 2026 by 2:00 PM at Knutson construction 7515 Wayzata Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55426. Bids may be received by hard copy or email & must be received prior to 2:00 PM on April 28th, 2026. Email Bids to mplsbids@knutsonconstruction.com

The Mahtomedi Public Schools Phase 1A Projects consists of the interior remodel of four buildings. OH Anderson, Wildwood Elementary, Mahtomedi High School, and The District Education Center. This includes minor demo, & finish work, new openings/doors, low voltage security adds, wheelchair lifts, & minor MEP relocation work needed.

Direct questions regarding this project to the office of the construction manager: Knutson Construction 7515 Wayzata Boulevard Minneapolis, Minnesota 55426

Main Office: 763-546-1400

Website: www.knutsonconstruction.com

Email - jpeterson@knutsonconstruction.com

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 15 and 22, 2026. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-CV-26-887

CASE TYPE: CIVIL OTHER/MISC. SUMMONS

Melissa A. Martyr-Wagner and Michael Plambeck, as Co-Trustees of the Melissa A. Martyr-Wagner Revocable Trust U/A dated March 19, 2013, Plaintiffs, vs. Claudia A. Mills and Harvey H. Mills, as Trustees of the Harvey H. Mills Revocable Trust Created Under Agreement dated June 20, 2007; Harvey H. Mills and Claudia A. Mills, as Trustees of the Claudia A. Mills Revocable Trust Created Under Agreement dated June 20, 2007; Manitou Island Association, Inc., a Minnesota corporation; John Doe; Mary Roe; all other persons who are deceased; ABC Corporation; and all other persons or entities unknown claiming any right, title, estate, lien or interest in the real estate described in the Summons and Complaint herein, Defendants.

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS. You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon Plaintiffs’ attorney an Answer to the Complaint which is on file in the office of the Court Administrator of the above-named Court, within twenty-one (21) days after service of this Summons upon you, exclusive of the day of service. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this Summons located at: Redford Law PA, 7201 Ohms Lane, Suite 210, Edina, MN 55439.

THIS ACTION AFFECTS REAL PROPERTY located in Ramsey County, Minnesota, legally described as follows:

Those Parts of Lots Fifty-four (54), including so-called boat Lot Fiftyfour (54), and Lot Fifty-nine (59), Map of Manitou Island, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, according to the plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds of Ramsey County, Minnesota, lying Southeasterly of a straight line extending in a Northeasterly direction from the most Westerly corner of Lot Fifty-three (53) of said Addition, to the low water line of White Bear Lake, and passing through a point in the original Southerly line of Park Avenue North, which point is indicated by an iron marker and is distant 73 feet Northwesterly from the intersection of the Northwesterly line of said Lot Fiftythree (53) with the original Southerly line of Park Avenue North, which point of intersection is indicated by an iron monument.

Also all of Lot Fifty-three (53), including so-called boat Lot Fifty-three (53), of said Map of Manitou Island.

Also all that part of Park Avenue North, and all that part of the road along the Easterly side of said Lot 53 lying between and connecting Park Avenue North and Park Avenue South, lying Northwesterly of the following described line:

Beginning at an iron monument on the Southerly line of said Lot 53, which iron monument is 166.10 feet Easterly along the Southerly line of Lot 53 from the most Westerly corner of said Lot 53; thence Northeasterly along a curve to the left with a radius of 56 feet a chord distance of 66.23 feet to an iron monument; said chord running Northeasterly at an included angle of 143°45’ with said Southerly property line of Lot 53; thence Northeasterly at an included angle of 146°08’ with said chord, through and along the Easterly boundary of so-called boat Lot 53, a distance of 112 feet more or less to the low water line of White Bear Lake. And Southeasterly of the following described line:

A straight line extending in a Northeasterly direction from the most Westerly corner of Lot 53 of said Map of Manitou Island to the low water line of White Bear Lake, and passing through a point in the original Southerly line of Park

Avenue North, which point is indicated by an iron marker and is distant 73 feet Northwesterly from the intersection of the Northwesterly line of said Lot 53, with the original Southerly line of Park Avenue North, which point of intersection is indicated by an iron monument.

(“Subject Property”).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the object of said action is to obtain a judgment declaring that Plaintiffs are the owners in fee of the property described above, and that the Defendants, and each of them, have no right, title, estate, interest or lien in or upon the Subject Property.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that no personal claim is made by Plaintiffs against any of the Defendants.

Civil cases are subject to Alternative Dispute Resolution processes as provided in Rule 114 of the General Rules of Practice for the District Courts. Alternative Dispute Resolution includes mediation, arbitration, and other processes set forth in the rules. You may contact the Court Administrator for information about these processes and about resources available in your area.

Dated: February 4, 2026

REDFORD LAW PA

/s/ Shaun D. Redford

Shaun D. Redford, #390127

7201 Ohms Lane, Suite 210 Edina, MN 55439 (952) 224-3644

shaun@redfordlaw.com

Attorney for Plaintiffs

Published three times in the White Bear Press on April 1, 8, and 15, 2026.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

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

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

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

3371 Glen Oaks Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

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

Ramses Byron

3371 Glen Oaks Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

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: April 1, 2026

Signed: Ramses Byron

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 15 and 22, 2026.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

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

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

Bonnie’s Unreal Arrangements

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2415 Spruce Place White Bear Lake, MN 55110

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

Bonnie Jean Martin 2415 Spruce Place White Bear Lake, MN 55110

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: April 1, 2026

Signed: Bonnie Martin

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 15 and 22, 2026. OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

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

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: TIMOTHY ADRIAN WHITE JR

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 332 MINNESOTA ST STE N201 SAINT PAUL MN 55101

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

Timothy Adrian White Jr 1417 MACFARLAND ST FAIRBANKS AK 99709

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: April 5, 2026

Signed: Timothy Adrian White Jr Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 15 and 22, 2026.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

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

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

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 947 Arcade Street Saint Paul, MN 55106

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

Little Buzzed, LLC 947 Arcade Street Saint Paul, MN 55106

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: March 9, 2026

Signed: Ally Schmitz Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 15 and 22, 2026.

JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT: Township board has some questions

FROM PAGE 1

sewer service lines. Grochala stated that the city anticipates a 10year window, with the possibility of extensions.

Grading activity began on the Wilkinson Waters project last year, and construction will begin on the multifamily buildings in May, Grochala said.

Because White Bear Township is subject to water use limitations placed by the Department of Natural Resources as part of the White Bear Lake level lawsuit, board members had questions

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP NOTES

• After some accessibility modifications, Tamarack Nature Center will serve as one of White Bear Township’s polling places in the 2026 election season. The township was forced to look for new options after its former polling place, Otter Lake Elementary School, announced it will no longer be available for elections due to safety policies the school has put in place.

Lakeshore Players Theatre, South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church, and Heritage Hall will host the other polling sites, although there was question about whether township elections can be legally held at Lakeshore Players, which does not fall within the township boundary.

The town board discussed other potential options, such as the Emagine movie theater and the White Bear Center for the Arts. The township board approved the proposed polling places but excluded Lakeshore Players until it is determined whether it is legally allowed to be used for township elections.

• Ron Denn and Zachary Flann have been reappointed to the township’s Planning

about how water use would be managed.

Board Chair Ed Prudhon asked whether water used for lawn irrigation would be managed and how that would occur. Grochala responded that the development design includes a surface water reuse system, which ideally will provide all of the necessary irrigation water.

Board Supervisor Steve Ruzek asked whether the agreement protects the township from liability for any issues with the progress of the development.

Town counsel Chad Lemmons responded that the only parties that can enforce the agreements are the

Commission. They will each serve a three-year term ending April 30, 2029.

• The White Bear Lake Historical Society has been approved for a gambling license to host bingo at the Old Town Hall during the 2026 Township Day event. Township Day will be held September 19, 2026.

• After initial spring cleanup, it’s up to summer street sweepers to keep sediment off the roads and prevent it from polluting lakes and waterways during the summer. White Bear Township has approved a $6,600 contract for summer street sweeping with Carefree Services, plus disposal costs. Public works estimate the total cost will be around $10,000—well under budget from the $33,000 remaining in the stormwater fund for street sweeping services.

• Two new radar display boards will help discourage speeding on residential roads in the coming months. The township approved the purchase of these speed display boards for $6,400. The boards will be rotated through areas with documented speeding concerns throughout the

three signers — White Bear Township, Lino Lakes and North Oaks. There is no existing contract or obligation to developers.

“We don’t have to supply water to anyone; we’re being good neighbors here,” Prudhon stated.

Board Supervisor Beth Artner questioned whether the terms of the agreement would change if the DNR imposes tighter restrictions on water use. Town Administrator Patrick Christopherson stated that the agreement has provided room for worst-case scenarios and amendments if conditions change.

spring and will provide traffic data for the township to evaluate.

• The Township will contract with TKDA to prepare the 2050 Comprehensive Plan update. The comprehensive plan must be updated at least once every 10 years according to state statute.

• The township has introduced a new fee structure for zoning verification letters, which are often requested when a buyer is interested in a property. Previously, the township did not charge a fee for preparing these letters. However, the preparation takes staff time and the township will now recover those costs through a flat fee. The fee will be $100 for a Simple Zoning Verification Letter and a minimum fee of $300 for a Complex Zoning Verification Letter. These fees assume three hours’ worth of staff time, with an additional $75 per hour if the preparation exceeds that time.

The White Bear Township Board next meets at 7 p.m. Monday, April 20 at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road.

Jackie Bussjaeger

“We’re operating a little bit in the dark,” Christopherson said. “We don’t have anything firm we have to follow right now that’s not subject to change. That might reflect on what’s going on environmentally.”

The township is able to terminate the agreement at any time, but it must allow three years before the termination goes into effect, Lemmons said. The township currently reserves 100 million gallons of excess capacity to provide a “cushion” of protection.

“We have a cushion, and unless they really come down with a hammer, I don’t see that happening,” Prudhon said.

Parker Fox hosts Zephyr Gala

CLARIFICATION

In the White Bear Township Board Notes in the March 4 edition of the White Bear Press, regarding the Cities for Safe & Stable Communities coalition, it was stated that "township board members had additional questions about the coalition and requested that Town Administrator Patrick Christopherson provide more information." In fact, the board did vote on this matter and agreed to join the coalition.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

All interested persons may appear at the public hearing and present their views orally or prior to the meeting in writing. Written comments may be sent to the City’s Planning Department at communitydevelopment@ whitebearlakemn.gov or dropped off at City Hall during normal business hours and must be received by 12:00 PM, on Thursday, April 23, 2026 in order to be included in the meeting agenda packet. If there are questions concerning the proposed sale of the Property, please call the City’s Planning Department at (651) 429-8561.

Lindy Crawford, HRA Executive Director

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 15, 2026.

CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

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

AUTHORITY

IN AND FOR THE CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners (the “Board”) of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of White Bear Lake (the “Authority”) will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., in council chambers at White Bear Lake City Hall, 4701 US-61, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, with respect to a proposal to sell real property located at 1755 Highway 96, Ramsey County PID 153022440093 (the “Property”), to Habitat for Humanity (the “Purchaser”). Habitat for Humanity proposes to split the southern portion of the lot (about .6 acres) in two in order to construct one single-unit dwelling and one twounit dwelling with frontage along Highway 96. Copies of the proposed purchase and development agreement setting forth contemplated terms and conditions of the sale of the Property are on file and available for public inspection at City Hall. The proposed sale of the Property from the Authority to the Purchasers is authorized by Minnesota Statutes, section 469.029.

The City of White Bear Lake Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, Minnesota on Monday, April 27, 2026 beginning at 7:00 p.m. to hear and make a recommendation to the City Council on the following requests:

A. Case No. 26-7-Z: The applicant, Founders Holding Company, is requesting a text amendment to zoning code section 1305, “principal uses” to allow tobacco retail and cigar lounge uses in the MX-D: Mixed Use Downtown zoning district in order to operate a retail tobacco shop and private cigar lounge at the property located at 2160 3rd Street

B. Case No. 26-8-CUP: The applicant, TBK Properties, is requesting a conditional use permit, per section 1306.110, for outdoor storage as an accessory use at 3944 Hoffman Road.

Unless continued by the Planning Commission, these items will be heard by the City Council on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Comments may be presented at the public hearing or filed with the Planning Department until 12:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the hearing in order to be included in the packets. Each response will be considered before the Planning Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council. If there are questions concerning the application, please call the City’s Planning Department at (651) 429-8561.

Caley Longendyke, City Clerk Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 15, 2026.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA

SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is

or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

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

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2479 GERMAIN ST MAPLEWOOD MN 55109

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business. Mai S Chang 2479 GERMAIN ST MAPLEWOOD MN 55109

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

OF ASSUMED NAME

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

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

The Mahtomedi Area Educational Foundation (MAEF) Zephyr Gala held Friday, April 10 at JX Venue in Stillwater raised more than $200,000 in support of Mahtomedi Public Schools students. The gala featured emcee Parker Fox, a Mahtomedi High School grad (Class of 2017). Fox is now a Big Ten Network analyst, KFAN contributor and host of the “Double Down” podcast. For more information about MAEF, visit www.maefgives.org.

Above: White Bear Lake Area High School Associate Principal Joe Held takes the plunge along with the

bear mascot.

Earth Day Coloring Contest

Return completed coloring page to Press Publications at 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Mail or drop off by April 23, 2026 for a chance to win a $20 local gift card. Thank you for participating! Child’s

Earth Day 2026: A roundup of local events, initiatives

Free entry to parks

Washington County will waive daily vehicle permit fees to allow for free entry to Washington County Parks on April 22 in honor of Earth Day.

Birchwood hosts cleanup

The city of Birchwood Village will host its annual spring cleanup day Saturday, April 25.

Going Green Guide out now

Washington County’s 2026 Going Green Guide is now available. The guide, which is mailed to all county residents, includes information on what to recycle, how to dispose of household hazardous waste and yard waste and special events happening this year. To view the guide online, visit www.washingtoncountymn. gov/DocumentCenter/ View/7432/2026-GoingGreen-Guide-PDF.

Donations needed for Garden Tool Swap

Do you have garden and yard tools you no longer use? Share them with others by donating to this year's Garden Tool Swap! Drop off items at the Washington County Environmental Center in Forest Lake or Woodbury during open hours through May 2.  Items accepted include hand tools, shovels and rakes; ceramic pots and planters; garden art and décor; and bird houses and feeders. Items that won’t be accepted include mowers, power tools, plastic planters, broken items, oversized items, potting soil, dirt or rocks.

The Garden Tool Swap will be held from 5-7 p.m. May 6. Donations are not required to participate. For more information, visit www. washingtoncountymn.gov/3775/Reuse-andDonation-Opportunities.

Rain barrel and compost bin sale

Washington County is partnering with the Recycling Association of Minnesota to sell discounted compost bins and rain barrels to county residents. Pre-ordered items must be picked up at an Environmental Center (Forest Lake and Woodbury) within 90 days of purchase. To order, visit www.washingtoncountymn. gov/2813/Compost-Bin-and-Rain-Barrel-Sale.

How to declutter and stay decluttered

Do you feel overwhelmed with too much stuff? Here are some Washington County resources to help you declutter and focus on buying only what you need. Search the Disposal Directory (www. washingtoncountymn.gov/630/DisposalDirectory) to learn how to properly reuse, recycle or dispose of items you no longer want. You can also find a variety of opportunities to donate, buy and sell secondhand by visiting www. washingtoncountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/33051/Donate-Buy-Sell-Secondhand-Guide2024-PDF.

The county also offers Fix-It Clinics throughout the year, where volunteers with repair skills will disassemble, troubleshoot and fix items. The next one is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Wildwood Library in Mahtomedi. For more information, visit http:// washingtoncountymn.gov/3776/Fix-It-Clinics.

Shredding days

Washington County has many shredding day events scheduled in the near future. First up is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at the South Environment Center in Woodbury. Another one is planned for 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at the North Environmental Center in Forest Lake. 1-day collection event planned for Mahtomedi Washington County will host a one-day collection event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Mahtomedi Middle School ball fields, located at 8100 75th St. N. Collection events

are open to residents of Washington, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Scott counties. Items accepted include hazardous materials and electronics. There will also be document shredding. For more information, visit www.washingtoncountymn.gov/1942/One-DayCollection-Events.

Mahtomedi hosts tree sale

The city of Mahtomedi is partnering with Tree Trust to bring low-cost trees to residents. For the second time, the partnership will provide trees at less than wholesale cost to encourage residents to replant trees that have been lost to emerald ash borer, oak wilt or storm damage. A variety of trees are available, including pagoda dogwood, blue beech, chinkapin oak, Kentucky coffeetree, honeylocust, American Sentry linden, St. Croix elm (disease resistant), swamp white oak and Norway spruce. The trees are all potted in containers and range from 3-7 feet tall, depending on species. The ordering limit is two trees per household. Quantities are limited; once species sell out, they are gone. Unlike a retail nursery, the trees do not have a warranty. Ordering will be open until Aug. 28. If trees are still available at the end of August, the sale will be opened to residents who want to order additional trees.

Tree pickup is scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Mahtomedi Public Works, 30 Long Lake Road. For more information or to order, visit https://tree-trust.myshopify.com/ collections/mahtomedi.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 25

The 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25. The nationwide event offers free and anonymous disposal of unused, unwanted or expired medications at thousands of locations across the country. Washington County has a Take Back event planned at Wildwood Elementary School in Mahtomedi. In addition to the one-day event, many locations offer year-round disposal options. For a full list of collection sites, visit

www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/ takeback/takeback.html

Open House & Earth Day Celebration

Ramsey County will host an Open House and Earth Day Celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Ramsey County Environmental Center, located at 1700 Kent St. in Roseville. The event will celebrate the Environmental Center’s one-year anniversary and include story time, upcycled crafts, native seeds to take home and a special appearance by Murphy the Recycling Unicorn.

Vadnais Heights hosts Earth Day events

The city of Vadnais Heights will host a Trash to Treasure Day on Saturday, April 18. Vadnais Heights residents can place usable items they no longer want on the curb in front of their house. Items should clearly be labeled “free.” New this year, some local businesses will participate in the event, too, by setting out “treasures.” To get your business on a map for treasure hunters, email info@vhedc.com.

If objects are still left over by the end of the day, residents must remove them. Items left over can be disposed of at Community Cleanup Day from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 25, in the Community Park parking lot, 651 East County Road F or at Ramsey County's household hazardous waste collection sites. Vadnais Heights residents are able to dispose of one bulky item per year at no charge with their hauler. For more information, and to find a map of participating businesses, head to cityvadnaisheights.com/cleanup.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, April 18, residents are encouraged to meet at City Hall for an AdoptA-Drain event. Volunteers will clean up trash around the storm drains throughout the city. Safety vests, bags and donuts will be provided, but participants are asked to bring their own gloves. The event is expected to last one to two hours.

20th annual RITE of Spring event planned

The 20th Annual Really into the Earth (RITE) of Spring event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Wildwood Elementary School, located at 8698 75th Street North. The event will feature various organizations like local nonprofits and county agencies as well as private vendors. The Mahtomedi Public Schools Passages Transition Program also plans to collect and give away Zephyr gear. For more information, see the Mahtomedi and Willernie page in this week’s issue.

Compiled by Shannon Granholm

Alonte

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Help Wanted - Office Work ACT-Asphalt Specialties

April through November

We are a seasonal construction business located in Shoreview but moving to a new building this summer in Columbus on Lake Drive near 35W. 30-40 hours per week.

Job Duties include: -customer service, phone and email -scheduling notification and processing -invoicing -online permit applications -online gopher notification -website and social media updates -marketing assistance

Text or Call Erik 651-755-5256 or apply at www.asphaltmn.com Older applicants encouraged Now hiring Dump Truck Driver ACT-Asphalt Specialties

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We are looking for a part-time copy editor

Press Publications is looking for a parttime copy editor to help proof content on a contract basis. Applicants should be knowledgeable in AP style and have journalism experience. If interested, email whitebearnews@ presspubs.com or call 651-407-1227.

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OBITUARIES

Donald Keith Landsverk

Nov. 3, 1930 – April 6, 2026.

Donald (Don) Keith Landsverk, age 95 of White Bear Lake, MN. passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026. He was born in Nelson, WI to Knut and Virginia (Hartman) Landsverk. He had one sister, Ardys (Landsverk) Mikelson.

Don was married to Donna Marie (Gardiner) Landsverk on January 12, 1952. He graduated in 1952 from the University of WI, Stout with a B.S. Degree in Industrial Arts Education. He received his MS Degree in 1960 from the University of WI, Stout in Industrial Education with a thesis in Visual Arts. Donald worked for 31 years as a Packaging, Testing and Design Engineer for 3M.

Don was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves for 30 years. He applied for a direct commission in Ordinance for military supplies, weapons, ammunition and combat vehicles. He had many hobbies that he loved. He enjoyed gardening, did beautiful Norwegian Rosemaling, served in many capacities at First Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake, MN. Don was an active and beloved member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, MN.

He is survived by his son, David Landsverk, daughter Karen Marie (Landsverk) Schofield, son-in-law Paul C. Nelson, 4 grandchildren, Matthew (Kenza) Nelson, Kristin (Greg) Kottcamp, Jonathan Schofield, and Joel (Samantha) Schofield; 7 great grandchildren; Amita, Laina, Everett, Avery, Charlie, Ady and Emmee. He was preceded in death by his wife Donna (Gardiner) Landsverk, parents Knut and Virginia (Hartman) Landsverk, sister Ardys (Landsverk) Mikelson, brother–in–law Mike Mikelson, daughter Kathy (Landsverk) Nelson along with two nieces Linda Mikelson, and Virginia (Ginger) Mikelson Prellwitz and many other, nephews, family members and friends.

Services will be held at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN on May 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM with a visitation at St. Andrew’s one hour prior to the service. Private inurnment. Memorials preferred to St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.

Arrangements have been made with Honsa Family Funeral Home 651-429-6172.

Laura Pepper

Died at home on April 7, 2026 at the age of 66. Survived by husband, Robert Pepper; 3 children; 4 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren. Memorial Service 11AM Friday, April 24, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church, 4821 Bloom Ave. with visitation 1 hour prior. Mueller Memorial, 651-429-4944 www.muellermemorial.com

(Full Name)

Juel Austring

Juel was born April 26, 1933 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, ninth out of 12 children, and the last child born on the family dairy farm. After the depression, they moved to Hendon, Saskatchewan, to farm crops. He accepted the Lord at Fishing Lake Bible Camp, and from then on, serving Jesus was the goal of his life. He met Betty Newton in Flin Flon, Manitoba and they married on July 9, 1955.

They moved to Minnesota so Juel could attend Bethel College, and he graduated with a B.A. in Chemistry in 1960. Post-graduation, he started work as a research chemist at Gillette, then moved into management, and retired early in 1990. Not yet ready to leave the workforce, he drove school buses in White Bear Lake for several years.

While Juel was a great employee, he didn’t live to work, he worked to live. His passion in life was his family, especially his grands and great-grands. The home they built in White Bear Lake in 1962 was a warm and welcoming place for family and many others throughout the years. Once his three daughters were out of the house, he indulged his love of watching sports, especially hockey. Betty and Juel have been fixtures at North Haven Church since 1962.

Juel passed on March 24, 2026, just shy of his 93rd birthday. He was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter Kassey Fleck. Family that will miss him terribly include: wife Betty Austring, daughters and sons-in-law Judy & Brent Friesen, Cheryl & Rich Brunkow, and Susan & Jon Fleck, grandchildren Abbey (& Jeff) Benson (with Jules, Gemma & Shiloh), Kelly Fleck, Brandon (& Jessica) Brunkow (with Lily, Hudson, Everett & Theo), Janine (& Nick) Schultz (with Charlie, Jack & Chloe), Justin (& Ashley) Brunkow, Brock (& Morgan) Friesen, Jacob Friesen (& fiancé Melissa Chvala), Mitchell Brunkow, Gebre Fleck, and Mikaela Fleck.

Juel Austring’s funeral will be held on Saturday, May 2 at North Haven Church in North St. Paul. 10am visitation, 11am service, with a Scandinavian luncheon to follow.

Paul Sisterman

The family of Paul Sisterman is deeply saddened to announce his passing on March 17, 2026. Paul was born on April 26, 1956, in St Paul. He grew up in White Bear Lake with his 18 brothers and sisters, graduating from White Bear High School. As a dedicated auto mechanic and the owner of Knutsen Auto for many years, Paul made friends with his humor and generosity.

He was a funny, giving, hardworking and loving man who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially during the summer at the cabin.

He will be fondly remembered by his wife, Ellen (Auger); his children, Ben (Katie) Sisterman and Julia (Josh) Ehrreich; his grandchildren Harrison, Audrey, Eloise and Alfie; his 17 remaining siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, & many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Madge and Robert, and his sister Mary.

A celebration of life will be held at Kellerman’s Event Center, 2222 Fourth St., White Bear Lake on April 26 at 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Memorials may be made to White Bear Area Food Shelf.

Daniel (Dan) Andrew Hoye

Age 56, of White Bear Lake.

Passed away peacefully with his parents at his side on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. He is survived by his loving parents, William and Thelma Hoye; his siblings, Amy Hoye (children: Ryan, Sam, and Andrew) and Don (Pam) Hoye (children: Jack and Louis). Dan carried a high work ethic which started as a paper carrier for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in his early teens. He was a baseball player, golfer and skier in his youth and loved following Minnesota and High School sports. Cooking for family and friends brought him a lot of joy. He had a big heart and was always willing to help others in need. He will be missed by his family and many friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 4 – 7 PM at MUELLER MEMORIAL. 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to White Bear Lake Community ED & Recreation for student scholarships, 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Doris A. Frank

Beloved Mom & Grandma, Age 89 Passed away on April 9, 2026. Preceded in death by husband Lloyd; parents Alphonse & Catherine Fuchs and brother Donald Fuchs. Survived by children Dennis (Vicki) Frank, Deb (Mike) Fleetham, Lisa Mascia, Brian (Sandi) Frank and Brenda Davis; 14 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; brother Robert (Mary Anne) Fox and many nieces & nephews. Doris graduated from Humboldt High School and retired after working 20 years at Sears. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 11:00 am at CHURCH OF ST. PIUS X, 3878 Highland Avenue, White Bear Lake with visitation starting at 10:00 am. Interment St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, White Bear Lake. Arrangements MuellerMemorial.com 651-429-4944

Yvonne Marie (Hodder) Herbert

Age 77, of White Bear Lake, MN

Passed away on April 6, 2026. Preceded in death by parents George and Jennie (Acquaro) Hodder. Survived by her husband John “Jack” Herbert Sr., her children Lisa (Mike) Beecroft, Angela (Brian) Cunningham, John (Patty) Herbert Jr., grandchildren Hugh, Casey, Brooke and Ben, and brothers Allen and Kurt Hodder.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Honsa Family Funeral Home, 2460 County Rd E, White Bear Lake, MN. Visitation from 10 am to 11 am. Arrangements with Honsafamilyfuneral.com, 651-429-6172.

Darlene Brehm

Darlene passed peacefully. Celebration of Life April 25th, American Legion in WBL off 3rd St. 4pm-8pm

SONG A DAY: Project turns into opportunity to collaborate with other artists

A. Around 2010 CD sales really dropped, and I was talking to other musicians experiencing the same thing. Everyone was pivoting to iTunes for their music and things like YouTube were the way people were coming across new music. I was used to playing long bar gig sets—four hours or so, usually, and most of the time I didn't take a break. So I knew lots of songs and wanted to do something unique—I thought perhaps if I recorded every song I knew there might be something there. Either way, it started when I was newly living in Arizona with not much going on, so I had time, if nothing else. And around 100 or so days in I had a video (a cover of a terribly sad Elliott Smith song called "Waltz #2") hit something like 70, 000 views within a few days. Not sure what it was about that one, but from that point forward I had a solid viewership audience. It's been good for my career, and I've had opportunities I would never otherwise have had because of it.

Q. What were you hoping would come out of this project?

A. I had zero expectations when it started. I thought it'd last about a month, so the longevity of it has been a good thing. It didn't occur to me until six months or so in that I could ask other artists to collaborate with me, but that is far and away my favorite thing about this. I've had on over 350 guests over the years—everyone from local artists to movie stars and Grammy winners, and it's always a joy. COVID ended collaborations for a while and it's been sort of slow since then on that front, but I love every opportunity to do songs with over artists.

Q. Are you a full-time musician? If not, what do you do as your “day job?”

A. Yes. I do some private teaching and coaching as well, but it's all in the

music realm. I've been averaging 100 shows per year for about 20 years now.

Q. Is there a song that you are particularly proud of or that went viral unexpectedly?

A. Because it's a daily thing, once it's up, it's on to the next one, and I rarely have the opportunity or desire to go back to any of them. I think the quality has gotten consistently better since I started using a multitracking app that allows me to add multiple parts to each song. It takes a little longer to do, but it's better ... I think ...

Q. What has been the most challenging part of continuing this daily project for over a decade?

A. There have been days when it's been inconvenient for sure, but overall it's just become a part of the daily routine. I have a 3-year-old daughter, so now I have to be really careful about when the songs are recorded just so I don't risk waking her at night. Travel days, sick days, they can be tough. But I like to record as early in the day as possible and know that I've got it posted and we're good. In some ways, figuring out what songs to do can sometimes be tough, but it's usually tougher to narrow the options down than to find a song to do.

Q. Tell us about some of the collaborations you have been able to do thanks to your presence online.

A. I've had on over 350 artists. Some have been songwriting heroes, like Shawn Colvin, Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crowell, Paula Cole, Lisa Loeb, the guys from Peter, Paul and Mary, J.D. Souther and too many more to list. Some have been movie and TV people —Jeff Dan iels, my pal Creed Bratton from "The Office.” The one that always jumps out the most is when Donovan invited me to join him at the Cork Folk Festival in 2017. I sat in with him during his set and we recorded a song together for thesong adayproject, too.

Q. What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s happened during a recording?

A. You'd think strange things would happen often, but honestly, it's pretty rare. I had Jeremy Messersmith on back for my 1000th day, probably 2015 or so. He played guitar and I played piano, and we did a duet of Sia's “Chandelier." We were playing the last few notes and his cat jumped up onto the piano keys in just the perfect way. We knew immediately that was the take we'd use.

Q. How has this project changed your identity as a musician?

A. In a way, it's been a bit tough, actually, and I don't always talk about it. I've released six albums of (mostly) original material and have a grueling touring schedule. Sometimes I'm viewed as the "YouTube" musician, which seems to

be less legitimate to some. My only goal is to create consistent, quality work, and I feel like I can do that in multiple projects, but I also like to be viewed as someone who can do more than one thing. But the pros have certainly and heavily outweighed the cons!

Q. How do you imagine this project evolving in the next few years?

A. That's a tough one. I'm most hopeful that I'll get to keep the collaborations going; there are so many amazing artists I'd love to do a song with before it wraps up. I hope YouTube survives — having a platform is a pretty important element to this whole thing. I'm interested in having sponsors, so if anyone out there is interested, please reach out. I'd like to cover a lot of ground musically as well.

Q. Where can people find you online?

A. thesongadayproject on YouTube — You can search that or with my name (Zachary Scot Johnson) to find way more content of me than you likely want. My original website got taken over by hackers almost a decade ago now, but we've been using thesongadayproject. com for basic info as well.

Compiled by Shannon Granholm

Zachary Scot Johnson has a large following on YouTube.

MAHTOMEDI & WILLERNIE

Rite of Spring celebrates 20-year milestone

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

When a small group of environmentally conscious Mahtomedi residents met in Becky Siekmeier’s living room, little did they know their brainstorming would lead to a two-decade tradition.

The 20th annual RITE of Spring is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at Wildwood Elementary School, located at 8698 75th Street North in Mahtomedi. Mary George, former assistant director of community education, pitched the idea to the group, and longtime resident Karen Fitzpatrick came up with the acronym RITE, which stands for Really Into the Earth.

As their ideas blossomed, RITE became an interactive educational fair that focused on recycling, repurposing and environmentally friendly activities. The city and its Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) took over RITE in 2015 as a cosponsor with Mahtomedi Community Education. Volunteers from the Mahtomedi Area Green Initiative (MAGI) help make it happen.

“You hear about Earth Day … It sort of brings it home and is an opportunity to connect with neighbors and other people in the community,” explained Erin Roche, a volunteer on the city’s EAC. “There is a lot going on in terms of

sustainability initiatives, and it is a nice community-building event that gets to highlight a lot of great programs and resources that are available.”

Roche says the city of Mahtomedi’s EAC was on the forefront of establishing a sustainability plan back in 2011. The plan is divided into a series of sustainability indicators that form a communitywide approach. The indicators include ecological health, energy, water, travel, community and waste. Climate and resource consumption are overarching topics and are incorporated into each indicator.

“The commission is doing a lot of work to assess our progress and identify priorities as we continue to work on issues,” she said.

Contact

for

In attendance at this year’s event will be a variety of organizations like nonprofits and county agencies as well as private vendors (See pullout for full list). Attendees to the event are encouraged to get stamps on their stamp card as they visit with each of the different vendors for the opportunity to receive a prize when the card is completed.

The Mahtomedi Public Schools Passages Transition Program will be at the event to collect and give away Zephyr gear. A limited supply of LED light bulbs (60W) will also be available for attendees while supplies last.

The event happens to coincide with Washington County’s Mahtomedi Collection Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mahtomedi Middle School. In addition to disposing of hazardous materials and electronics, residents can also shred up to four boxes of documents. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mahtomedi Elementary School, residents can get rid of their unwanted medications at the Washington County “Take Back” event.

Residents can also purchase low-cost trees in the city’s second annual tree sale. (See brief on page 17 for more information.) For more information about any of the Earth Day events, visit www.mahtomedimn. gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/470.

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

Rite of Spring participants

350 Degrees Bakery

Kirkwood BBQ Food Truck

Citizens' Climate Lobby

Fig & Five Designs

Girl Scout Troops

Good Neighbor Club

Lake Links

Mahtomedi Area Farmers Market

Mahtomedi Area Green Initiative (MAGI)

Mahtomedi City Forester

Mahtomedi Environmental Commission

Mahtomedi Garden Club

Mahtomedi High School Eco Club

Mahtomedi Parks and Trails

Stewards

Mahtomedi Passages

Mahtomedi Public Works

Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association

Monarch Joint Venture

Oldies & Goodies

Pollinator Friendly Alliance

Walter's Recycling and Refuse

Washington Conservation District

Washington County Library

Washington County Public Health & Environment

Washington County Public Works

Washington County Sheriff's Office

White Bear Lake Historical Society

Wild Ones

WSB Engineering

The event features a variety of vendors

Mahtomedi teen fencer is international achiever

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

When William Siedow was six, his family was watching the Olympics when the fencing competition came on. Enthralled, he pointed to the TV and exclaimed, to his parents, “I want to do that!”

The Mahtomedi student, now 15, has been devoted ever since to the sport that resembles sword-fighting, and making strong showings internationally. At the Junior and Cadet Fencing World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 7-9, Siedow placed 35th of 135 fencers (top 25%) in his age group, Cadets (U17), while also competing “up” in Junior Men’s, where he was 145th of 211.

Holding dual US/Danish citizenship, Siedow was competing for Team Denmark as the reigning Danish national Cadets champion. He is a member of the Twin Cities Fencing Club in St. Paul. His mother, Rebekah, told the anecdote about William discovering fencing while watching the Olympics. They were living in Washington,

Bears start

D.C. at the time. “It just happened that D.C. Fencers Club was five minutes from our house,” Rebekah said. That gave the boy quick access to the sport and he took advantage.

“William was pretty much hooked from the beginning,” his mother said, “but especially after he won his first medal in a smaller Y8 tournament in New York City.”

William's dad, Jeffrey, took up fencing a few years back to better understand the rules and to help coach William.

Fencing is sometimes described as “physical chess,” said William, when asked what’s appealing about his sport, and what’s required to succeed.

“It takes patience and strategy while setting up attacks,” he explained, “ It also takes good handeye coordination and explosive movement — for example, being able to go from a regular pace to a fast attack — and quick reaction time, to respond to your opponent’s attacks.”

Siedow won the Danish Cadet National Championship last September. Other recent highlights were placing 26th of 366

fencers in the U.S. Junior Olympics (national champions for Junior and Cadet) and placing sixth in a Cadet national tournament in February, which earned him the sport’s “A” rating.

He qualified for the world meet with his performances on European and North American circuits. At the world meet, the fencers are ranked, based on those results, then seeded into pools of six or seven.

Siedow beat all six of his pool opponents. Moving on to direct elimination matches, he got a bye in the first round, then lost a close match that put him in 35th place.

After the family moved to Mahtomedi in 2023, he joined the school trapshooting team, but didn’t keep that up due to commitments to fencing. Siedow's one sport affords him a wealth of travel, adventure and challenges.

“Fencing is a yearround sport, but I do have a little break after Summer Nationals in July,” Siedow said. “I train five days a week and travel to tournaments in the U.S. and abroad at least once a month, sometimes more.”

3-0 before loss to Ponies

White Bear Lake softball picked up three victories to start the season before falling to Stillwater 4-3 on Friday. The Bears were No. 5 in the Star-Tribune’s state pre-season rankings for all classes.

The Bears beat Roseville Area 6-3 as Lilly Martin struck out 16 batters and allowed just three hits. Allie Castro was 3-for-4 (two RBI’s), Camille Castro 2-for-4 (two runs), Anessa Pena 2-for-4 (run, RBI).

Martin gave up 10 hits against Woodbury but struck out 12 and the Bears won 4-3. Castro and Anessa Pena had two hits each.

BOYS GOLF

Mahtomedi placed 10th of 18 teams in the Hudson Invitational at Troy Burne to open the season. Top three were Rosemount 305, Stillwater 307 and Hudson 308. Mahtomedi shot 321. Brooks Ashfeld tied for 13th with 76. Malik Washington shot 80, Leo Miller 83 and Chase Swanson 84.

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Mahtomedi placed second among five Metro East teams, behind Hastings, Thursday at Simley. Event winners were Ericdarren Daafour (long jump, 21-1, and triple jump, 42-7), Parker Maas (1600 run, 4:36), Thomas Bengtson (discus,115-10), Andrew Russell (high jump, 6-6) and the 4x800 with Jack Herschbach, William MacChesney, William Russell and Maas (8:56). Placing second were Andrew Russell (long jump, 20-5 1/2), Jaxon Mitchell (100 meter dash, 11.25), Bengtson (shot put, 40-0) and Evan Miller (pole vault, 10-0).

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

Mahtomedi placed third among five Metro East teams in a meet at Simley, won by Hastings. Event winners were Xiaobao Liang (200 meter dash, 26.58), Elise Aflakpi (100 meter hurdles, 18.09), Jacquelyn Worden (shot put, 31-1) and Delaney Benz (pole vault, 8-0). Placing second were Teagan Larson (pole vault 7-0) and Isabel Vipond (triple jump, 32-1).

TENNIS

Mahtomedi won three matches at Stillwater, over Como Park 4-3, Benilde-St. Margaret’s 4-3 and Simley 6-1. The Zephyrs (3-1) lost their opener against Forest Lake 4-3 as the Rang-

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

White Bear Lake placed a close second in their invitational on Thursday. Top four teams among ten were Stillwater with 147.97, the Bears 142, Mounds View 112.47 and Roseville Area 86.99. Dashawn Ballinger won the 300 meter hurdles (42.13) and took second in triple jump (42-2 1/2). Easton Miles won long jump (20-10 1/2). The 4x100 and 4x200 teams placed second. Placing third were Max Popp in the 1600 meter (4:37) and James Bowen in pole vault (12-0).

GIRLS LACROSSE

White Bear Lake won its opener 11-7 over Hill-Murray after taking a 5-1 first-quarter lead. Rylan West flipped in six goals. Cayla Helmberger notched three goals and Olivia Simpkins and Hazel Holvig one each. West and Ava Maas won six ground balls each and Helmberger five.

The Bears then won a pitchers duel 1-0 over Park. Martin spun a twohitter with nine strikeouts. Park’s Ava Youngquist gave up just one hit, a single by Maddie Pearson, and one walk, to Pena, who scored the lone run on Lauren Simmons sac fly.

Mackenzie Zrust powered Stillwater (2-2) over the Bears with a two-run homer and RBI double. Martin allowed only one other hit. Stillwater’s Ella Weisser spaced out nine hits and three walks. Teagan Kotzmacher was 3-for-4 (two RBI run) and Castro was 2-for-3 (RBI).

ers swept the singles. In the win over Simley, Collin Carlson, Jonathan Palmquist and Easton Jackola won 2-34 singles while Eli Hendrickson/Ethan Stout, Kento Kedrowski/Tyler Chesak and Sebastian Nef/IvanKnauss swept doubles. Winning against Forest Lake were Reese Nelson/Stout, Chesak/ Carlson and Gannon Hamen/Elias Barnes.

SOFTBALL

Mahtomedi was 2-2 in the first week of the season. The Zephrys lost to Smiley 18-7, beat Holy Angels 13-5, lost to Hastings 10-2 and beat Duluth Denfeld 11-3.

BASEBALL

Mahtomedi won its first two games, over Two Rivers 7-3 and North St. Paul 11-0, then lost to Orono 11-4. Against Two Rivers, Connor Finn and Cody Loida combined for two-hitter and nine strikeouts, with Loida giving up three unearned runs, Gavin Bifulk knocked in two runs, and Isaac Iten, Jacob Reubish, Finn and Luke Torgrude had RBI hits. Against North, Tino Foster threw a five-inning shutout (two hits, no walks, four strikeouts). Loida was 2-for-2 plus a walk with two RBI’s, three runs and two steals. Reubish was 2-for-3 (double, two runs) and Nick Wisniewski had an RBI double. Three Orono hurlers held the Zephyrs to two hits. Preston Erickson, starter, took the loss.

BOYS LACROSSE

The Mahtomed boys lost to Blaine 5-4 in their opener at home.

Bruce Strand

BASEBALL

White Bear Lake lost its first two games last week, to East Ridge 7-3 and Roseville Area 7-4. Jack Kook, Joseph Setter and Landon Caesar pitched against East Ridge. William Connors was 2-for-3 (RBI, run). Adrian Thompson homered and knocked in three runs for the Raptors. Brody Lashomb and Miles Oklobzija pitched against Roseville. Going 2-for-4 were Oklobzija (RBI) and Setter (two runs). Sam Vaccari hit a two-run homer for the Raiders.

TENNIS

White Bear Lake edged Hill-Murray 4-3 in their opener with wins by Martin Hennig, Graham Hennig and Brooks Peltier at 2-3-4 singles and Queintin Kapisak/Carter Docken at 2-double.

Bruce Strand

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Allie Castro

White Bear Lake Softball April 15, 2026

Allie Castro, White Bear Lake senior catcher, has seven hits in 12 at bats over the first four games, driving home three runs. She was 3-for-4 with two RBI’s in a 6-3 win over Roseville Area. Castro is a switcher hitter and can play several positions. “Allie has been a great addition to our softball team,” coach Jill Renneke said. “She is strong at the plate, always has a plan and swings with a purpose.” She’s also sturdy behind the plate and has a high softball IQ, the coach said. Castro transferred from Cretin-Derham Hall, where she hit .500 last season.

4457 White Bear Parkway, Ste B, White Bear, MN 55110 651-426-5254

info@4seasonsairwbl.com

CONTRIBUTED

William Siedow, of Mahtomedi, is Denmark’s national U17 champion and placed in the top one-fourth of contestants in the world meet.

Bear family starts hot dog business catered to local sports families

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

For members of a local family, opening a restaurant in White Bear Lake is a dream they have shared for a long time.

Brothers Logan Neal and Connor Podewils, along with their stepfather/ father Ryan Podewils and mother Nicole Podewils, have opened Bear Dogs, located at 1595 County Road E East.

It’s not the family’s first experience with a business. Ryan opened Pods Tires and Wheels in 1995 with his father, Dick. Ryan sold the business last year. Logan’s father, Todd Neal, opened Nacho Mamas in Stillwater in 2005.

“I’ve always wanted to open a restaurant … it was something I knew I would have to work towards,” Logan said. “I think it is cool to own a business, and I’ve always liked making food and coming up with cool recipes. I knew a restaurant would be my jam.”

After selling his business, Ryan pitched the idea to the family. “I think we all jumped on it. It’s the perfect opportunity, and we couldn’t pass it up,” Logan said. Connor added, “We have both been in the service industry for quite some time now. We are passionate about being able to open a restaurant in White Bear. That’s been a big part of it. Going to school here, playing sports here, we know the people around here, and it is going to be nice to see those faces, meet some new people and serve the community.”

Logan graduated from White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS) in 2016. He attended Mankato State University and studied sculpture and graphic design. While in high school, he worked at Noodles in Vadnais Heights before transferring to the Mankato location for college. After graduating, he worked as a 3D modeler for Starkey Hearing Technologies and then at Summit Orthopedics before deciding to open the restaurant and be a co-manager with his brother.

Connor graduated from WBLAHS in 2024. He is currently a sophomore at Quincy University in Illinois, where he plays lacrosse and majors in business management with a minor in marketing. Connor has spent quite a bit of time cooking and bartending at local establishments. While away at school, Connor has been in charge of marketing and social media for the business. When he comes home for the summer,

likely in early May, he will co-manage the business with Logan.

Ryan owns the building on County Road E, which happened to be vacant, and the idea for a specialty hot dog shop was born. They started renovating the space in September. Logan took care of the licensing and painting, with some help from family, and when Connor came home for winter break, they worked on the menu.

“We did some tasting and cooking. It was good to see what we liked, what we didn’t like and get the menu all set,” Connor recalled.

Bear Dogs serves a variety of hot dogs, paninis and some grab-and-go options like salads, sandwiches and veggie cups. The business also serves wine, beer and seltzers. In the future, it may explore cocktails, among other options.

So, why hot dogs? Logan says the restaurant is geared toward sports families and he thought it filled a niche that isn’t already occupied within the area. “We want a sports hangout vibe,” he said.

Logan says his favorite item on the menu is the Flamin’ Dog with a side of coleslaw. Connor agreed. “To some people it might seem like a gimmick with the hot Cheetos on it, but the hot Cheetos paired with that cilantro lime mayo is really good,” he said. “I think people need to try it before they knock it.”

Playing off the sports vibe, the walls are painted

black and orange. Customers are greeted by a bear on the wall as well as some jerseys. In high school, Logan played soccer, and Connor played hockey, lacrosse and football. Eventually, Logan says the hope is that the community will contribute some local sports memorabilia and photos that will add to the ambiance.

“The vibe right when you walk into the restaurant, you understand that we are homegrown, we love White Bear Lake … You get the gist that we are there for community,” Connor said. “There are not too many places in White Bear where you can go sit down, have a beer, have a hot dog and watch (local) games. That’s the kind of vibe we are going for.”

Bear Dogs also plans to participate in community events, like the upcoming Kidz ’n Biz event at Oneka Elementary School in Hugo this Saturday, April 18. The business has also teamed up with White Bear Lake boys and girls lacrosse to provide food at tailgates for games.

“Our family has deep roots here in White Bear … so serving the community has always been big for our family, and I’m excited to keep that tradition going here at the restaurant,” Connor said.

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Playing off the “sports hangout vibe,” the walls are painted black and orange. Customers are greeted by a bear on the wall as well as some jerseys.

CONTRIBUTED

Brothers Connor Podewils (left) and Logan Neal will co-manage Bear Dogs together. Both of them graduated from Whtie Bear Lake Area High School.