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COPS AND COURTS: Mahtomedi man charged; fireworks spur questions PAGE 6

Investigators detail the fire that took a White Bear Lake family

White Bear Lake Run Club: ‘Just show up and run’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Two years ago, White Bear Lake resident Tony Yares met up with a coworker every Saturday for a run when he had the idea to start a run club. He ran the idea by his wife Caroline, who helped him spread the word on social media. “About 10 people showed up to the first one,” Yares said. The White Bear Lake Run Club is now in its second CONTRIBUTED year. The White Bear Lake Run Yares grew up playing Club typically meets every sports and would run other Saturday morning at a mile or two here and Anchor Coffee. there to exercise, but he got into distance running in 2021 while training for his first marathon. “I got the bug and totally got hooked,” he said. “It’s a really good time for ref lection and solitude and kind of therapy. It’s taught me my own capabilities. You challenge yourself and you succeed, and you kind of build that track record up … Going through chosen adversity really helps me when unchosen adversity bubbles up in life. It just helps you with the tools to overcome things and do hard things.” Earlier this month, Yares completed his longest race to date, a 52-mile trail ultramarathon in Lutsen. The White Bear Lake Run Club typically meets every other Saturday morning at Anchor Coffee. There are no membership fees, and registration is not required. Those who are interested show up, run at their own pace, and meet back up for coffee and/or electrolyte water. Typically, the group runs along the Lake Avenue path and splits up into smaller groups so runners can run the distance and speed they desire. “It’s very informal, casual. We hang out, run for a little bit and have coffee and then we all go home,” Yares said. “There’s no expectations. There’s no judgement.” Yares started the run club to meet other runners in the community. He typically likes to run solo, but the more people he meets in the running community, the more he enjoys being surrounded by supportive people. “You see the elite runners, they are hard SEE RUN CLUB, PAGE 9

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FINALIST Best of the Press White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights

“(March 21, 2026) marks the worst loss of life due to a structure fire in the 138-year history of the White Bear Lake Fire Department,” said Fire Chief Greg Peterson. “Jessi, Hudson, Cayden and Avery will forever be loved and remembered by their husband and father Mike Hinrichs and the White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi hockey communities. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mike,

SEE WHITE BEAR FIRE, PAGE 10

Valuable firefighting training exercise The White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi fire departments recently participated in a live fire training exercise at a house on East County Line Road N in Dellwood. Several firefighting training groups practiced and sharpened their skills inside the structure before it was allowed to become completely engulfed in flames. Only ashes and the remnants of a brick fireplace were left after the powerful and intense fire ran its course. Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 4-10. See pages 7-8 to learn more about area fire departments and their upcoming open houses.

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The six-month investigation determined that the accidental fire originated in a family’s office and was caused by electrical equipment.

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their family, their friends, first responders and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.” That day, the multiple agencies responded to the 2100 block of Richard Avenue after 911 callers reported flames coming from the roof of the house with possible victims inside. Fire crews rushed to the scene and encountered heavy fire conditions throughout most of the first floor and the roof of the home. Peterson said

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White Bear Lake native returns home for novel debut

Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself. A. I wear a lot of hats professionally and personally — I fell into circus as a profession in 2010, which has been my main source of income through my studio, Air Temple Arts, which teaches recreational circus classes to students of all ages. I’m an aerialist and performing juggler and a coach, as well as the studio’s creative director and bookkeeper, but I’ve been working towards a writing career for a few years now. I just had my first visual art gallery show, and I’m starting my copy-editing degree. In my personal life I have a lot of hobbies, the chief of which is currently pinball — I just competed in my first tournament and acquitted myself pretty admirably, I think! Q. You grew up in White Bear Lake. What does returning home for the launch of your debut novel mean to you? A. Getting to celebrate with the people who raised me and encouraged me as a young writer is everything. I was so fortunate to attend schools and be surrounded by adults who viewed the arts as a vital thing and nurtured creativity. I wrote my very first story in kindergarten during our daily writer’s workshop and I’ll get to reconnect with that teacher at the book launch. Q. How did your experiences growing up in White Bear Lake shape you as a writer? A. Growing up in a writing hotbed like the Twin Cities was huge. I had access to great writing programs my entire adolescence, including classes at The Loft. I remember attending an annual festival in elementary school where I got to meet and learn from writers and illustrators like Mary GrandPré, which, looking back, was an incredible privilege. Q. What inspired the world of "The Alchemists" and its magical society? A. This is going to sound completely made up but I actually dreamt the general premise for the story, as well as the two main characters during the pandemic. When I woke up, I grabbed my phone and wrote down as much as I could before I forgot everything and then got to work on drafting out the magic system and a basic outline.

side, indie publishing is full of its own challenges. You really can’t give a half-hearted effort if you want to be successful, but at the end of the day you have full creative control over your own work. “The Alchemists” is a long book, and I knew that a publisher would want me to cut it down or simplify it in ways that would feel inauthentic to the story I was trying to tell. Right now, I’m staring at a finished piece of work that I had complete creative control over — that no one was telling me was too weird, or too long, or too off-market — that my hands and brain touched every part of, from drafting, to design, to decoration. Any mistakes are mine, and there’s a beauty in that.

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White Bear Lake native Stacey Strange will host “The Alchemists” release party from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 at The Alchemist, 2222 Fourth Street. During the event, guests can purchase books, get them signed and enjoy themed cocktails and goodies.

Q. Can you tell us a little about Lily Perkins and Sebastian Allsaires and what makes their partnership so compelling? A. To me, the most compelling relationships — fictional or otherwise — are the ones where two seemingly totally opposite people find a center that can hold. Someone who’s completely opposite to you can either be your greatest nightmare or the person who provides necessary balance. On paper, Seb and Lily seem like they should have nothing in common, but at their core they have the same values and morals, which makes their relationship really rich to explore. It was very important to me that both Seb and Lily felt like real people with their own full interior worlds and shortcomings and not just archetypal cutouts. This was especially important to me with Seb, as the male lead, because I feel like male romantic leads are so often reduced to something very shallow and unrealistic, which is not good for anyone’s expectations! Q. Alchemy plays such an important role in the story. What fascinated you about alchemy as a foundation for the novel? A. I’ve always been fascinated by practices and elements of our own world that skew towards the arcane and esoteric. I studied alchemy from a metaphorical and literary viewpoint quite a bit during college, which really cemented that interest, and I knew I wasn’t done with it upon graduation. This novel is very much about transformation — of the self, of beliefs — so using alchemy as both a metaphorical framework and a literal mechanic in the story felt like a no-brainer. Q. You chose to independently publish "The Alchemists." What made you decide to take the DIY route? A. I’ve gone through the querying process twice before with varying levels of commitment and success. It’s a grueling process that always feels like a value judgement and it’s only the first step towards publishing. Plenty of people who get agents never even end up published. For a very long time I’ve been pretty disillusioned with the traditional publishing industry and that feeling has only grown as time passes. I struggled for years with whether to query “The Alchemists,” and in the end I realized I was using revision as a procrastination process because I was so loath to go through querying again. On the flip

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Q. What has been the most challenging part of independently publishing a novel? A. To be successful as an indie author, you really need to treat it like a full-time job. I already have a full-time job, so basically, I’m truly working around the clock. It also requires a certain amount of financial commitment and risk, which I’m fortunate enough to be able to engage with. You have to do everything, but you get to do everything. I finished the first draft of this book almost exactly five years ago, but I had to wait until I could carve out the space in my work schedule to fully commit to publishing a book. I’m glad I waited, though, because the resources and acceptance levels available to indie authors has grown exponentially in that time. Q. What has been the most rewarding part? A. There really isn’t a feeling quite like not only having someone respond emotionally to your work, but having someone really get what you’re doing. It’s an incredible privilege. Q. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are wondering if they can publish a book? A. For better or worse, the bar to publishing — at least independently — these days is incredibly low, but some pieces of advice: • Don’t use AI. • Write the book you want to read; don’t worry about writing “to market.” • Getting your work professionally edited is not optional. • Information is everywhere — do your research! • Take walks without your phone. Q. What do you hope people will feel or think about after reading “The Alchemists?” A. Mostly, I hope readers will feel transported, that they enjoy the book and that they want more. What they take away is up to them, which really encapsulates the beauty and terror of putting art out into the world. Q. What’s next for you after "The Alchemists?” A. I have several ideas for projects set in the world of “The Alchemists” that are vaguely interconnected but can stand alone. Currently, I’m working on one that takes place at Windermere (the school that Lily and Seb attend) roughly 20 years prior to the events in “The Alchemists.” It focuses on different aspects of the magic and some of the other issues facing this highly elitist society. It’s darker, weirder and more experimental in format than “The Alchemists,” for sure. Compiled by Shannon Granholm

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In last week’s issue, the article, “Power of 100: White Bear Lake chapter launches with inaugural event,” contained an error. It should have stated one of the three charities as Merrick, Inc. We apologize for the error.

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For White Bear Lake native Stacey Strange, the path to becoming a novelist has been anything but conventional. A professional circus artist, aerialist, juggler, coach and creative director, Strange has spent more than a decade building a career through Air Temple Arts while steadily nurturing a lifelong love of writing and the arts. Now, after years of work, that creative life has culminated in the independent publication of “The Alchemists,” a fantasy novel inspired in part by a dream she had during the pandemic. The book’s launch will bring Strange, who now resides in Connecticut, back to White Bear Lake, where an early love of writing was encouraged by teachers and the broader arts community. In this Q&A, Strange reflects on growing up in a community that valued creativity, the inspiration behind “The Alchemists” and its magical society, the challenges and freedoms of independent publishing, and what it means to share a personal work with readers — including the people who first encouraged the writer within her.

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COFFEE WITH DR. K

When: 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 east County Road E, White Bear Lake Details: Through stories and photographs, John Solomon shares his unlikely journey from life as a professional musician to providing behavioral care above the Arctic Circle. RSVP by Oct. 6. Contact: 651-777-1107

‘BEETLEJUICE JR.’

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 & 9; 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 & 10; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4 & 11 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Avenue, White Bear Lake Details: Students from Children's Performing Arts perform the frightful, funny musical. Ticket information online. Contact: childensperformingartsmn. org

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3 Where: Warden's House Museum, 602 Main St. N., Stillwater Details: The Twin Cities Paranormal Society presents their spookiest evidence from ghost investigations, along with what showed up on their cameras and audio equipment. Register online. Contact: wchsmn.org

BACK IN BLACK

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 Where: Running Aces, 15201 Running Aces Blvd., Columbus Details: Concert by AC/DC tribute band. Tickets online. Contact: www.theoutskirtsmn.com

WHITE BEAR LAKE CLEANUP DAY

When: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 Where: 4200 Hoffman Road (former public works site), White Bear Lake Details: Get rid of unwanted items for a small fee. Household hazardous waste is not accepted. Proof of residency required. See list of accepted items and fees online. Contact: whitebearlakemn.gov/ cleanup

RIVERTOWN FALL ART FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4 Where: Lowell Park, Stillwater Details: Fine art and handmade jewelry in the heart of downtown Stillwater. Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber. com/rivertown-fall-art-festival

SUMMER SIGNINGS

When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct 3 Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake Details: Charlotte Babler will sign her

CARE BELOW ZERO

When: 10-11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2 Where: Sunrise Park District Senior Center, 2399 Cedar Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Conversation with Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak. Contact: 651-653-3121

HAUNTED HISTORY AT THE WARDEN’S HOUSE: AFTERLIFE SENTENCES

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LIONS BELGIAN WAFFLE BREAKFAST

When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4 Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E County Road F Details: Waffles breakfast and community resource vendors. Cash or check only, see fees online. Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com/262/Waffle-Breakfast

book “The Forgotten Many,” a thriller based on a true story. Contact: lakecountrybooksellers.com

ST. MARY OF THE LAKE PARISH FESTIVAL

When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 Where: St. Mary of the Lake, 4690 Bald Eagel Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Fellowship dinner at 5 p.m. followed by Bingo and activities for all ages. Contact: stmarys-wbl.org

STAR WATCH

When: 7:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 Where: Big Marine Park Reserve, 17495 Manning Trail N., Marine on St. Croix Details: View Jupiter, Saturn, star clusters, galaxies and constellations through giant telescopes, and hear the stories behind them. Registration required. Contact: 651-430-8200 or washingtoncountymn.gov/star-watch

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE When: 5-7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5

COMMUNITY & COFFEE WITH MAYOR NICKLAWSKE

Where: South Fire Station, 3595 Arcade St. Details: Learn more about how to keep your home and family safe. Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com/1059/ Fire-Department-Open-House

WHITE BEAR LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 Where: South Fire Station, 2240 County Road E Details: Get to know your firefighters, try on fire gear, spray a fire hose, jump in a bouncy house and see fire engines, ambulances and a fire boat up close. Attendees can pick up a free combination smoke/CO detector. Contact: 651-429-8568

When: 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 Where: Podvin Park, 1700 9th St., White Bear Lake Details: The mayor will visit parks in each ward over the summer/ fall to chat with residents about ideas, questions, concerns or just conversation. Drop-in event. Contact: 651-429-8526

THE ELIZABETHAN SYNGERS

When: 1:30-3:30 Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11 Where: Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Road, Dellwood Details: Live musical performance by strollg Troubadours in Renaissance costume. Contact: pinetreeappleorchard.com/ Calendar

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VFW BOOYA

When: Noon (until gone) Sunday, Oct. 4 Where: VFW Post 1782, 4496 Lake Ave S, White Bear Lake Details: Booya will be sold in quarts, half gallons and gallons. The VFW will provide containers, but attendees can feel free to bring their own as well. Contact: 651-426-4944

When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 Where: Pine Point Regional Park Details: Take part in a guided bird hike, listen to the sounds of nature and learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix valley home. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Contact: WashingtonCountyMN.gov/ BirdHikes

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Variety is the pumpkin spice of life

OPINION www.presspubs.com

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

ere’s an opinion: I think pumpkin spice is just OK. I don’t get the hype. In fact, I used to make fun of people who would change their entire personality to revolve around a trendy flavor, an obvious cash grab. How could people be so basic? Then coffee shops came out with caramel apple drinks. Now, every fall, I guzzle those down while eating apple donuts. I’ve since realized that there are other areas in my life where I’ve yucked another person’s yum, only to find out that I just like a different flavor of the same thing: • I hated tomato soup until I added basil and garlic. • Romantic comedies made me roll my eyes until I watched one Looking with Cary Grant and Katherine Out with Hepburn. • I thought hunting was boring Logan until I tried bow hunting. Most of us had an adult who told Logan Gion us, “You won’t know if you like it until you try it,” but I would amend that saying to “You won’t know if you like it until you try a few kinds of it.” At a recent Sunday brunch, I sat near a boy whose parents wanted him to try French toast. Plenty of toppings were nearby, from peanut butter and syrup to fresh berries and cream. Instead, the boy cut off microscopic piece of plain French toast, stuck his trembling teeth out, and took a fake bite. “I don’t like it,” he said. His parents rolled their eyes and made him try it again with toppings, but he’s already made up his mind, saying, “I’ll hate it. I just know it.” At first, I shook my head, judging the situation as a wizened adult —until I realized I still do the same thing. When I was 21, I joined a gym for the summer. I had gained my freshman 15, was feeling selfconscious and wanted to get back into shape. The first day there, the manager told me my form was so bad I was banned from using the equipment, that I’d gained weight because I was lazy and that I needed to spend thousands of dollars on his personal training routine if I wanted to reach my goals. Naturally, I didn’t go back, and I didn’t consistently exercise again for over a decade. A year ago, because of my health, working out became a necessity for me. Concerned, I asked an acquaintance of mine who did powerlifting and strongman competitions to check my exercise forms — the same ones for which the gym manager berated me — and he told me that, besides some common beginner errors, it was perfectly fine. An embarrassing amount of personal gym equipment purchases and months of training later, I can now do a stupid amount of pull-ups. But I haven’t joined a gym. I’ll hate it; I just know it. Or perhaps I just hated that flavor of gym. Last week, I took a tour of a fitness center that gets funding from other sources than personal training signups. I was nervous, but the employee who gave me the tour was kind and knowledgeable, unbothered that I needed some time to think before I joined. I plan to later this month. At Press Publications, we get information on a lot of unique, local events (See What’s Happening on Page 3). This fall, I encourage you to check one out that makes you a bit nervous in the hopes that you don’t do what I did. Please don’t let a bad experience from your past keep you from enjoying all of life’s flavors. Logan Gion is Staff Writer for the Quad Community Press. Distributed weekly in: White Bear Lake • White Bear Township • Mahtomedi Birchwood • Dellwood • Willernie • Gem Lake Pine Springs • Portions of Grant • Vadnais Heights

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Two primary budget pressures driving costs

hroughout my first full budget cycle, I have listened first, asked hard questions, and made strategic decisions. Top priorities often shared by residents include public safety, care for the most vulnerable, and lower property taxes. These are important and sometimes conflicting goals. My approach to addressing these Movers & budget pressures is to prioritize Shakers county-responTara sible services through thoughtJebens-Singh ful investments to keep the levy as low as we responsibly can, now and in the future. The proposed 2027 supplemental budget is about $966 million with a maximum property tax levy of $464 million - an 8.25% increase; up from the 7.5% increase adopted in the 2026–2027 biennial budget last year. Two primary pressures drive the additional costs: First, the Adult Detention Center needs sustainable staffing to face the growing and complex needs of those in our care and custody. An independent staffing study recommended 32 new FTEs to ensure a safe and secure facility while reducing the reliance on overtime. The estimated costs are expected to increase the 2027 property tax

levy by approximately 0.75%, an investment that should reduce Sheriff staffing costs over time. Second, federal H.R. 1 legislation has placed significant burdens on counties nationwide. In Minnesota, federal social safety-net programs are state-supervised and county-administered. A significant portion of Ramsey County’s current budget is made up of underfunded, highly prescriptive mandated services. To meet the most immediate administrativeresponsibilities attached to expanded work and eligibility requirements for SNAP and Medicaid, 17.5 FTEs were added in Financial Assistance Services with a total net-levy impact of $1 million. These budget increases are offset by a $1.4 million cost-saving reduction thanks to county-wide belt-tightening measures. This fiscal discipline ensures the levy increase is no higher than 8.25% - better than many of our fellow counties looking at double digit increases – but still too high for me. Rising property taxes are unsustainable, so I will continue to advocate to reduce state and federal unfunded mandates and to push county leadership to find additional cost savings and alternative revenue sources. Our Building Stronger Together initiative invests nonlevy dollars to build our tax base across the county. This work is underway in District 1 at Rice Creek Commons. Micro Control

Company recently completed its 157,000-square-foot headquarters, bringing over 200 jobs to Arden Hills. Site preparation for Rice Creek Boulevard begins this fall - a direct $52 million infrastructure investment unlocking the rest of the site for future tax revenue, jobs and housing. Your voice matters in this process. Full budget details including recordings of budget hearings are available online at ramseycountymn.gov/budget. A Truth in Taxation hearing is set for December 3 at the Ramsey County Courthouse, with final action expected December 15. I encourage you to provide public comment in-person or via email. Furthermore, it is election season - ask candidates at every level of government what they are doing to address the unfunded mandates landing directly on your local property tax bills. Let them know that counties cannot keep absorbing costs that belong elsewhere. I will continue to do the big work, advocating for fiscal discipline and investments that strengthen District 1 and all of Ramsey County. Contact me at 651-266-8362 or Tara. JebensSingh@co.ramsey.mn.us if you have questions, thoughts or want to schedule a meeting for deeper discussion. Let’s keep the conversation going. Tara Jebens-Sing is Ramsey County Commissioner for District 1.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Grateful for Senior Center I’ve lived in the White Bear Lake area long enough to appreciate the many ways our schools bring people together. As a senior citizen, I’m especially grateful for something that deserves a little more recognition— the White Bear Area Senior Center at the newly renovated Sunrise Park building. If you haven’t visited yet, you might be surprised by everything available to seniors. There are classes and activities, fitness and wellness programs, games and social opportunities, 55+ Driver Safety, Medicare and insurance counseling, volunteer opportunities, Meals on Wheels, and even the Craft Corner Gift Shop. Seniors age 65 and older can also receive a free pass to district athletic events, concerts and theater productions. But what I especially appreciate is that Sunrise Park has become a place for people of different ages and needs. The renovated former middle school now brings together our Senior Center, Early Childhood Center, Transition Education Center and District Service Center. School board meetings and work sessions are held there, too. There is something wonderful about that. In one building, young children can begin their educational journey while seniors continue learning, staying active and enjoying friendships. It feels like a true community center. Those of us who have lived here for many years know that good communities don’t just happen. People make them happen. Our neighbors supported the improvements that made the new Sunrise Park possible, and I think we seniors owe them a sincere thank you. So, to White Bear Lake Area Schools and to our community: thank you. Thank you for remembering that our schools belong to all of us— and that learning, friendship and community don’t have an age limit. Lynell Keller White Bear Lake

Stay the course I am writing to support the overall direction that White Bear Lake Independent School District #624, both administration and school board, has taken over the past three decades. As a lifelong resident of the district and alumnus (Go Bears!), I have witnessed the long-term, careful planning and implementation the district has undertaken to get where it is today. We now have long-overdue, updated educational, performing arts, and athletic facilities. All serve our students and community and will help attract future residents. This was not an easy thing to achieve, and there is always a cost. I understand this from

serving on the White Bear Lake City Council for 16 years, knowing full well how frugal our community can be when it comes to taxes. From serving on the city council, I was able to see comparative tax information from not only the city, but also the district. What I learned is that ISD #624 taxes are right in the middle compared to surrounding school districts that are similar in size. Not high, not at the bottom. To me, that’s good value and thirty-plus years of good financial stewardship despite inflation, new construction, and continued labor costs. Isn’t that what our future generations deserve? Why change direction? Dan Jones White Bear Lake

Response to letter I have several comments regarding the letter titled “Irresponsible decisions,” by Bob Morse (Sept. 16). Mr. Morse should have ruminated longer so he could get all his information correct. I am going to focus on just a couple of his comments. He mentions expanding city staff and makes it sound as if the hiring of these staff members were not good investments for the city. One of the positions I assume he is referring to (since he uses the term cleaner water) was the hiring of a Natural Resources Specialist. Since the hiring of this position in late 2023, this hire has secured over four million dollars in grants for our city. These grants included funding for stormwater management, water quality, trails, tree canopy, green space, and energy efficiencies. Bringing outside money into our city helps our community afford amenities, projects and equipment we could not normally afford and helps offset our local costs. I would say this is an excellent return on this investment for our city. The writer is misleading the reader about the trail on Greenhaven Drive. He uses the phrase “sending a $6500 trail assessment love note” implying that the trail has an impact on the street assessment amount. This is simply false. The cost of the trail has NO impact on the street assessment being charged. If there were no trail being built, the assessment amount would be the same. The trail is being funded by the use of Municipal State Aid Dollars. Finally, he mentions the challenges of the cost of housing to “young people who don’t have any hope of owning a home.” I agree with the writer that the cost of owning a home and renting is an affordability problem. The city of Vadnais Heights did a housing study in 2024 and found over 60% of renters and 17% of homeowners are housingcost burdened. Why then didn’t Mr. Morse mention the ‘workforce housing’ project our current council

POLITICAL BRIEF Belisle announces write-in campaign for Birchwood Village council Ashley Belisle has launched a write-in campaign for one of two open seats on the Birchwood Village City Council. Paul Drews is running for the other open seat. Belisle graduated from Mahtomedi High School. She moved to Birchwood Village with

is supporting as a potential solution? This is another example of the writer not getting all his information correct. Judy Lissick Vadnais Heights

PAID LETTER Candidate will focus on healthcare affordabilty

As a retired nurse, I have always been drawn to issues impacting our healthcare system, and now I am keenly tuned into the concerns of older members of our community. These concerns center around the access to quality care and the everincreasing costs for healthcare. Unfortunately, without current national leadership addressing the very real fiscal realities we are all facing, it is up to our state leadership to see what can be done. All of us are burdened by the current healthcare model that is insurance focused versus focused on ensuring we all have access and quality of care. We must navigate insurance requirements, such as getting ‘prior authorization’ for procedures recommended by your doctor. Medical decisions should be between you and your doctor. This is a belief held by Senator Gustafson. Sen. Gustafson plans to focus next term on ways to reduce the cost of healthcare. Our current model is unsustainable. One way she believes healthcare costs can be lessened is by removing the insurance company from having to give authorization for your care. It was recently reported in the Star Tribune that health premiums will be increasing at a healthy percentage next year and, employers are looking to new ideas to control costs, such as having their employees go direct to a pharmacy or medical specialty clinic, (example for imaging) bypassing the middle level of pharmacy managers and insurance companies for approval. Based on Sen. Heather Gustafson’s first term successes and her effective bi-partisan approach to legislation, she can help us all move to a more affordable array of options for our healthcare insurance system. As a teacher and mother of four, Sen. Gustafson knows the impact a healthcare crisis can have on a household’s finances and is well equipped to be an active public servant seeking solutions to the health insurance affordability crisis we currently face. I will be casting my vote to reelect Senator Heather Gustafson and encourage others to join me in supporting Heather.

PAID LETTER Candidates care about honesty, kids feeling safe As a long-time active member of the White Bear Lake Area School District community, I care deeply about having top-quality public education for all of our children. One of the main reasons I bought my first home in White Bear Lake was because of the school system’s stellar reputation for my sons and now my grandchildren. The MVPS school board candidates - Amanda McFarlane, Ryan Vernosh, Amy Puschinsky, and Chris StreiffOji - are committed to supporting our teachers and staff in carrying out a strong curriculum based upon fact and honesty about our history. They are also committed to making sure that all students - regardless of family origin, race, or gender identity - feel safe, welcome and valued in their school. Amanda, Ryan, Amy and Chris are strong, talented individuals who have so much to offer the White Bear Lake Area Schools. Please join me in voting for them. Victoria Reinhardt White Bear Lake

PAID LETTER Don't interrupt process of establishing OIG

As a past member of a touring performing arts group, I understand the need for diplomacy, grace under fire, and rock-solid communication skills. These are all qualities that I admire in our incumbent state senator Heather Gustafson. In Senator Gustafson’s first term in office, she was the leader in the successful months long bipartisan effort to establish the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) set up to deal independently with fraud. She understood that the issue was eroding the public’s trust in our state’s vital institutions and took the steps needed to get legislation passed. The OIG will be set up to get input from citizens, service providers, vendors, and insurance providers to share their concerns with an agency designed specifically to be of service regarding systemic financial abuse of taxpayer funds. Heather provides us with strong, clear, reality-based leadership at the state level. Establishing the OIG is a vital resource for Minnesota taxpayers and providers and a real step toward better use of all our resources moving forward. Ensuring Sen. Gustafson is re-elected to continue this important process with no interruptions is a solid reason to cast my vote for Heather. Debra Beck Vadnais Heights

Char Kostron White Bear Lake

Weekly Outlook SUNRISE/SUNSET SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 6, 2026

her husband Michael in 2024. Last winter, she joined the city’s Connections Committee. Ashley Outside of Belisle Birchwood, Belisle directs the marketing and communications team at a Minneapolisbased consulting firm. She also volunteers with Second Harvest Heartland, St. Andrew’s

Community Resource Center and her alma mater. “Even in a small residential community like Birchwood, there are key issues we need to address to keep our city a great place to live in the long term. It is up to us to care for Birchwood,” Belise said. “I’m ready to serve my city in this new capacity with an open mind and a commitment to doing what’s best for our future.”

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Weather Tidbits Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com

Frank Watson

We had a few cool mornings and days this past week but I managed not to turn on the furnace. How about you? I remarked last week that we seem to receive a little rain every few days. This past week was no different. The rain events of the past week were more of a nuisance than anything else. I was still able to get outside and do activities which included a 25K run at William O’Brien on Saturday. It was a good day for the run. Low 60’s, overcast and a nice cooling breeze. For the month of September we’re going to finish slightly warmer and wetter than normal. My forecast for October calls for warmer and drier. Weather calendar note: I’m looking for pictures for my 2027 calendar. Email me at watsonwx@aol.com.

WEEKLY AVERAGES HIGH LOW SUN PCP

61° 43° 58% 0.41”

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.

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WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents: • Theft was reported in the 3100 block of Karth Road Sept. 16. • A debit card was stolen at a business in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Sept. 16, and several unauthrized transactions were made. • Officers investigated a road rage incident that resulted in a fight in the 3100 block of Century Avenue Sept. 16. • A male was trespassed from a store in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Sept. 17. • Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 1900 block of Eugene Street Sept. 17. • Graffiti was found in the men's bathroom at

Spruce Park Sept. 17. • A man was cited for disorderly conduct in the 4500 block of Centerville Road Sept. 18. • Officers mediated a disturbance at a Bald Eagle Avenue residence following a report of a woman who was yelling after an argument with her boyfriend who then locked her out Sept. 19. • A Hudson, Wisconsin man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near Murray Avenue and Florence Street Sept. 19. • A driver was cited for an instructional permit violation following a 3-car accident on White Bear Avenue that resulted in damage to all three vehicles and minor injuries to two drivers Sept. 19. • Officers responded to a fight in the 1800 block of

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:

Dellwood

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a Sea-Doo watercraft found on White Bear Lake near Dellwood Avenue on Aug. 26. The owner was also found and the two were reunited.

Grant

• Graffiti was reported on park buildings near 117th Street N. and Goodview Avenue N. on Aug. 25. • A golfer reported finding a dent and red paint transfer on the driver’s side of his vehicle when he came back from his round at Applewood Hills Golf Course in the 11000 block of 60th Street N. on Aug. 29. Deputies provided the hit and run victim with a case number for insurance purposes. • In the Case of the GPSSavvy Steeds, a resident in the 7000 block of Jocelyn Lane N. reported loose horses on her property Aug. 30. When deputies arrived on scene, the horses were walking toward the southwest. Due to the frequency of horses on the lam in Grant, deputies checked their roster of horse stables in the area and found that no one had reported missing horses. Deputies concluded the horses found their way home on their own. • A motorist was cited for

passing when unsafe on Aug. 31 in the 11000 block of Dellwood Road N. • Deputies followed the Mahtomedi Fire Department Aug. 31 to the staff lounge at Mahtomedi High School in the 8000 block of 75th Street N. on a report of a burning Bakelite smell. They couldn’t find the source of any electrical burning before the odor dissipated.

Mahtomedi

• Motor vehicle tampering was reported Aug. 23 on Wedgewood Drive. • Deputies fielded questions from a 72nd Street N. resident on Aug. 24 about a recently arrested neighbor. • A Hazel Avenue resident on Aug. 24 reported her computer compromised and was concerned for her identity safety. • Fed Ex employees on Long Lake Road turned in a package they found containing THC on Aug. 25. • A Hickory Street resident was cited Aug. 28 for violating the unfinished siding ordinance. • A resident in the 1000 block of Lincolntown Avenue was cited for failure to maintain property on Aug. 28. • In the Case of the Undead Deer, deputies on patrol on Mahtomedi Avenue and Tamarack Street at 12:37 a.m. Aug. 29 spotted a wounded deer on the roadway. When they stepped out of their squad, the deer got up and ran away under its own power. • Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 12:52 a.m. Aug. 29 on Hilton Trail N. at 70th Street N. and issued citations for multiple undisclosed

Buerkle Road Sept. 19. • Officers responded to a familial dispute in the 3300 block of Bellaire Avenue Sept 19. • Multiple fireworks and noise complaints were reported Sept. 19 throughout the community. • Harassment was reported in the 3900 block of Cranbrook Drive Sept. 19. • A noise complaint was reported in the 4900 block of Division Avenue Sept. 20. • Harassment was reported in the 2100 block of County Road F Sept. 21. • Fraud was reported in the 2600 block of Aspen Court Sept. 21. • Noise complaints were reported Sept. 22 in the 3100 block of McKnight Road, the 3100 block of Karth Road, and the 1800 block of Birch Street.

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS violations. • A suspicious gunshot reported on Aug. 31 from the parking lot at an apartment complex on Wildwood Road turned out to be from a cap gun coming from inside an unknown unit. Cap gun casings were found in the lot.

Pine Springs

• When deputies conducted a traffic stop Aug. 23 on westbound Highway 36 just east of I-694 to see why there were four vehicles parked on the shoulder at that busy part of the roadway, they discovered that one of the drivers was cleaning up after her child was sick in the car and the other motorists had stopped to help. • While on overnight patrol on westbound Highway 36 and Hilton Trail N. at 12:20 a.m. Aug. 27, deputies observed a driver scrolling through videos while on the phone. As watching videos on the phone while driving at the same time in the middle of the night could be considered the mother of all safety violations, and the motorist was promptly cited. • Deputies pulled a westbound driver over for a missing taillight at 10:36 p.m. Aug. 28 on Highway 36 at Hilton Trail N. and cited the motorist for failure to provide proof of insurance.

Willernie

• A dog-biting incident was reported Aug. 24 from a Chatham Road address.

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

Vadnais Heights • On Sept. 13 in the 800 block of East County Road E, deputies issued theft citations to a man and woman who were caught attempting to leave Walmart without paying for merchandise. • On Sept. 14 in the 900 block of East County Road, a 23-year-old woman from Hastings reported that a woman at Target asked if she would pay for diapers and then used her credit card to purchase nearly $500 worth of merchandise. The incident is under investigation. • On Sept. 14 in the 3200 block of Libby Lane, deputies responded to a report of a theft from a construction work truck, collected evidence and launched an investigation. • On Sept. 14 in the 900 block of East County Road E, deputies responded to a reported shoplifting incident at Marshalls, collected evidence and began an investigation. • On Sept. 16 in the 4500 block of Rice Street, a 49-yearold woman reported that someone broke into her Chrysler Pacifica and stole a purse while it was parked at Sucker Lake Park. The incident is under investigation. • On Sept. 16 in the 800 block of East County Road E, deputies were informed that someone was handing out solicitation material in front of a store, violating their policy. The person left when asked to do so. • On Sept. 16 in the 800 block of East County Road E, deputies responded to a report of theft at Walmart, collected evidence and began an investigation.

White Bear Township • On Sept. 13 near Buffalo Street, deputies arrested a 40-year-old woman for littering after she threw a bottle of alcohol into her neighbor’s yard and refused to pick it up during a domestic violence call. • On Sept. 16 in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive, deputies issued a trespass notice to a woman who was caught attempting to steal merchandise from Cub Foods. • On Sept. 17 near Centerville Road, a 39-year-old woman from Maplewood reported being assaulted by a resident of a group home where she worked. The matter is under investigation. • On Sept. 18 in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive, deputies responded to a report of theft at Cub Foods, collected evidence and began an investigation.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS Mahtomedi man charged with felony check forgery Isiah Cordairo Jefferson, 38, of Mahtomedi has been charged with felony check forgery after allegedly cashing two checks at a Lake Elmo bank. According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement responded to Jerry’s Auto Body July 15 for a check forgery complaint. Officers spoke with an employee who stated that an individual had acquired two checks belonging to the business account and fraudulently deposited them in Lake Elmo Bank.

The first check was originally paid to Sunny Link Systems for $100.62. The check was then altered to be paid to “Isiah Jefferson” for $2,565. The second check was originally paid to A Condition Wheel Services, Inc. for $262. The check was altered to be paid to “Isiah Jefferson” for $2,678. According to the complaint, law enforcement reviewed surveillance video from the bank, and the video showed a male, later identified as Jefferson, hand the teller the checks in exchange for a large amount of cash. If convicted, Jeferson could face up to 10 years in prison and/or have to pay

a fine of up to $20,000. Jefferson’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 7.

Fireworks display spurs questions Residents in White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Hugo and Lino Lakes heard fireworks around 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Area fire departments, law enforcement and the White Bear Lake Conservation District received several noise complaints. White Bear Lake Conservation

District Administrator Jody Savage explained that the conservation district did not issue a permit for fireworks at the private event, because it was not directly on the lake. Mahtomedi Fire Chief Joel Schmidt confirmed that the fire department was aware of a fireworks display at a private event on Grenelefe Avenue in Grant on Sept. 19. He said the display was conducted by a licensed pyrotechnics company and the appropriate permits were obtained through the required agencies. SEE PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS, PAGE 17

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 www.presspubs.com

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

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WHITE BEAR RUN CLUB: Offers casual, social atmosphere for participants FROM PAGE 1

core and they’ve got all their expensive gear, and it seems so competitive, but then when you actually show up to the start line of a marathon … 98% of the people are just regular people trying to improve themselves and trying to be a little better than they were yesterday.” For a year or two, Yares passed by a guy on Lake Avenue running with his two daughters in a stroller. One day he decided to introduce himself and met White Bear Lake resident Jake Perry, who is now a member of the club. Perry grew up playing hockey and football. He still plays hockey but always viewed running as “punishment” until after he and his wife had their oldest daughter. The daughter’s daycare would not bring her outside during the day. “We are big on the outdoors and sunshine …” Perry explained. So, his wife asked him to take her for a walk before bringing her to daycare and he happily agreed. But instead of walking, he ran. Perry said that as a new dad, he gained the “new dad 30.” “It was a blessing in disguise,” he said. “It was something that I started doing for our daughter but then turned into a hobby that was both good for my mental health and my waistline.” This year will mark his fourth year in a row doing the Twin Cities Marathon. Perry says he doesn’t get to run club as often these days due to family obligations, but when he can make it, he looks forward to it and enjoys the familyoriented atmosphere. “We are bringing the community together doing something that’s a good hobby and getting

IF YOU GO: UPCOMING MEETS

Oct. 17 - Run club meets at 8 a.m. at Anchor

Coffee

Oct. 31 - (Halloween) run club meets at 9 a.m. at Anchor Coffee

Caroline Yares completes the St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon. She was joined by several other White Bear Lake Run Club members.

our families involved,” he explained. White Bear Lake resident Catherine Abel learned about the club after seeing a post on social media. She was a bit apprehensive to go for the first time but says she quickly felt at ease because everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Abel started running eight years ago in honor of her 30th birthday. She signed up for a Disney 5K, and while she was training for that, her partner was diagnosed with bladder cancer. “Our lives changed overnight … Running became the thing that grounded me,” she explained. “The longer that journey was, the further I started to run. You can’t outrun your problems, but you can forget about them for a few hours.” Abel has now completed 10 half marathons and two full marathons. She is currently training for her third full marathon. She credits another run club member, Rob Arnoldy, better known as “coach Rob,” with helping her to accomplish a personal record at a half marathon in May. Arnoldy, a resident of Centerville, learned about the run club from his wife, who saw a poster for it at a business in White Bear

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Tony Yares trains in White Bear Lake for a 52-mile trail ultramarathon.

Lake. Throughout the years, he has run both individually and with a group and was missing the camaraderie and social interaction that come with a group. “Running with people … helps pass the time when you are running because running sometimes gets kind of old,” he said. Since 1986, Arnoldy has completed well over 200 races of different distances. He completed one marathon, and several half marathons and 5Ks. Due to his experience, “coach Rob” says he has no problem sharing what he knows and the training tips and tricks he has picked up over the years. “I think I’ve run 45,000 miles roughly,” he said. “My personal records are so far behind me, they’ll never happen again, so it’s kind of nice to help other people out.” To keep up with the White Bear Lake Run Club’s upcoming runs, find the group on Instagram @wblrunclub. Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@ presspubs.com.

A TALK ON CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

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WHITE BEAR LAKE FIRE : Investigators provide steps that could make a difference FROM PAGE 1

fire crews made an aggressive fire attack using multiple hose lines to control the fire while seeking all possible entry points into the home to search for victims, but they were unable to get to them in time. State Fire Marshal Dan Krier described the six-month investigation into the fire as tragic and difficult. The investigation team included the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s State Fire Marshal division, White Bear Lake Fire Department, Ramsey County Fire Investigations Team as well as numerous other partner agencies. “While no investigative finding can change what happened, we have a responsibility as fire investigators and as public safety authorities to determine the facts and try to seek the truth about the origin and cause of the fire,” Krier said. Krier explained that the Hinrichs home was built in 1952 and was a single-story rambler with all the bedrooms on the first floor and a basement. Homes built in the ’50s and ’60s were not designed to have as many outlets and were not required to have smoke alarms. “As I think back to that day, I can tell you that this home was full of love. There were bunk beds in the bedroom. There were kids’ toys. There were pictures of the family, their personalized items and, of course, lots of hockey memorabilia,” Krier recalled. “You picture the home … and maybe it feels familiar. It might be something you relate to because it might be similar to your home. It might be similar to one you grew up in, to a friend's home,

Mike Hinrich’s statement “On the morning of March 21st, my world came crashing down when the lives of my beloved wife, Jessi, and our three beautiful children, sons Hudson and Cayden and daughter Avery were all lost to me forever in the horrible fire that destroyed our home. This truly unfathomable loss and all-consuming grief is with me every day and will be forever with every breath I take that God allows. My only purpose today at this occasion is to express my thanks to the brave first responders and firefighters, the White Bear Lake fire investigators and the State Fire Marshal’s team for their efforts that morning and continuing to this day. My deepest thanks and gratitude go out to all those in the community that have supported me and our other family members in this darkest of times. Your kindness has not gone unnoticed, even if we have been too numb to adequately acknowledge your compassion and sympathy.”

Fire safety tips • Use electrical equipment with a sticker that says “UL, ETL and CSA,” meaning it has been tested in a nationally recognized testing laboratory. • Plug your devices directly into the wall when possible. • Check your cords. Make sure there's no fraying. If you feel heat on your cords, stop using them

immediately. • When charging devices, make sure they are on a flat, solid surface. Do not charge items on a bed, a pillow, a sofa or other soft surface. When done charging, unplug your device and unplug the charger from the wall. • Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home, preferably interconnected, so if one alarm goes off, they will all

to a family member's home. This familiarity is what makes our messages today important. The circumstances of what caused this tragedy are present in many homes across the state.” The investigation determined that the accidental fire originated in a family’s office and was caused by electrical equipment. Krier explained that the room didn’t have its own outlet, so the family had to bring power from an adjacent room into the room using an extension cord. He also mentioned a series of extension cords and then other items plugged into the extension cord to provide additional plug locations. Due to the damage, investigators were unable to verify the exact locations of smoke alarms, but they did determine that there was one smoke alarm near the bedrooms and then another one in the dining room near the stairs going into the basement. During the investigation, the team used fire modeling to determine what the smoke and heat conditions were like in each room and how the fire progressed throughout the home. The modeling indicated that the smoke alarm closest to the bedrooms would have gone off approximately four minutes after the fire started. At minute five, or one minute later, the smoke and temperature conditions in the primary exit pathway would have been impossible to get through. “That quick development really indicates they had one minute from when they were notified: they had to wake up, they had to respond and make a decision that they had to leave,” Krier said. “Fires today are nothing like what you see in TV, in the movies. You can't see in front of your face, and you definitely can't see across the room.” Krier noted the one-minute time frame is more related to the items in the home burning very quickly, versus the smoke alarm not sounding in a timely fashion. He added that modern furniture in most homes burns very quickly and produces a lot of black smoke. Although investigators can’t say for sure, Krier confirmed that the family was alerted to the fire

sound, not just the one closest to the fire. Bluetooth technology can connect smoke detectors, so you don’t have to rewire your house. Smoke alarms are only good for 10 years. • The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) both recommend testing your smoke detectors monthly.

somehow, perhaps by the alarm, their dog barking or seeing/ smelling the fire, but they were unable to safely exit the building. He didn’t provide specific details on where the family was found but did confirm they were together. “As we see in a lot of fires, and this was no exception, a parent is not going to leave their child behind and they were making sure that the entire family was trying to evacuate. They were doing everything they could to keep the family together,” Krier said.

Fire prevention

Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Amanda Swenson urged families to spend some time checking equipment and talking about and practicing a safety plan. “The investigation tells us what happened six months ago, but the tremendous weight of this tragedy reminds us of our responsibility to try to help Minnesotans across the state so that other families don't endure a similar tragedy,” Swenson said. In addition to many tips (see fire safety tips above for more information), Swenson said it’s important to ensure that every family has a plan, knows where to go and how to get out of the home. Families should make the plan, talk about the plan and practice the plan. “Make the plan, practice it, sound the alarm in the middle of the night. Know how your family is going to respond, if they're going to wake up to an alarm. That practice is very important,” she said. “We know we can't change what happened to this family, but take a few seconds. Check your cords. Check your electrical devices. Make sure your smoke alarms are working (and) that your alarms are interconnected if possible, and talk to your family about escape planning and getting out of the sleeping rooms. None of these steps will take you very long, but if a fire happens, those moments could make a difference.”

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GO BEARS! SATURDAY

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 www.presspubs.com

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

CHURCH BRIEFS Pets invited for special blessing Dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, fish, reptiles, farm animals, stuffed pet toys and photos of homebound pets are invited to receive an individual blessing by a pastor at a Blessing

Christian Science Church to host discussions

of the Animals on the north lawn at St. Stephen Lutheran Church at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Pets must be leashed, crated or otherwise contained. St. Stephen is located at 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake. For more information, call 651-777-1107.

The First Church of Christ, Scientist will host a series of talks on Sundays in October. Alexandre Fischer will lead the first talk, titled, “Is Jesus' Healing Work a

Model for Today?” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. For more information, go to christiansciencewbl.com/talks or call 651-429-0512. The Christian Science Church is located at 4705 Clark Avenue, White Bear Lake.

White Bear Lake Area Church Directory Sunday Worship Join us on Sunday:

Worship: Sunday, 9am & 10:30am Wednesday, 6:30pm Daily prayer meetings and Spiritual Growth classes throughout the week. Call the church office for more information.

847494

2425 White Bear Avenue • Maplewood • 651-777-5200

Christ the Servant Lutheran Church

All Are Welcome!

3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 www.cslcvh.org / 651-429-6595

All Are Welcome!

Church of the Good Shepherd

church or check church web sites for service times and online service information.

866343

Saturday 4:00pm Sunday 9:00am Sunday soCOOL ~ for ALL ages Education Hour Sunday 10:15am

2480 South Shore Blvd | WBL | sstwbl.org

Christ the King Lutheran Church 1660 Birch Lake Ave., White Bear Lake (Just off Hwy 96 & Otter Lake Road)

9 am worship in person & online at www.ctkwbl.org.

office@ctkwbl.org | 651-429-4828

785863 764532 867046

Service times are subject to change. Contact your local

LUTHERAN CHURCH 863649

Church: 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake Parish Life Center/School: 4690 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake

Join our Community!

831310

865255

Masses: Saturday - 5:00 PM Livestream Sunday - 9:00 & 11:00 AM

1851 Birch St | WBL 55110 | wblumc.org

Sout h Shor e Tr inity

651-429-7771 Opt 1 www.stmarys-wbl.org

Address: 1660 Birch Lake Rd. (Meeting at Christ the King Lutheran Church.) Service time: 11:00 am Sunday

9am Traditions | 10am online | 10:45am New Crossings 831312

836604

Sunday 9:00 AM worship in person/on-line Adult Bible Study 8:00 AM

rlcstpaul

864690

864687

Children 5 years to 5th grade may participate in Children’s Church during worship.

5th and Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake • 651-429-3381 • www.fpcwbl.org 5th and Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake • 651-429-3381• www.fpcwbl.org

859436

redeeminglovechurch.com

10:15 am in-person Worship Livestreaming on and Live-streaming on YouTube: YouTube:FPCWBL FPCWBL

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Insured by NCUA. *APY=Annual Percentage Yield. APY current as of 7/6/26. Last changed 7/6/26. APY is determined by account balance and subject to change at any time. Minimum balance of $.01 to earn base APY; $100,000-$249,999.99 to earn highest APY. Insured by NCUA. *APY=Annual Percentage Yield. APY current as of 10/1/26. Last changed 10/1/26. APY is determined by account balance and subject to change at any time. Minimum balance of $.01 to earn base APY; Fees could reduce the balance and earnings on the account. Membership required and account opening upon qualification. To earn $100,000-$250,000 to earn highest APY. Fees could reduce the balance and earnings on the account. Membership required and account opening upon qualification. To earn the advertised APY, must be Tax Reported the advertised APY, must be Tax Reported Owner on an eligible Royal checking account with at least $500 in cumulative qualifying Owner on an eligible Royal checking account with at least $500 in cumulative qualifying direct deposits posted every 60 days. One high-yield savings account per Tax Reported Owner. If requirements are not met, a direct deposits posted every 45 days. One high-yield savings account per Tax Reported Owner. If requirements are not met, a non-qualified APY applies. Other conditions and restrictions apply. Refer to our disclosures and service fees for more information. non-qualified APY applies. Other conditions and restrictions apply. Refer to our disclosures and service fees for more information.

12 WHITE BEAR PRESS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

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CONTRIBUTED

A median value home in White Bear Township could expect to pay $1,122 in property taxes in 2027 compared to $1,049 in 2026 — a difference of $73.

White Bear Township sets levy at 9.9% increase JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

White Bear Township has passed a resolution to reduce its 2027 preliminary levy from $8.2 million to $7.3 million. The final levy represents a property tax increase of 9.9% from the 2026 final levy. Town residents had approved an initial $8.2 million levy during the annual Township Day meeting in March. In a township form of government, citizens have the direct responsibility to set the annual property tax levy, unlike cities where elected officials make the decision. That levy amount would have generated a 13% property tax increase. However, now that more accurate budget estimates and alterations were available from

township staff, the preliminary levy was adjusted downward. The township was able to decrease its estimates for law enforcement and emergency services, health insurance premiums and debt levy services, said Finance Officer Tom Kelly. Meanwhile, line items such as asset depreciation fees and a projected seal coat project will remain the same as listed for the preliminary levy. An additional challenge is that the town’s fiscal disparity revenue will decrease by 3.3% due to shifting property values. Kelly added that while total tax capacity is higher for 2027, Ramsey County has estimated that the market value on a median home will go down by 0.2%. A median value home in White Bear Township could expect to pay $1,122 in property taxes in

2027 compared to $1,049 in 2026 — a difference of $73. “If we had been able to keep taxes flat, you would have seen a property tax decrease,” Kelly said. “If everybody’s property values decrease, even if we increased at 9.9%, you wouldn’t necessarily see a 9.9% increase. Not everybody’s property values will decrease just because the median value decreased. It might still go up.” Several residents in attendance at the Sept. 21 Town Board meeting expressed criticism of the proposed 9.9% increase, concerned that township taxes — combined with the 8.25% hike recently approved by Ramsey County — would present financial difficulty to many households in the township. Town Supervisor Beth Artner encouraged

residents to also attend the county tax meetings to give their feedback. She estimated roughly that for every dollar spent on property taxes, 38 cents goes toward schools, 50 cents goes toward Ramsey County, and 12 cents goes toward the township. “You’re getting your streets plowed, you’re getting your services, all the things that you’ve got in the township: I think that’s a heck of a deal,” Artner said. “This number is still a floating number,” said Town Board Chair Ed Prudhon. “It won’t go any higher than that, but we’re hoping to pull it down some more.” White Bear Township residents will be able to vote on the final levy amount at the Dec. 7 special town budget meeting.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES 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: PayCourt 2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2780 Snelling Ave. N Roseville, MN 55113 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. Credit Collection Partners 905 W Spresser St Taylorville, IL 62568 I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath. Dated: September 17, 2026 Signed: Richard Bonitzer Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 23 and 30, 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: BOLOtag 2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 14505 21st Ave N Ste 232, Plymouth, MN 55447 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. Rich Buendorf 14910 31st Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55447 I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath. Dated: September 22, 2026 Signed: Richard Buendorf Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 30 and October 7, 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: Come Along With Me- Bee Well 2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2233 Hamline Ave N, Ste 411, Roseville, MN 55113 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. Melissae Bletsian 510 E 24th St, Apt 302, Minneapolis, MN 55404 I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: September 21, 2026 Signed: Melissae Bletsian Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 30 and October 7, 2026.

BIRCH LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

AERATION NOTICE AN AERATION SYSTEM CREATING OPEN WATER AND THIN ICE IS INSTALLED AND WILL BE OPERATED ON BIRCH LAKE IN WHITE BEAR LAKE STARTING December 1, 2026. The system is located in the south central area of Birch Lake and approximately 300 feet from shoreline. Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 23 and 30, 2026.

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that on October 14, 2026, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, the Mahtomedi Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to solicit public response to a request from Jason Pieper, on behalf of Kingdom Consulting LLC, for a minor subdivision resulting in three lots at 185 Bevins Lane. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation regarding the proposed request to the City Council for their meeting to be held on October 20, 2026, 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Those persons having an interest in said meetings are encouraged to attend. If you have questions about this notice or if you would like further information regarding the project described above, please contact Hannah Rybak, Mahtomedi City Planner, at 612-269-3684. Written comments may be submitted to City Hall, or via email at hrybak@wsbeng.com. Published one time in the White Bear Press on September 30, 2026.

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that on October 14, 2026, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, the Mahtomedi Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to solicit public response to a request from Cates Fine Homes, on behalf of Scott Peterson & Kandace Olsen, for a conditional use permit to allow three accessory structures on one lot, and variances to reduce rear and corner side yard setbacks for an accessory structure, to exceed the maximum total accessory structure square footage allowed, and to allow two driveways on the same street frontage. The purpose of the requests is to facilitate a lot combination of the properties located at 448 and 452 Park Avenue, and to allow an existing garage to be replaced. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation regarding the proposed request to the City Council for their meeting to be held on October 20, 2026, 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Those persons having an interest in said meetings are encouraged to attend. If you have questions about this notice or if you would like further information regarding the project described above, please contact Hannah Rybak, Mahtomedi City Planner, at 612-269-3684. Written comments may be submitted to City Hall, or via email at hrybak@wsbeng.com. Published one time in the White Bear Press on September 30, 2026.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

ORDINANCE NO. 35 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE #35 SECTIONS 3 AND 6-4 REGARDING DEFINITIONS FOR NATURE CENTER, AND ALLOWING THIRD-PARTY VENDORS AND SERVICES ACCESSORY TO A NATURE CENTER WITHIN O-S, OPEN SPACE DISTRICT AS A PERMITTED USE THE TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE TOWN OF WHITE BEAR ORDAINS: Section 1. Amendment to Ordinance #35 1-1. Ordinance #35, Section 3 shall be amended to include: 3-85. NATURE CENTER. A public facility or site intended to

promote environmental education, nature interpretation, wildlife observation, conservation, and related outdoor recreation or scientific research. A nature center may include, but is not limited to: a visitor or interpretive center, trails, gardens, exhibits, live animal displays, classrooms and nature preschools, camps, school group activities, and similar programming related to natural history, biology, ecology, and the environment. Accessory uses and activities may include, but are not limited to: third party vendors, food trucks, and other community events operating with the consent of the property owner and receiving the necessary Town approvals. 1-2. Ordinance #35, Section 6-4 shall be amended to the following use as a Permitted Use in the Open Space Zoning District: “Third-Party Vendors or Services Accessory to a Nature Center” Section 2. Severability. Should any section, subdivision, clause or other provision of this Ordinance be held to be invalid by any 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 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after is passage and publication. Passed by the Town Board of Supervisors of the Town of White Bear, Ramsey County, Minnesota, this 21st day of September, 2026. ED PRUDHON, TOWN BOARD CHAIR Attested: PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, TOWN CLERK Published one time in the White Bear Press on September 30, 2026.

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

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-740 CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (WITHOUT A WILL) In re the Estate of Val Peter Stupans, a/k/a Val Stupans, Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: Notice is hereby given that an Amended Application filed on September 17, 2026 for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Court. No will has been presented for probate. The Amended Application has been granted. Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: John Nicholas Stupans, 4393 Poppy Tree Lane, Jacksonville FL 32258 John Paul Hess, 4500 East Lantern Lane, Estero FL 33928 as Co-Personal Representatives of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the Co-Personal Representatives. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3607, and the court otherwise orders, the Co-Personal Representatives have full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the CoPersonal Representatives or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred. Attorney for Personal Representative Mark E Duea Attorney License No.: 27351X GDO Law 4770 White Bear Parkway White Bear Lake MN 55110 Telephone: 651-426-3249 E-Mail: markduea@gdolaw.com Laura J. Stevens, Probate Registrar Theresa Ames, Court Administrator Dated: September 22, 2026 Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 30 and October 7, 2026.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 www.presspubs.com

WHITE BEAR PRESS

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP DAY would like to thank the following Sponsors and Donors:

We also thank the following organizations for their special contributions:

WHITE BEAR LAKE CITY COUNCIL NOTES • The city has proclaimed October as Firefighter Appreciation Month. Fire Chief Greg Peterson recently visited the City Council to provide a biannual update on the department. • Ameiyavan Xeemthao, on behalf of Kings Passion Restaurant LLC, applied for on-sale and Sunday liquor licenses for Kings Passion Restaurant, located at 3959 Linden Street. Xeemthao has taken over ownership of the establishment, which was previously owned by King City LLC (d/b/a King’s City Restaurant), which held an on-sale liquor license. The council approved the licenses, which will be valid through the end of the business cycle on March 31, 2027, with an opportunity to renew. • Each year, the city offers a voluntary curb cut raingarden program for interested landowners as part of its street rehabilitation project. This year, one landowner chose to participate in the program. The city partnered with the Rice Creek Watershed District and Ramsey County Soil & Water Conservation Division to design and construct the curb cut raingarden. The city provided the curb cut, while SWCD prepared the raingarden design and bid package at no cost to the property owner. RCWD awarded a cost-share grant covering 75% of the construction cost. The property owner will pay the remaining 25%. Through a competitive bidding process, the partners selected Sandstrom Land Management to build the raingarden for $10,844. The city will pay the contractor after the project is successfully completed. RCWD awarded the city an $8,133 grant, which covers 75% of the project cost. The city will receive reimbursement after the project is completed. The property owner will pay the remaining $2,711, or 25% of the total cost, to the city before construction begins. • A revised fiber optic agreement is now in place between the city and White Bear Lake Area Schools. In 2017, the council authorized an agreement with the district to utilize two strands of its fiber

optic network, which would allow the city to eventually connect City Hall to Public Works, South Fire Station, Water Treatment Plant and Boatworks Commons. This allowed the city to upgrade its connectivity, security and phone systems at those facilities. The agreement has expired and required a review by both district and city staff. The original monthly fee charged by the district was $200 per month and it has not changed since 2017. The proposed monthly fee in the renewed agreement is $480 per month with a 3% escalator each year of the five-year contract. While the increase is notable, Assistant City Administrator Rick Juba explained that the arrangement is far more economical than if the city installed its own fiber optic network, which is why this partnership was originally developed in 2017. • The city has extended its contract for another three years with Kennedy and Graven for civil legal services. Kennedy and Graven has served as the city’s civil law firm since 2019. Dave Anderson has served as the assigned city attorney since 2024, after the retirement of Troy Gilchrist. K&G provides legal services to 81 cities in Minnesota; Anderson serves as an attorney for 10 cities. The proposed rate increases represent a 3% annual increase for each year of the three-year contract. • City Manager Lindy Crawford thanked residents and visitors for their patience as construction continues on Highway 61. Currently MnDOT and Ramsey County have projects on along the corridor and significant disruptions are anticipated for the next several weeks. “I understand the frustration, but bear with us,” she said. • Mayor Mary Nicklawske said despite a cold, rainy day, residents still showed up to the last Coffee with the Mayor event. The next one is scheduled for October in Podvin Park. The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at City Hall. Shannon Granholm

• Girl Scouts • Gooey Clouds • Gracefully Linked • Grumpy’s Mini Donuts • Henna Painting • J3D Prints • Jimmy Ray’s BBQ • Karin Rauba-Fischbach • Keo’s Shave Ice • LaZesty Vida • League of Women Voters of White Bear Lake • Leah Nicole Permanent Jewelry • Lemochi Japanese Confections • LittleBoy Kitchen • MaxStrength Fitness • MeshleWorld • Nest & Nature Gifts

• Northeast Youth & Family Services • Nothing Bundt Cakes • Oishii Dog • Outskirts Trailer • Press Publications Ramsey • Ramsey Country Sheriff ’s Department • Rockin’ Mama Refreshments • Royal Credit Union • Santana’s Sugar Shack • Sassy Soda • Smoked Embers Barbeque • The Rusty Kettle • TKDA • Trinity Automotive • VFW Post 1782 Auxiliary • Vikings Automotive • White Bear Lake Archery • Window Nation

• White Bear Lake Area Historical Society • White Bear Lake Fire Department • White Bear Lake Township and Park Board • White Bear Township Public • Yin & Yang Accessories Park Board & Event Support: • Cory Huberty • Ben Krupowicz • Patricia Lee • Michael Sachi: Vice-Chair • Curt Akenson • Tim David: Chair • Steve Ruzek: Commissioner • Larry Poppler: Advisor, Public Works Director • Beth Anderson: Event Producer 866178

www.whitebeartownship.org

• 36th Senate District RPM • All Around Fun • Allons-Y Pony Emporium • Amy Puschinsky for WBL School • AT&T • Bart’s Corn Dogs • Ben the Baker • Bill Wiegel Signs • Boy Scouts • Brew & Barre • By His Grace Permanent Jewelry • Crooked Vine Emporium • Custom Remodelers • Dearest Baker Macarons • Deep Roots • Divine Design • Eggroll Queen • Floyds Donuts & Shaved Ice

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP BOARD NOTES • White Bear Township has formally entered an election services agreement with Ramsey County following some minor formatting and language edits. The agreement begins in January 2027 and runs through December 2032. • A variance for an overheight fence was approved for the rear yard of a home on South Shore Blvd., where the elevation is challenging and neighboring fencelines warrant an exception to the 6-foot limit. A variance was also approved for a covered deck at a corner property on Fourth Street, which will be built on an existing deck footprint to avoid additional impervious surface on the site. • Questions about the operations of transient businesses such as food trucks and mobile saunas have launched some changes to the conditional use permit (CUP) held by Tamarack Nature Center, as well as a zoning text amendment. The nature center is owned and operated by the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation department. Under the new amendment, the CUP would require that Tamarack request an amendment for any expansion or modifications to the site and that temporary vendors undergo an approval process by both Ramsey County and White Bear Township. The township will require a permitted use standards application, which lasts for one year. If all goes well and no problems arise within that time, it can be renewed for a five-year period. All vendors onsite are required to have a business license or transient merchant license

issued by the township. The zoning text amendment provides a clearer definition of a “nature center,” and allows “third-party vendors or services accessory to a nature center” within the open space zoning district. • Assessment bills have arrived to homeowners on Bloom Road, Morgan Trail, Border Pine Court, Bartylla Court and Saxony Court, where road improvements are nearing completion. The final project cost is estimated to be $880,000; of that, $325,000 will be funded by assessments on adjacent property owners. The assessment rate was set at $5,000 per residential unit, and lot owners have until Oct. 21 to pay in full or have their payment rolled into their property taxes on a 10-year payoff plan with a 5% interest rate. Property owners can object to the assessment through an appeals process. Several residents verbally shared their objections with the Town Board at the Sept. 21 public hearing. Michelle Jorgensen, a resident of Bloom Road, stated she was assessed a double rate, despite the presence of only one residence on her property. “I bought it as one piece of property,” she said. “I am one person living there. I will truly have to sell and leave if I have to pay this $10,000.” Public Works Director Larry Poppler explained that this particular property has had additional utility connections installed the case the property is ever subdivided. “You have the proper frontage and area to be assessed two units,” Poppler said. Board Chair Prudhon added that after extensive review, the township determined

that a flat rate by unit is the fairest division of assessment costs among residents. Poppler estimated that the road project will be fully complete by mid-tolate October, with follow-up evaluation expected after the spring thaw.

“I am one person living there. I will truly have to sell and leave if I have to pay this $10,000.” Michelle Jorgensen Resident • A troublesome water main along Bald Eagle Boulevard may be slated for replacement next summer. The Town Board moved to retain WSB & Associates to complete a feasibility study in an amount not to exceed $70,022. The existing pipe has broken at least 14 times in the last 10 years, and corrosive soil conditions are suspected as a potential cause. Full replacement is expected to save the township an estimated $13,000 a year. • Several town commission seats remain open, including two openings on the Economic Development Advisory Board, and one each on the Planning Commission and Utility Commission. “We rely pretty heavily on these commissions to dive deep into it and give us recommendations, which we value quite a bit,” said Prudhon. The White Bear Town Board next meets at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road. Jackie Bussjaeger

COMMUNITY BRIEF East Metro Water Education Program hosts well water screening clinic The East Metro Water Education Program will host a well water screening clinic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park, located at 7032 137th St. N in Hugo. During the clinic, participants can bring in water from their homes to be tested for nitrate and chloride

(salt). You can wait for your results or request them via email. Experts will also be on hand to discuss wellhead protection and groundwater concerns, including arsenic, bacteria, pesticides, and Perfluorinated Alkylated Substances (PFAS). This clinic is free and open to everyone, regardless of what city, county or state you live in. To learn more about the water screening clinic and pre-register, visit: mnwcd.org/ events.

14 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

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SP TTED AROUND TOWN

1. Participants in this year’s Lake Links Association Bike Ride Around White Bear Lake enjoyed learning about local history at three stops along the way with presentations by Rotary Club of White Bear Lake members in collaboration with the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society. See more at lake links.net. — Mary Hoff, Contributed 2. Currently MnDOT and Ramsey County have projects along the Highway 61 corridor and significant disruptions are anticipated to continue for the next several weeks. — Contributed 3. The dog days of summer were apparent at a recent gathering at the Bengtson home in Dellwood, as six dogs of various sizes and breeds were in attendance. Gus, a yellow Lab pictured in front, also celebrated his birthday and was worn out from the activities. — Contributed 4. The White Bear Lake Rotary hosted its annual Taste of White Bear Lake event featuring local restaurants, specialty shops, breweries and distilleries. — John Jacobson, contributed Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to whitebearnews@presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo.

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MAHTOMEDI & WILLERNIE Local school psychologist releases chiller, ‘A Thin Place’

Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your day job? A. Originally from Roseville, I currently live in Stillwater. My better half and I reside in a 150-yearold farmhouse with our cats and dog. The horse, fortunately, lives off-site. Currently, I’m a school psychologist in the Stillwater School District, but I’ve also worked in Mahtomedi and Wisconsin. In college, I studied psychology, philosophy and music before continuing on to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Beyond the thrilling world of work, I’m an avid reader (mostly of whodunits), a chaotic board gamer, and I play trumpet in my community band. Environmental volunteerism is important to me as well, and I currently have the honor of serving on the board of the Pollinator Friendly Alliance, a great local organization. Q. Broadly, what is ‘A Thin Place’ about? A. “A Thin Place” follows Morgan, a teenager who finds an odd blue door in the basement of her new home. She whimsically thinks it might bring her good luck as she navigates the adjustment to smalltown life in northern Minnesota. As she grows older, she begins to experience shifting forests, shadowy figures watching her, and a knocking in the night that grows ever more insistent. It’s a slowburn, slice-of-life horror story exploring themes of family and belonging. Q. What inspired you to write ‘A Thin Place’? A. As a kid, I really wanted to be a writer. I’d

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mostly forgotten about that ambition when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Like many folks, I found myself cooped up with too much time on my hands and figured I should give writing another shot. I made sure to tell a few specific people because then I’d be committed and would have to finish what I started, or quite possibly die of shame. I have an PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED October birthday, “A Thin Place” is published by Dead so I have always Fox Publishing. had a love of horror and Halloween. It felt natural for my first story to be spooky. Q. Did your job as a school psychologist inspire you in any aspect of this work? A. I’m sure there’s a really good joke about working as a school psychologist and writing a horror story, but fortunately, the answer is no. While I’m fortunate enough to work at an amazing school with an incredible team of superb humans, I keep my work out of my writing. Q. This book is rooted in small-town, central Minnesota. What spurred you to set the story there? A. My wife and I visit that area of the state consistently and love the amazing, natural beauty of northern Minnesota, especially the North Shore. Oddly enough, we enjoy visiting in the quieter winter months. Morgan’s new town of Wolf Creek isn’t based on anywhere specific, but there are some references to Minnesota history, with Morgan’s reality at times shifting to the old-growth pine forests of Minnesota before the logging industry mostly wiped them out. Q. How long was the process from idea to publication? A. This story took me a long time to complete, especially considering that it is just a novella. I originally started writing this in June 2020, with lots of restarts and rewrites. I didn’t feel it was ready to query until August 2022. Six years from when I originally started writing it, we’re at publication. I will say, part of this was because I just sat down and started writing, which often led me to getting stuck or running out of ideas. Several times, I scratched a draft and started over entirely. For the project that came after this, I made sure to write a very detailed outline with each beat of the plot and each character carefully constructed, which made the process significantly faster.

Q. What was the most difficult scene, sequence or character to get right? A. The relationship between Morgan and her stepmother, Lynn: I wanted the interactions between these two characters to feel genuine. In many ways, Lynn is the second-most important character in the story, essentially helping Morgan grow up. Q. Are novellas more difficult to publish than novels? If so, how did you stay the course? A. Sometimes I feel like I barely know anything about writing, let alone publishing. What I’ve come to learn is that getting a novella published can be quite a challenge. While I understand the reasoning behind this, I do quite enjoy novellas myself across multiple genres; it pleases me to no end when I spot a novella for sale in my local bookshop. I went into this expecting quite a bit of rejection. I made sure to query publishers who had a history of publishing novellas. I am grateful that Dead Fox Publishing is physically printing “A Thin Place,” because this can be a rarity. Q. Do you have any advice for first-time writers looking to publish their books? A. What works for me might not work for another. One thing I have learned, to borrow from a famous pirate captain, is that the rules of writing are more like guidelines than actual rules. I was fortunate to get feedback on this story from a wide variety of people long before it was fit for public eyeballs. Being open to critique helped improve “A Thin Place,” and sometimes, I chose to ignore a recommendation — that’s okay, too. In general, I have found that the more perspective I get on a story, the better the final version becomes. Focus on making your story the best version of itself possible and then be willing to work on it even more. Q. Where can readers find your book? A. At this time, you can get it directly from my publisher, Dead Fox Publishing. You’ll also save a bit that way too. It’s also available via Amazon, Barnes and Noble and a plethora of other online retailers. It is also available at Valley Bookseller in downtown Stillwater. Q. You’re working on another novel. Can you give any details on its status? A. I recently signed a contract with the Crimson imprint of The Wild Rose Press for my debut mystery novel, “Never Too Old.” We’ve only just started. I can share that it’s a whodunit featuring a remote manor on the North Shore, a classic Minnesota blizzard stranding everyone, and a dying detective with nothing to lose. I’ll be sharing more as I go through editing the work on my Instagram, @carson.mcevoy.writes. “A Thin Place” is available for preorder at Dead Fox Publishing, at deadfoxpub.com/products/athin-place, as well as at Valley Bookseller, 217 N. Main St., Stillwater.

Q. Did the novella undergo any core changes during editing? A. Yes, and this process really strengthened the entire novella. The amazing editing team at Dead Fox Publishing did an outstanding job guiding me here. We ended up restructuring the story

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and fleshing out relationships Morgan had with other characters, especially with her stepmother. Ultimately, this became the heart of the story. Of course, adding to the overall length also meant the addition of more spooky stuff.

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Alfred Hitchcock once said, “I find there is nothing more scary than a closed door.” Author Carson McEvoy, however, posits that an open one is worse in his horror novella “A Thin Place.” The story follows Morgan, a girl whose family moves to a small town in northern Minnesota. At her new home, Morgan discovers a basement door that seemingly leads nowhere. As a morning ritual, she knocks on it for good luck. Years later, something starts knocking back on the other side. McEvoy, a psychologist for the Stillwater School District and, formerly, the Mahtomedi School District, recently spoke with Press about the novella’s journey from inspiration to publication as well as the number of figurative Carson McEvoy doors on which he had to knock along the way.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 www.presspubs.com

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS (CONTINUED)

OBITUARIES

Chisago City man sentenced for Mahtomedi assault

Marian Mabel Bemis Johnson

Robert Emmet Hughes

Age 95, died peacefully at her home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on September 13, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born on November 24, 1930, in Faribault, Minnesota. Marian raised her family with her husband, Arthur, on the shores of White Bear Lake, a place that closely matched many of the things she loved most. Family remained central in her life. She loved her husband and family deeply. Marian Mabel Bemis Johnson will be remembered as an educator, coach, researcher, author, and advocate whose life joined intellectual curiosity, and athletic commitment. A Memorial Gathering will be held on October 17, 2026, from 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM at Kathryn Abbott Park, 1000 Lincolntown Ave., Mahtomedi MN. Food and Beverages will be served.

73, passed away September 17th, 2026, peacefully at home with his wife and children at his side. Bob was born on September 4th, 1953, to Emmet and Dorothy Hughes, who preceded him in death as did his in-laws, George and Ann Halverson; his brother, Thomas Hughes; sisterin-law, Tami Sass; and brother-in-law, Clifford Sass. Bob and Jodie married in White Bear Lake on June 30th, 1984. Together with their three children, they built a life filled with love and laughter. Founder of RE Hughes Construction, Bob built custom homes in and around the metro area. He believed in working hard, doing your best, and the importance of attention to detail. He valued family above all else and is survived by his wife, Jodie; children Jacob and Clarice Hughes, Patrick and Allison Hughes, Molly Hughes and Ben Nelson; four adored grandchildren: Landon, Wesley, Elliana, and Emmet. Sister Kathy Sandberg, Nalani McCutcheon; brother Chuck Hughes and wife Joni; sister-in-law Jody Hughes; Joel and Michele Richardson; Jeff and Karen Miller; Dave and Shannon Wohlberg; and many much-loved nieces and nephews. Bob enjoyed riding his Harley, listening to music, planning family vacations, and Jordan tennis shoes. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held Saturday, October 3rd from 2:00–6:00 p.m. at Kellerman’s Event Center, 2222 4th St., White Bear Lake. A service will be held at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, favorite charities are St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Jack’s Basket.

NAMES IN THE NEWS Fr. Ralph Talbot was recently appointed as the 13th pastor and rector of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis. Fr. Talbot previously served as pastor of St. Jude of the Lake Church in Mahtomedi and St. Mary of the Lake Church in White Bear Lake. Burr Vineyards, a small winery near Brandon, Minnesota, owned by Katie Ledermann and her husband, Peter Kvale, recently won the 2026 Minnesota Governor's Cup with its 2024 Petite Pearl for the best overall Minnesota wine at the International Cold Climate Wine Competition. Ledermann, formerly of Mahtomedi, purchased the winery from her grandfather in 2024. Robbie Roozen, a former resident of White Bear Lake who now lives in Stillwater, coauthored and illustrated three children's books that were recently named finalists in the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the largest international awards program for independent authors.

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Ronald Carl Larsen Passed away on September 23 at his home at the age of 87. He was a resident of StoryPoint of White Bear Lake. Born June 27, 1939, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was the loving son of Ole and Lenore (Pomierski) Larsen. Ron worked for Northern States Power Company for 38 years, where he retired as a Lead Station Electrician. Ron loved to spend time at his cabin. He and his wife, Sandy, had spent many summers at their lake home enjoying retirement. He loved to tell stories about wildlife encounters at the lake. He loved to fish, have campfires, and find inventive ways problem solve and fix things. Ron was strong, extremely generous, and very kind. He will be missed. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Sandra Jean (Otte) Larsen. Survived by his children Wendy (Jim) Uzarek, Heide (Jim) Reilly, and Lori (Andrew) Braum. Grandchildren Kathleen, James, Owen and Joe. Sister Karen (Dick) Gillitzer and brother Robert (Bonnie) Larsen. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Howard E. Markie Age 96 of Willernie. Passed away on September 22, 2026. Memorial Service 12pm Thurs. Oct. 1, 2026 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, with visitation starting at 11am. Interment Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Mueller Memorial, 651-429-4944 www.muellermemorial.com

Esther Ann Price Age 92, of White Bear Lake, MN passed away peacefully Sept. 17, 2026, from Alzheimer’s. Born June 10, 1934, in Rochester, MN to Edwin and Amanda Roth. On Oct. 29, 1955, she married the love of her life, Roger Price. They moved to White Bear Lake in 1965, where together they raised a family in a home filled with love, faith, and laughter. Esther and Roger spent many summers at their property near Mille Lacs Lake where she enjoyed the camping life. Esther will be remembered for being a dedicated homemaker, her silly antics, creative lunchbox notes, and her ability to always find four leaf clovers. Esther is survived by her children, Kathleen Markie (Duane), Laurel Walden (David), and Nancy Hammersness (Mark); her six grandchildren, Matthew, Derek, Jeff, Lauren, Brandon, and Ryan; and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Roger, parents, and five siblings. A private family service is to be held at a later date with internment at Fort Snelling Cemetery.

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Phillip William Davids, 62, of Chisago City has been convicted of aiding and abetting with a dangerous weapon firearm and first-degree aggravated robbery for his role in an assault that occurred in Washington County. According to court documents, at approximately 2:16 a.m. Dec. 10, 2023, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 700 block of Griffin Court in Mahtomedi on a report of an assault. According to the initial 911 call, three suspects had fled the location of the assault in a red pickup truck. The male victim told deputies that earlier that day, he had returned to the address in Mahtomedi from the casino with approximately $38,000 in cash. Upon exiting his motor vehicle, he said he observed a red pickup truck pull up to his residence. Two male occupants exited the motor vehicle, physically assaulted him, took the cash from him, and left in the red pickup truck. He stated that two adult female family members had come out of his residence while he was being assaulted, and two of the suspects threatened to kill them. The suspects were later identified as Deangelo Romaine Jacox, Shawn Eric Lewis Jr. and Tristin Tyler Jacox-Mann. During subsequent investigation, the victim told officers that he had encountered Davids, an individual that he was familiar with from his prior gambling experience. He explained that he and his significant other had been to the casino three times in the recent weeks, and he had encountered Davids each of the prior three times. He advised that on the night of Dec. 9, he had gone into the bathroom to attempt to lose Davids; however, he followed him into the bathroom. The victim stated that Davids asked him if his wife was present and then exited the bathroom after the conversation. The victim then witnessed Davids make a phone call and later saw him attempting to catch up to him as he was leaving the casino. Davids was sentenced to 20 months in prison, and he will have to pay $137 in court fees.

18 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

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Bathrooms by • Design • Bath Repair • Remodeling • Tub Surrounds • Free Estimates

Household Waste Construction Debris Appliances Furniture

HUGE SAVINGS! Lic. #20060261

651-257-4706

www.youngcastlebathrooms.com

CABINETRY

Schneider Custom Woodworks

CUSTOM WOODWORKS

Commercial & Residential

Custom CABINETRY! • Cabinet resurfacing and refacing • Custom exterior work • Deck refacing

Free Estimates & Callbacks within 24 hours

651-213-6638

schneidercustomwoodwork.com

CONCRETE

Wohlwend

Concrete & Masonry

Reliable Contractor Since 1985 Reasonable prices

C & J SERVICES Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning Air Duct & Dryer Cleaning Family Owned & Operated Since 1999 Residential & Commercial 763-732-9668 Email info@cjservices.biz www.cjservices2LLC.com

POHL HARDWOOD FLOOR RESTORATION,LLC

LORENZ DRYWALL

• CHANGING CEILINGS OVER TO KNOCK DOWNS • TAPING • SPRAYING • ADDITIONS • LIGHT PLASTER PATCHING • BASEMENTS • GARAGES

DECKS

NEED A NEW FLOOR MAKE AN OLD FLOOR LOOK NEW

•Sand and refinish •Installation •Small jobs •Big jobs •Repairs

Call PATRICK @ 651-983-9775 for your FREE ESTIMATE

pohlhardwoodfloors@gmail.com

CALL US FOR SPECIALS!

651-746-4582

Bonded Insured | Lic #BC638094

Professional - Prompt Guaranteed Results

651-699-3504

www.RTDservices.com

Outdoor Maintenance Specializing in FALL CLEAN UP SNOW REMOVAL since 1988 For free estimates, call Jim or Ron

651-226-5779

JUNK

Big Junk Removal 612-810-2424 All Debris Walls, Fences, Pool Removal, Sheds, Garages, Concrete, Cars, Tree Debris, Storm Clean-up

Call And Let Us Know What You Have

PAINTING Free ate Estim Pro

Ron Skibsted, R.S. Construction

651-271-5000

BOB’S HANDY WORK • Tree removal & trimming • Repair Carpentry

Painting

Pro

Please Call Richard

612-394-8978

LANDSCAPING

Cedar Specialists & Best Painting

Ehman Landscaping Specializing in: • Sodding •Seeding •Grading

Landscape Renovation Specialist Mulch, Black Dirt, Gravel, Boulders Bobcat, Grading & Excavation

Letourneaulandscaping.com

651-426-0410

We’ll bring your cedar back to life!

Family owned since 1967 Staining, Painting, Cleaning, Stucco Painting, Repairs and Restoration, Siding, trim, shakes, fences, decks, pergolas, gazebos

Residential and Commercial Call now for summer 2026 interior & exterior pricing!

Call or email Brian

651-238-1850 brian@cedarspec-bestpaint.com

PLUMBING

• Drain Cleaning • Hot Water Heating • Hot Water Heaters & Disposal • Well Pump Service • New Construction • Remodeling

Tom Thill 651-433-4866 Lic. #005402

HANDYMAN

Licensed Bonded Insured

35 yrs

• Professional, Residential House Painting • Interior & Exterior • Kind, Respectful Service

“Where Every Surface Finds its Shine.”

• Concrete Coatings • Flake Epoxy • Metallic Epoxy • Interior Painting • Exterior Painting (651) 363-1854 twinstarcoatings@gmail.com

ng Colors xperience Livi

Division of R.C. Const since 1975 Family Owned (Lic. & Insured)

Call Ron 612-720-1893

DECK RESTORATION

Deck Cleaning & Staining

Furnace & A/C Installations and Service Licensed, Bonded & Insured 651.426.4233 cphvac.net

FREE ESTIMATES RonEhman@outlook.com

License #BC002674

northlandlandscape.com

Residential and Commercial

•Sod Repair • Sod Removal

FREE Estimates! Specializing in • Handyman • Remodeling • Drywall Repair• Bathrooms • Kitchens Be ready to enjoy your deck this spring! Let us build your deck now We build decks all winter long!

R.P.M. LAWN SERVICE

HARDWOOD FLOOR SPECIALIST

DRYWALL

Small Job Specialist

651.653.9920 / 612.816.8544

FLOORING

swohlwend@myctl.net

Kerry 651-653-9021 (Cell) 651-271-4221

45 years experience Basement Finish/Remodel Exterior & Interior Painting Doors/Windows/Siding Ceiling Textures/Roofs Kitchen Remodels/Counter Tops Decks/Landscaping Odd Jobs Bathrooms

651-383-5123

651-426-2610

No job too small!

CARPENTRY

• Repair• Repair Circuits •Circuits Recepts Added • Remodels • Panels Replaced • Recepts Added • Ceiling Fans • Ceiling Fans • Master Electrician FloydEMERGENCY DeHate, Master Electrician SERVICE 651-346-8185 EMERGENCY SERVICE

LANDSCAPING

ROOFING/SIDING • Roofing • Siding • Roofi • Siding • Roofing ng ••Siding Siding •Roofing • Deck Repair • Deck Repair • Deck Repair •Soffit •Fascia • Insurance Experts • Insurance Experts Insurance Experts •Quality work •• Digital Inspections • Digital Inspections • Digital Inspections •Affordable Prices

lluuee B e u B Tr ue TrBUILDERS BUILDERS BUILDERS

Free Safe Estimates!

FreeEstimates! Safe FastEstimates! Free

10% off all Spring Jobs MN LIC.#BC665536 Call, or Email 10% off all Jobs 10% offText all Spring Spring Jobs MN MN LIC.#BC665536 LIC.#BC665536 763-208-8862 www.truebluebuilders.org 763-208-8862 763-208-8862 www.truebluebuilders.org www.truebluebuilders.org

REMODELING Veteran-Ret. USN

952-843-8742 bfarah693@gmail.com

BATHROOMS ~ KITCHENS

WE DO EVERYTHING!

BASEMENTS ~ TILES

Leaky Roof?

ALL REMODELING

Leaky Roof? Roofing • Siding

Windows • Doors • Gutters • Decks Painting •STOP Repairs HERE” “THE LEAKS

And MORE! 763-742-7500 “THE LEAKS STOP HERE” bettersol.com

bettersol.com 763-742-7500 bettersol.com

763-742-7500

Full Service Contractor over 40 years MN Lic. BC639211 Fullexperience Service Contractor

over 40 years experience MN Lic. BC639211

Twin Cities Premier Home Improvement Company

651-238-6751 • NorconHomes.com Locally Owned Since 1994 | Insured / Lic #BC105943

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 www.presspubs.com

TREE SERVICE

RESTORATION

REMODELING

Custom Decks/Footing Repair Screen Rooms/Additions Garages/Roofing/Siding Aluminum/Glass/Cable Railings All Repairs Call Us for WINTER SPECIALS

Tree Removal Tree Removal Tree Trimming Tree Trimming Quality Work • Reasonable Rates

Snow Plowing Certified Arborist

651-426-8660

ROOFING/SIDING

651-746-4582

FREE ESTIMATE

www.northlandlandscape.com

Fast, Dependable, Insured

Bonded Insured • Lic #BC638094

“Your Local Exterior Specialists”

WM Hayes ConstruCtion, LLC

Residential - Hardie Plank

Primeau’s Tree Service

Roofing s Siding s Windows Gutters s Fascia & Soffit

Bathrooms • Kitchens • Basements Remodeling • Water Intrusion Repair

RoofingMinn.com

651-407-1987

Tree & Shrub Trimming/Removal

MN Lic.# BC223025

Locally owned since 1972

46 years of experience

651-429-2682

Family owned Certified Arborist onsite!

MN License #BC002810

651-773-5643

Aboveboard Roofing and Siding Inc.

Quality Home Building and Remodeling

TIME TO REMODEL? Kitchen / Bathroom Basement / Deck Check out our Models for design ideas. *Financing options available* SHERCO CONSTRUCTION

651-888-4138 License # BC627690

Roofing, siding, gutters, soffit and fascia We also do repairs Free estimates In business since 2004 651-238-0601 Licensed bonded insured #BC476481

Cameron TreeCameron Service Tree Service

• Affordable Trimming & Removal • Storm Damage & Large Tree Removal • Stump Grinding • Rooftop & Vent Tree clearing • Affordable • Family Trimming Owned & Operated & Removal • Driveway & Sidewalks • 26 years of experience • FREE ESTIMATES • Family owned • Small parking areas Senior &CHIPS Veteran Discounts • FREE •WOOD

No Job too Small Snow No Removal Tree too Tall Licensed & Insured • Senior / Vet (651) discount 775-8602 CameronTree & Snow Removal • Licensed / Insured• Senior/Veteran discount Lic/Ins • Free Estimates

• Kitchens • Remodels • Bathrooms • Basements

SUMMER PROMO

• PVC & Composite Decks • 3 & 4 Season Porches Mention this ad to receive promotion

651-653-0190

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cartercustomconstruction.com MN Lic #BC632066

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APPLEWOOD BUILDERS

helping you Love your home! applewoodremodelers.com

STUMP REMOVAL GRINDING



Fast, dependable, Fast, dependable,insured insured

FREE ESTIMATES

651-426-8660

-- 

Major Credit Cards Accepted budgettreeservice@outlook.com

 -  

www.RealWaterproofing.com

TREE SERVICE

A Cut Above Tree Service

Licensed Insured Licensed Insured Free Free Estimates Estimates Tree Removal Tree Removal and Trimming Tree Trimming Emergency Storm Damage Emergency Damage StumpStorm Grinding Senior and Military Discounts Local Family Owned Business Local Family Owned Business www.facebook.com/acutabovetreecareservice www.acutabovetreecareservice.com www.acutabovetreeservice.com

Licensed/Insured • Free Estimates

Call Today! 763-785-1629

651-334-9063

Deadline for Classified Line and display ads Thursday 4pm | 651-407-1250 | classified@presspubs.com

Pet Services

Free Estimates and Fully insured License # BC809283

“WE Treat Your Project Like It’s Our Own Home” Decades of Residential Experience excaliburbuilders.net excaliburbuilder@gmail.com

Novena to St Jude May the sacred heart of Jesus be adored glorified loved and preserved now and forever Sacred heart of Jesus pray for us St Jude hope for the hopeless pray for us St Jude worker of miracles pray for us Say 9 times a day for 9 days

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Help Wanted Rudy's Redeye Grill is HIRING a Front Desk Agent 7a-3p & 3p-11p Part-Time Please call 651-272-3783 and ask for Jacqlyn or send resumes to

JSchoen@ whitebearcountryinn.com

Basements ♦ Foundations ♦ Garages

Lic. #BC-516217

612-300-4990

Thank You



DAY SAME BACK YARDS SERVICE SERVICE NO PROBLEM!

GENE’S TREE SERVICE & STUMP GRINDING

Building, Remodeling, and Exteriors… Specializing in Bathrooms, Kitchens, Basements, Garages, and much more!



MNLic#BC003215

Room Additions • Kitchens Basements • Decks All Remodeling For more info visit KOlsonconstruct.com

Press Publications suggests that you be aware of advertisers requesting payment for shipping merchandise. Confirm and verify all contact resources prior to sending any money. Take caution when responding to text messages that are not local numbers.

WATERPROOFING

Same Service Free Day Estimates

Since 1989

Personal Touch Pet Grooming “When Quality and Service Matter”

763 784-4833 TDD 784-0662 Dial 711 for Relay Assistance Deb Molin Certified Master Groomer 200 Marian Ct., Circle Pines, MN 55014

CLASSIFIEDS

(651) 775-8602

STUMP GRINDING

612.670.7004

612-868-6837

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

Rudy's Redeye Grill is looking for a broiler cook for nights & weekends. Must have one year of experience. Please call 651-272-3783 and ask for Jacqlyn or send resumes to

JSchoen@ whitebearcountryinn.com

PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A CLASSIFIEDS DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE

150

Help Wanted

PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A

PART-TIME COPY EDITOR/ WRITER Press Publications in White Bear Lake is seeking a detail-oriented copy editor/writer with strong grammar, proof reading, editing and writing skills. Must be knowledgeable and familiar with AP style and able to produce clean, accurate, engaging copy on deadline. Part-time, flexible hours. In office Mondays and Fridays, remote other days. Pay range $16 - $19. Send resume to whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

PART-TIME COPY EDITOR/WRITER WANTED: SEEKING A DETAIL-ORIENTED COPY EDITOR/WRITER WITH STRONG GRAMMER, PROOFREADING AND WRITING SKILLLS. MUST BE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND FAMILLER WITH AP STYLE AND ABLE TO PRODUCE CLEAN, ACCURATE, ENGAGING COPY ON DEADLINE. JOURNALISM OR NEWSROOM EXPERIENCE PREFERRED. PARTTIME, FLEXIBLE HOURS. IN OFFICE MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS, REMOTE OTHER DAYS. SEND RESUME TO MARKETING@PRESSPUBS.COM Rudy's Red Eye Grill is Hiring a Front Desk Agent 7a-3p & 3p-11p Part-Time. Please call 651/272-3783 and ask for Jacqlyn or send resumes to Jschoen@whitebearcountryinn.com Rudy's Redeye Grill is looking for a broiler cook for nights and weekends. Must have one year of experience. Please call 651/272*3783 and ask for Jacqlyn or send resumes to JSchoen@whitebearcountryinn.com Need Help dwnsz/org Paperwork $20+ Hr 651/483*6461

Looking for a person who is not afraid of the telephone. If you are friendly by nature and have no problem talking to people, I am looking for someone to work in our classified department. Must have basic computer skills and likes to work in a friendly atmosphere. Please call Press Publications at 651-407-1213

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300

For Sale Crank Adjustable 40 ft roll in dock. $300.00 On White Bear Lake 612/802*1562

362

Miscellaneous GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free install, free HDDVR upgrade, 80,000 on-demand movies, plus limited time up to $600 In gift cards. Call today! 855/*562*4309

362

Miscellaneous NO MORE CLEANING OUT GUTTERS Guaranteed! LeafFilter is backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 888/755*5761 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Plus, Military & Seniors get an additional 10% off. Limited time only. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details. REPAIRING OR REPLACING APPLIANCES and home systems like heating and cooling can be costly. A home warranty plan can help. Start saving and get 30% off any plan today. Workmanship Guarantee included. Terms apply. Call Cinch Home Services 855/887*4521 SAFE STEP NORTH America s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 833/*966*3882

DON¡ÇT LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 866/852*5506

366

Guns WANTED: Pistols, rifles, shotguns,gunparts. Any condition. Will pay cash. As a Federal Firearms Licensee, firarms will be legally transferred out of your name. Appraisals available. Nick 651/755*3096

369

Want to Buy GOOD DIGITAL CAMERA For Capturing News For White Bear Press 5 yrs old or newer Best Offer Call Patty 651/407*1200 WANTED: ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES Running or not. Titled or not. Will pick up. Cash in exchange. Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612/*720*2142 WE BUY HOUSES for cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 844/*978*0683 We Buy Vinyl Records Lps, 45s, Stereo Equip We make house calls by appointment. White Bear Lake Records 4775 Banning Ave,WBL wblrecords.com 651/224-4947

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Garage Sales Upscale Multi Sales 18 & 28 Forest Trail Mahtomedi Thur 10/1 & Fri 10/02 9a-4p Better womens clothing nicer HH items Quality Furn,Seasonal Decore & Collectables and much much more! Vadnais Heights Thurs 10/1- Sat 10/3 830am -5pm 3790 Edgerton Ave Tools, two table saws, Compressor, Toro Lawnmower, kitchen appliances, propane heater, two routers, Sawzall, window Acs, trolling motor, & more

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

20 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

www.presspubs.com

BUSINESS BRIEFS Lindsay Koch, director of marketing and stores. “As a Minnesota-based brand, continuing to make Waggle more accessible to customers across the Twin Cities is important to us. This location gives us an opportunity to better serve our customers on the east side of the metro and give them another way to experience Waggle in person.” The White Bear Lake store will be located at 4766 Banning Avenue. Additional details about the store opening and grand opening celebration will be announced closer to opening. For more on Waggle, visit getyourwaggleon.com/pages/stores.

Holiday stores transition to Waggle announces new reCircle K tail store in downtown White Three Holiday convenience stores Bear Lake in Lino Lakes and White Bear

CONTRIBUTED

Waggle, a nationwide apparel brand, recently announced the upcoming opening of its latest retail location in the heart of downtown White Bear Lake. Opening this fall, the new store will give consumers convenient access to Waggle’s newest releases and best-selling designs. Joining existing Minnesota stores in Maple Grove and Blaine, White Bear Lake will mark Waggle’s third retail location in the state and is one of two new Minnesota stores opening this fall. An additional location at 50th & France in Minneapolis is also planned to open later this year. With a growing assortment that includes hats, polos, outerwear and accessories in men’s, women’s and youth styles, Waggle offers a wide variety of high-quality apparel to outfit the entire family. “We’re excited to bring Waggle to downtown White Bear Lake and become part of a community that has such a strong local identity,” said

Township are scheduled to transition to the Circle K brand as part of the company’s ongoing rebranding of Holiday locations in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. The White Bear Township store at 5970 N. Hwy 61 is expected to complete the transition in late September. The two Lino Lakes locations, at 7090 21st Ave. N. and 7509 Lake Drive, will be rebranded in the coming months. The stores will remain open during the transition. Changes will include new exterior signs, fuel canopies, interior graphics and other Circle K branding. Alimentation Couche-Tard, Circle K’s parent company, acquired Holiday in 2017 and has continued operating the Holiday brand in Minnesota and surrounding states. “We are excited to introduce the Circle K brand to the residents of Lino Lakes and White Bear Lake while building on the strong foundation Holiday locations have established in the community,” said Joannie

Almjeld, vice president of operations for Circle K’s Northern Tier Business Unit. For customers, the change also means the end of the Holiday Rewards program and the introduction of Circle K’s Inner Circle rewards program. Existing fuel discount programs with Cub, Coborn’s, Luther Automotive, Menards and other participating partners will remain active. Circle K said fully registered Inner Circle members will receive a 5-centper-gallon discount on qualifying fuel purchases through Oct. 31. The company’s rewards program also offers fuel savings based on qualifying purchases. Some Circle K products and branding are already appearing inside the stores, including the Guy Fieri Flavortown Menu, Polar Pops and Grab-and-Go Fresh Cases. The rebranding is part of CoucheTard’s effort to bring its convenience stores under the Circle K name. More information about Circle K and its Inner Circle program is available at circlek.com and through the Circle K app.

$98.42 million issued for Citadel Housing The Public Finance Authority has issued $98.42 million in senior living revenue bonds for Citadel Housing Inc., a Georgia nonprofit, to finance the acquisition of five existing senior assisted living facilities located in Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania. In Minnesota, bond proceeds will finance the acquisition of New Perspective in Mahtomedi. “Seniors and their families deserve access to quality assisted living close to home, no matter which state they call home,” said Bill Kacvinsky, PFA board chair. “This financing allows

Citadel to acquire and continue operating five communities that are already serving that need, and that kind of multistate impact is exactly what PFA was built to support.”

The Carlson Clinic expands with new staff Dr. Shane Kenning is the newest chiropractor to join the team at The Carlson Clinic. Dr. Kenning grew up in Toronto, Ontario, and has lived in the Bay Area in California. He graduated summa cum laude and with clinic honors from Life Chiropractic College West in 2019. He believes in a holistic approach to treatment and specializes in optimizing function and motion within the spine. Other staff additions include Reese Adams, massage therapist, and Jessia Glahn, acupuncturist. The Carlson Clinic is located at 2130 Second Street, White Bear Lake.

New senior living community opens in Mahtomedi The Lakes of Mahtomedi will celebrate its grand opening from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. Prospective residents, community members and neighbors are invited to tour the new 39-unit community for adults 55+, constructed on the site of the former Lakeside Club at 10 Old Wildwood Road. Event guests will have an opportunity to tour the facility, including the apartments, community spaces, fitness room and golf simulator. For more information about the facility or the grand opening, call 651-571-3333 or visit thelakesofmahtomedi.com.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 www.presspubs.com

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

Vineyards & Breweries TRAVEL AWARD WINNING BEER BREWED RIGHT HERE!

856105

7 Vines Vineyard

“A premier destination for all good things”

866911

* Two Silos (reservations online)

856100

Take Comfort. Drink Well. We invite you to try our award winning wines along with our wine slushies, hard cider, craft beer and our scratch-made food menu.

rusticroots.wine

651.433.3311 • 20168 St. Croix Trail N

Join us for live music every Sunday afternoon from 3 - 6pm

856102

OPEN WED-SUN

Vineyard Tour & Tasting 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery VIP Vine to Bottle Tasting Tour* 12:00–1:30 PM Two Silo Winery Travel doesn’t always mean packing a bag and Oktoberfest Live Polka Music 1:00–4:00 PM Dancing Dragonfly making flight reservations. The perfect day trip VIP Pappouli’s Wine Tasting Experience* 2:00–3:30 PM Two Silo Winery The perfect trip. awaits throughout the day greater Twin Cities area Live Music: Two Peace Suite 6:00–9:00 PM Big Wood Brewery and beyond. Escape the everyday with a relaxing Vineyard Tour & Tasting 12:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery drive along winding roads, explore small town Travel doesn’t always mean packingDancing a bag and Dragonfly Acoustic Sunday 1:00–4:00 PM charm and point yourself away from your oft vismaking flight reservations. The perfect day trip Live Music: Gary LaRue 2:00–5:00 PM 7 Vines ited throughout locales. Take day tour offCities the traditional theagreater Twin area Live Music in the Vines: Roger Allenawaits 2:00–5:00 PM Two Silo Winery beaten path to discover natural beautiful and beyond. Escape the everyday withvistas, a relaxing Live Music: Riverside Unplugged 3:00–6:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery venues and welcoming for your drive along winding roads,people—prepared explore small town Trivia with Ryan 6:30–8:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery visit and in the most hospitable way. charm point yourself away from your oft visLive Music: Tim Cheesebrow 5:00–8:00 PM 7 Vines ited locales. Take a day tour off the traditional Dueling Pianos 6:00–9:00 PM natural vistas, Rustic Roots Winery beaten path to discover beautiful Spyce Pilates 6:30–8:30 PM people—prepared for your 7 Vines venues and welcoming Trivia Night 6:30–8:00 Dancing Dragonfly visit in the most PM hospitable way. Vineyard Tour & Tasting 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery VIP Vine to Bottle Tasting Tour* 12:00–1:30 PM Two Silo Winery VIP Pappouli’s Wine Tasting Experience* 2:00–3:30 PM Two Silo Winery Vineyard Tour & Tasting 12:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery Acoustic Sunday 1:00–4:00 PM Dancing Dragonfly Live Music: Michael August 2:00–5:00 PM 7 Vines Live Music in the Vines: Ben Johnson 2:00–5:00 PM Two Silo Winery Live Music: Prairie Beats 3:00–6:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery Bingo 6:30–8:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery Live Music: Josh Quinn 5:00–8:00 PM 7 Vines Cribbage Tournament 5:30–7:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery Summer Artisans’ Market 4:00–7:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery Art at the Winery 6:00–8:30 PM Dancing Dragonfly Vineyard Tour & Tasting 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery VIP Vine to Bottle Tasting Tour* 12:00–1:30 PM Two Silo Winery VIP Pappouli’s Wine Tasting Experience* 2:00–3:30 PM Two Silo Winery Vineyard Tour & Tasting 12:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery Acoustic Sunday 1:00–4:00 PM Dancing Dragonfly Live Music: Steve Poynter 2:00–5:00 PM 7 Vines Live Music: Too Square Band 2:00–5:00 PM Two Silo Winery Live Music: Cole Thomas 3:00–6:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery Trivia with Ryan 6:30–8:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery Live Music: Becky Rae Dalton 5:00–8:00 PM 7 Vines Trivia Night 6:30–8:00 PM Dancing Dragonfly Dinner&Wine Pairing with theWinemaker* 5:30–9:00 PM Two Silo Winery Vineyard Tour & Tasting 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery VIP Vine to Bottle Tasting Tour* 12:00–1:30 PM Two Silo Winery VIP Pappouli’s Wine Tasting Experience* 2:00–3:30 PM Two Silo Winery Puppy Yoga 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 7 Vines Vineyard Tour & Tasting 12:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery Acoustic Sunday 1:00–4:00 PM Dancing Dragonfly Live Music: Cole Thomas 2:00–5:00 PM 7 Vines Live Music: Whiskey & Water 6:00–9:00 PM Big Wood Brewery Bingo 6:30–8:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery Monthly Book Club 5:30–6:30 PM Rustic Roots Winery Gary LaRue Concert (ticketed event) 6:30 PM 7 Vines Candle Making Experience 5:00–8:00 PM Rustic Roots Winery The Board Loon Workshop 6:30 PM 7 Vines Live Music: Billy McLaughlin 5:00–8:00 PM 7 Vines Haunted Halloween Masquerade 5:00–9:00 PM Dancing Dragonfly Halloween at Rustic Roots All day Rustic Roots Winery Live Music: Josh Quinn 7:00–10:00 PM Big Wood Brewery

Two Silo Winery & Vineyard

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22 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

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Artemis and Apollo spend most of their time fishing and socializing with the third chick and several subadults. Migratory ducks will arrive soon, as will fall colors and calmer waters.

September 1427, 2026

WAY TRANSITIONS UNDER

Loon Chronicles XI: Transitions underway Artemis and Apollo continue to mix it up with the constant stream of new visitors. Last week, we spotted Artemis circling a few of the subadults, while Apollo focused on flapping his wings and scurrying about looking for fish and fun. A few days later, we spotted a molting old warrior, with a visible battle scar on his head. He had a commanding presence and appeared comfortable tagging along with the subadults. The Loon count has ranged from five to nine. The regulars include three chicks, several subadults, and a handful of molting adults. The Loons fish independently throughout most of the day and

gather at sunset, to socialize and stay in their newly formed water dance. The migratory ducks, including Mergansers, Northern Shovelers, Grebes, Buffleheads, and Ruddy ducks, should be arriving any day now. The Coot covers should expand, exponentially, during the next few weeks. A most welcome development for the Eagles, who have been waiting, all summer, for their return. Overall, avian activity on and around the lake, appears to be less than last Fall. Hopefully, this is only temporary. Last weekend, the A Boats wrapped up their season with two races on Sunday. Len was tapped to crew on W 88 and

ELLEN MAAS | CONTRIBUTED

had a blast. Musky fishing is underway, all around the lake. The Herons also are busy fishing. Yesterday, a Heron hopped off our dock, where it had been quietly perched for almost 30 minutes, and grabbed a large fish. After positioning the fish in its bill, the Heron took off and landed on a neighbor’s dock, where it devoured the fish and left a bloody mess all over the place. Fortunately, it rained a few hours later. We are looking forward to less traffic on the lake, calmer waters, and emerging Fall colors. This is my favorite time of the year.

Ellen Maas

The Real Dogs of White Bear Lake BY RICKA MCNAUGHTON SPECIAL TO THE PRESS

A recurring column featuring glimpses into the lives, loves, and everyday dramas of dogs I happen to meet on walks around the White Bear Lake region. There are things that some casual observers

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get wrong about the poodly-ness of poodles. Let’s break this down. Admittedly, there are those poodles you see out on the town, all dolled up with their sparkly accessories and expensive looking haircuts, like camera-hungry human celebrities famous for having no particular professional achievements other than posing for Internet selfies or passing paparazzi. But poodles are capable of solid contributions to society and are often ranked second to border collies in intelligence. They make loving, supportive companions. In sport and play, they are graceful athletes with extra zingy, springloaded movements — though at times, they may simply gaze at you with a zen-like, unswerving steadiness you may find either settling or unsettling, depending. Bob and Barb Sawyer are a local couple in their 80s and the very pleased owners of a 4-year-old poodle named Molly. They got her as a puppy. At their age, getting a new dog wasn’t a lightly considered move. They were taking their time grieving the loss of their last dog, Maggie, a standard poodle. And as they both navigated bumps in the road of aging, they felt the strong pull of a simpler, easier life. The Sawyers had previously owned a succession of different breeds, among them champion German shepherds that Barb had trained. She had also helped police departments with search and rescue dog training. After Maggie passed, a year without a dog went by. Would there be no more? Bob had committed himself to taking long thoughtful walks to keep up his physical and emotional well-being. He missed Maggie’s company. He spotted a woman out walking a mediumsized poodle (termed a “moyen”). Not too big to physically handle, when needed. But not too small for his liking. A Goldilocks moment! The woman shared the name of her dog’s breeder, and that was how a chance meeting led the Sawyers to Molly, who with the breeder’s help made a remarkably smooth entry into their lives for a new pup.

Barb grooms Molly’s hair herself in a simple lady-like style that becomes her. In greater Poodledom, cuts can range to arguably imponderable arrangements of puffs and pompoms. RICKA MCNAUGHTON | CONTRIBUTED The basic cut Molly, with owner/trail partner Bob originated with Sawyer. the Germans, who used poodles for hunting and retrieving. The dogs’ thick coats were shaved in places meant to help them swim better but left full at the chest and ankles to protect them from icy water and sharp reeds. During the 1700s, the French aristocracy became very fond of the breed, adopting it as their own. And voila! Leave it to the French to turn poodles into works of topiarylike art, not unlike some of their own wigged coifs of the period. Each morning after Molly finishes her own breakfast, she waits patiently on the floor with her head on Bob’s socks for her allotted two Cheerios and two slices of banana from Bob’s bowl. When he moves to his favorite chair to scan his phone, Molly lies by him on the ottoman, scanning the yard through the window. Once those key territories are sufficiently surveilled, it’s time to hit the trail. Together. Sometimes, if you get really lucky, what feels like the end of an era is just the new beginning you didn’t see coming. Ricka McNaughton (ricka-mcnaughton.com) is a writer living in White Bear Lake.

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SPORTS AND OUTDOORS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

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Bears rumble past Raptors

Zephyrs clip Kennedy

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake stands 4-0 after beating East Ridge 34-21 behind Brian White III’s monster game — 327 yards rushing, four touchdowns — and a couple electrifying plays by two teammates in the last halfminute of the first half. “It looked like a pingpong game for a while there,” said coach Ryan Bartlett, referring to big plays by East Ridge that kept the game close until the Bears ground game closed it out. “Brian was awesome and our offensive line was blocking really well. Brian doesn’t need much room.” White ran 41 times, averaging eight yards per pop, with touchdowns of six, ten, four, and 38 yards. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior has 866 yards and 10 touchdowns in four games. “I run angry, Angry at everything. I like to run angry,” grinned White. About running 41 times, he said, “I feel beat up, but

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

PHOTOS BY TODD VOIT | CONTRIBUTED

RJ Stuckey clutches a touchdown pass with 6 seconds left in the half

I beat up the other team, too,” The O-line consists of guys who were “95%” present at summer weight training, Bartlett said. “They are really working well together.” That group includes center Zach Flemino, guards Maison Haas and Reid Golda, tackles Logan Blalock and Jack Firkus, tight end Corbin Weber and wingback Adrian Eicher. With 35 seconds left in the half, RJ Stuckey zigzagged 29 yards on a punt return and, after two runs by White advanced the ball to the Raptor 30, got loose for

a 30-yard touchdown pass, caught over the shoulder from Wyatt Stachowiak with :05 on the clock. It was an unlikely 85-yard, fourplay advance that gave the Bears a 14-7 lead. “RJ put a good double move on him (the safety) and Wyatt laid it right in there,” Bartlett said. The Bears stayed a touchdown or two ahead in the second half with their 363-yard ground game that also had Hank Stuemke gaining 48 yards in 12 carries. Chase Bachmeier booted four conversions. Defensively, Reid Vickstrom made three

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

Brian White III ran for 327 yards and four touchdowns.

tackles for loss. East Ridge (2-2) busted two long TD plays, a 42yard run by Ethan Laboy and a 61-yard pass from Akeed Ali to Leo Stalsberg. Laboy also had a six-yard TD and most of the Raptors’ 246 yards rushing. The Bears’ 4-0 start has come against teams with a combined 4-12 record. Friday they’ll try keep it going at Forest Lake (3-1).

Mahtomedi scored in every quarter rolling to a 41-14 win at Bloomington Kennedy. The Zephyrs (3-1) rushed for 207 yards and passed for 90. Trevor Rogosheske completed four of seven passes for 90 yards with touchdowns to Jaxon Mitchell and Gavin Bifulk, each from 18 yards. Bifulk also had a 41-yard catch and kicked four extra points. Will Seevers carried the ball seven ties for 73 yards and a 23yard touchdown, Gavin Kruse nine for 46 and a five-yard TD, Isaac Opitz six for 17 yards and a oneyard TD and Dominick Richardson three for 15 and a seven-yard TD. Defensively, Jacob Sokoll had a sack and fumble recovery, Jackson Foix an interception and Koen Veenis a fumble recovery. The Zephyrs led 34-0 before Kennedy (1-3) scored twice in the fourth quarter. Mahtomedi will host Bloomington Jefferson (2-2) Friday.

ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS

GIRLS SOCCER White Bear Lake (8-2) won 4-1 over East Ridge with two goals by Ellyse Oelker and one each from Casi Hernandez and Alexa Paradise. Ali Ellis in goal made six saves. The Bears topped Park 10-0 with goals by Oelker (two), Piper Heinsohn (two), Lilah Shea, Piper Curry, Lila Paradise, Grace Weierke, Alexa Paradise, and Kennedy Becher. Casi Fernandez made four assists.

BOYS SOCCER White Bear Lake (5-3-3) tipped Park of Cottage Grove 2-0. Diego Rios and Mason Voeller tallied the goals and Logan Metzger made seven saves. East Ridge (7-0-3) nipped the Bears 1-0. The Bears tied Tartan 1-1 Saturday. The Bears have yielded eight goals in 11 games and have four shutouts.

SWIMMING & DIVING White Bear Lake is 3-1 after turning back Roseville Area 101-

85. Event winners were Charlotte McIntyre (200 free), Anna Miller (medley), Audrey Borofka (50 and 100 free), Anna Zarambo (diving), the medley relay with Eva Hoefer, Mya Sage, McIntyre and Borofka and the 200 free relay with McIntyre, Hoefer, Miller and Borofka.

placed ninth in a 22-team meet in his CC debut. Soccer coach Adolfo Barrera Gonzalez said he hopes to have Maas back for sectionals. Another key soccer player out for the year is goalkeeper Reed Hemenway with a facial fracture from a collision against St. Thomas.

TENNIS

CROSS COUNTRY

White Bear Lake (7-8) won 6-1 over Irondale. Lisa Gitzmacher, Hadley Farrell, Lucy Wolfe and Emma Lutz won at 1-2-3-4 singles. Sofia Sargent/Lauren Carlson and Methok Namsey/Sophia Jansen won at 1-2 doubles.

The Mahtomedi girls placed ninth of 26 teams in Farmington’s Cowbell Invitational. Giada Garrity placed 15th, Quinn Griffith 67th, Lily Peck 69th, Emily Alexander 73rd, and Vanessa Rogosheske 74th among 195 runners. Farmington won. The Zephyr boys were 25th of 30 teams led by Nolan Dock in 95th place and Mason Mahmood 113th of 239 runners. Lakeville North won.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

VOLLEYBALL

Lucy Peer (17) had two goals in a Zephyr win.

White Bear Lake beat Park 3-1 with Pearl Niemioja making 15 kills, Leila Otto 10 and Natalie Steffensmeier nine. Julie Dumroese served seven aces. Malaya Reese made 18 digs and Zoey Niemioja 11.

GIRLS SOCCER

Bruce Strand

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Jack Firkus

White Bear Lake Football September 30, 2026

Jack Firkus, White Bear Lake football senior, is a leader on the offensive line that’s helped the 4-0 Bears roll up 1,091 rushing yards and 6.6 yards per carry. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound right tackle “makes all the plays work” with his toughness, skill and consistency, said coach Ryan Bartlett. “He is a kid who doesn’t miss weight training, works incredibly hard and gets the most out of himself daily.”

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Mahtomedi (2-6-1 overall, 2-1 conference) beat Simley 2-0 as freshman midfielder Lucy Peer scored twice with assists from Adalyn Beulke and Xiaobao Liang. The Zephyrs lost to Hill-Murray 1–0, ending the program’s conference winning streak at 31 games and unbeaten streak at 40 games. BenildeSt. Margaret’s tipped the Zephyrs 2-0.

SWIMMING

BOYS SOCCER

TENNIS

Mahtomedi (4-5) scored on a corner kick in the first half and it stood up for a 1-0 win over Simley. Caleb Nyquist’s kick to the far post was headed by Jack Herschbach, and Benicio Macias knocked it past the goalie. Zephyr goalie Sawyer Hagen made 10 saves. The Zephyrs lost to Hill-Murray 4-1 on Thursday. Junior Parker Maas is sidelined with an ankle fracture. Maas was the soccer team’s top scorer (nine goals) last season, and had a goal and assist in two games this year. This fall he added cross country after a great track season last spring, and

Mahtomedi (9-4) beat North St. Paul 7-0 and Simley 4-3, finishing Metro East play 5-2, third place behind South St. Paul (7-0) and Two Rivers (6-1). Winning against North were Abby Manger, Braelyn Skow, Molly Driscoll, Ava Rasmussen, Brooke Berg/Ellie Driscoll, Berkley Blaisdell/Lydia Bartness, and Camille Myhre/Mejken Amiot. Winning against Simley were Skow, M. Driscoll, Blaisdell/Bartness, and Myhre/Rasmussen.

The unbeaten Mahtomedi swimmers won 94-81 over Two Rivers. Event winners were Ruby Roitsch (200 free, butterfly), Aria Armstrong (medley and backstroke), Abigail Wright (50 and 500 free), Lena Granovsky (100 free), and all three relays.

Bruce Strand

24 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

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Arts Culture and

2026

EMERGING ARTIST: ELIAS LIMBAG

BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER

ne million years ago, four space dragons created the planet Sklara and ruled over it as gods. The Dragon of Light is an evil dictator who tricks the beings of Sklara into thinking she is good. She banished The Dragon of Darkness, who created shadow beings to fight back. This is The Dragon of Light’s trap; she points to the shadow beings as proof that The Dragon of Darkness is malevolent. To protect the planet Sklara, the dragons created the incarnation of magic itself, with dark-blue skin like the night sky. Her name is Eclipso. She fights the shadow beings at first, then questions the true purpose of her creation as well as the true nature of her identity. This is the plot of “Eclipso,” a musical that Elias Limbag, who attends Central Middle School in White Bear, is working on. In order to craft his musical, however, Elias feels that he needs to understand all the aspects that go into staging one.

ELIAS LIMBAG

Elias began gaining acting experience by doing shows with Children’s Performing Arts. Numerous ensemble parts later, he next plays the title character in CPA’s junior production of “Beetlejuice,” a musical based on the 1988 movie starring Michael Keaton. During the rehearsal process, Elias has been highlighting both the similarities and the differences between him and his role. “I’ve been thinking, instead of ‘How can I play the character as it’s meant to be?’” Elias said. “I’ll look at the source material and … make it more my own.”

Beetlejuice, for instance, is a 716-year-old trickster spirit with self-proclaimed “bio-exorcist” powers; Elias is a 13-year-old human. “I try to be a good kid, but like, I can be really, really loud. And I feel like Beetlejuice is also a very loud person — not just in the way he speaks, but also his personality,” Elias said. “Although we’re very different because he is very manipulative.” Recently, Elias received encouragement from his mother to be loud. “Last summer, I was playing around with a drum kit, and she was like, ‘Oh, my God, you sound amazing,” Elias recalled. “I really like playing the drums … I feel like it’s a good thing to know. That’s how I feel about violin, too.” That’s right, Elias also plays the violin in orchestra. “I didn’t want to be in choir because I already do a lot of singing,” Elias said. “The biggest reason why I chose orchestra is because I always thought the string instruments sounded so majestic.”

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED ELIAS BEGAN PLAYING DRUMS RECENTLY. HE ALSO PLAYS THE VIOLIN IN HIS MIDDLE SCHOOL’S ORCHESTRA

Going forward, Elias wants to learn more about the writing and directing side of theater so that he can write a stronger musical. Each station on his journey so far has brought him a deeper under-

CPA HELMS YACHT ROCK THEME FOR MASQUE FUNDRAISER

BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER

hen a theatrical production at Children’s Performing Arts sets sail, Strategic Operations Director Sharon Hanifl-Lee wants to make sure every kid who wants to crew is on board. “We’re finding ways to make performing arts education part of students’ lives, hitting all of families’ and communities’ needs,” said Hanifl-Lee. Achieving this mission is not always smooth sailing, so on Oct. 24, CPA is holding its themed Masque fundraiser. This year’s theme is Yacht Rock: Smooth Moves and Coastal Grooves. The evening will include a hosted happy hour, followed by a program of yachtrock hits that CPA students will perform. Afterwards, there will be food, music and fun, including live entertainment from Kate Beahen. There will also be a silent auction and costume contest. As with years past, dressing on-theme is admired

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THEATER SUMMER CAMPS All events take place at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. To register, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org/classes-workshops.

PIZZA PERFORMANCE POP UPS

but not required. “Some go way over the top, and some just have a few accessories,” Hanifl-Lee said. “We really try to make this fun and different from a traditional gala.” While the evening promises to be a pleasure cruise, funds raised from the Masque do much more than keep CPA above water. “We deal with young families and kids, and the economy is difficult, especially

‘BEETLEJUICE JR.’ CAST SPILLS THE DEETS This weekend, Children’s Performing Arts will stage performances of “Beetlejuice, Jr.,” about about a goth teenager named Lydia Deetz forced to move into a new house with her stepmother, Delia, only to find its previous owners’ ghosts are still living there. Press Publications recently got to chat with the cast on the CPA show has helped them grow: • “Everyone’s always so supportive. No one’s ever really mean to each other … I just love acting. I just love singing in front of

standing of art. “I feel like art has … helped me be more in tune with my emotions,” Elias said. “Basically, every form of art is so beautiful to me. I love making art; I love being a part of art.”

everybody. I’ve never really been great at choreography. It’s nice to know that I’m getting a bit better every year.” — Logan Tich St. Peter’s Catholic School, North St. Paul • “I basically just finished being Scuttle in ‘The Little Mermaid,’ and Lydia Dietz is the polar opposite of him. Going from a silly character to this goth girl is a pretty big range.” — Winnie Pollard St. Odelia’s Catholic School, Shoreview • “The thing about my character (Beetlejuice clone) is that

we have to be exactly like Beetlejuice. It’s so fun working with Elias (Limbag). He’s our Beetlejuice. We get to see how he works and then follow in his place.” — Allie Malitizke Mahtomedi Middle School CPA’s production of “Beetlejuice, Jr.” runs Oct. 2-11 at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. For tickets and details, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org.

Compiled by Logan Gion

for that group,” Hanifl-Lee said. “We can’t raise our programming fees or our ticket prices too much. Otherwise, our families and community wouldn’t be able to come and watch.” Other funds go to hiring and retaining staff who ensure that children who attend CPA are hitting educational targets, no matter which role a student takes on. “There’s so much more to theater than being on stage,” Hanifl-Lee said. “There’s not a lot of other opportunities for kids to experience stage management, the technical side, the directing side. That’s one of the huge focuses of our (team): trying to get kids involved in all aspects of theater, to show them, ‘Yeah, you can do this.’” Hanifl-Lee also believes that investing in performing arts programming is investing in the the next generation. “Parents know that (their children) need to be able to communicate. They need to be able to think creatively, connect with others,” said Hanifl-Lee. “Whatever your role is, whether you’re on stage or you’re backstage, you’re part of the team. Employers are looking for people who have experience being on a team.” At the end of the day, then, a theater crew, a sailing crew and fundraising donors have a lot in common. “When you’re part of a team, yes, maybe one person will shine at one moment, then another person will shine,” said Hanifl-Lee. “It’s your job to make sure that it all works together, and that we all lift each other up.”

Grades: 6-12 Dates: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 10, Nov. 21 and Dec. 12 Details: Students will come together for socializing and pizza, then break into groups to work on scenes assigned to them. At the end of the night, all students will get to perform for each other.

AESTHETICS AND SPECIAL EFFECTS CAMP

Grades: 7-12 Dates: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 15-16 Details: This two-day intensive explores theatrical costume and makeup design basics to prep your student for a well rounded theatrical future. Day one will teach students basic stage makeup and special effects. Day two will highlight basic hand and machine sewing techniques.

KING OF NEW YORK CAMP

Grades: 3-6 Dates: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 15-16 Details: Register today for our MEA Break mini-camp, grab your tap shoes and start dancing. This camp will feature choreography to songs from “Disney’s Newsies” and focus on tap dancing steps and techniques. At the end of the day on Friday, students will showcase what they have learned.

SATURDAY MORNING DROP-IN

Grades: K-2 Dates: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 17, Nov. 14 and Dec. 5 Details: Classes focus on creative play and fostering imagination. Each week, students will read books, play games, do crafts and create characters. October’s theme is “Toy Story 5.”