Township resident required to prove citizenship
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Astrid-Ira McCarthy, a White Bear Township resident, recently received a letter from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) giving her an Alien Registration Number, or A-number—a unique, nine-digit number for non-citizens who are applying for immigration benefits.
Astrid found this confusing because she has been a U.S. citizen for at least 25 years.
Astrid, formerly known as Nisha Adamietz, entered the United States in 1989 when she was six months old. Her parents adopted her from Calcutta, India, through Hope Adoption and Family Services, now called EVOLVE Family Services, in Oak Park Heights. The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 automatically made Astrid a U.S. citizen 25 years ago. A homeowner for over 15 years, Astrid has lived in White Bear Township with her wife, Lex McCarthy, since 2022.
“I have a social security number,” Astrid exclaimed. “So there’s really no reason for this to be happening.”
“We just updated it when we got married,” Lex added. “We went to the federal office, and everything was fine. They accepted the name change and everything.”
Even more strange is that Astrid had requested a replacement citizenship document from USCIS last December. “We went to USCIS on Dec. 20, so this was before the administration change,” Astrid recalled. “I have my appointment, they do my biometrics. They do not take my fingerprints.” During the appointment, the USCIS employee informed Astrid that fingerprints were not needed because Astrid already showed up in their system as a citizen. “[Lex and I] breathed a sigh of relief, and she says, ‘We’re going to mail it.’ Five or six months go by, and instead of my citizenship documents, they instead send something saying I SEE CITIZENSHIP,
Graduates celebrate a historic milestone at White Bear
1983. As the last class to experience both North and South Campuses,
of a new chapter as the first to graduate from the unified grades 9–12
adventure, whether that’s continuing their education, going right into
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
At MNRecyclery, Lynn
Kapaun is looking for two qualities for those who want to become bike-fixing volunteers: dedication and mechanical aptitude.
“That’s probably the two biggest things,” he says.
Kapaun, a Vadnais Heights resident, runs MNRecyclery, a bike repair shop that remodels old bikes and donates them
to different organizations and schools. Currently, the shop donates to White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, Roseville, Mounds View and Columbia Heights schools, and to Solid Ground and Victims of Torture Center in St. Paul.
Kapaun began working as a volunteer and took over the role of shop head from White Bear Lake resident and MNRecyclery founder Jim Muellner shortly after. “I’ve always
been a person to volunteer my entire life. I truly enjoy doing what I’m doing. I never expected it to get this big and do it this long.”
The shop has 11 rotating volunteers who fix bikes from Monday through Thursday; some occasionally work on Friday. According to Kapaun, when the shop was initially formed, volunteers averaged fixing
SEE MNRECYCLERY, PAGE 8
MNRecyclery is a White Bear Lake-based bike repair shop that remodels old bicycles and donates them to different organizations and schools.
Ryan & Nicole Podewils
ERIK SUCHY | PRESS
NAMES IN THE NEWS
VFW Post 1782 and Auxiliary members elected new leadership for the upcoming program year. Gary Carlberg was elected as Commander of the Post, and Sara McFee was elected for a second term as President of the Auxiliary. Both terms are until the state VFW convention in June 2026. Veterans who have served overseas
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
Changes to Minnesota traffic in effect July 1
Beginning on July 1, lane filtering and lane splitting will become legal for motorcyclists on Minnesota roads. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), lane splitting is allowed when two or more lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction. Riders will be
during a time of conflict are eligible to join the VFW. Immediate family members of veterans or currently serving military personnel who meet those criteria are eligible to join the Auxiliary. For information about membership or upcoming events, email infovfwpost1782@gmail.com.
able to drive between the two lanes at no more than 25 mph. Lane filtering happens when traffic is stopped, and riders can move through no more than 15 mph over the speed of traffic in the relevant traffic lanes.
For more information, visit the DPS website at dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/ safe-driving-information-and-laws/ mn-motorcycle-safety-center.
Patriotic etiquette in honor of Flag Day
BY BOB KROMINGA AND SARA MCFEE SPECIAL TO THE PRESS
Parades
It’s the beginning of the parade season, and not everyone may be aware of the proper flag etiquette for parades. This is how you honor the flag of our country and pay your respect as it passes.
It’s appropriate to salute only the first American flag as it passes by. It is typically carried by an honor guard. Saluting the American flag carried by other groups in the parade is appropriate but not required to show respect.
If a flag is carried by an honor guard or in a group with other flags, stand up and pay respect to the flag. To show your respect:
• Stand up
• Stop your conversation
• Remove your hat
• Place your right hand over your heart or
• Salute if you are a military veteran.
Teach your children to respect our nation’s flag. If they are given a small flag, please do not throw it on the ground.
Ceremonies
If the National Anthem is sung, follow the same guidelines as above.
When Taps is played, also follow the same guidelines.
Thank you for showing your respect for our country and its symbols of patriotism.
Symbolism of Flag Day
Flag Day commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress determined the
composition of the nation's banner: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” It was proclaimed Flag Day by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916.
The 13 stripes symbolize the 13 British colonies that revolted and formed the United States.
The colors on the flag also have symbolic meanings:
Red: Represents hardiness and valor.
White: Signifies purity and innocence.
Blue: Symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
The 50 white stars on a blue background represent the 50 states of the Union.
If you have a flag, fly it. If your flag is tattered or torn or worn out, please do not fly it. Instead, turn it in at the American Legion Post 168 at 2210 Third Street or the VFW Post 1782 at 4496 Lake Ave. S. in White Bear Lake. The flags will be delivered to the appropriate location and disposed of properly, which is by burning.
On Saturday, June 14 at noon, there will be a flag retirement (burning) ceremony at the Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake, 11300 180th Street North in Marine on St. Croix. Over 10,000 flags will be retired. If you want to bring your own flag to be retired, the latest time to deliver it is 11:00 a.m. The ceremony will be followed by a potluck lunch. Bring a salad and/or dessert to share.
Bob Krominga is the Post Commander at VFW Post 1782, and Sara McFee is the VFW Post 1782 Auxiliary President.
White Bear Township potentially signs agreement with Lino Lakes Lino Lakes Community Development Director Michael Grochala provided the Lino Lakes City Council with an update regarding efforts toward development of a water and sewer JPA with White Bear Township and the city of North Oaks. The City of Lino proposes to serve the Wilkinson Waters development, located in the northwest quadrant of Centerville Road and County Road J, through White Bear Township utility systems. A JPA would secure access to these utilities.
Kindness: Just performance or actually sincere?
Irecently volunteered at the Union Gospel Mission in downtown St. Paul, helping feed unhoused individuals with others from my church. I’ll admit it’s been a long time since I did any volunteer work because I wanted to, but in retrospect, my reason was simple: I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, not because I thought doing it would make me look good.
Today, my post-retrospective thoughts lean toward this: When we act kindly toward someone else, how often are we doing it because we want to be seen as kind, or because something in our heart enables us to do the right thing?
Suchy’s Scoop
Erik Suchy
It’s no secret that today’s teens and young adults do a lot to gain social media influence — pranks, comedic sketch videos or crazy backflips off their roof into a pool. That’s not to say this observation is meant to ridicule them for seeking “likes.” Often, they want to stand out online or wherever they share their work.
However, my greatest concern is how this mindset translates into actions outside social media. That includes simple, kind tasks such as saying, “thank you,” helping someone pick up something they dropped or taking out the trash. How often are young people doing nice things for others because they know, deep down, it’s the right thing to do?
Often during my high school years, I found that when someone my age did something “nice” for someone else, it was done out of sarcasm. I remember sitting at lunch with my group, usually at a table across from a lonely student. In several cases, someone from one of the sports teams would sit next to them and mockingly ask how things were, what they were eating for lunch and other response-provoking questions.
Of course, all this was done to benefit their popular image at the expense of someone they saw as a lower class: “I’m famous, you aren’t, so I can do whatever I want, even if it means pretending to like you.” To this day, it troubles me that this trend likely continues in high school. Once someone reaches a certain level of popularity in their peers’ eyes, it can enable them to act even nastier toward others.
However, I see some hope on the horizon for random acts of compassion. In an October 2023 Healthy Mind Poll of 2,210 adults by the American Psychiatric Association, 89% said showing someone an act of kindness made them feel significantly, somewhat or a little better, and 90% said receiving an act of kindness made them feel that way. In the same poll, 93% of Americans reported doing something kind, including 69% who said hello to a stranger, 68% who held a door open and 65% who gave a compliment.
While these numbers only represent a slight majority of the public, the results are still promising. Regardless of our differences in politics, culture or personal taste, let’s remember this: Because you know you have the power to do it, don’t be afraid to be kind to your neighbor. You never know how far one small act of personal good can go.
Staff Writer Erik Suchy can be reached at 651-4071229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com
Class of 2025 reflects and looks ahead
Three speeches were given by graduating students at the 2025 White Bear Lake High School Commencement ceremony on June 5. The transcript of each speech will be published in this space over the next few weeks.
Movers & Shakers
Lys-Aurele
D’Almeida
Welcome and Bienvenidos To White Bear Lake Area High School! I want to start the evening by thanking the School Board, staff, faculty, teachers, family and friends, and all those who have supported The Class of 2025 on this long journey. We wouldn’t be here without you. My name is LysAurele Ayoko d’Almeida, and I am so grateful and honored to be one of the few speakers on this extremely special and sentimental night; It’s the graduation of our resilient class of 2025! We are here to celebrate 13 years of education.
Having been educated by this community for so long, as I’ve been in this district since Kindergarten, I truly believe that the future lies in how we teach our children. But no matter what path you’ve taken to get to this monumental day, the most important thing, is that we’re all gathered here, one last time, as Bears.
Taking a look around this arena, it may be difficult to find what we all have in common with each other;
Limited to 350 words. Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
a theme you may find yourself running into in the future. Well, Bears, an experience I believe we share, is the journey of growing up together—four years of switching from campus to campus, four years of change. I learned through this district that accepting change and our differences is a fundamental part of life; being compassionate toward one another is what makes us human. That is something we share Bears: compassion. "The world is held together…by the love and compassion of a very few people.” That was a quote by James Baldwin, who was an African American writer and civil rights activist, as well as an inspiration for me growing up. Throughout my 13 years here, staff members have worked tirelessly to instill the idea into each of us that we belong in this community, and that we have more than enough strength to create changes within ourselves, within our communities, and outside our communities. This year, I underwent numerous personal changes, and with all those changes, I found it challenging to balance my emotions with my schoolwork. One winter day in class, my AP Psychology teacher noticed that I was having a difficult time, and she gave me a little white paper bag. Inside the bag were three things; M&Ms, a stress toy in the shape of a dog, and a yellow, handwritten note. Reading the note, I was immediately moved to tears, and filled with gratitude that someone who solely saw me in the school setting, was able to reach out to me on a personal level. I’ll never forget that act of
kindness; that act of compassion. The world is truly held together by the compassion of a few people.
As a school, as a community, as a country, as a world, we must continue to preserve the belief in change and difference as a virtue in our lives. White Bear Lakes' virtues of welcoming, belonging, and leading are some things that I hope we carry throughout our walk of life.
As we embark on this new journey, questioning our identity and choices is inevitable. What I hope for in the future, for every single one of you, is that in your moments of pain, hardship, and despair, you find a silver lining, a moment of compassion, and most importantly, believe that your troubles will pass. Because they will, all things must. “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."
Another Baldwin quote. Change is an inherent drive of the human race and makes us who we are. It’s what makes life interesting and what makes this day bittersweet. As a little girl, the thought of being done with high school, with all of us in our caps and gowns, always gave me a rush of urgency and excitement. Now, standing here in front of all of you, I slightly wish I had cherished the past, still trying to grasp onto whatever's left of childhood. But tonight, let’s not dwell on the past, let's live in the moment, the moment that we’ve worked 13 hard years for! After tonight, we’ll be ready to lead the way into our future, but for the next few hours, we all belong here, welcome, and Go Bears.
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
to six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area. Letter writers are limited
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. Repeat letters by the same
writer about the same subject matter will not be published. Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published. Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification. All letters are subject to editing. Deadline is 5 p. m., Thursday of the week prior to publication. To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
‘Beautiful’ bill is destructive
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) was established in 1974 to provide objective, nonpartisan information to help Congress make effective budget and economic policy. The CBO just announced that the GOP/Trump budget bill does, in fact, add to the deficit, to the tune of $2.4 trillion over the next 10 years and 10.9 million more people will be uninsured with the health care cuts in the bill. We have all heard the gaslighting by GOP House members and certain cable channels claiming that this budget bill does not add to the deficit or cut services for those most vulnerable on Medicaid. They are lying.
The GOP/Trump budget bill will be the largest upward transfer of wealth in our history, cutting health insurance and food assistance to low-income Americans in exchange for larger tax cuts for affluent Americans. In addition to the increase in the deficit, tax cuts for the wealthy and health care takeaway from millions, the GOP/Trump bill includes some nefarious provisions, such as: states are banned from regulating AI for 10 years —this is clearly to benefit the tech billionaires who are already building a massive database of our personal data. Also included is a provision that would allow sulfide-ore copper mining in Boundary Waters, reinstating leases to a company in Chile!
It is astonishing to me how anyone could call this GOP/Trump bill “beautiful” when I see it as cruel and destructive. The Senate is just now taking up the bill. Call your senators and tell them how you want your tax dollars spent. I don’t want mine spent as giveaways to tech bro millionaires and those who want to destroy our environment.
Roxanne Britz Vadnais Heights
Let your voice be heard
While Trump celebrates his birthday with a big military parade that is estimated to cost up to $45 million,
here’s hoping that 45 million attend the thousands of peaceful protests planned for “No Kings Day” on Saturday, June 14.
For those of you who want your voices heard but may not be able to attend the rally at the state Capitol, join your neighbors from 2-4 p.m. on the sidewalk on Highway 61 in downtown White Bear Lake. You can wave the flags that will be available and join with the rest of the country in reclaiming our democracy and our flag from a government that has thumbed its nose at the Constitution and the rule of law.
WHAT’S HAPPENING•WHAT’S HAPPENING•WHAT’S HAPPENING
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 12
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Show features works from artists participating in the 33rd Annual St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour in an intimate gallery setting. Artist panel and food truck. Exhibit on display through July 25.
Contact: whitebeararts.org
SOUTH SHORE TRINITY GARAGE SALE
When: 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 12; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, June 13; and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 14
Where: South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church, 2480 South Shore Blvd, White Bear Lake
Details: A variety of items for sale, donated by church members. Proceeds support ministry programs.
FRIDAYS WITH FIREFIGHTERS
When: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Friday, June 13
Where: South Fire Station, 2240 County Road E, White Bear Lake
Details: Get outside, and have some fun with your fire department. Great free event for parents and children to have fun and learn fire safety. Contact: 651-429-8568
HONORING WOMEN VETERANS
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14
Where: Boatworks Commons Community Room, 4495 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake
Details: White Bear Lake VFW Post 1782 and Auxiliary will honor Women Veterans who have served in the six branches of United States military: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard. Contact: InfoPostVFW1782@gmail.com
MANITOU DAYS COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE
When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, June 14
Where: Community of Grace Lutheran Church, 4000 Linden St., White Bear Lake
Details: A great way to kick off Manitou Days, Community of Grace has hosted the community garage sale for over 20 years. Find amazing deals, sell your wares, or volunteer to make it all happen. Contact: hello@gracepeople.church or 651-429-5349
BIRD HIKE
When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14
Where: Pine Point Regional Park, 11900 Norell Ave. N., Stillwater
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: parks@co.washington.mn.us
FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY
When: Noon Saturday, June 14
Where: Veteran's Campground, Big Marine Lake
Details: Typically 15,000 flags are retired in the ceremony. Contact: vfwpost1782.org/old-flags.html
BIRCHWOOD MUSIC IN THE PARK
When: 6 - 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park, Lake Avenue Details: Twin Cities quintet The Riff Rangers perform Western swing, vintage folk & rock classics, Big Band swing, Hot Club, Chicago blues and a wee bit of Irish.
MIDWEST SKI OTTERS SHOW
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: Little Goose Lake, 4150 Hoffman Road, White Bear Lake
Details: The Ski Otters are celebrating 30 years on Goose Lake. Enjoy a fully scripted, narrated, costumed production of “Otter Time Fitness.” Bleacher seating available or bring a chair. Contact: skiotter.com/contact
WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT
When: 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, June 16
Where: Oak Glen Golf Course, 1599 McKusick Rd. N., Stillwater
Details: Annual fundraiser benefits students and educators in the White Bear Lake Area School District. Registration information online.
Contact: wblaef.org
CHILDREN’S MUSIC CONCERT IN THE PARK
When: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 18
Where: Wedgewood Park, 211 Wedgewood Drive, Mahtomedi
Details: Watch Tricia and the Toonies combine a unique mixture of music, puppets, skits and laughter. Contact: 612-315-7028
MARKETFEST
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, June 19 through July
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake
Details: Community summer festival with over 200 food
and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants. Contact: marketfestwbl.com
SECOND ANNUAL VADNAIS HEIGHTS FREEDOM DAY FESTIVAL
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 19
Where: Kohler Meadows Park, 365 County Road F E., Vadnais Heights
Details: Live music, games, free food, history and art available at this community festival celebrating Juneteenth. Organized by Vadnais Heights Community Action Network. Contact: admin@vh-can.org
MANITOU DAYS KIDDIE PARADE
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19
Where: Fourth Street and Washington Avenue, White Bear Lake
Details: A family favorite on the opening night of Marketfest—kids, parents and families are invited to decorate a stroller, trike, bike or wagon. Walk through the streets of Marketfest, ending at SweetLife Lane Candy Store. Contact: info@manitoudays.com
RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE BLOOD DRIVE
When: 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Friday, June 20
Where: VFW Parking Lot, 4496 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake
Details: The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage that is negatively affecting blood product availability across the country. Donors receive $5 gift cards for food at the VFW.
Contact: 1-800-RED-CROSS or redcrossblood.org
Upcoming Games
June 10 - 15 Indianapolis Indians June 17 - 22 Toledo Mud Hens
Mary Alice Devine White Bear Lake
COPS&COURTS
WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• A disturbance between neighbors was reported in the 4900 block of Stewart Avenue May 28.
• Theft was reported May 28 in the 3400 block of Century Avenue.
• Jewelry was reported stolen in the 4500 block of Lake Court May 28.
• Graffiti was reported at Podvin Park May 28.
• Fraud was reported in the 2400 block of Hillside Road May 29.
• Officers mediated a civil issue in the 1300 block of Hedman Way May 29.
• Fraud was reported in the 5200 block of Pathways Avenue May 29.
• Officers responding to the 2500 block of County Road F May 29 located juveniles who were suspects in an attempted motor vehicle theft in White Bear Township. The scene was handed over to Ramsey County deputies.
• Officers responded to a disturbance in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road May 30.
• A Mahtomedi man was served a warrant May 30 near the intersection of County Road E and White Bear Avenue.
• Officers responded to noise complaints in the 3500 block of Oak Terrace and the area of Washington Avenue and Eighth Street May 30.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 4900 block of Washington Avenue May 30.
• Officers responded to a domestic abuse no-contact violation in the 4000 block of Bellaire Avenue May 31.
• A disorderly conduct incident occurred in the 3500 block of East County Line Road May 31.
• Officers issued a trespassing notice to someone trespassing on school property in the 5000 block of Division Avenue May 31.
• Officers took a harassment report in the 4800 block of Birch Lake
Circle May 31.
• A noise complaint was reported in the 1800 block of Birch Street and the 2000 block of Florence Street May 31.
• Officers responded to a domestic disturbance June 1 in the 1500 block of Park Street.
• A White Bear Lake resident was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the area of Washington Avenue and Eighth Street June 1.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for domestic assault in the 2100 block of Birch Street June 1.
• A report of a fight between two people in the 1700 block of County Road E June 1 resulted in the arrest of a White Bear Lake man for disorderly conduct. Officers mediated a verbal dispute in the 3500 block of Century Avenue June 1.
• City property was destroyed June 2 in the 4800 block of Lake Avenue.
• Harassment was reported in the 1700 block of Fourth Street June 2. Officers responded to a complaint of animals not being cared for properly in the 1700 block of Otter Lake Road June 3.
• Officers mediated a verbal dispute in the 2100 block of Roth Place June 3.
• Officers responded to a dispute in the 3500 block of Rooney Place June 3.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault and 911 interference near the 1600 block of Seventh Street June 3.
• A Minneapolis man was arrested for gross misdemeanor domestic assault in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road June 3. Officers mediated a dispute between mother and son in the 2300 block of Oak Lane June 3.
• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 3800 block of Regis Drive June 4.
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:
Birchwood Village
Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies issued traffic citations to four motorists in Birchwood Village during the week of April 20-27. Violations included driving after revocation, failure to provide proof of insurance, speeding, hands-free violation, stop sign violation and no license plate on display. Grant
• Following an animal complaint call on April 23 from the 11000 block of Julianne Avenue N., deputies found a horse that appeared to be having issues. When deputies contacted the owners of the horse, they quickly countered that they were aware their horse wasn’t doing well and that the horse was more than 32 years old.
• A report of a male firing a rifle near the 6000 block of Jamaca Avenue at 7:07 p.m. April 23 turned out to be a juvenile firing an air gun.
• Deputies arrested a motorist for driving after revocation and failure to provide proof of insurance at 10:21 p.m. April 27 on 75th Street N. and Keats Avenue N.
• A motorcyclist was cited at 10:32 p.m. April 27 on Jamaca Avenue N. and Jamaca Lane N. for driving after revocation, and for being neither registered nor insured, following a traffic stop for no visible registration. During the week, deputies cited eight additional motorists all over Grant for various traffic violations, which included driving after revocation; speeding 72 mph in a 55 mph zone; wireless
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township:
Vadnais Heights
• A Shoreview woman reported finding a handgun in a wooded area south of City Hall and turned it in to Ramsey County Sheriff's Office deputies in the 800 block of County Road E at 2:14 p.m. April 21. After deputies took custody of the gun to enter it into evidence, they determined it was a realistic airsoft handgun.
• Deputies on patrol at 11:10 p.m. April 21 conducted a traffic stop on I-694 and cited the motorist for undisclosed motor vehicle violations. Deputies cited another motorist at 8:22 p.m. April 25 on Centerville Circle.
• An Isanti man at 7:19 a.m. April 22 reported that as he started to take a break from doing some plumbing work in the 400 block of Mario Drive, he went outside, only to find a man inside his work truck and a woman trying to remove its license plates. Immediately on seeing the complainant, both suspects jumped into a tan, older model Buick Regal and drove away with the plumber's nail gun, drill battery and impact drill set.
• Although the supplies for the first barbecue of the season have been procured, the suspect will now have to pay for them, after all. A Little Canada man, 32, was mailed a citation for misdemeanor theft at 2:09 p.m. April 22, after he was seen on video by Walmart loss prevention employees in the 800 block of County Road E stealing six Angus beef patties, a package of Johnsonville brats, hot dog buns and four packs of Dasani water. “Take only what you need” doesn't apply to shoplifting.
• An elderly woman in the 600 block of Willow Grove Lane at 10:45 a.m. April 23 reported finding an old BB gun in her belongings that she used for shooting competitions as a child and asked deputies come and collect it for destruction. Deputies took custody of the property.
• A Maplewood man, 38, was arrested
communications use and expired tabs.
Mahtomedi
• Wildwood Beach Road residents on April 21 reported unknown parties for accessing their email account and sending emails to people requesting money. A woman was arrested on warrant at 11:21 p.m. April 21 at a multiple family dwelling on Wildwood Road, after deputies responded to a possible domestic fight that turned out to be only a verbal argument between women.
• Speaking of domestic disputes, deputies were dispatched out to a scene of two combatants locked in a pitched battle on Edgecumbe Drive on April 22. The eagles were in such an intense fight that their talons were entangled, and they couldn’t get free of one another. By the time deputies arrived on scene, the eagles had settled their argument and had parted ways.
• Deputies dispatched out to the scene of a disturbance on Wedgewood Drive at 11:21 p.m. April 22 and found a vehicle filled with juveniles in a park filming TikTok movies, but not fighting. The youths were informed of park rules and cleared from the scene.
• A motorist was arrested and sent to jail at 11:40 p.m. April 26 on Century Avenue and Long Lake Road, following a traffic stop.
Pine Springs
• A westbound motorist was arrested on warrant April 22 on Highway 36 at Hilton Trail N., following a traffic stop for expired license plate registration. A computer check to confirm the tardy tabs also discovered the driver had the warrant.
• A Minnesota motorist was issued a citation three times over, following a traffic stop at 11:20 p.m. April
for felony threats of violence at 9:04 p.m. April 23 at a pet supply store in the 900 block of County Road E, after he threatened a female co-worker, 25, with a knife. The knife was found on the suspect when deputies made the arrest.
• An employee of an elementary school in the 3600 block of Centerville Road at 2:14 p.m. April 25 reported finding a bag containing an unknown white powder on school property. Deputies arriving at the school collected the bag and entered it into the property room at the patrol station.
• A St. Paul man, 23, was cited for shoplifting at 7:37 p.m. April 26 after he was caught by Walmart loss prevention employees switching price tags on car batteries and trying to buy the more expensive one at a deep discount at the self-checkout lane.
White
Bear Township
• A motorist was cited for an undisclosed traffic violation April 19 on Old Hugo Road.
• A North Oaks man waved down deputies on routine patrol in the 1100 block of County Road J at 7:09 a.m. April 24 to report finding a handgun lying behind the movie theater. Deputies took possession of the firearm and entered it into evidence.
• A resident in the 2500 block of Taylor Avenue at 3:15 p.m. April 24 reported that a person in Galveston, Texas, used his PayPal account to buy a $533 ring on eBay.
• A resident in the 5700 block of Otter View Trail at 10:36 p.m. April 25 reported hearing a loud crashing noise outside her house and saw that her Subaru Forester had been struck by a vehicle and damaged significantly.
• Deputies assisted the Minnesota State Patrol, as well as multiple fire departments, at 4:43 p.m. April 27 near the intersection of I-35E and County Road J in putting out three separate brush fires that were approaching homes in the area. The fires were extinguished before the structures sustained any damage.
Loretta Harding
25 on westbound Highway 36 and Hilton Trail N. by deputies conducting a random license plate check. Deputies discovered the driver had an impound notice for not having a valid driver’s license. The driver also provided expired insurance and had a juvenile warrant. Before the vehicle was driven back home by the subject’s friends, a Carver County court date was set up with the driver to deal with all the issues.
• A motorist was arrested for driving after revocation at 1:50 a.m. April 26 on I-694, following a traffic stop that was finally initiated for failure to maintain a single lane. For 12 miles the driver did not yield to deputies’ attempts to pull the vehicle over and added failure to provide proof of insurance and failure to yield to his list of transgressions.
• Deputies cited a motorist April 26 on Hilton Trail N. and 60th Street N. for failure to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for no turn signal and an unsecured load.
• An eastbound motorist on Highway 36 at the Hilton Trail ramp was pulled over at 12:12 a.m. April 27 for head-scratching driving behavior that involved traveling around two connecting roundabouts for about five laps. When questioned about this kind of driving, the motorist told deputies this procedure helps with relaxation.
A motorist with tinted windows that were “obviously darker than allowable by statute” was issued a written warning April 27 on northbound I-694 and Highway 36. The windows were metered and confirmed illegal at less than 50% light emission.
Loretta Harding
White Bear’s attendance up for high school, slightly down for elementary
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Now that the 2024-2025 school year has ended, the White Bear Lake Area School District estimates that 84.6% of students consistently attended class. “Consistent attendance” means that a student was present for 90% of school-year days. Only students enrolled in the district for over half of the year are counted.
“Students who attend school regularly perform better academically, are more engaged and are more likely to graduate on time,” said Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Dr. Allison Gillespie. “(Continuing attendance) helps us track how that cumulation of absences is really impacting our students.”
While continuing attendance is up from 70% two years ago, Gillespie noted that much of this gain is at the middle and high school levels. Continuing attendance across elementary schools is, on average, a bit lower.
Gillespie noted that, no matter a child’s age, the parents needed to know when a child was well enough to go to school post-COVID.
“If your kid had even a tickle, we wanted everyone to stay home,” Gillespie recalled. “So how do we reset?” The district has since sent flyers out to families, explaining the kinds of symptoms that necessitate keeping children home.
Central Middle School Social Worker
Ally Lohse stressed that a kid’s sick-day routines need to match their normal lives as closely as the situation allows. Increased screen time during a sick day, especially late at night, can hamper a child’s ability to wake up and get to school on time the next day.
Besides wellness, continuing attendance improves or declines for different reasons depending on grade.
High school ISD 624 estimates that continuing attendance increased roughly 20% since last year, from 60% to 80%. Gillespie pointed to the unified 9-12 building as the main cause.
“We did have a hunch that the split campus wasn’t helping us in terms of attendance,” Gillespie stated. “Ninth and 10th graders have the role models of 11th and 12th graders. And 11th and 12th graders really get to be at a school where they’ve established culture …”
High School Principal Russ Reetz stated that the theme to start the school year focused on belonging. “We really encouraged our staff to be intentional about how they welcome students to their classroom,” Reetz said. “Then, we were much more proactive. … Doing hallway sweeps, helping students get to school on time.”
One unique challenge the high school faces is partial-day absence. Reetz explained that Bear Care, the nonprofit clinic located within the building, has reduced students’ needs to leave campus for part of the day.
“We see students using it more, specifically since the start of semester two,” Reetz reported. “Students are taking advantage of getting an immunization or a booster through the Bear Care Clinic. I know that athletes are getting their physicals done …”
Middle schools
Last year, ISD 624 estimated Sunrise Middle School’s continuing attendance at just under 75%. Mariner Middle School’s current estimate is 87%. Central Middle School, meanwhile, increased from 85% to over 90%.
Mariner Middle School Associate Principal Ryan Clark said that automating parent communication when a child reaches a certain number of absences, excused or not, has been the
biggest positive factor.
“When parents understand the attendance pattern … they can be proactive and they can interrupt some of those attendance barriers before they become fully entrenched,” Clark said.
Lohse noted that Central students with a chronic absence problem meet with a school counselor. “We’re asking the student, ‘What do you need from your teachers to feel more successful in the building?’ ‘What do you need to do yourself?’ ‘What are you responsible for?’ ‘What can your family at home help you with?’ And then we share that with their families,” she said.
Elementary schools
The elementary school continuing attendance estimate is 82.3%, down by about 1% from last year. Because the district has 10 elementary schools, though, averaging attendance does not reveal the full picture. Birch Lake, for instance, showed significant improvement from last year. Oneka,
White Bear Lake Area Church Directory
Otter Lake and Vadnais Heights have all maintained the same level. The most notable decreases come from North Star, Matoska and Lakeaires.
Lincoln Elementary School Principal Brian Morris explained that chronic absences usually occur at an elementary level when a child feels unsafe or unwanted at school. Therefore, Morris and his team communicate with parents when incidents occur during the school day.
“A kid gets an elbow jab in the line and is upset,” Morris gave as an example. “If we can make contact with that parent before the child gets home, let them know what happened, let them know how we’ve resolved it so that parent knows … ‘It wasn’t a pleasant experience for my child, but these people care about my child.’”
Logan Gion is a contributing writer for Press Publications. He can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.
MNRECYCLERY: Providing secondhand bikes to those who need them most
150 bikes a year; today, that number has grown to 650. “It’s been about the past eight years that we’ve really gotten as big as we are,” says Kapaun.
Significant challenges have come from the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of buying new bike parts. “When we get a good bike that’s in very good shape, then we sell that bike,” says Kapuan, “and that’s how we raise money to pay for our parts. We’re self-sufficient.”
Typically, most bikes the shop fixes are found in either junkyards or lying in other places. If one is unable to be fixed, it is stripped and recycled. “If we get a bike that can’t be repaired, we strip it of all the good parts and recycle the steel or the aluminum,” says Kapaun. “Environmentally, we help out on that, and with families that can’t afford to buy a
bicycle. We know the smiles are there, because we’ve got all kinds of thank you cards that have
come in, and we put them over the wall.”
Despite the shop’s popularity, Kapaun notes that he has seen a recent decrease in the total number of bikes donated, and hopes to see it change. “We have never been so low on bikes. Typically, you would come in, and the place would be packed with bicycles. I don’t know why we don’t have them, but we need them.”
Another significant obstacle comes from Kapaun himself; after sustaining a virus-induced brain injury, he will be stepping down as shop head. Fellow volunteer Tim Faacks plans to take over. “Tim is my right-hand man; he’s been with me for about seven years. He’s going to be taking over, as I can’t do it.” If you have a bike you would like to donate, it can be dropped off at the north driveway at 4455 White Bear Parkway in White Bear Lake. Kapaun requests that the bike be left secured to the bike rack along the driveway for volunteers to pick up.
ERIK SUCHY PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Shop head Lynn Kapaun (left) and volunteer Doug Parr (right) work on fixing bikes. Due to a virus-induced brain injury, Kapaun will step down from his position; volunteer Tim Faacks will take his place.
CONGRATULATIONS
to the 2025 Graduating Class of Mahtomedi High School and the Top Academic Achievers!
Attending
Attending South Dakota State University and majoring in animal science for pre-vet track.
and economics on a pre-med track.
ABIGAIL WIEBE
Concordia University - Wisconsin and majoring in biochemistry.
ADDISON SATERBAK
AIDA THIAM
Attending Yale University and majoring in neuroscience
ANNIKA MARTIN
Attending the University of Vermont and majoring in biology.
BENJAMIN HAMMOND Attending Pennsylvania State University.
BETSY BOLAND
Attending the University of Minnesota and planning to major in engineering.
BREANNA ELBERS Attending the University of Minnesota and studying kinesiology.
DANIEL GIBBENS
Attending the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and studying biomedical engineering.
ELESIA NEWFIELD Attending the University of Minnesota - Duluth and studying english and psychology.
EMILY MUETZEL Attending Marquette University and studying pre-physical therapy.
ESME ROUX Attending the University of Wisconsin - Madison and planning on majoring in genetics and genomics.
EVAN CARION Attending the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and studying architecture and entrepreneurship.
ELLA KRAAI Attending the University of Minnesota or Northwestern University and studying psychology, neuroscience and philosophy.
FLORENCE LORINSER
Attending the College of Saint Scholastica and studying music education.
GRETA MUNSON Attending the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
INDRA RAMALEY Attending Tulane University and majoring in biology on the pre-med track.
JACQUELINE IGEL Attending the University of Rochester in New York.
JOHN AUFDERHAR Attending Michigan Technological University and majoring in mechanical engineering.
JOY SHADRACK
KYLEE FARMER
LUKE VIPOND
OLIVIA ROSS Attending Emmaus University and studying nursing.
OLIVER JAROSLAWSKI Attending the University of Wisconsin - River Falls and planning to major in
TIMOTHY SCHUSSLER
CITIZENSHIP: ‘We weren’t looking for a fight’
need to prove my citizenship.”
“They wanted her to send the certificate of naturalization,” explained Lex, “which is what we asked them to send us and paid them $500 to give us. They have assigned [Astrid] a new A-number that doesn’t have any protection because they just invented it.” American residents with an A-number who lose benefits risk deportation, but Astrid is not a citizen of any other country.
In response to this letter, Astrid and Lex have enlisted help from an immigration lawyer. Astrid thankfully has her adoption decree, but Lex warned that other adoptees who live in Minnesota may have a hard time procuring this document. “Minnesota automatically seals all adoption records. You have to go through court to unseal your own adoption.”
While Astrid waits for next
steps, she and Lex encourage other adopted persons in the state to gather proper documentation of their status, regardless of how long ago they were adopted. “We weren’t
looking for a fight,” Lex said. “We just wanted to be two people and start our lives.”
Astrid agreed, “This is so much bigger than me.”
All community members have basic rights under the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws. To learn more about those rights and find additional resources, visit the following:
• Immigrant Law Center of MN, 651-641-1011 or www.ilcm. org
• Mid-MN Legal Aid, 612-3321441, mylegalaid.org
• Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS), 1-877696-6529 or 651-222-5863, www. smrls.org
Logan Gion is a contributing writer for Press Publications. He can be reached at news@ presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.
Jury finds man guilty in 2023 shooting
A Ramsey County jury has found Kardell Baraka Otae Jackson guilty in connection with a 2023 shooting that injured two individuals at a local bar.
In September 2023, officers from the White Bear Lake Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at a bar in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located one victim suffering from a gunshot wound. During the investigation, it was later determined that a second individual had also been shot during the incident. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle before police arrived and was not immediately located. Through an
investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies, the suspect was identified as Kardell Jackson. He was arrested in early October 2023 and charged by the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office with multiple felony offenses. Jackson later posted bail and was released pending trial. Last week, he stood trial in Ramsey County District Court and the jury returned guilty verdicts, finding Jackson guilty of felony seconddegree assault with a dangerous weapon, as well as two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by an ineligible person. Jackson was immediately taken into custody following the verdict and is being held without bail. Sentencing is scheduled for late July.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
BROWN’S CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., the Brown’s Creek Watershed District (BCWD) Board of Managers will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the District’s change of principal place of business to Stillwater Township Hall, 13636 90th Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082. The public hearing will be held at the Stillwater Township Hall, 13636 90th Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082. Debra Sahulka, Secretary, Browns Creek Watershed District Published two times in the White Bear Press on June 11 and 18, 2025.
CITY OF WILLERNIE
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA PUBLIC NOTICE
RECODIFICATION OF CODE OF ORDINANCES
SUMMARY PUBLICATION. Copies of the complete recodified ordinances are on file with the City Clerk for those interested in reviewing the ordinances during regular office hours or by standard or electronic mail. The following summary is approved by the City Council and shall be published in lieu of publishing the entire ordinance: On May 21, 2025, the City Council of the City of Willernie adopted a recodification of the City’s ordinances. City staff and a designated City Consultant undertook an extensive process to review and update the Willernie City Code so that the City’s ordinances could be reformatted as a single unified Willernie City Code. The purpose of the recodification is not to implement or incorporate substantive revisions to local laws and policies, but rather to reformat and renumber the code to standardize citations, correct grammatical and other document errors, supplement with tables and digital maps of existing zoning districts and supplement with a revision history section of changes to the City Code. Prior to adoption, a complete copy of the new Code was presented to the City Council and the public and was further on file with the City Clerk and made available for viewing on the City’s website. Printed copies of the new City Code of Willernie, are available for inspection and general distribution to the public during regular business hours at City Hall. It can also be viewed online through the City’s website.
Approved: May 21, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Vickie Keating, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 11, 2025. CITY OF WILLERNIE
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA PUBLIC NOTICE
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE CHAPTERS 105 AND 106 AND AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING CODE OF ORDINANCES SUMMARY PUBLICATION. Copies of the complete Ordinance Chapters 105, 106, and amendments are on file with the City Clerk for those interested in reviewing the ordinances during regular office hours or by standard or electronic mail. The following summary is approved by the City Council and shall be published in lieu of publishing the entire ordinances and amendments: An ordinance enacting Willernie Code Chapter 105, Fee and Service Charges, and Chapter 106, Fee Schedule, and amendments to relevant existing ordinances.
The City has adopted Ordinance Chapter 105 to establish regulations that provide for levying fees, service charges, and penalties, including expenses incurred by the City on behalf of permh applicants, license renewals, and other City services.
The City has adopted Ordinance Chapter 106 to provide a single and convenient location for a list of fees and penalties charged by the City.
The City seeks to modify its existing Chapters, listed below, to amend said ordinances, wherever fee amounts have been specified, and delete all references to specific fee amounts and reference the fee schedule provided in Chapter 106: 302 -Parking; 305 -PUD; 403 -Building Code Fees; 501 -Water Systems; 603 -Seasonal Parking; 702 -Liquor Licensing; 703 -Liquor Penalty; 901 -Animals; 904 -Animal Penalty; 1002-Business Licensing; 1004-Cannabis Licensing; 1005 -Peddling Licensing; 1302 -Charitable Gambling; 1406 -Rental Dwelling License; 1501 -Utility; 1602 -Illicit Discharge; and 1701 -Storm Water Management.
Approved: May 21, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Vickie Keating, City Clerk Published one time in the White Bear Press on June 11, 2025. NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE PUBLIC NOTICE THE
OF MORTGAGE: February 17, 2006 ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $335,250.00 MORTGAGOR(S): Marcella Hesse, A Single Woman MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Homecomings Financial Network, Inc., its successors and assigns TRANSACTION AGENT: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. MIN#: 100062604274174988 SERVICER: Nationstar Mortgage LLC. LENDER: Homecomings Financial Network, Inc. DATE AND PLACE OF FILING: Ramsey County Minnesota, Recorder, on February 27, 2006, as Document No. 3928536. ASSIGNED TO: U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for LEHMAN XS TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-12N by an Assignment of Mortgage dated 09/11/2015, and recorded on 10/05/2015 as Document No. A04577248. LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lot Sixteen (16), Block One (1), Valley Oaks, according to the recorded plat thereof on file and record in the Office of the Register of Deeds within and for Ramsey County, Minnesota PROPERTY ADDRESS: 4497 S Oakleaf Ct, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 PROPERTY I.D: 213022220006 COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Ramsey THE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: Four Hundred SixtyFive Thousand Eight Hundred Forty-Six and 91/100 ($465,846.91) THAT no action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that there has been compliance with all pre-foreclosure notice and acceleration requirements of said mortgage, and/or applicable statutes; PURSUANT, to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: 10:00AM on July 17, 2025PLACE OF SALE: 360 Wabasha Street N, Suite 111, St. Paul, MN 55102 to pay the debt then secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any actually paid by the mortgagee, on the premises and the costs and disbursements allowed by law. The time allowed by law for redemption by said mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns is 6.00 months from the date of sale. If Mortgage is not reinstated under Minn. Stat. Section580.30 or the property is not redeemed under Minn. Stat. Section580.23, the Mortgagor must vacate the property on or before 11:59 p.m. on January 17, 2026, or the next business day if January 17, 2026 falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. “THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.” Dated: May 28, 2025 U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for LEHMAN XS TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-12N Randall S. Miller and Associates, PLLC Attorneys for Assignee of Mortgage/Mortgagee Edinburgh Executive Office Center, 8525 Edinbrook Crossing North Suite #210 Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Phone: 952-232-0052 Our File No. 25MN00030-1 A-4843457 05/28/2025, 06/04/2025, 06/11/2025, 06/18/2025, 06/25/2025, 07/02/2025
Published six times in the White Bear Press on May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA
CONCILIATION COURT - GOODHUE COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE – NOTICE OF STATEMENT OF CLAIM CASE NO: 25-CO-25-66
To: AHMED ALFARTTOOSI
395 LUELLA ST N, APT 205 SAINT PAUL, MN 55119
You are hereby notified that a Statement of Claim has been filed against you in the Conciliation Court of Goodhue County MN, by the Plaintiff, Certegy Payment Solutions, whose address is P.O. Box 7189 Clearwater, FL 33758. The claim involves an unpaid debt in the amount of $3,500 plus costs as allowed by law.
You are required to respond to this claim by appearing Aug. 6, 2025 or as directed by the court. Failure to appear or respond as required may result in a default judgment being entered against you for the relief demanded in the Statement of Claim.
If you have any questions, you may contact the Conciliation Court of Goodhue County or Certegy Payment Solutions 727.440.3911.
Published three times in the White Bear Press on June 4, 11 and 18, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-446
NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In
Thomas E. Mason, Decedent. NOTICE is given that on Wednesdav, August 27, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. a hearing using remote technology will be held by this Court for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s last will dated October 12, 2022, (“Will”), and for the appointment of Whitney Mason, whose address is 611 Ottawa Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration. Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.
Any objections to the Petition or Will must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real estate and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled. Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 501B.41, Subdivision 5. NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN by publishing this Notice as provided by law and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice. Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.
Date: June 3, 2025 BY THE COURT: Michael Upton, Court Administrator BY: Elizabeth Girling , Deputy Court Administrator
Attorney for Petitioner
Neil T. Nelson
Obenland and Nelson Law
605 South Lakeshore Drive
Glenwood, MN, 56334
Attorney License No: 0388073
Telephone: (320) 634-4581
FAX: (320) 634-4583
Email: neil@onlawmn.com
Published two times in the White Bear Press on June 11 and 18, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: CIVIL, OTHER
NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE UNDER JUDGMENT AND DECREE (REAL PROPERTY) COURT FILE NO.: 62-CV-24-6729 loanDepot.com, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. Patti M. Stevens, Homeopco Sub ATrust, and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Defendants.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that under and by virtue of a Judgment and Decree entered in the above-entitled action on April 29, 2025, a certified copy of which has been delivered to me directing the sale of the premises hereinafter described to satisfy the amount found and adjudged due said Plaintiff in the above-entitled action, as prescribed by the Judgment, the undersigned Sheriff of Ramsey County will sell at public auction, to the highest bidder, for cash, as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: July 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PLACE OF SALE: Ramsey County Sheriff, 360 Wabasha Street N, Suite 111, St. Paul, MN 55102 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY: Lot 15, Auditor’s Subdivision No. 77, except the North 55 feet thereof, Ramsey County, Minnesota PROPERTY ADDRESS: 756 McKnight Road North, Maplewood, MN 55119 PROPERTY ID: 25-29-22-33-0049 THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES Section582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITYH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT ABANDONED, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. Dated: 5/29/25 Bob Fletcher Sheriff of Ramsey County, Minnesota By: /s/Michael Frank , Deputy Drafted by: Michael Everson, #0388310 RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES 8525 Edinbrook Crossing – Suite 210 Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 (612) 223-6873 File
CONTRIBUTED
Pictured are Lex McCarthy (left) and Astrid-Ira McCarthy.
BY RICKA MCNAUGHTON SPECIAL TO THE PRESS
A column featuring glimpses into the everyday lives of random dogs I meet on rambles around the White Bear Lake area.
Born to a pair of black Australian Shepherds, Duke had seen every one of his littermates taken. He alone lingered. He was a sweet, healthy boy. So why was he passed over? The Aussies come in a variety of color combos, black being the rarest. Maturing at 70 pounds, Duke’s line tends to be a bit heftier and a tad more chill. It’s possible that because Duke has nontraditional facial markings, he wasn’t favored by those looking for outward conformance to the breed type. But there’s a lot going on beneath a dog’s coat, and that’s what counted to Ben Ludwigson, of White Bear Lake, when he got Duke about five years ago. You could call it a process of more-natural selection. Ben leads a super-active life,
On May 28, the Cove pair welcomed the first of two chicks. The family was forced off the nest by an Eagle, and only one chick survived. The Peninsula pair successfully re- nested, expecting a new hatch by July 4.
The Real Dogs of White Bear Lake
both at work and at play, and Duke is a super-active play partner with a firstrate work ethic.
Ben takes Duke mountain
biking, Nordic skiing, camping, backpacking, swimming, and paddleboarding. After, say, a 15-mile jaunt with Ben on
a back country bike trail, Duke still wants to play fetch or Frisbee. In fact, Duke considers fetch to be his life’s work, and he aims to do it in a tireless and professional manner.
About half the year, Ben’s work is building mountain bike trails “out West.” (He was soon to depart when we met.) While working trail, Ben and Duke basically live out of Ben’s big van.
When Ben’s swinging a pick-axe alone in the woods, Duke is both companion and perimeter guard, the perimeter being wherever Duke thinks it is. Basically, he just barks a couple of times if someone happens to come along.
Once you’ve passed his sniff test, whatever that may be, or become a member of his pack, Duke the cuddle bug emerges. When happy to see you coming, he’s got a serious bend-at-the waist, wholebody waggle. Out of the Ben and Duke bromance was born a special bro-dog greeting. Ben will bust out a lips-drawn-to-the-max,
highly exaggerated happy face and Duke has learned to imitate the very same teeth-out expression, adding a little sneeze for emphasis at the end. Then he’ll flop down for the belly scratch he knows is coming. And yet, with all this happy dog life going for him, Duke’s nickname is Mr. Grumbles. Why?
Because although not old or grumpy, Duke’s in the habit of making Grumpy Old Man noises. When he lies down, for example, he’ll let loose a dramatic, disgruntled sigh, as though his favorite pro sports team had blown yet another game, or another politician acted in some supremely infuriating manner, or he misplaced the clicker to the TV yet again. Maybe one day Duke will slow down and grow into his Old Man voice. But that’s a while off.
Loon Chronicles X: A New Baby on Board!
The Loons have been busy! On May 28, we spotted a tiny chick crawling out from under mama’s wing, while on the nest. After several minutes, the chick crawled back under mama’s cozy wing. Given the chick’s size and mama’s reaction, we think the chick was only a few hours old. We returned to the Cove, the next morning, hoping to see the second chick. Mama was on the nest, with visible activity under both wings, but neither chick made an appearance. It was chilly and probably much warmer under mama’s wing. Later that day, Erik called to advise that an Eagle was dive-bombing the new family and had forced them off the nest. Erik could only see one chick. In the end, the Eagle gave up and the parents and their surviving chick headed west.
We returned, before sunset, and found the chick, now named Charlie, sound asleep on papa’s back. Charlie is one tough chick and is already swimming, receiving and swallowing fish, and showing off his foot waggles. We are happy to report that the Peninsula parents have successfully re-nested and are taking turns tending two large golden eggs. Following nature’s cues, the pair seized every opportunity to work on fertilizing two eggs, including fending off the interloper who tried to challenge papa and take his place. On June 4, we spotted the three calmly floating together, until all hell broke loose when the interloper suddenly lunged at papa. The two were off to the races with endless expanding circles of frenzied wing-rowing, yodels,
tremolos, and Penguin posturing. The two chased each other for almost an hour; circling the nest, shoreline, several docks, and even around and under our boat. The interloper, a younger Loon, was relentless. Younger Loons will challenge older Loons, when they sense weakness and need to claim their own territory. Papa was more strategic and knew how to conserve energy and make a move. Through it all, mama stayed on the sidelines. The next morning, we had no doubt that papa was the victor, as he escorted mama to the nest to tend a newly laid egg. The interloper was and remains MIA. If all goes well, Charlie could have cousins by July 4.
Ricka McNaughton is a writer living in White Bear Lake.
RICKA MCNAUGHTON | CONTRIBUTED
Ben Ludwigson and Duke get ready to hit the trail.
Ellen Maas
Students reminisce on the way to graduation
Above: Lilly Seifried couldn’t resist the opportunity to participate in an old-fashioned game of kickball during a visit to Lincoln Elementary School in White Bear Lake with some of her classmates.
At right: Gabby Johnson, Kiana Giese, Brady Keeling, Talia Domschot and Lilly Seifried gathered on the outdoor playground with their classmates, below, following a graduation week walk through at their former elementary school.
from our bakery…Oh My! Call after June 10th for a harvest update. 651 429-7202
Above: Mahtomedi High School students exit Wildwood Elementary School after recently visiting the school many of them attended since first grade.
Below: A group of Mahtomedi High School graduating seniors make their way down a grassy hillside during their traditional outdoor walk between the high school and Wildwood Elementary School.
Show off your Classic or Vintage boat at the 18th annual free White Bear La ke Classic and Vintage Boat Show, June 21, 2025. Register today at www.presspubs.com/site/forms/contest/boat_show/ or call 6 51_407_1200
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Legacy Endeavors is looking for compassionate, dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our growing team— including a Floater DSP who thrives on variety and flexibility.
Join Our Team as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) –Full-Time, Part-Time, or Floater! Make a Difference in Your Community with Legacy Endeavors.
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CLASSIFIEDS
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B's Big Annual Garage Sa le MultiFamily Househo ld Goods Home décor Furn, Office Supplies, Leather g oods, Craft Supp lies and so much more June 12th-14th 9a-6p 2559 Sumac Cir, WBL No Ea rly Birdies
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KMS PUBLIC SCHOOLS seeking High School Principa l beginning August, 20 25. Qualifications: Curr ent Professional Administrative license. Submit le tte r of interest, resume, transcr ipts and three le tters of recommendation to KMS Public schools at www.kms.k12.mn.us through Fr ontline applitrack NOW HIRING ANNANDALE Public School Health Assista nt. Elementary School (K-5). H ours
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Garage/Moving sale June 12th- 13th, 8a-4p 4989 Turtle Ln W, Shoreview Furniture, glassware, yard&garden , tools, housewares fish hou se an d gas auger antiques and much more
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Huge Garage Sale June 12 4-7, June 13 8-3, June 14 8-3 Variety of items from SSTLC members. Shop inside in A/C!
South Sh or e Trinity Lutheran Church 2480 South Shore Blvd WBL
Multiple Gar. Sale s 4120-4136 Sunflower Cir, Vadnais Hts Wed 6/11-Fri 6/13 8a-5p Furn, Tools, Clothes, To ys, plus much more
OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75
Dial 711 for Relay Assistance
Deb Molin
Certified Master Groomer
200 Marian Ct., Circle Pines, MN 55014
OBITUARIES
Helen Irene Collova
Age 92, of Vadnais Heights. Beloved mom, grandma and great-grandma. Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 24, 2025. Preceded in death by mother Ann, husband Gus, son Steve, grandson Troy, siblings Bobby, Betty, Carole, Peggy and Judy. Survived by children Renee, Tim, Mark, Bruce (Gloria), Rachel (Fred); daughter-in-law Ruthie; grandchildren Crystal (Ben), Steven (Mel), Andrew (Matt), Ben, Mara (Marcus), Eric (Jen), Amber (Gabe), Heather (Jordan), Kenzie (Quinn), Sam (Tess) and Joe; greatgrandchildren Bella, Libby, Max, Vinny, Griffin, Django, Charli, Linex, Jeremiah, Oliver, Amaya, Isaac, Hailey, Hannah, Chelsea and Dezzren; also survived by sister-in-law Connie, cousins, nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian burial 11:00 AM Friday, June 27, at St. John the Evangelist Church, Little Canada. Visitation at church two hours prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. John the Evangelist, in care of St. Anne’s CCW, where she was a member.
Arrangements by Oakwood Funeral Home.
Robert “ Bob” L. Hennessy
6-20-1935 to 9-16-2024. Dad to Katie, Lisa, Joe and Dave. Grandpa to Karly, Brenna, Emily, Neil, Caleb, Molly, Maggie, and Casey. Reflection gathering at Resurrection Cemetary July 11 2025 at 11AM followed by a luncheon and celebration of life in Faribault, MN.
Mary Catherine (Mary Kay) Kline
(nee Carroll) 89, passed away peacefully at home on Sat, Feb 15th, 2025 surrounded by family and friends.
Wed & Thurs June 18th & 19th
8a-4p Lo t of women's sweaters, Christmas villages Figurines Pottery, Duck Decoys and more 2557 Manitou Lan e, WBL
FARMLAND & BUILDINGS FOR CANNABIS CULTIVATION Seeking MN proper ties fo r sale or lease: Cannabiszo ned farmland (2 2,000+ sq ft). Greenhouses (5,000+ sq ft). Indoor grow bu ildings (5 00020,0 00 sq ft). Licensed dispen sary locations. Open to partne rships experienced farmers, and creative terms. Pr ivate sellers & agents welcome. Fast serious buyer Brandon 405/8222257 mikkif19@yahoo.com
Funeral Services: St Jude of the Lake Catholic Church, Mahtomedi, MN, Fri, June 20, 2025. Visitation: 10:00am, Mass: 11:00am, luncheon to follow. Burial: 1:30pm, Lakeview Cemetery.
Edward W. Jensen, Jr.
known by all as “Sooner” was a Navy Korean War Veteran, longtime resident of Willernie, age 87, passed away May 29th, 2025. He was proceeded in death by his parents Edward Sr. and Lavera, his wife of 19 years Kathi, brothers Tyrone, Gary, and Donny. He is survived by his three children Josi, Edward III, and Tina; and brother Wayne. He lived a very full life and those that knew him have stories of a lifetime to cherish. We are honoring his wishes that no service be held. He was accepted by the University of Minnesota for research, a wish that is now granted. Arrangements by Sandberg Funeral Home.
Living Colors Painting 612-394-8978
Richard, the owner of Living Colors Painting, was born in Marshall, MN. His family moved around quite a bit until they settled down in Woodbury, MN. It was there where he graduated high school and started his first painting job. Being passionate about art, painting came natural to him and was a way he could express his love for art with others. As a young adult, he moved around the United States and even spent 5 years in O’ahu, Hawaii painting. Then he moved back to Minnesota where he now lives in White Bear Lake. He has been painting for over 35 years and enjoys painting for local customers. He also loves pets, particularly dogs and cats, and has been known to bring treats along with him to jobs. In his free time, he loves to hike, travel to Hawaii, garden, and collect rocks and crystals.
CARTER JOHNSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
GoodThings Café is located at 2184 Fourth St., White Bear Lake.
GoodThings Café to close
GoodThings Café, located in downtown White Bear Lake, will officially close Saturday, June 14. The café was formerly known as Grandma’s Bakery before it was purchased and renamed GoodThings Café by Tyler Conrad, owner of GoodThings, in November 2023.
According to the GoodThings Café website, the space will be repurposed in the future. It is yet undecided what will occupy the space.
Kowalski’s features local author
Local author and owner of The Women Collective in White Bear Lake, Dr. Amelia Reigstad, PhD. has partnered with Kowalski’s Markets in celebration of her latest book on women empowerment, “Hello Ms. Perfect: Navigating the Path of Perfection and Claiming Your Identity”. She is featured as the local author of the month and will be signing copies of the book at all Kowalski’s locations throughout June, including the White Bear Lake store from 10 a.m. to noon June 21. The book is also sold at Kowalski’s.
Dr. Richard Copeland, DDS recently retired from his dental practice in Mahtomedi.
Changes at Mahtomedi dental office
Staff, patients and friends of Mahtomedi Family Dental celebrated the retirement of Richard Copeland, DDS. Copeland, born and raised in Mahtomedi, served the community as a local dentist for 42 years. Mahtomedi Family Dental has also welcomed a new dentist, Dr. Bradley Hagen.
Sip
& shop
and learn about women-owned businesses
The Women Collective will host it’s first annual Summer Sip & Shop series, which includes beverages, snacks, shopping, permanent jewelry, bouquet-making, and visiting with local business owners. Events are from 5 to 8 p.m. June 10, July 12, and Aug. 2. The Women Collective is located at 4716 Highway 61, White Bear Lake. For more information and details, go to thewomencollective.com.
The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of the Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs. No specific page or position shall be guaranteed. The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.
Frank Watson
been enjoying fresh picked strawberries as have the local critters. Grrr!
Alyssa Hamlin
White Bear Lake Area High School
Congratulations on your graduation! We are incredibly proud of all your hard work and dedication in the classroom, on the track & on the field! We believe in you and are excited to see all the amazing things you will accomplish. Always chase your dreams and know that we will be cheering you on every step of the way!
We love you!
-Mom,Dad,Aliyah,Aiden,Adrian&Vic
THEN -&- NOW
Jordan Jonas Mahtomedi High School
We are so proud of you! -
SPORTS
Zephyrs are back in state baseball tournament
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mahtomedi is playing in its fifth consecutive state baseball tournament this week after rolling through Section 4AAA with a 4-0 record. The Zephyrs (16-7), state runners-up last year, are seeded No. 3 and face Simley (15-7) on Wednesday in Jordan at 12:30 p.m.
“We were able to grind out very competitive at bats throughout the order,” said coach Rob Garry. “This was not one of our strengths during the season, but players have really bought into a very intentional and planned approach at the plate.”
The Zephyrs entered the playoffs 12-7 and seeded No. 3 with two losses to No. 2 Hill-Murray. But as usual they rose to the occasion. They won their first three games over St. Paul Johnson 10-0, Hill-Murray 10-5 and No. 1 St. Anthony Village 6-4.
That put them in the finals with two chances to win, once against Hill-Murray (19-6) on Thursday evening. The Zephyrs got it over with a 4-2 win. They had just three hits, but capitalized on Pioneer mistakes.
Winston Wisely pitched five innings, allowing six hits and two runs, striking out five. Peyton Erickson
ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS
GOLF
Jacob Wilson, Mahtomedi senior who’s playing in his fifth state tournament this week, is one of eight finalists for Mr. Golf. The list announced by Minnesota Golf Association also includes Lucas Antson and Andrew Ballou of Chanhassen, Joe Honza and Sam Udovich of Cretin-Derham Hall, Isaac Ahn of Rochester Mayo, and Torgo Ohe of Edina. Wilson was also named Mahtomedi High School’s Class of
and Ethan Felling each threw a scoreless inning. Down 2-0 in the fifth, they tied the score after Winston Wisely and Nathan Affolter walked and moved up on a passed ball. One run scored on a ground out and the second when Peyton Whitbeck ripped a double inside third base.
In the sixth, a hit-by-pitch, a walk, and a balk on pitcher David Rozek put runners at second and third. Affolter’s hard grounder up the middle with two outs was knocked down by the diving second baseman but he couldn’t hold on. Affolter had an infield single that knocked in both runs for a 4-2 lead, with Ethan Felling roaring home from second base.
Garry said it was no surprise the Zephyrs went 4-0 as a 3-seed: “We play a tough schedule, we are a young team, and our section had two teams rated in the top five in the state in Class AAA.”
Other state pairings are No. 2 Totino-Grace (20-7) vs. Hutchinson (17-9), No. 1 Mankato East (21-3) vs. Stewartville, and Delano (19-4) vs. Grand Rapids (17-7). Semifinals will be noon and 2:30 p.m. Thursday. The championship at Target Center will be Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
2025 Athlete of the Year, awarded to the most decorated graduating student-athlete.
LACROSSE
Both Mahtomedi teams lost in the Section 4 semifinals after winning close games in their Section 4 openers. The Zephyr boys lost to Stillwater 12-8, finishing the season 10-5. The Zephyr girls lost to Stillwater 15-6 and finished the season 8-7. Both Stillwater teams won section
championships and advanced to state.
TENNIS
Mahomedi senior Brandon Pham won one match at the state Class 2A singles tournament, then lost in the second round Thursday at the University of Minnesota. The Zephyrs 1-singles player finished the season 13-4 and his career 12419. Pham beat Will Heidtke of Eagan 6-2, 6-1. Tarun Gopalakrishnan of Blake stopped him 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Maddy Belisle
White Bear Lake Softball June 11, 2025
Maddy Belisle capped a three-sport career in spectacular fashion at the state softball tournament last week. The White Bear Lake center fielder drilled 10 hits in 11 at-bats (all singles) and scored four runs as the Bears went 1-2 and placed fourth. Belisle made the all-tournament team, and raised her batting average from .253 to a final .345. She was 3-for-3 against the Champlin Park ace who led the Rebels to the state title. Belisle was named best defenseman on the hockey team, and played doubles for the conference runnerup tennis team.
4457 White Bear Parkway, Ste B, White Bear, MN 55110 651-426-5254 info@4seasonsairwbl.com
‘Good performance’ as Bears reach state semis, finish 4th
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
White Bear Lake placed fourth in the state Class 4A softball tournament last week after reaching the semifinals with a 3-1 win over Farmington.
The Bears then lost to champion Champlin Park 3-2, snapping an 11-game win streak, and to Forest Lake 7-2, Wednesday and Thursday in North Mankato. They finished 19-8.
“Good performance at state. We hit well off the top pitchers in the state, and played solid defense,” said Bear coach Jill Renneke.
The Bears had 24 hits, led by Maddy Belisle going 10-for-11 with four runs in the leadoff slot. “She was hitting the ball well, up the middle and in the 5-6 hole,” said Renneke. Belisle made the all-tournament team.
Kendall Kotzmacher blasted a two-run homer in the seventh to beat Farmington, her sixth homer of the season and second playoff gamewinner. Maddie Pearson was 5-for-12 and Lauren Simmons 4-for-9.
Junior pitcher Lilly Martin notched her 500th career strikeout while fanning 26 batters in 19 2/3 innings, allowing 20 hits and 11 runs (seven earned).
Martin had 18 of those strikeouts against Farmington. The Bears stroked nine hits against Kayla Schweich. Simmons had an RBI single.
In the semifinals, the Bears ran into Champlin Park’s controversial pitcher Marissa Rothenberger, who was born male and made the transition to female at age nine. She shut out Eagan in the first round and Bloomington Jefferson in the finals, and had a key hit against the Bears.
TRACK
Mahtomedi athletes will compete in 10 events in the Class 2A state meet Wednesday and Thursday at St. Michael-Albertville. The girls qualifiers are Kaili Malvey (long jump, triple jump), Xiaobao Liang (200), Natalie Jackson (discus), Adalyn Beulke (1600), the 4x200 team of Liang, Alicia Farrington, Allison Rippentrop, and Olivia Thiele, and the 4x400 team of Thiele, Farrington, Elizabeth Driscoll and Rippentrop. The boys are Ericdarren Daafour (long jump), Evan Carion (800), and Andrew Russell and Eliah McCormick (both high jump).
Bruce Strand
USA Softball and the NCAA forbids trans athletes to compete in women’s sports, but the Minnesota State High School League allows them to, explaining that the issue is “determined by state law through the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the Minnesota Constitution.”
A lawsuit has been filed against the state attorney general alleging an unfair advantage. Bear players and parents, according to reports, expressed dismay about losing a big game to a trans athlete. Renneke did not want to comment for this story.
The Bears had six hits off Rothenberger, and just three strikeouts. They led 2-0 after four, one run on Teagan Kotzmacher’s sac fly and another on Rothenberger’s throwing error. Layla Nguyen hit a two-run single in fifth, tying it 2-2. The Rebels won in the seventh when Rothenberger doubled and scored with two outs on Ava Parent’s single. Forest Lake, ranked No. 1 most of the season, beat the Bears for the third time, 7-2, for third place. The Rangers (24-2) belted two homers off Martin, three-run shot by Isabella Dowdell and a solo by pitcher Ava Muellner. The Rangers were upset by Jefferson 4-3 in the semifinals. Simmons was 3-for-4 with an RBI, Kendall Kotzmacher 2-for-4, and Martin hit a sac fly.
CONTRIBUTED
The state tournament-bound Mahtomedi Zephyrs were all smiles after beating Hill-Murray 4-2 for the section title.
CHERYL A. MEYERS MSHSL
Bear senior Maddy Belisle, watching a single against Champlin Park, had 10 hits in three games.
Bears section runners-up, best season since 2005
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
White Bear Lake baseball won and lost one-run games and their excellent baseball season ended as section runners-up on Wednesday.
The Bears edged Stillwater 6-5 with
two runs in the seventh — their third walk-off win of the playoffs, meaning on the last at-bat of the game. That put the Bears in the Section 4AAAA finals needing to beat Cretin-Derham Hall twice. The Bears trailed 7-2 and almost pulled it out, losing 7-6 by the margin of two runners thrown out at home.
So close: Bears lose section final in OT
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
With a state lacrosse tournament trip at stake, White Bear Lake took undefeated, No. 2 ranked Stillwater to overtime Wednesday, but the Ponies prevailed 9-8 in a thriller.
The Bears had reached the Section 4 finals by knocking off unbeaten Hill-Murray 13-8, and almost toppled another unbeaten at Stillwater.
Stillwater’s Keiran Jones scored with 29 seconds left in regulation to take a 9-8 lead. The Bears, undaunted, dashed to the other end and got a tying goal by Eli Lalonde with 12 seconds left.
The Bears had
TRACK
possession for the first half of the sudden death overtime but Stillwater goalie Casey Mork smothered a close-range shot. With a half-minute left, Stillwater’s Aiden Sargent got the gamewinner, firing a low shot past Bear goalie Reid Vickstrom, who had made several tough saves. Lalonde and Liam
Maloy each netted two goals for the Bears, and Gavin Huot, Griffin Zaccardi, Tanner Olsen, Wyatt Raleigh and Finn Karni one each. They trailed by two goals three times and caught up each time.
Stillwater (16-0) advanced to state for the fourth time in five years. They won a close section final 10-8 over the Bears last year, too.
The Bears, seeking their first state appearance since the 2015 state champions, finished 10-5. They had won six in a row. Against HillMurray (14-1), Raleigh and Huot delivered three goals each, and Maloy two goals and two assists. Vickstrom saved 13 of 21 shots.
White Bear Lake will have nine girls and five boys in the state Class 3A track meet Tuesday and Thursday at St. Michael-Albertville. The girls are Jinet Demanou (discus), Karen Enow and Pearl Niemioja (both shot put), Khloe Pankonien (long jump), Josie Mlejnek (high jump), Amelia Ahrens (100 hurdles), Lys-Aurele d’Almeida (100), Amelia Nachtscheim (800) and Naadiya Charpenter (pole vault). The boys are Tomi Animasaun (100, 300 hurdles, long jump), Vaughn Larson (1600), Tyrese Behnken (110 hurdles), Matthew Hunter (discus) and Isaac Kolstad (800).
GOLF
Five White Bear Lake golfers will be competing in the state Class 3A meet Tuesday and Wednesday — seniors Jack Stanius, Elaine Eddicus and Bailey Eddicus, junior Maddy Vang, and freshman Easton Fiddle, who’s making his third state trip. The tournament is held at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids.
BEARS BOAST FINALISTS FOR MS. SOFTBALL, MR. BASEBALL
The Minnesota Twins Community Fund and Minnesota All Sports Alliance have named Blake Eckerle as a finalist for 2025 Mr. Baseball, and Kendall Kotzmacher as a finalist for 2025 Ms. Softball. Eckerle and Kotzmacher, both recent graduates of White Bear Lake Area High School, are among 8 finalists for the award, which represents the very best of high school baseball and softball in Minnesota. The winners will be announced in a June 15 ceremony at Target Field.
Bruce Strand
Previously, the Bears beat Roseville Area 6-5 and Stillwater 3-2 and lost to CDH 8-2, all at Northwestern in Roseville. Finishing 17-8, they notched the most wins since the 2005 state tournament team.
Against Stillwater, down 5-4 in the seventh, the Bears loaded the bases on a walk and singles by Jace Lombardi and Tyler Hilderman. Jonny Wong and Isaiah Weber came through with singles to knock in the tying and winning runs. Owen Mortimer, the Bears third pitcher, got the win, retiring all eight batters. Weber also had an RBI triple. Tyler Allshouse had an RBI single and sac fly.
CDH took their 7-2 lead against Evan Newlander and Owen Mortimer on five hits, four walks, two hit-by-pitch, a sac fly and one error, as the Bears outhit the Raiders 13-6. Owen Farrington threw two scoreless innings.
Wong, 5-for-8 in the two games, hit a solo homer in the sixth, after which Weber walked, Blake Eckerle
singled, and Kevin Zollinger drilled a double to center. Weber scored but the Ponies threw Eckerle out at home. In the seventh, the Bears had bases loaded on a single, hit-by-pitch and another single. Weber ripped a double to center, scoring two runs, but pinch runner Christian Humphrey was out trying for the tying run.
BRUCE
Charlie Woodcock carried the ball, jousting with Stillwater’s Sawyer Johnson.
Endeavor Development adjusts Park 35E project
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
After receiving feedback from the White Bear Township Board and neighboring residents, as well as interest from a new food-and-beverage client, Endeavor Development is submitting a revised subdivision entitlement—a municipal approval request regarding a structure’s specific use and look—of the Park 35E project, the 50-acre plot of land situated between Centerville Road and I-35E just south of County Road H2.
At previous township board meetings, homeowners on Centerville Road and Pine Hill Lane brought forward numerous health and safety concerns from the project’s tree removal, grading and construction methods. Others claimed their homes had been significantly devalued. Their future concerns, though, focused on a lack of visual and noise screening from the numerous semitrucks that will likely enter and exit the property.
Ensuring proper screening is tricky, however, given the geography of the area. Because Park 35E is built on a wetland conservation site, construction must be bordered by a retaining wall. This means that both Pine Hill Lane and the proposed warehouses are elevated,
with protected land covering the valley in between.
During the township’s Planning Commission meeting in May, Endeavor Development Partner Joe Bergman and Development Manager Evan Mattson presented the new subdivision entitlement, which included updated landscaping solutions from Mark Kronbeck, landscape architect with Alliant Engineering.
At that time, Endeavor proposed four 100,000-squarefoot warehouses to be built on the site. Now, three warehouses are planned instead, the northernmost one running east to west with 24-hour lighting on the north side reduced to the required minimum. Trucks will not be allowed to drive on the north side of the building, and all semitruck loading bays will be on the south side, away from the residents.
“In regard to the landscape plan in particular, we spent quite a bit of time, Mark and I, this week working through how we can provide additional screening,” said Mattson.
“Below the retaining wall, we’re planting large willow trees. Willow trees are one of the quickest growing trees. … They like to live down by wetlands. So those are going in place down low.” Atop the retaining wall, the new plans propose a row of spruce trees as well as an opaque fence which would block sight lines for the Pine Hill Lane residents.
Bergman explained that, topographically, the opaque fence is unnecessary on the west side. “Centerville Road is substantially below where the site is here. Looking up … you wouldn’t be able to see anything because of the angle.”
Bergman informed the commission that a foodand-beverage client is looking to relocate to the north warehouse. He estimated that, upon proper approval, construction would likely begin this summer, and the warehouse would open January 2026.
Regarding the new submittal, Planning Commission Chair Ronald Denn told Bergman, “I appreciate a lot of what you guys have done here. It’s just, this is a lot coming at us with short notice, and this is a totally different proposed use than we saw two months ago.”
Nevertheless, the commission recommended approval of the new submitted entitlement on the condition that the landscaping the commission was shown is actually installed.
Town Planner CJ Sycks noted that the White Bear Township Board will likely—though not certainly— address approval of the proposed subdivision during its June 16 meeting.
Logan Gion is a contributing writer for Press Publications. He can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.
