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District leaders say multiage classrooms will help maintain target class sizes

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Seven elementary schools in the White Bear Lake district will move to fourth and fifth grade multiage classrooms next fall.

A design team was tasked with using research, evidence-based practices and feedback to develop the framework for the fourth and fifth grade programming. The team included classroom educators, special education personnel, intervention specialists and multilingual staff members, among others.

“At the center of every decision we make is our responsibility

for student outcomes. That responsibility is shared across teachers, principals and district leadership, and it guides how we design learning experiences for students each day,” said Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Alison Gillespie.

“Each year, staffing decisions are made at the building level based on student needs, enrollment, (and) the professional judgment of the principal with clear district expectations and support. This is a comprehensive and often complex process that requires balancing enrollment, academic and social

SEE MULTIAGE CLASSROOMS, PAGE 9

Police chief honored by council ahead of retirement

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

WHITE BEAR LAKE — After a 29-year career in law enforcement, Police Chief Dale Hager will hang up his badge.

Ahead of his retirement May 8, members of the City Council and city staff are taking time to reflect on all he has done for the city and say thank you. And what better way to do that than with a white bear?

“Throughout his tenure, Dale has made a lasting impact not only on the police department, but on our city as a whole,” said City Manager Lindy Crawford. “Your dedication, integrity and steady leadership

have without a doubt left a positive impact. Our city is safer, our community is more connected and our department is stronger because of you.”

Hager has served the White Bear Lake community for the past 12 years and as chief of police since August 2023. During his tenure, he also served as department’s administrative captain. His law enforcement career spans 29 years. Crawford noted one of the police department’s “hallmark achievements” under Hager’s leadership is the implementation of a successful Community Emergency SEE

CHIEF, PAGE 19

Paraeducators

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

The contract for paraprofessionals in White Bear Lake Area Schools, members of SEIU Local 284, expired last June. The union and the district have met multiple times over the 2025-26 school year but have yet to reach an agreement.

“The group brings together over 250 workers, but the current starting wages ($27,000 a year before taxes and health insurance) have meant that almost 40% of the group has turned over in just the last two years,” said Luke Varien, communications coordinator for SEIU Local 284. “The union’s bargaining team is demanding wage increases of dollars, not cents, while the district has only offered increases of 50 cents in each of the two years.”

Several members of Local 284 held an informational picket Thursday, April 23, on the corner of Highway 61 and Whitaker Street. Earlier this month, members also spoke to the school board during public comment to share their thoughts on the ongoing contract negotiations.

“Doing this work effectively does not come easy, and it is alarming that the district has hired over 70 new paras just this school year. The turnover that takes place year after year, I believe, is due in large part to the unsustainable wage being offered,” said Lisa Servatius, a paraeducator at Matoska International Elementary. “As a district, I think we should all be concerned when we strive to be the best by so many measures but are content to let paraeducator pay stagnate as we lose financial ground year after year.”

Tabbitha Kissner, a paraeducator at the high school added, “I’m a para who works multiple jobs to makes ends meet while working in this district to support our students. But on our wages, it is getting harder and harder to take care of my own kids. We need to see dollars, not cents, on this contract because these jobs are too important to have a revolving door of adults coming in and out of them.”

The White Bear Press reached out to White Bear Area Schools for a comment but did not hear back before press deadline.

The two groups remain in open bargaining. The next session is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the District Service Center at Sunrise Park. The session is open to the public.

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

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White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights

Paraprofessionals picket in White Bear Lake; seek pay raise.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

MATOSKA INTERNATIONAL IB ANNUAL ART SHOW

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 7

Where: Matoska International IB school, Details: Support Matoaska's art enrichment program by viewing and purchasing artwork made by students and participating in the silent auction.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH ARASH DAVARI

When: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, May 7

Where: St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church, 2175 1st St., White Bear Lake

Details: White Bear for Democracy hosts a prominent scholar on political and cultural aspects of Iran and the Middle East who will discuss the conflict in Iran and what it may signal for the region.

ST. CROIX VALLEY POTTERY TOUR

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 10

Where: Seven host studios along the upper St. Croix Valley

Details: Nationally recognized gathering of 67 potters from 20 states showing a diverse range of work.

Contact: minnesotapotters.com

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 8

Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center

Parking Lot

Details: Enjoy live music by Beartown Band, yard games, and food from Mansetti's, Mik Mart Ice Cream, and Sasquatch Sandwiches.

Contact: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com

CENTURY COLLEGE CONCERT BAND SPRING CONCERT

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9

Where: Century College, West Campus Theatre, 3300

CHURCH BRIEF

Climatologist leads program on why climate change matters to Christians

Dr. Mark Seeley, a distinguished climatologist and longtime faculty member at the University of Minnesota, will deliver a compelling presentation titled “Climate Change and Why It Matters to Christians,” exploring the intersection of scientific understanding and faith-based stewardship. This free event

HEART 4 ART

When: 5 p.m. Thursday, May 7

Where: Ford Family Gallery, White Bear Center for the Arts

Details: Annual fundraiser for White Bear Center for the Arts includes social hour with cash bar followed by dinner and program. Tickets available online.

Contact: whitebeararts.org

Century Ave. N.

Details: Music includes Ukraine National Anthem, Ashokan Farewell, The Blue and the Gray, 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky. Free.

Details: century.edu/campus-life/fine-performingarts

will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi.

Seeley will share the relevance of faith perspectives to our understanding and concern for the Earth's climate system. He brings together two essential themes: scientific knowledge to grasp what’s happening and the faith mandate to be stewards of God’s gifts.

Since 1992, Dr. Seeley has provided weekly weather

and climate commentary on Minnesota Public Radio’s “Morning Edition”, in addition to authoring “Minnesota WeatherTalk”, a widely read online newsletter with more than 5,000 subscribers. He is also the author of “Minnesota Weather Almanac” and coauthor of the award-winning book “Voyageur Skies: Weather and the Wilderness in Minnesota’s National Park.”

For more information, visit drmarkseely.com.

WHITE BEAR'S SALUTE TO SERVICE

When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12

Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St.

Details: Learn about local veterans and their contributions and sacrifices through the decades. Free; no registration necessary.

Contact: whitebearhistory.org

ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12

Where: Katherine Abbott Park, 1000 Lincolntown Ave., Mahtomedi

Details: Hike gravel and paved trails through the park, approximately 3 miles.

Contact: stpaulhike.com

MUSICAL VENTRILOQUIST

When: 10-11 a.m. Thursday, May 14

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

Details: “Laugh for Life” with wholesome humor, music, and stories featuring Musical Ventriloquist Kevin Doely, and special guests Johnny Cash and Elvis. Free community event; refreshments at 9:45 a.m.

Contact: 651-777-1107

LAKESHORE PLAYERS GALA

When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14

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

Details: Evening of cocktails, dinner, games and live entertainment by the Champagne Drops followed by performance of “Once Upon a Mattress”. Annual fundraiser for Lakeshore Players. Ticket information online.

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

Graduation season

GPublisher’s

raduations are in full swing across the country for colleges and universities. We were delighted to be among nearly 40,000 family and friends celebrating our daughter's graduation at the University of Colorado-Boulder this past weekend. Leading up to commencement, anxiety can build as students wrap up projects, presentations and finals. Emotions are high as the realization hits that friends will be going separate ways after graduation and time is limited for catching that one last Thursday night out at Rosetta Hall.

View

My parents and my inlaws were able to attend our daughter’s graduation. The ceremony was held on Folsom Field, home of the Colorado Buffaloes football team. Built in 1924, it currently seats 53,750 spectators. Our day began with a 7 a.m. morning hike into the stadium to get a seat. The scene is breathtaking in more ways than one - the crisp mountain air was brisk and elevation robs one of oxygen, but the stadium also has one of the most beautiful backdrops with the Flatirons that are part of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. As the sun began to rise in the bluebird sky, it became hot, volunteers handed out paper fans and sunscreen.

With the students all standing at their seats, they looked like a shimmering wave of success. They looked outstanding in their caps, gowns and variety of colors of tassels, cords and stoles representing the programs they majored in and honors and recognitions. The keynote speaker was actress Kristen Davis, best known for her role as Charlotte in “Sex in the City.” She spoke about the excitement of getting her first major role on “Melrose Place” and then disappointment shortly after when her character died and was written out of the show. She said as you go out into the world, doors will start to open and you have to go through them. “Do not set limits on what you envision for yourself,” she said. “Dig deep to find the vision of what you want for your own life and for others. And have the faith in yourself to pursue that vision.” My daughter's takeaway from her message is to say “yes” to opportunities.

One of the graduates was Shedeur Sanders, now the 24-year-old quarterback of the Cleveland Browns. He seemed to be primarily with his filming crew and posting pictures and video on social media. It was fun that two former Mahtomedi Zephyrs were spotted in the background of one of his graduation reels. Our local high school seniors are next up to graduate in the coming weeks. Many thanks to the parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, pastors and coaches around our communities who have been part of our children’s lives. It’s the amazing people in communities that make the difference. Congratulations to all of the students and families celebrating a graduation milestone in 2026.

I'll end with the quote Kristen Davis shared with the CU graduates by Henry David Thoreau: “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he had imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

A bill for prioritizing fosters in school programs

In Minnesota, close to 6,000 children experience foster care on any given day. Children who are not placed with family are placed in foster homes, homes where the caregivers are strangers to them.

Many foster parents choose this role because they want to help children, whether by loving them, caring for them, or providing stability. However, once they step into the role, they often realize that support from the county is minimal.

I experienced this firsthand as a foster parent who also works full-time as an educator. The three children placed in my home were all seven years old and under. When I tried to enroll them in before- and after-school programs, they were put on a waiting list. The children were too young to be left home alone, and sending them to a daycare outside of their school was not a feasible option for me. This forced me to decide between my job or continuing to foster.

That is why I am working alongside Representative Mary Frances Clardy, Foster Advocates and a community of advocates to advance legislation that prioritizes

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youth in foster care and their caregivers when it comes to access to school programming. For young people in foster care, instability is not an abstract concept. It is a lived experience. Moves between homes can happen quickly and more than once. Each move often brings a school change, a loss of trusted relationships, and a disruption to learning. Even when a school remains the same, everything else around it may not.

In those moments, access to school programming can make all the difference, whether through before- and after-school care, summer programs, or enrichment opportunities. These are the spaces where young people build relationships, find routine, and begin to feel grounded again.

But for foster families, access to these programs is far from guaranteed.

As a foster parent, you step in quickly, often with little notice, to meet a young person’s immediate needs. You are building trust, establishing routines, and trying to create a sense of safety. And then you encounter a system that tells you there is a waiting list. No priority. No flexibility. No acknowledgment of urgency. Stories like this are way too common. A foster parent unable to secure a spot in an after-school program, leaving them scrambling to cover care. A young person losing access to an activity that helped them feel connected. Families doing everything right,

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only to find that the systems around them are not designed to support them.

The consequences ripple quickly. Instability rises, caregivers are stretched thin, and young people, already navigating trauma, are asked to adapt yet again.

Passing HF 3714 and SF 4879 this legislative session would be a meaningful step toward removing these barriers and prioritizing timely access to afterschool programming for foster youth. It also strengthens training and resources for foster parents and providers so they can better navigate school systems and plan ahead. And it encourages stronger coordination between schools and child welfare systems to reduce unnecessary barriers.

We know this not just from data, but from lived experience. This effort is grounded in community. It reflects the voices of Fosters, foster parents, educators and advocates who see both the challenges and the possibilities. There is strong support for doing better. But we need continued leadership to turn that support into action. If we want to give young people the stability they deserve, this is a place to start.

Zoua Vue is a Hugo resident who was a foster parent for five years. She is now the adoptive parent of her former foster children and works as a Peer Assistance Review educator for St. Paul Public Schools.

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To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or

deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Press Publications publishes 99% of the letters to the editor that meet the guidelines.

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

Carter Johnson

Movers & Shakers

Zoua Vue

New sidewalk threatens trees

I was taken aback to read in the City Council Notes in the April 22 paper that Mayor Mary Nicklawske issued a proclamation “to recognize the importance of trees and commit to thoughtfully maintaining the urban forest throughout the community.” It was only a month ago that the City Council voted unanimously to build a new sidewalk on Banning Avenue between First Street and Lake Avenue, even though it seriously threatens five mature trees. Prior to the vote at the Council meeting I had sent both a letter and an email to the Mayor, each City Council Member and the City Engineer asking them to choose mature trees over concrete. My letters were not persuasive enough.

Sidewalks are built with 4 inches of concrete over 6 inches of gravel. This excavation will seriously cut into the roots of these trees – a red oak, silver maple, sugar maple, red pine and a linden/basswood. The trees will very likely die soon as a result of this project.

According to the April 22 article, “the city has been recognized as a Tree City community since 1988. Reciting an official Arbor Day proclamation is one of the requirements to be recognized.” Shouldn’t preserving existing trees also be a requirement?

As the trees start to leaf out, drive down Banning toward the lake and imagine what it would look like without the trees. It would be a dramatic change. The trees are there for everyone to enjoy.

Local entrepreneur wins business resilience award

Dr. Amelia Reigstad, founder of The Women Collective in downtown White Bear Lake, is the recipient of the Women Who Inspire Business Resilience award through ElevateHER. ElevateHER is a women’s business community of women who believe in the power of connection, empowerment and shared success.

The Women Who Inspire Awards, presented as part of the annual networking summit, are designed to recognize women who are leading with heart, breaking barriers, building bold businesses and lifting others. The Women in Business Resilience award is for women who have overcome adversity, setbacks or major challenges, yet continued to lead, grow and inspire.

“I am extremely honored to receive this award,” Reigstad said. “Given the recent shake-up of the building ownership on Clark Avenue, and The Women Collective (amongst other tenants) having to relocate, this award couldn’t be more fitting, and I am so grateful.”

For more information about The Women Collective, visit www.thewomencollective.com

Elli is a fifth-grade student known for her curiosity, determination, and strong work ethic. She approaches every learning task with enthusiasm and consistently goes above and beyond expectations. Elli asks thoughtful questions, stays focused, and takes pride in doing her very best. Her positive attitude and drive to learn make her a standout in the classroom.

White Bear Lake Area

Foreclosures, Certificates of Assumed Name, Liens, Probates and all other Public Notice Requirements

Mary Kelly White Bear Lake

Dr. Amelia Reigstad is the recipient of the Women Who Inspire Business Resilience award. She is the founder of The Women Collective in downtown White Bear Lake.

COPS&COURTS

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

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

• A White Bear Township man was arrested for his outstanding warrants near White Bear Parkway and Golden Ponds Lane April 22.

• Officers responded to reports of dogs off leash at Matoska Park April 22.

• Officers responded to a noise disturbance in the 1800 block of Birch Street April 22.

• Officers responded to a report of people riding around on electric bikes in the 3700 block of Bellaire Avenue April 22.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 3300 block of Willow Avenue April 22.

• A Blaine man was arrested for

DWI following a traffic stop near Mosby Road and County Road E April 23.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 1300 block of Hedman Way April 23.

• An owner of two dogs found at large near the 1900 block of County Road F was issued multiple citations April 23.

• A civil dispute over a sailboat was reported in the 4100 block of Hoffman Road April 23.

• Officers responded to assist Maplewood on a perimeter near the 1500 block of County Road B April 23.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 3500 block of Century Avenue April 23.

• Officers responded to dogs off leash at Matoska Park April 24.

• A catalytic converter was stolen

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

• Residents in the 3000 block of East County Line Road reported a vehicle stolen from their driveway overnight March 30-31. There are no suspects.

Dellwood

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies issued a written warning to a motorist March 29 on Dellwood Road N. for speeding 60 mph in a 45 mph zone.

Grant

• Management of the Gasthaus restaurant in the 8000 block of Lofton Avenue N. reported a former employee who would not leave the premises after she had quit March 29. Deputies filled out, printed and gave a copy of the trespass notice to the woman, who was not at all cooperative while receiving an explanation of the notice.

Mahtomedi

A motorist traveling at a high rate of speed while holding a cell phone received a written warning March 27 in the 900 block of Mahtomedi Avenue by deputies on patrol.

• Wedgewood Drive residents reported a construction sign laced with explicit language and graffiti placed in their yard March 27. When deputies arrived on scene, they found that the residents had moved the sign to the nearby public park. The Washington County Public Works Department was notified of the salacious sign.

• Deputies cited a motorist in the 80 block of Wildwood Beach Road at 10:13 p.m. March 27 for expired registration and failure to provide proof of insurance.

• A motorist was arrested for undisclosed reasons at 8:06 a.m. March 29 on Forest Avenue and Dahlia Street following a traffic stop.

• A resident in the 1000 block of Bryant Avenue reported the cover on an exterior garage door opener pulled off at 9:17 a.m. March 30

overnight April 24 in the 3500 block of Century Avenue N. April 24. Harassment was reported in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road April 24.

• Fireworks were reported in the 3800 block of Saint Regis Drive April 24.

• Juvenile incidents were reported in the 3300 block of Glen Oaks Avenue April 25.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 3300 block of Glen Oaks Avenue April 25.

• A vehicle was stolen in the 2500 block of Crown Hill Court April 25.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3600 block of Highland Avenue April 26.

• Harassment was reported in the 2000 block of Spruce Place April 26. Officers mediated a dispute in the 4600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue April 26.

• Officers took a missing person report in the 2000 block of Floral Drive April 26.

• Officers responded to a familial dispute in the 3500 block of Century Avenue April 26.

• A dog owner was cited following a complaint of a dog-at-large in the 3900 block of Scheuneman Road April 27.

• Counterfeit currency was used near the 2600 block of County Road E April 27.

• Officers responded to a report of a domestic assault in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road April 27.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road April 28.

• Officers responded to a report of dirt bikes in the roadway in the 2000 block of Dotte Drive April 28.

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

and thought it was suspicious. A review of the crime desk weather app for Mahtomedi shows that the most extreme wind gust of the day occurred shortly after 9:00 a.m. out of the east.

• Deputies conducted two traffic stops for cell phone use during the mid-morning of March 30 on Hilton Trail between 70th Street N. and 72nd Street N.

• Deputies arrested an unidentified individual on a warrant for Hennepin County Probation violations at 12:35 p.m. March 30 on Quail Street.

• A Wildwood Road business reported a shoplifting incident on March 30.

• A motorist was arrested for DWI at 1:19 a.m. March 31, after deputies were summoned to the scene of an intoxicated driver crashing into a parked car on 72nd Street N.

• A noise complaint of loud music was turned in at 3:10 a.m. March 31 from a multifamily dwelling on Stillwater Road as part of an ongoing issue. However, this time deputies heard nothing but silence.

• Theft was reported overnight March 30-31 from a Wildwood Road address.

Pine

Springs

• A westbound motorist was cited at 2:24 a.m. March 28 on Highway 36 just south of the westbound I-694 ramp for speeding, after deputies on routine patrol observed the vehicle coming up behind them at a high rate of speed.

• A motorist reported a vehicle occupied by unfamiliar people for following him all the way from MSP airport to the intersection of Viking Drive and Henna Court on March 23. When the complainant stopped at the reported location, the suspicious vehicle also stopped and waited behind the complainant until deputies arrived on scene. Deputies spoke with the occupants of the vehicle and sent them on their way.

• A motorist westbound on Highway 36 just east of the Hilton Trail flyover was issued a citation for speeding and following too closely at 8:41 p.m. March 28, after deputies conducted a traffic stop for a missing brake light and tailgating.

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

Vadnais Heights:

• A 25-year-old woman reported March 29 being bitten by a dog that was on a leash while she and her husband were out for a walk in the area of Arcade Street and Greta Lane. The bite caused minor injuries and its owner shared vaccination and other information with the victim. An animal control officer has been assigned to follow up on the case.

• A 19-year-old man in the 4100 block of Centerville Road reported March 30 that he sent money to someone who was threatening him online. The incident is under investigation.

• Deputies issued a citation for theft March 30 to a 58-year-old woman from White Bear Lake after she was caught by loss prevention employees in the 800 block of County Road E East attempting to leave the store without paying for just over $60 worth of merchandise. On March 30, deputies attempted to stop a Pontiac Torrent in the area of I-694 and Highway 61, but the driver fled. Deputies pursued the driver briefly and the pursuit was ultimately terminated in the interest of public safety. The driver was later identified when the vehicle was located abandoned, and evidence was collected. The incident is under investigation.

• Deputies arrested a 33-year-old St. Paul woman March 30 after responding to a report of a person walking along the road in the area of County Road E East and the entrance ramp to I-35E. The woman was carrying items and deputies learned she had active warrants for burglary and fourth-degree assault.

• Deputies responded April 1 to a report of a domestic assault that occurred in the 3500 block of Vadnais Center Drive in which a 36-year-old woman from Woodbury was physically assaulted by a 46-year-old man with whom she has a child. The suspect was gone when deputies arrived. He was mailed a citation.

• Deputies issued a theft citation and a trespass notice April 1 to a 49-year-old woman from Wyoming, Minnesota, after she was caught by loss prevention employees in the 900 block of County Road E East attempting to leave the store without paying for several items from the sales floor,

including a vacuum cleaner.

• Deputies responded April 2 to a report of an 11-year-old girl who was struck by the tire of a vehicle that was backing out of a driveway in the 4300 block of Evergreen Drive. Deputies provided aid for abrasions on her leg. She was not transported to a hospital, but photos of her injuries were taken and information from the driver of the Honda HR-V that struck her was collected.

• Deputies arrested a 55-year-old woman from Maplewood April 2 on a warrant and for possession of drugs and theft after she was caught by loss prevention employees in the 800 block of County Road E East attempting to leave the store without paying for merchandise.

• Deputies issued a theft citation April 4 to a 45-year-old man after he was caught by employees at a business in the 800 block of County Road E East pretending to scan merchandise and attempting to leave the store without paying for it.

• Deputies arrested a 37-year-old man from St. Paul April 4 for possession of a stolen firearm after responding to a call about a suspicious person attempting to open vehicle doors in a parking lot in the 800 block of County Road E East. After locating the suspect, he was found to be in possession of the weapon and drug paraphernalia.

White Bear Township:

• A 63-year-old woman in the 1600 block of Highway 96E reported receiving harassing text messages March 29 from a childhood acquaintance who lives in Ohio. The incident is under investigation.

• Deputies arrested a 33-year-old man from Roseville March 30 for violating a no-contact order and driving a vehicle without proper registration after making a traffic stop in the area of Highway 61 and County Road J East.

• A 64-year-old woman in the 5200 block of Bald Eagle Boulevard West reported March 30 that someone drove by her home in a Chevrolet pickup truck, stopped and stole a $15 lawn sign her husband made. The incident is under investigation.

• Deputies issued a theft citation March 31 to a 35-yar-old woman after she was caught by grocery store employees in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive attempting to leave the store without paying for approximately $42 worth of merchandise.

American Indian Education Program receives vote of concurrence

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

The American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) says White Bear Lake Area Schools is meeting the needs of its American Indian students.

Minnesota Statutes state that a school district with 10 or more enrolled American Indian students must establish an AIPAC. This committee serves in an advisory role and helps ensure that American Indian students are receiving culturally relevant and equitable educational opportunities.

Each year AIPAC must discuss and vote on a “resolution of concurrence” when finding that the district has been meeting the needs of American Indian students. Director of Educational Equity and Achievement Brenton Shavers, American Indian Education Program Coordinator Tonya Flower and AIPAC Chair Danielle Delong presented this year’s vote of concurrence.

School Board Chair Scott Arcand asked whether the district is doing a better job of graduating seniors from the program and, if not, what can the district do better?

Delong explained that she has had students in the district since 2010. She is the parent of a class of 2021 graduate, a class of 2024 graduate and another about to graduate in the class of 2026.

“White Bear Lake restarted their American Indian Education Program in 2010. Since then, I’ve seen nothing but great things coming from the district in

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

Man charged with forgery fails to show for 1st court appearance

Kevin Micaiah Luebke, 23, of Anoka, failed to show up to his first court appearance on Thursday, April 30. Luebke is charged with three counts of felony forgery after he allegedly enrolled at White Bear

benefiting not just my children, but all the children in the schools,” Delong said. “I think the work that we are doing towards equity is showing in our graduation rates ... I know there is a lot of systematic and institutional changes that still need to happen, but when I think about what my ancestors experienced and what I experienced and what my children are experiencing, there is a world of difference, and I am grateful for that.”

Flower, who has been with the district for four months, said one change she has been working on in her short time with the district is incorporating the program into the elementary schools.

“Before I took the position, there was a lot of focus on secondary education. I have been making strides to get into elementaries at least once a month,” she said. “I believe that it starts in empowering American Indian students in elementaries. I think getting them young and believing in themselves and seeing somebody that looks like them and practices the same traditions as them, it is proven that they will do better in school and believe in themselves.”

Flower added that some other changes have included:

• Changing some of the ways lessons are taught and the culture is practiced at the high school level

• Focusing on college readiness and doing more college visits

Maintaining an “open and transparent” relationship with the parent committee

Lake Area High School for the 202526 school year, posing as a 17-year-old who identified himself as “Kelvin Ciatte Perry, Jr.” A warrant has been issued for Luebke’s arrest.

Updated law improves student safety

According to the Minnesota

IF YOU GO

What: Senior Honoring Powwow

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 8

Where: District Service Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Ave.

Details: The community is invited to celebrate and honor the five graduating seniors in the American Indian Education Program. Shawnee Hunt will be the emcee. The community event will feature dancing, drums, vendors, food trucks and more.

Contact: 651-407-7647 or tonya.flower@isd624.org

School Board Member Angela Thompson said, “You have already done a lot in your time here, and I look forward to seeing where you take the AIPAC from here.”

This spring, five seniors will graduate from the district. To celebrate, the community is invited to a districtwide powwow on Friday, May 8. (Find more details in the pullout box.)

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

Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety, legislators have updated the law that requires drivers to stop when a school bus arm is out. Previously, the law required drivers to stop for a bus when its red flashing lights were on and the stop arm was extended. This created a situation in which some drivers might pass the bus when the lights were flashing but the stop arm

wasn’t fully extended. Effective immediately, the updated law closes the loophole and improves the safety of children across Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. When red lights are flashing, a vehicle must stop 20 feet away from the school bus whether the stop arm is extended or not.

AFSA Charter School announces closure

The Academy for Sciences & Agriculture (AFSA), located at 100 Vadnais Blvd in Vadnais Heights, has announced that it will close at the end of this school year.

AFSA Executive Director Sam Wakefield recently shared a statement that read in part, “AFSA has become financially unsustainable, and Osprey Wilds (school authorizer) has decided to terminate our charter school contract effective June 30, 2026. Under state law, we are required to dissolve the school at that time.”

AFSA has two sites: one in Vadnais Heights for seventh through 12th grade and one in Little

Canada for pre-K through sixth grade.

AFSA was founded in 2001 with the purpose of providing agricultural literacy to an urban and suburban population. Since then, the school has expanded to include career opportunities in five areas of science, including engineering, animal science, plant science, environmental science and food science. The Vadnais Heights location opened its doors in 2005, and in 2019, the Little Canada location was added to serve elementary (pre-K through sixth grade).

The school’s last day of regular instruction will be June 5, 2026. Graduation for seniors will be held June 5.

Mariner Middle School named winner for 2nd year

For the second consecutive year, Mariner Middle School has been named a Gold Star Winner — the highest distinction — in the Star of Innovation Awards presented by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP). The award honors schools across Minnesota for developing and supporting exemplary, innovative educational programs. Mariner earned the top recognition this year for its school improvement efforts focused on ensuring that all students are on time to class. The Mariner team developed a schoolwide system focused on protecting learning time, strengthening a sense of belonging and improving school systems. Through these efforts, daily tardies were reduced significantly, resulting in increased instructional time, improved consistency across staff and

stronger family partnerships.

“This work is about more than being on time to class — it’s about making every minute count for our students,” said Mariner Middle School Principal Christina Pierre. “By aligning our practices and focusing on what matters most, we’ve built a stronger sense of belonging and a shared commitment among staff, students and families to protect valuable learning time.”

Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak added, “This recognition speaks to the thoughtful, student-centered approach our Mariner team brings to continuous improvement. Their work demonstrates how meaningful change is driven by clarity of purpose, strong collaboration and an unwavering focus on student learning.”

In addition to the award, Mariner received a $250 check and will be formally recognized at the MASSP Summer Conference later this year. 3 REASONS

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MULTIAGE CLASSROOMS: District leaders say the change aligns with the district’s strategic plan

emotional needs, programming and the strengths of our staff.”

Gillespie, along with Lori Mosser, principal of Oneka Elementary; Cary Krusemark, principal of Lakeaires Elementary; Julian Stanke, principal of Birch Lake Elementary; and Jen Babiash, director of teaching and learning, provided background to the School Board on how the change came about and the planning that is yet to come this spring and summer.

“Multiage classrooms are not a mandate. They are one of several strategies principals may use when aligning staffing to fast-serve students,” Gillespie explained. She pointed out that the concept of multiage classrooms is not new to the district; however, the level of intentionality, alignment and the systemwide approach is new.

“Staffing is one of the most complex responsibilities we hold. In a system like ours, with elementary schools varying in size with uneven grade level cohort sizes, that complexity requires thoughtful, flexible approaches rather than a single standardized model,” Gillespie said.

One of the reasons for the shift is to maintain target class sizes. “If we didn’t do multiage, we might have class sizes well below the target class size and well above the target class size, and so this really is about balancing those class sizes, ensuring a consistent student experience regardless of school or cohort size, and then working on those strong relationships and sense of belonging,” Gillespie explained.

District leaders say the change aligns with the district’s strategic plan, allows for flexible, responsive instruction, maintains grade-level expectations and follows state standards to ensure that all students are ready for middle school. The two grades were chosen to be paired because the standards and assessments are aligned.

“All of our elementaries have been doing multiage at some point over the years successfully, but in different ways,” Krusemark said. “So … we know that we're going to be able to take these experiences and a variety

of styles, and we can strengthen from those experiences our approach across our system.” He added that the multiage approach will not only improve support for students, but teachers as well.

Benefits also include building relationships across grade levels and with teachers, and peer mentorship and leadership opportunities. “The most important thing we can do is to have that consistent experience for all of our fourth and fifth grade kids across the district,” Mosser said.

The design team first met in April. Mosser said as soon as the decision was made to go to multigrade classrooms, it was first communicated with staff and then families of this year’s third and fourth grade students, as well as through PTO/ PTAs.

more of a real-life model, so I’m excited to see where it goes.”

School Board Member Daniel Skaar asked whether the topic would be discussed further at the May 11 board meeting. Arcand said the presentation would not come before the board again, but people were welcome to watch the video of the presentation on the district’s website and share their thoughts with the board during public forum.

“All of our elementaries have been doing multiage at some point over the years successfully, but in different ways,”

Cary Krusemark Principal, Lakeaires Elementary

In June, the design team, along with teachers who want to participate, will begin writing the curriculum. Next year, Mosser said the district will ensure that the fourth and fifth grade teachers have ongoing professional development opportunities throughout the year.

School Board feedback

School Board Chair Scott Arcand asked what the district is doing to make sure it has “buy-in” from teachers. Gillespie explained that the district has been working closely with the union president, and feedback was collected from stakeholder groups, including teacher groups.

School Board Member Christina Streiff Oji asked whether students will change classes for different subjects. Mosser responded, “The design team is looking at that. We haven’t landed on what is best for kids just yet.”

Oji said she was a product of a fourth, fifth and sixth grade classroom.

“I know it stretches kids in a lot of beautiful ways …” she said. “It’s much

• Farooq Mahmood, on behalf of Iron Bear Tobacco LLC, has submitted an application for a tobacco license for Iron Bear Tobacco, to be located at 4074 White Bear Ave. Mahmood is taking over ownership of the business, which was previously owned by Maan Altamimi of MNJ Tobacco Inc. The previous owner also held a lower-potency hemp edibles license. Mahmood applied for the same license through the state of Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and is waiting for approval.

Based on the new zoning code approved last year, the parcel where the business is located is now zoned General Mix Neighborhood (GX-N), which no longer allows a tobacco products shop. Pursuant to Chapter 1312.030 of the zoning code, nonconforming uses that were lawfully established in accordance with zoning regulations at the time of its establishment may continue. To maintain its nonconforming use status, the tobacco products shop may not be physically expanded or extended. The council ultimately approved the tobacco license.

• The city will pay $1,473,732 to North Valley Inc. for the 2026 pavement rehabilitation project. The project also includes $63,620 for private driveway work, which will be paid for separately by property owners who elect to do that work. The total project cost is then estimated at $1,890,943, which includes related legal and administrative costs, as well as a 5% contingency for any unforeseen costs encountered during construction. The project will be financed through a combination of bond issue proceeds and special assessments to benefiting property owners. The bids came in slightly higher than estimated, so the final bond amount will be adjusted accordingly to cover total project costs.

• May 11 through May 16 is observed as National Police Week. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which falls on Friday, May 15, is an observance in the U.S. that pays tribute to the local, state and federal peace

“This seems to be a significant decision. From what I’ve heard from parents, they have used the term ‘blind-sided.’ At least one (parent) indicated that there was a potential that they would leave the district and go to a different district, which is concerning to me because this decision could have enrollment impacts,” Skaar said. “I suggest that something this significant as a change should be made at the board level, as opposed to individual schools. I think this decision should come to the board to deliberate and discuss.”

School Board Member Kathleen Daniels said she recalled years ago when the district had large classes numbering in the 30s, which caused a lot of families to leave the district and go elsewhere. “I appreciate you’re trying to stay within those parameters (class size targets) by creating this and being flexible,” she said. She asked the principals to share a little bit more about the benefits of multiage classrooms they found in their research.

“Looking at the research, if it’s single-level or multi-grade level, there really is a status quo as you look at academic achievement. It really matters more about supporting teachers and having consistency with our planning and support that is going to have impact,” Babiash said.

officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. Mayor Mary Nicklawske read a proclamation recognizing law enforcement officers and the observance of Police Week at the last council meeting.

• Outgoing Police Chief Dale Hager recently presented his final biannual report to the City Council. (See full story in this week’s paper.)

• The city will once again support Manitou Days by providing time and public resources. The three-week summer festival is scheduled for June 18 through July 4. Keep an eye out in future editions of the White Bear Press for more information.

The city has also agreed to support Marketfest by contributing $7,000 for this year’s event. The city’s contribution assists with electrical, safety, insurance and related operational costs. In addition to a financial contribution, the city also dedicates city staff time and public resources to the event. This year’s festival is scheduled for Thursdays, June 18 through July 30.

City Council Member Kevin Edberg noted that he thought the council should support the contribution request again this year, but going into 2027 and beyond some tough conversations might need to be had.

“I think we are going to have to have conversations over the coming year as we prepare for the 2027 budget about some potential reductions. I want to flag that that is an issue I think we need to talk about and not just with Marketfest, but all of our sponsors and sponsorships,” Edberg said. “We are in a position where I think we need to start looking in the couch cushions because we are dealing with the same issues everyone else is dealing with … Things are getting tight, and I just want to give you a year’s notice.”

Council Member Andrea West asked Marketfest Director Laura Lewis if she has any sort of gauge on how many hours city staff put into the event each year. “I think it would be nice to have a little bit of that info about how much time our staff, how many

She added that research shows that multiage classrooms can have socialemotional learning benefits as well as higher achievements when it comes to leadership and mentoring.

“I think change is hard for people to come on board with. I had some questions myself about this, but the more research I did and the more questions I asked, the more I’m starting to see the benefit to this,” said School Board Member Angela Thompson. She added that the world is a multiage environment and pointed out that ages are mixed in day care and preschool and then again starting in middle school and high school.

“It’s another way to allow them to learn from each other and grow together,” Thompson said. “I’m excited to see where this goes … It will allow us to even things out so that no student is in a class where you have 31 students, because that is not helpful for students or the teacher.”

Families who have questions about the shift to multiage classrooms for grades four and five are encouraged to contact their child’s principal. Matoska International IB World School and Otter Lake Elementary are the two schools in the district that will not make the shift to multiage classrooms next year but likely will in the future because of the dual Spanish Immersion Program.

“I want to take a moment to thank our principals and staff. This work has required thoughtful collaboration, professional courage and a deep commitment to doing what is right for students. Collaboration across nine elementary schools is not easy work,” Gillespie said. “I'm deeply grateful for their leadership, their willingness to engage in this level of collaboration and the care they continue to demonstrate for students, staff and families … “This proactive support is really built on continuously improving and helping better support our educators, students and families for a stronger experience.”

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

resources we use for Marketfest. I think that would be helpful to have as we are moving forward and thinking about what our future looks like,” she said. “I very much appreciate Marketfest and Manitou Days and I’m super glad to have that. It is a unique thing that our city has.”

City Manager Lindy Crawford said the city would start tracking those hours this year and noted there would be way more staff time involved if the city didn’t have such a robust group of CERT volunteers. “Marketfest is another great example of where we use CERT. They help us significantly when it comes to putting up no parking signs, moving cars, (installing) informational booths. If we didn’t have them, it would be exponentially higher,” she explained.

• The city received bids from six investment firms for its general obligation street reconstruction bonds (Series 2026A) to fund the city’s street rehabilitation project. “The bids were very competitive,” explained Finance Director Kerri Kindsvater, adding that there was only a 0.2% difference between the lowest and highest bid. The bonds will have a 15-year life with a true interest cost of 3.59%. The total issuance is $1,815,000.

“The actual impact in the 2027 levy will be about $157,000, so that is about (one) percent increase in the tax levy and that’s about what we had been anticipating,” she said. “I see the bond sale as a success.”

• The City Council held a closed session April 28 pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.05, subd. 3(c)(3) to consider an offer regarding real property located at 1333 Birch Lake Boulevard.

• The city will host its Touch a Truck event from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at Podvin Park.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at City Hall.

Shannon Granholm

WHITE BEAR LAKE CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOTES

CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

PLANNING COMMISSION

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Notice of Early Filing 2026 State General Election

The City of White Bear Lake Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, Minnesota on Monday, May 18, 2026 beginning at 7:00 p.m. to hear and make a recommendation to the City Council on the following request:

Ramsey County, Minnesota

A. Case No. 26-12-PUD: The applicant, Benedictine Cerenity Senior Care, is requesting an amendment to their Planned Unit Development per code section 1311.120 in order to expand the parking lot along the north side of the building at 1900 Webber Street. It should be noted that this PUD amendment application includes review of

Notice is hereby given that a filing period will be given for candidates seeking election to State, Municipal, and Judicial office in the 2026 State General Election occurring on Tuesday, November 3rd 2026. The filing period will begin on Tuesday, May 19th at 8:00 a.m. and will conclude on Tuesday, June 2nd at 5:00 p.m. Candidates may withdraw their name from the ballot up until Thursday, June 4th at 5:00. After this deadline, the list of candidates for each race is finalized. Filing fees associated with each office are non-refundable, even if a candidate decides to withdraw.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

2026 STATE GENERAL ELECTION NOTICE OF EARLY FILING

Please note: the early filing period will only be for Judicial offices as well as State and Municipal offices with potential primaries. Candidates seeking election to municipal offices without primary elections and school board offices will submit their Affidavits of Candidacy during the late filing period in July (Tuesday, July 14th through Tuesday, July 28th). The following is a list of offices open for filing during the early filing period along with their corresponding filing fee and locations where candidates may submit their Affidavits:

The following is a list of offices open for filing during the early filing period along with their corresponding filing fee and locations where candidates may submit their Affidavits: Jurisdiction Filing Fee Filing Location

United States Senator

United States House of Representatives Districts: 4 & 5

Minnesota Governor & Lieutenant Governor

$400

$300

Minnesota Attorney General

Minnesota State Auditor

$300

Minnesota Secretary of State 20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Minnesota Secretary of State

20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Ramsey County Elections

90 W Plato Blvd.

Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Minnesota Secretary of State

20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Ramsey County Elections

90 W Plato Blvd.

Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Minnesota Secretary of State

20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Ramsey County Elections

90 W Plato Blvd. Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Minnesota Secretary of State

20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

$300

Minnesota Secretary of State

Minnesota State Senator Districts: 36, 39, 40, 44, 47, 64, 65, 66, & 67

Minnesota State Representative Districts: 36A, 36B, 39A, 39B, 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B, 47A, 64A, 64B, 65A, 65B, 66A, 66B, 67A, & 67B

Minnesota Supreme Court Seats: 1, 2, & 4

$100

Ramsey County Elections

90 W Plato Blvd.

Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Minnesota Secretary of State

20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Ramsey County Elections

90 W Plato Blvd.

Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Minnesota Secretary of State

20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Ramsey County Elections

90 W Plato Blvd. Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Minnesota Secretary of State

20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

a PUD overlay zoning map amendment from R-3 to R-3/PUD, a PUD development plan and a PUD site plan. Unless continued by the Planning Commission, this item will be heard by the City Council on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. This case also requires a second meeting before the City Council, which is scheduled for June 9, 2026. Comments may be presented at the public hearing or filed with the Planning Department until 12:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the hearing in order to be included in the packets. Each response will be considered before the Planning Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council. If there are questions concerning the application, please call the City’s Planning Department at (651) 429-8561.

Caley Longendyke, City Clerk Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 6, 2026.

$300

Ramsey County Elections 90 W Plato Blvd. Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107 Minnesota Court of Appeals

Minnesota Secretary of State 20

Candidates seeking Federal or State office as minor party or independent candidates must submit a nominating petition in order to be placed on the ballot. This petition must be filed together with the candidate’s Affidavit. Signatures must be gathered during the filing period and signees of the petition must be eligible to vote for the candidate circulating the petition.

Candidates may also opt to submit a petition in place of filing fee. This petition must be filed together with the candidate’s Affidavit. Candidates can begin gathering signatures for this kind of petition before the start of the filing period, but signees must be eligible to vote for the candidate circulating the petition.

The number of signatures required for a valid petition will vary depending on the office sought. Visit the Secretary of State’s website for the exact number of valid signatures needed for a given office, printable versions of petition pages, and more information on circulating petitions/valid petition format.

How to File

Affidavits of Candidacy and Affidavits of Withdrawal must be filed in-person at a designated filing location or mailed to a filing officer after being properly notarized. Please note, there are four different versions of the Minnesota Affidavit of Candidacy (Federal, State/Judicial. City/Town/School District/Special District, and County/Special District), candidates must submit the correct version in order to be placed on the ballot. Candidates must also present valid proof of residence when filing. Candidates for Ramsey County Sheriff must present their peace officer license at the time of filing. Candidates for Judicial seats and Ramsey County Attorney must present their license to practice law at the time of filing. Nominating petitions and petitions in place of filing fees must be submitted in-person at Ramsey County Elections. If a candidate must be out of Minnesota during the filing period, they should contact Ramsey Couty elections for information on how to file.

Affidavits of Candidacy will be available at all filing locations. Printable versions of every type of Affidavit are also available on the Secretary of State’s website. Printable versions of the Affidavit of Withdrawal will also be available at filing locations as well as the Secretary of State’s website.

For more information on the filing process, contact Ramsey County Elections at: 651-266-2171 elections@RamseyCountyMN.gov Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 6 and 13, 2026.

CLERK’S CORNER – Greetings from the Township! As the days grow longer & the air fills with the aromas of spring, we’re reminded that this season is nature’s way of telling us it’s time to start over! After the long cold hibernation of winter, our community is once again moving forward with construction & renewal, in order to polish this gem we call White Bear Township. This season, we’re focusing on streets & infrastructure again as part of our 10-year street management investment—whether it’s a mill & overlay or a full reclamation going on in your neighborhood, we ask for everyone’s patience as we invest in the overall betterment of our community. In the meantime, keep checking back with the Township’s website for details on Township events this spring such as cleanup day & movies in the park. Enjoy your spring!

SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY – The annual Spring Clean-Up Day will be held on Saturday, May 16th at Otter Lake Elementary School, 1401 County Road H2, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Paper shredding will be available 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The following items will be accepted for FREE: appliances,

tires, mattresses, furniture, carpet, household fixtures, TVs, electronics, lawn mowers with fluid drained, building materials in small quantities, scrap metal, & limbs/brush.

Reminder: Bring household hazardous waste (HHW) to the Ramsey County Environmental Center for free disposal. There is no longer a specific HHW event.

MATTRESS RECYCLING COMING IN

JUNE – White Bear Township is partnering with Ramsey/Washington County & Second Chance Recycling to offer free curbside recycling of mattresses, box springs, & metal bed frames on Tuesdays & Thursdays for the month of June. Mechanical beds, headboards, & footboards are not accepted. Each household can recycle up to four mattresses. The link to register for this program can be found on our website. Registration begins May 25th & must be completed online.

HELP KEEP OUR LAKES CLEAN, NOT GREEN! Water quality is directly related to illicit discharge. Illicit discharge is any discharge

to the storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater. A few examples of illicit discharge include oil, trash, grass, dirt, leaves, or cigarette butts. These non-stormwater discharges may also occur due to illegal connections to the storm drain system from business or commercial establishments. This results in contaminated wastewater entering local water bodies via the storm sewer system. Untreated, these discharges contribute to the degradation of our valuable water resources. Please report any illicit discharges to Jami Philip, 651-747-2764.

LAST CALL FOR WATER EFFICIENCY REBATES – Water Efficiency Rebates are available to White Bear Township utility customers who replace existing products with specified water efficient products now through June 30, 2026 or until the remaining $15,590.68 is depleted.

The rebate is for 100% of the pretax cost of the item, up to the maximum rebate amount allowed on eligible water efficiency products. A minimum investment of $75.00 for homeowners

PUBLIC NOTICES

OF ASSUMED NAME

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

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: 24/7

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 1129 Jessie St Saint Paul, MN 55130

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

1129 Jessie St Saint Paul, MN 55130

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

Dated: April 28, 2026

Signed: Adam Locker

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 6 and 13, 2026.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

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

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

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

1616 RACE ST SAINT PAUL MN 55102

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

Sage Melissa Folstad

1616 RACE ST SAINT PAUL MN 55102

Dated: April 27, 2026

Signed: Brody Folstad

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 6 and 13, 2026.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

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

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Beck’s Best.com LLC

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 1732 Rosewood Ave. S Maplewood, MN 55109

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

John E. Beck

1732 Rosewood Ave. S Maplewood, MN 55109

Dated: April 13, 2026

Signed: John E. Beck, Owner

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 29 and May 6, 2026.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

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

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

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2550 UNIVERSITY AVE W, STE 180S, SAINT PAUL, MN 55114

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business. Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness 2550 UNIVERSITY AVE W, STE 180S, SAINT PAUL, MN 55114

Dated: April 22, 2026

Signed: Bree B Sikorski

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 29 and May 6, 2026.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

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

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

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2112 Broadway St NE Ste 225 #401 Minneapolis, MN 55432

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

ARETESOLUTIONSGROUP (ASG) LLC 2112 Broadway St NE Ste 225 #401 Minneapolis, MN 55432

Dated: April 26, 2026

Signed: Subi Bakeli

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 6 and 13, 2026.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 832 MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115

MINUTES MARCH 23, 2026

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Mahtomedi Public Schools was held March 23, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM.- CALL TO ORDER-The meeting was called to order by Chair Kelly Reagan at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE- Present: Ryan Domin, Paul Donna, Jenny Peterson, Kelly Reagan, and Drew Whitson. Stacey Stout was absent. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA- Domin motioned, Donna seconded, Approval of the Agenda. Carried 5-0. ACTION ITEMS –A.) Approval of Donations/Grants for February 2026 Totaling $11.063.23.Donna motioned, Domin seconded, Approval of Donations/Grants for February 2026 Totaling $11.063.23. Carried 5-0. B.) Approval of Achievement and Integration Plan- Dr. Jennifer Reichel asked the School Board for Approval of the Achievement and Integration plan. Donna motioned, Domin seconded, Approval of Achievement and Integration Plan. Carried 5-0. C.) Approval of Budget Assumptions FY27-Tim Erickson, Director of Business Services, asked the School Board for approval of the 2026-2027 Budget Assumptions: allowing them to help move forward to the 2026-2027 budget. Domin motioned, Peterson seconded, Approval of Budget Assumptions FY27. Carried 5-0. D.) Approval of Planned Transfer to reduce the deficit in Reserve for Operating Capital -Tim Erickson, Director of Business Services, explained to the School Board that the Minnesota Department of Education asked for School Board Approval to Request a transfer of funds that was used for Smart Board Technology. Peterson motioned, Donna seconded, Approval of Planned Transfer to reduce the deficit in Reserve for Operation Capital. Carried 5-0. E.) Approval of Wold Architects & Engineer Agreements -School Director Paul Donna asked for more perspective with the fees and diligence surrounding the proposal. Donna motioned, Peterson seconded, Approval of Wold Architects & Engineer Agreements. Carried 5-0. ADJOURNMENT - Donna motioned, Donna seconded, Adjournment. Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m. Submitted by Drew Whitson, Clerk. A full version of the minutes are available at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us. Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 6, 2026.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 832

MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115

MINUTES APRIL 13, 2026

A Study Session of the Board of Education of Mahtomedi Public Schools was held April 13, 2026, beginning at 5:30 PM.- CALL TO ORDER- The meeting was called to order by Chair Kelly Reagan at 5:30 p.m.ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE- Present: Jenny Peterson, Kelly Reagan, Stacey Stout and Drew Whitson. Ryan Domin and Paul Donna were absent. Also

or $200 for Commercial / HOA's is required on the Irrigation Audits.

Residents can get up to a maximum of $150 for Energy Star washers; $200 for Energy Star Certified Dishwashers; $200 for Water Sense toilets; $75 for Water Sense Showerheads; & $200 for Water Sense irrigation controllers; & up to $500 for Irrigation Audit by a Water Sense certified professional.

Commercial / Homeowners Associations can also get rebates for irrigation improvements visit www.whitebeartownship.org/165/water-efficiency-rebate-program for more information about the Water Efficiency Rebate program.

SAVE-THE-DATE! MOVIES IN POLAR LAKES PARK WILL RETURN IN JUNE –Bring your lawn chair or blanket & don't forget bug spray for a FREE, fun, & family-friendly movie night at Polar Lakes Park. The Minecraft Movie will begin at dusk on Saturday, June 13th. LASTLY, PLEASE REMEMBER… dogs must be leashed in all Township parks!

present: Barb Duffrin, Superintendent; Justin Hahn, Mahtomedi High School Principal; Jackie Collins, Mahtomedi Middle School; Alice Seuffert, Director of Communications; Leslie Lovas, Executive Assistant to Superintendent & School Board. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA- Stout motioned, Peterson seconded, Approval of the Agenda. Ryan Domin entered at 5:31 p.m. via Zoom. Roll call vote: Domin – aye, Peterson – Aye, Reagan – Aye, Stout – Aye and Whitson- Aye. Carried 5-0. DISCUSSION/INFORMATION ITEMS – A.) 2027-2028 Academic Calendars Superintendent Barb Duffrin presented two calendar options to the School Board for 2027-2028 academic year. Paul Donna entered at 5:35 p.m. 1.) Proposed Middle School and High School First Day School Schedule. Justin Hahn, Mahtomedi High School Principal, and Jackie Collins, Mahtomedi Middle School Principal, presented the school board with a proposed first day of school schedule B.) DashboardSuperintendent Duffrin presented to the School Board a Dashboard that measures progress in connection with the Strategic Plan that the School Board has desired. C.) Minnesota Student Survey – Adverse Childhood Experiences Protective Factors- Duffrin noted that the School Board had already received this information at the last school board meeting but wanted to provide context to the data. D.) 2026-2027 School Board Calendar -The School Board reviewed the 2026-2027 Calendar and agreed to move forward with the Monday schedule. E.) Legislative Update School Board Director Paul Donna gave a summary from AMSD at the Capitol. ADJOURNMENT - Peterson motioned, Stout seconded, Adjournment. Roll call vote: Domin – aye, DonnaAye, Peterson – Aye, Reagan – Aye, Stout – Aye and Whitson-Aye. Carried 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m. Submitted by Drew Whitson, Clerk. A full version of the minutes are available at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us. Published one time in the White Bear Press on May 6, 2026. SUMMIT MINI STORAGE

SELF STORAGE SALE Tenant: Margaret Johnson Unit #173A

Contents: Miscellaneous items

Time of sale: May 29, 2026 at 5:30pm 3716 Scheuneman Rd, Gem Lake, MN 55110; (651) 429-1311

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 6 and 13, 2026. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-390

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

In re the Estate of: Benjamin Mitchell Moore, Decedent.

NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 2:45 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. a hearing will be held using remote technology by this Court on the petition for formal adjudication of intestacy, determination of heirship, and for the appointment of Mitchell Moore, whose address is 3932 Berkshire Road SW, Rochester, MN, 55902, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration.

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

Any objections to the petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the Estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled. NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN by publishing this Notice as provided by law and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice.

Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

BY THE COURT: Theresa Ames, District Court Administrator BY: Michael Syverud, Deputy Court Administrator Date: April 24, 2026

Attorney for Petitioner: Nicolas B.C. Yost Dunlap & Seeger, P.A.

30 Third Street SE, Ste 400 Rochester, Minnesota, 55904

Attorney License No.: 0505175

Telephone: (507) 288-9111

FAX: (507) 288-9342

Email: nby@dunlaplaw.com

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 6 and 13, 2026.

Rotary seeks host families

Since 1980, the White Bear Lake Rotary Club has welcomed international exchange students into the community and sent local students abroad. For more than four decades, these students have attended either White Bear Lake Area High School or Mahtomedi High School, which have provided unique interactions and experiences for the students in these schools. The program is volunteer-run, but its strength lies in the host families who open their homes for 12–14 weeks. For the 2026-27 school year, the Rotary Club seeks volunteers who are willing to serve as host families. The Rotary will host two students who will attend Mahtomedi High School. Families typically host for about 3 1/2 months. A perfect house isn’t necessary, just a willingness

to include the student in the family daily routine. The Rotary will provide support along the way. Hosts gain a new perspective, a connection to another part of the world and, often, a relationship that lasts long after the exchange ends. To learn more about Rotary Youth Exchange, or to volunteer, contact wblrotary1@comcast.net or visit https://northstarrotary.com/hostfamilies/.

Century College program showcases emerging talent

The Visual Communications Careers Program at Century College will host its annual Portfolio Show from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the Lincoln Mall on East Campus. The exhibition celebrates the creativity, skill and professional

readiness of its graduating students. The showcase features a diverse range of student work spanning graphic design, illustration, animation, photography and digital media.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet student artists, explore their portfolios and engage with work that reflects current trends and innovative approaches in visual storytelling and design.

Learn about the climate of the Twin Cities

Press Publications Meteorologist Frank Watson will host a discussion from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 14 at White Bear Lake United Methodist Church. Watson will recount the Twin Cities climate and it’s past, present and future. A light dinner

will be served.

White Bear Lake United Methodist Church is located at 1851 Birch St. For more information, email Watson at watsonwx@aol.com.

Lions seek volunteers for bed construction

The White Bear Lake Lions need volunteers to make beds from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at Frassati Catholic Academy. The Sleep in Heavenly Peace mission is to ensure that no child sleeps on the floor. Volunteers build and deliver beds to children ages 3 to 17 who are in need. Volunteers are asked to bring twin size sheets, blankets and pillow donations. To sign up, visit https://shpbeds.org/chapter/mnwhite-bear-lake.

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SPORTS

Carter, former NHL player, returns to Bears as girls coach

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Ryan Carter, a White Bear Lake alumni who had a 10-year career in the National Hockey League (NHL), is the new girls hockey coach for the Bears.

“The WBLAHS Activities Office is thrilled to welcome Ryan Carter to our girls’ hockey program,” announced Brian Peloquin, activities director. “Carter brings professional expertise as a former NHL player, successful coach and NHL broadcaster.

“He knows Minnesota hockey, but also has long-standing connections with the community as a graduate from WBLAHS. We are excited about the growth in our program that will undoubtedly result from Carter at the helm.”

Carter, 42, helped the Bears reach the state tournament in 2001. He spent two seasons with Green Bay in the USHL and two seasons with Minnesota State- Mankato before being

BASEBALL

White Bear Lake (4-7) handed topranked Mounds View its first loss 8-5 last Tuesday, breaking a 5-5 tie in the sixth when Joseph Setter singled home two runs and another scored on an error. Jackson Kolb got the win with two scoreless innings in relief of Jack Kook. The Mustangs got even the next day, thumping the Bears 10-2 in a makeup game, as Jackson Tretter had three RBI’s, Cooper Caliguiri hit a two-run double and Jackson Glancey hit a solo homer. Brady Lashomb took the loss. Logan Magnuson was 3-for-4 with two RBI’s. The Bears beat another good team, East Ridge (8-5) on Thursday 7-3. William Connors was 3-for-4 (two RBI’s). Setter, Miles Oklobzija, Max Butters and Riley Helmberger also had RBI’s. Kolb, Ben Bookman and Oklobzija pitched.

TENNIS

White Bear Lake is 6-4 after a busy week where they beat Duluth Marshall 5-2 and Park 5-2, then lost to East Ridge 4-3 and St. Paul Central 5-2. They swept singles against Marshall with Graham Hennig, Martin Hennig, Mason Voeller and Asher Ludwig, while Quentin Kapisak/Carter Docken won 2-dubs. They swept singles against Park with Graham Hennig, Martin Hennig, Voeller and Brooks Peltier, while Joseph Karls/ Keagan McGovern won 3-dubs. East Ridge swept doubles with Martin Hennig, Voeller and Ludwig winning for the Bears. Central swept doubles with Ludwig and Carter Docken winning 2 and 4.

GIRLS LACROSSE

White Bear Lake defeated Woodbury 13-6 with Cayla Helmberger flipping in five goals and Rylan West four goals. Olive Holvig, Hazel Holvig, Olivia Simpkins and Kylee Lehman had a goal each. The Bears (7-1) followed up with an 18-3 win over Forest Lake. Helmberger netted six goals, West four goals, and Holvig, Lehman and Carlie Griffin two goals each.

GIRLS GOLF

White Bear Lake hosted an 11-team invitational at Oak Glen. The Bears placed seventh with 382. Maple Grove won with 312. For the Bears, Maddy Vang shot 90, Adelle Blasing 94, Mila Palmer 98 and Lilly Maietta 100.

drafted by the Anaheim Ducks.

The left winger played five seasons for the Ducks, including their Stanley Cup championship team in 2007, then partial seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers. He played three full seasons with the New Jersey Devils and two with the Minnesota Wild. In 473 regular season games, he had 41 goals and 52 assists. In 46 playoff games, he had seven goals and five assists.

Carter has a degree in interdisciplinary studies from Minnesota State-Mankato. He and his wife, Erin, have three daughters, Maggie, Natalie and Lily.

He has served as a color analyst and studio analyst for Minnesota Wild games on FanDuel Sports Network since he re-joined the organization in September of 2018. He collaborates closely with the team’s web and digital content, community relations, and marketing departments, as a media and content advisor. He co-hosts the “Wild on 7th” podcast with John King, offering fans weekly episodes throughout each season.

SOFTBALL

White Bear Lake is 7-5 after their bats were silenced twice last week. Woodbury (7-6) beat the Bears 4-2 as Kate Rapp held them to four hits and struck out eight. Bear starter Lilah Evans took the loss. Anessa Pena had an RBI single. Stillwater (9-3) blanked the Bears 2-0 with Natalie Stangl throwing six innings (five hits, no walks). Bear pitcher Lily Martin pitched in and out of trouble (ten hits, five walks) until the seventh when the Ponies scratched for two runs. Kendall Roeser was 2-for-3 for the Bears.

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

White Bear Lake had two first-places in a 10-team meet. The Bears had the top four in pole vault: Cason Juergens (13-0), James Bowen (12-6), Alexander Maki (120), and Nicolas Setley (11-6). Easton Miles won long jump (21-7). Other leaders were Joseph Wolfe, second, 800 (2:02.12), Vincent Kazmierczak, second, discus (147-4); and Dashaun Ballinger, second, triple jump (42-2), and third, 300 hurdles (43.62).

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

White Bear Lake had four first-places in their 10-team meet. The Bears were 1-2 in the triple jump with Grace Mueller (33-11 3/4) and Khloe Pankonien (33-9). Grace Weierke won the 200 (27.16), Piper Heinsohn won the 400 (1:00.96). The 4x400 won with Brooke Johnson, Zoe Siverson, Nethercut and Heinsohn (4:20.48). Logan Bailey was second in the 800 (2:27) with Heinsohn third (2:27.68). Also placing high: Mabel Nethercut, second, 1600 (5:27); Madelyn Erickson, second, shot put (38-2); Weierke, third, 100 (12.99); Karen Enow, third, discus (113-3) and fourth, shot put (33-10); and the 4x800, second (10:01.9) with Heinsohn, Bailey, Lucy Miehe and Grace Laszlo.

BOYS GOLF

White Bear Lake placed 11th of 24 teams in the Battle on the Border on Wednesday and Thursday at St. Croix National. Top three were Orono 598 and Detroit Lakes and Cretin-Derham Hall (CDH) each 601. CDH’s Jake Pahlen was low with 143. The Bears totaled 646. Easton Fiddle placed fifth with 147. Cody Olinger shot 165 and Ryan Kissner 180.

Bruce Strand

Bears lax clips Royals, Rangers

White Bear Lake, a team with high expectations this year, is 5-2 after winning conference games over the Woodbury Royals 13-6 and the Forest Lake Rangers 22-4. Against Woodbury (3-4), Wyatt Raleigh notched four goals,

ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS

BASEBALL

A walk-off, two-run homer by Peyton Whitbeck in the eighth inning lifted Mahtomedi (10-1) to its eighth straight win, 5-3 over Two Rivers (7-3). Two Rivers took a 3-0 lead against Zephyrs ace Connor Finn, who went five innings with six strikeouts. Tino Foster threw three scoreless innings (three strikeouts) and got the win. Isaac Iten was 2-for-3 and Luke Torgrude had an RBI single. The Zephyrs beat North 10-1 the day before with Whitbeck, Jacob Reubish and Cody Loida knocking in two runs each. Zach Harrod threw five innings (one run) for the win.

TENNIS

Mahtomedi is 8-6 overall but 6-0 in the Metro East Conference after beating South St. Paul (SSP) 7-0 and Hill-Murray(H-M) 6-1 last week and losing to Stillwater 5-2. The lineup of Eli Hendrickson, Kento Kedrowski, Sebastian Nef, Vinnie Berkner, Ethan Stout/Tyler Chesak, Colin

Gavin Huot three, and Colton Butts, Eli LaLonde and Liam Maloy two each. Maloy made three assists. Raleigh had seven ground balls and Huot four. Against the Rangers (3-4), Butts had six goals, Huot five, Maloy four and Raleigh three with five assists. Reid Vickstrom stopped 10 of 18 shots in the two games. The Bears losses have been against East Ridge (8-1) and Stillwater (8-0).

Bruce Strand

Carlson/Emmett See, and Van Karle/Luke Winter won 84 of 87 games against SSP. Hendrickson lost against H-M and the Zephyrs won the rest including Carlson, Chesek and Jonathan Palmquist at 2-3-4 singles.

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

Mahtomedi won five events in White Bear Lake’s 10-team meet — Jaxson Mitchell, 100 (11.07), Parker Maas, 800 (2:01.52), Andrew Russell, high jump (6-6), Ericdarrin Daafour, triple jump (45-6) and the 4x100 with Daafour, Russell, Cael Brummel and Mitchell (44.19). Daafour was second in long jump (21-5), Maas second in the 1600 (4:28.18), and Elijah McCormick third in high jump (6-2). The Zephyrs placed fourth of nine teams in the Metro East mid-season meet with firsts by Russell, high jump (6-10 1/4); Maas, 1600 (4:27.86), and Daafour, triple jump (43-4).

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Wyatt Raleigh

White Bear Lake Lacrosse May 6, 2026

Wyatt Raleigh, junior attacker and midfielder, leads the Bears lacrosse team (5-2) in scoring with 24 goals and 16 assists for 40 points, on a team with four productive scorers. The swift, 6-foot-2 left-hander led the team in scoring last year also (4523-68). His career totals are 94 goals and 51 assists. Raleigh is also a defenseman on the Bears hockey team.

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Ryan Carter

Liam Maloy (17) and Bear teammates trot to the sideline after Maloy’s goal against Woodbury.

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

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Margo Bell Withy

Leonard Carl Nelson

age 78, passed on April 18th, after battling with cancer. She is survived by sisters, Allison Repke (Russel), Susan Chaffee (Richard), nephews Scott Smith (Kristin), Brad Smith (Katie) and niece Kate Hill, as well as great nieces and nephews Jordan, Meg, Bayler and Cooper Smith. She graduated from White Bear Lake high school in 1966, continuing her education at the UofM graduating in 1970. In 1971, she moved to Boston, MA and had a successful career in public relations for over 20 years. Being a very independent woman, she started her own business in advertising in the mid 80s, until she decided to move back to Minnesota to be closer to family in 1991. There she continued to work in advertising and public relations with Cenaiko Productions, Inc for the home and patio shows and their sportsman shows.

She was an accomplished pianist and an avid gardener. Those and her dogs were her greatest passions. She is preceded in death by her parents John and Arline Withy. There will be a private ceremony held by family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society in her honor.

(Full Name)

Years and age listed here followed by the names of family members, life accomplishments, places traveled, jobs held, or descriptions of what was important to the person the obituary is about.

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Age 88, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, at his home in Baxter, MN, surrounded by the love of his family. Defined by integrity and a profound joy for life, Leonard shared a warmth and humor that leaves behind an enduring legacy of love. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who miss him dearly. Leonard is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Patricia “Pat” Nelson; sister, Darlyne Stai; and son-in-law, Mike Rogers. He is survived by his and Pat’s children, Brian (Danielle), Laurie, Sandra, Jeff (Brenda), Brett (Debbie), Lynn (John), and Derek (Candi); 13 grandchildren and 5 greatgrandchildren; his sister, Joyce; his partner of 18 years, Janice Hallin and her children and family; and many extended family members and friends.

Roxanne “Spoot” Tueffel (nee Douglas)

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Roxanne Tueffel of Circle Pines, MN, who passed away on March 26, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN. Born on July 5, 1957, Roxanne bravely faced the challenge of AML Leukemia, diagnosed in Sept. of 2025, and fought with remarkable strength and courage until the end.

A memorial service will be held at 11AM on Thursday, May 14 at First Lutheran Church (309 2nd St. N, Pine River, MN 56475). Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service with a luncheon at the church immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Moments Hospice for their compassionate care. momentsfoundation.kindful.com

She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 45 years, David; her children Melissa (Paul), Tiffany, and Nicholaus; and her grandchildren, Summar, Quentin, Seth, Marissa, Paige, Gavin, and LeighAnna. Roxanne’s memory will forever be cherished by her family. She is reunited in peace with her beloved children, William and Valerie, who preceded her in death. A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, where loved ones will gather to honor Roxanne’s life and legacy.

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POLICE CHIEF: City council, staff reflect on all Hager has done for community

Response Team (CERT) program, which currently has approximately 150 trained and engaged community members who regularly help assist the department with events and searches. Hager is also credited with:

• Playing a critical role in developing an updated massage therapist licensing program for the city.

• Investing in the next generation of police officers through his contributions to higher education.

• Strengthening the department’s recruitment efforts.

• Expanding partnerships and relationships, including with White Bear Lake Area Schools.

• Leading the creation of a community impact response officer position to focus on high crime areas and priority concerns.

• Doubling the department’s community touch points.

“Dale has always understood that effective policing begins with strong relationships, and he has led with that philosophy,” Crawford said.

Council says thank you

Mayor Mary Nicklawske said in her short time as mayor, she has received a ton of compliments about Hager’s leadership, integrity and ability to listen.

“Thank you so much for your service and dedication. You have had unwavering commitment to the department … It’s very impressive, and it has made a lasting impact,” Nicklawske said.

“Thank you to your family. I know the sacrifices (they) have made to support you in doing this important work. I want to thank you for that, and thank you for sharing him with the community of White Bear Lake.”

Council Member Andrea West said as a former member of a law enforcement household, she appreciates the sacrifice Hager and his family made.

“I can’t say enough how much I thank you for all of that,” she said. “I appreciate your calm and friendly demeanor … Even during an invigorating protest, you were out there smiling and taking care of things. You

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

The Zephyrs had one first place finish, by Xiaoboa Liang in the 100 (12.74), in White Bear Lake’s meet. Molly Driscoll was second in high jump (4-10), and Reegan Johnson third in triple jump (32-11 3/4). The Zephyrs were fourth of nine teams in the Metro East mid-season meet. Jacquelyn Worden won shot put (32-10). Liang placed second in the 200 (25.54) and third in the 100 (12.42). Also placing third were Giada Garrity, 800 run (2:327.34) and Elise Aflapki, 100 hurdles (17.15), The 4x400 tplaced second (4:20.83) with Julia Clayton, Garrity, Eloise Taylor and Elizabeth Driscoll.

BOYS GOLF

Mahtomedi placed second in a Metro East meet at Oak Glen. St. Thomas Academy shot 298, led by medalist Eddie Sislo with 71, and the Zephyrs shot 302. Malik Washington was second with 72, Leo Miller fifth with 74 and Chase Swanson 10th with 75. The Zephyrs placed 14th of 18 teams in the annual power-packed Preview at Edinburgh on April 23-24. Edina won with 572. The Zephyrs scored

were always willing to share who you are. You always know who you are going to get when you are talking. You are very honest, and that’s something that I very much appreciate.”

Council Member Ellen Gurrola explained that her spouse, Ramon, was a former student of Hager’s. “I asked Ramon if he had anything to share, and he said thank you for giving him the motivation and confidence to go about the work. Even though he ended up becoming a firefighter, you still played a significant role in who he is today, and I’m grateful for that,” she said, adding that one of the reasons her family decided to move to White Bear Lake was Chief Hager.

Council Member Bill Walsh described Hager as “calm,” and said he always appreciated his and Hager’s informal visits at Caribou. “When you were hired as chief, you made a commitment to community engagement. You lived that. You met that commitment, and I think that is really important and unique to our town and I want that to continue,” he said, adding that he hopes Hager

keeps teaching the next generation of officers.

Council Member Kevin Edberg added, “The diversity of the advances that you have sponsored, led, supported … everything from training, recruitment, citizen engagement, all of the good stuff, it has transformed portions of our community and that is not easy to do, and I thank you for that.”

Hager’s response

Hager thanked former City Manager Mark Sather, former Mayor Jo Emerson and former Police Chief Julie Swanson, all of whom he says “gave him his start” in White Bear Lake. He also thanked his wife and two children.

“It’s been an interesting 29 years … We went through some rocky stuff, especially in the last 10 years,” Hager recalled, pointing out that he had never witnessed the “open push-back” against law enforcement that drove a lot of people to leave the career. “You have to have a true knowledge and understanding of what you are doing in society and really feel like you are doing the right thing,” he explained.

He said he is so proud of the next generation of law enforcement officers who are joining the ranks. “There are all these new skills they need to have … We have to be perfect de-escalators, perfect drivers, perfect use of force, don’t ever miss if you shoot something, be good with kids … I’m so proud that they are still plowing forward to do this job that isn’t always great.”

Hager noted that the next chief who has been selected to take over, Erik Johnston, is a “good dude” and that the city will be “in good hands.”

“The leadership team that you have in the department is second to none, and if he just simply let them run the department, he would be a really smart dude because we have some incredible leaders,” Hager said. “They know what to do in the department and they do a fantastic job. They have really helped me be a better chief by managing the department for me.”

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

633. Brooks Ashfield was 28th with 72-78-150. Swanson shot 76-79-155 and Miller 79-84-163.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi (3-3) won three straight, over Hastings 19-0, Blake 11-8 and Simley 11-4, then lost to Hudson 17-2 and Roseville 9-6. Against Blake, Lizzy Churchill had three goals, and Alexia Tempelis and Brooklyn Kragness two each. Against Simley, Kragness and Olivia Sowada flipped in three goals each and Maggie Duea two. Evy Tykosen in goal made 10 saves against Blake.

BOYS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi is 2-5 with victories over Hastings 18-7 and Simley 24-3. The Zephyrs have lost to Blaine 5-4, Maple Grove 8-5, Farmington 16-0, Wayzata 14-4 and St. Thomas 15-3.

SOFTBALL

Mahtomedi (3-9) beat Tartan 11-1, led by Hayden Walmer, who pitched the distance (six hits, no walks) and knocked in three runs with a double and single. Elli Lahr had a triple and two RBI’s. Last week they lost to Simley 8-4 and Hastings 3-2.

SP TTED

AROUND TOWN

SHANNON GRANHOLM PRESS PUBLICATIONS

City Manager Lindy Crawford presents outgoing Police Chief Dale Hager with a white bear for his years of service at a City Council meeting. Hager will retire May 8.

Bruce Strand FROM PAGE 15

1. Mahtomedi sophomore Grace Moua scored a hole-in-one during a junior varsity match April 23, on the 78-yard No. 7 hole at Inverwood Hills. She shot 38, second behind her sister Faith’s 36, as the Zephyrs beat Simley and Two Rivers. Contributed

2. White Bear High School alumni Leah Chouinard, Encore Winds president and percussionist (2015); Matt Pham, WBLAHS band director (2015); and Ellen Maas Pratt, Encore Winds bassoonist (1974), after performing in a collaborative spring concert with the Encore Wind Ensemble and WBLAHS Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble April 19. Go Bears! — Len Pratt, contributed

MAHTOMEDI & WILLERNIE

Retiree turns Mah Jongg passion into thriving local community of players

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

On a breezy Sunday in Gulf Shores, Alabama, a White Bear Lake retiree sat down at a table, glanced at a jumble of tiles and thought, “Holy moly.”

It wasn’t love at first sight — more like curiosity mixed with confusion. But that introduction to Mah Jongg reshaped her time and social circle, both during the winter and back home in the White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi communities for the rest of the year.

Nancy Poferl says she has always loved games. “The neighborhood kids always played some sort of game. We were playing King's Corner, Canasta, Monopoly. You name it, we played it, and that just has continued throughout my life with my family … I just love to play games,” she said.

After being introduced to the game, Poferl made it her mission to teach herself how to play by learning from the experts, both by watching videos online and reading books.

“I just engrossed myself. Being retired, you want to have a nice hobby, and this turned out to be an excellent hobby for me,” she explained. “I was intrigued by it from the get-go, and I became very passionate about it.”

For a couple of years, she played the game as often as she could, but when the pandemic hit in 2020, she was forced to take her game play online.

“We found an app that would work that we could play together and then just teleconference in. We made it work,” she recalled. “I love the sound of the tiles when you are mixing them before you play. I’m a very tactile person, so I love touching the tiles. I like to play in person much more than I like playing online. I just don’t like being in front of a screen, and the social aspect of being around people with a common interest and having fun is delightful.”

In 2021, determined to find some people to play the game with, Poferl made a post on social media about her willingness to introduce new players to the game, and she’s been teaching ever since. She taught classes at the White Bear Senior Center for a couple of years and now teaches courses through Mahtomedi Community Education. She estimates she has taught over 150 players (and counting).

“It is a slow learning curve. What I tell my students when they come to my classes is if you are not going to use it after you get these classes, you'll certainly lose it. You've got to engage, whether it's doing online play with robots, finding a personal group that wants to play together or coming to some of our public sites,” Poferl explained.

Currently, a group meets every Monday at the Mahtomedi District Center and on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Battleground Café in White Bear Lake.

Three of the four community members she found after making that post on social media still play today and were the charter members of the Northeast Twin Cities Mah Jongg Group, which has approximately 240 members from across the Twin Cities.

The most common hurdle newbies face is getting over the fear of making a mistake or playing with others who are better at the game than they are, Poferl explained. “We were all a beginner at one time. How did you get better without playing? You can’t. You have to play the game to get better.”

Do What You Love to ENDALZ tournament

Poferl, along with White Bear Lake resident Pat Johnston, will host the fifth annual Mah Jongg Tournament for "Do What You Love to ENDALZ" to benefit the Alzheimer's Association Saturday, May 16, at St. Jude of the Lake in Mahtomedi.

Poferl originally created the tournament because she wanted to participate as a player, but it transformed into raising funds for a cause that is close to her heart.

“(Mah Jongg) keeps my brain active because it's a very stimulating activity for the brain … It seemed like a perfect tie-in,” she said. “My mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed from (Alzheimer’s), and so, I thought, the writing’s probably on the wall for me, but if I can exercise my brain, maybe I’ll prolong the diagnosis.”

Since the tournament’s inception, it has raised $14,000. This year, Poferl says the hope is to raise an additional $4,000 to achieve the goal of raising $18,000 in five years.

Although the deadline to sign up for the tournament has since passed, community members can still contribute to the cause by visiting https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/ nancypoferl. The Northeast Twin Cities Maj Jongg Group can be found on Facebook and Poferl is on Instagram @iteachmahjongg.

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

About the game

Mah Jongg is gin rummy on steroids. It requires brain power, patience and strategy, and is a great social outlet. It’s all about matching 14 tiles to the annual National Mah Jongg card, which has nine categories, 72 hands, and over 1,000 possibilities in any given year.

The difficulty is high — not because of the basic mechanics, but because of the mental load: players must translate abstract patterns into concrete tiles in real time, manage incomplete information and make probabilistic decisions on every turn. Most people take weeks to become comfortable reading the card and assembling hands, and significantly longer to play with consistency and confidence. To learn the game is to make a commitment to play it regularly.

Nancy Poferl